(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2012/0020318 A1
`
` Naoe et al. (43) Pub. Date: Jan. 26, 2012
`
`
`US 20120020318A1
`
`(54) MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Hirokazu Naoe, Osaka (JP);
`Masafumi Aramoto, Osaka (JP)
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2009.01)
`H04 W 72/04
`(2009.01)
`H04 W 76/00
`(52) US. Cl. ......................................... 370/329; 370/338
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Mar. 26, 2010
`
`(86) PCT No.:
`
`PCT/JP2010/002185
`
`§ 371 (0)0),
`(2), (4) Date:
`
`Sep. 22’ 2011
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Mar. 27, 2009
`
`(JP) ................................. 2009-079962
`
`A core network includes a PDN connection holding unit that
`associates and stores information regarding PDN connection
`with information indicating an address block configured as a
`set of a plurality of addresses identifying a plurality of the
`information terminal devices. Therefore, it is possible to sup-
`press an increase in the processing load and a limitation of
`providable services, even in the case in which an ad-hoc
`network is formed between a mobile terminal device and a
`
`plurality of terminal equipments and a PDN connection is
`made by the terminal equipments using the mobile terminal
`device as an MT.
`
`.
`
`‘
`
`ATTACH
`REQUEST {EN H
`
` 21:32
`
`
`
`
`
`A04
`
`AEERESS SL063;
`STBRAGE U165?
`
`“
`
`
`
`
`CGWUNEQAHGN UNET
`
`TE CfiNNECTlfiF‘é
`EE‘éTERFACE UM?
`
`1
`
`SAMSUNG 1009
`
`SAMSUNG 1009
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 1 0f 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`Fifi. i
`
`5p
`“K N; \\
`/"/"gfiw
`EXFERNAL Pm
`
`)
`
`:
`
`\\\
`
`f,» ,
`
`mama mmmm‘rmm SYSTEM
`
`SEQ
`
`,24
`H33 SEVEGE
`
`~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~N
`2‘3
`‘
`PEN—6W {>5va
`
`2,0
`“4::
`
`i
`“x
`
`22
`m 53mm;
`
`; H23
`Mar: [35mg
`
`GORE NETWGRK
`
`,
`1/
`
`
`
`
`ENE {BEVEGE
`
`3?
`
`WERELESS
`
`ACCESS NETWQRK
`
`“x,
`
`E
`
`24%
`
`531E
`mag
`TERMENAL 5&va
`
`Am
`
`I
`
`’
`
`TE
`BEVEGE
`
`AM:
`’
`
`YE
`{>5va
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 2 0f 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`MG, 2
`
`f“;
`
`21:
`
`AflDRESS BLGGK
`HGLBENE mm
`
`A
`
`‘
`
`234
`PEN camacnefi
`HGLBENG 15m
`
`5
`
`,2i2
`
`2;
`
`2§5
`
`PDN cemacmw
`SETTENG um
`
`um am
`YRANSFER mm
`
`‘
`
`(/213
`
`§
`
`,Zifi
`
`»
`
`3—139; CGNNECTEQN
`ENTERFAGE um
`
`ma camcmw
`EE‘éTERFACE mm
`
`Fifi 3
`
`{23
`
`,231
`
`
`
`
`
`
`iiSER DATA
`YRAM$FER ENE"?
`
`'
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`GQMMUN EGAN {3N
`(SGMRGL ENE?
`
`,236
`
`PEN—(ii? CQNNEGTWN
`ENTERFAGE LENS?
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 3 0f 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`E?i(}.44
`
`f/zz
`
`22:
`
`A
`
`ENTERFASJE GMT
`
`‘
`
`HGLEEERG UNST
`
`”
`
`222
`
`,224
`
`225
`
`CGWUE‘HCAT 3 GM
`GONTRGL REM?
`
`355mm
`
`22? w ENABLEB/DESASLEEB
`
`JUBGMENT um ‘
`
`SUBSCRi BER
`ENFGRMAT E OE
`
`HGLBENG UN”
`
`,223
`
`K 422%
`
`EMfiflEE CGNNESTEGE‘Q
`iNYERf-"ASE UM?
`
`smaw Gfii‘éi‘éEfliiQSfi
`MERE-"ACE UM?
`
`E?i(}.f§
`
`
`
`
`
`WE BGWECHQN
`iNTERFACE-E UN”
`
`?
`
`swam um?
`
`J24
`
`
`
`24%
`
`242
`
`243
`
`LGCATESM
`ENFQRMATEQN
`HQLBENG UNET
`
`SUBSQREBER
`iNFDRMAfiGN
`
`‘W244
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`j:
`
`HGLDEE‘EG {MET
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 4 0f 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`Fifi é
`
`WERELESS
`COMMUNHCAHQN UNET
`
`“
`
`smumwm
`GGNTRDL UNET
`
`‘
`
`ENTERFAGE LENS?
`
`#313
`
`SmGE’vF CGNNEQYEGN
`ENFERFAQE {EMT
`
`WE CGNNECTEQRE
`
`PEG. ‘1?
`
`433
`
`?
`
`REQUEST mm
`
`TE CONNECTEGN
`mug? mm
`
`
`
`
`
`
`.404
`
`AHEBRESS swag
`$TGRAGE UM?
`
`“
`
`’2? #48
`
`mum?
`mama; aim
`
`5
`
`
`
`
`.
`
`a;
`ABfiRESS
`ALLGCATEGN {MET
`
`406
`
`#403
`
`WERELESS
`GflifiifiUNEGAfififii UNET
`
`TE CQNNECTEQN
`EE‘éTERFACE ENE?
`
`5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 5 0f 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`HG, 8
`
`J41&
`
`4‘“
`
`
`
`
`m WWW-HM
`WERELESS
`
`
`
`CWWMGATEGN REM"?
`
`
`
`412
`
`6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 6 of 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`mm:
`
`magma
`
`~
`
`ww
`
`mgmwmmxi
`
`
`
`iiiilllliliiiiii“.....
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`“gag.
`
`“gag mm1mmxgmmmmsm
`
`Wm)
`
`
`
`‘mama”
`
`mam
`
`m,“5%
`
`émmmmmw
`
`mafia
`
`a;
`
`
`
`mm,
`
`murflm
`
`mw‘mwmnw
`
`7
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 7 of 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`wzfimmamflumzzmm2mm‘..\\iwmmwwwwmww
`
`mm
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`mafia
`
`mmmwm
`
`.xmmmwmm
`
`
`
`
`
`Em“gum2“mgm;u:memwmmmagmmmmmmmwwmmham:
`
`
`
`
`
`GEE”$33awm¢§mm4%“ng35%m5Emafimwmmmb
`
`a‘y‘
`
`magma,mufia
`mmmHE$ng
`
`gmim
`
`mafia
`
`.{magma
`
`mg
`
`E@E
`
`flEma
`
`£3,“
`
`
`
`mafia.mamaEm3a
`
`8
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 8 0f 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`ETEE ii
`
`START
`
`¢
`REEEEVE PACKET
`FRQM EXTERNAL PEN
`
`“Sai
`
`“Sa2
`§
`VEREFY PACKET ADDREfifiEE
`
`:5:
`3‘
`
`,ESa
`
`3
`
`
`
`
`
`_ * ADDRESSEE
`
`ES mp1?
`
`A six: mamas :9
`
`~
`
`SELECT DEFAULT EPS BEARER 2
`
`
`BE THE PEN QQNNEQHGN 2
`
`i‘JSaS
`£33353ng :3" -
`
`SELECT? DEFAULT EPS SEARER 2 :
`GE EHE PEN GQNNEGTififi
`
`“i
`
`USE $ELECTED EPS BEARER
`"f9 TRANSFER PACKET T0 SEE!
`
`
`
`ENE
`
`9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 9 0f 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`MG“ 12
`
`{4&8
`
`4Qia
`
`QONNECTEW REQEEST um
`
`REQUEST UNET
`
`AWAGH
`
`:
`
`494
`
`AflfiRESS BLQGK
`SMRAGE UN”
`
`‘
`
`,J495
`
`§
`
`495
`
`RGUTER
`FBEGTEGE UM?
`
`AEBRESS
`ALLGCMEGRE WET
`
`146?
`
`3
`
`3
`
`408
`
`WERELES
`“ GGMfiiUNECMMN UM?
`
`TE GQNNEGHGN MRELESS
`Cfiifiififii‘éii‘éflifii‘i WET
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 10 of 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`mmimx
`
`
`
`mafiaWm35%mm>mafiammmafiammmafiaHNew.SEQ2%ng3w:magma
`SWwafimEK:EEMHH
`
`
`
`
`
`
`s...............................................Tmmfiw
`
`mw.mww%
`
`hmwwmx
`
`Hmsmmwwwx.WH3
`
`mammwWm
`
`
`
`
`mmwwwflulNwwpmmmwWm
`
`11
`
`11
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 11 of 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`PK}: E4
`
`(2:5
`
`«M
`
`AflBRESS BLGGK
`HQLQENG UNET
`
`Q”
`
`Pgfi C3NNEGTES§
`HGLDEfiG uwar
`
`‘%
`
`#21 2
`
`12'? 5
`
`PM SSMNEGTEGN
`SEiTENG {WET
`
`‘
`
`{J3EE EMA
`YRANSFER ENE?
`
`3H6? SERVER UNET ‘
`
`H213
`
`:3;
`
`#2? 5
`
`SmGW CQNMECTEGEQ
`ENTERFAGE {EMT
`
`PM CQNNECTESN
`EE‘éTERFACE UNET
`
`#23?
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 12 of 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`Fifi. 15
`
`,,,4m
`
`GONE‘éECTEGN REQEJES? {JNET
`"I
`
`
`ATTACH
`REQUEST 3N3?
`
`
`
`TE CONNECTEGN
`EQUEST {53% ET
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`AEBRESS ELQGK
`STGRAGE WET
`
`”
`
`
`
` 5
`
`‘
`
`:;
`
`4%
`
`RGEJTER
`FUNCTEGN ENE?
`
`AflfiRESS
`ALLQGATEQN {Jim
`
`$
`
`,248?
`
`”
`
`4m»;
`
`403
`
`‘
`
`
`
`WE RELESS
`GflfiMUNEGAfiGN UNET
`
`TE GGNEEC‘FECE wERELESS
`CGEMBNECATEGN ENE?
`
`49g
`
`EH53? CHEN"? UM?
`
`
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 13 of 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`mufimmmafia
`
`wmmwmr
`
`mmmfimmmamEgan
`
`zcfifimmmmmm
`
`
`‘mmxgwtzmnm
`‘ $1
`mm,mmrmm,mmafiaHmagmaHmag
`
`
`”aim‘Hmg”iHME
`
`mmwmmx
`
`wamm\
`
`wfimafi
`
`
`
`mwfimm.Ezmsmmmw
`
`mww,
`
`www,
`
`magmaE2
`
`magma
`
`‘
`
`a.
`
`3fig
`
`14
`
`14
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 14 of 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`PEG“ 1”?
`
`ABDRESS BLQCK
`HGLBENG UNET
`
`{#2120
`
`PEN CGNNEQTEQN
`SETTENG UNiT
`
`§
`
`‘,2§5
`
`6
`
`
`
`Sufi?! CGNNECWON
`iNTERFACE UNET
`
`MG. 38
`
`
`
`[436
`_.,4ma
`5"
`
` CGNE‘éECTEON REQUEST UNET
`1432
`AWAGH
`REQUEST um
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TE CGfiNEGTEGN
`REQUEST W
`
`
`
`ABBRESS ELQGK
`STQRAGE ENE?
`
`
`#404
`
`
`FEJNGTEGN UNET
`
`
`
`RGU'E'ER
`
`ADDRESS
`ALLOCATEGN UNET
`
`
`
`
`
`TE CQNNECTiQN WERELESS
`‘-
`WERELESS
`
`
`
`CGMMUNECAEGN UNET
`CQWUNECATEQN UNE?
`
`
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 15 of 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`\wm
`
`www
`
`mm:
`
`mama
`
`gwimmm
`
`mmwin
`
`
`
`16
`
` m
`
`mm!
`
`awim
`
`mumEm
`
`.“2%WE
`
`,
`
`.mafia
`
`mam
`
`
`
`émmmmmh.35%
`
`murfim
`
`magmam3»MW
`
`“mamaE
`
`16
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 16 0f 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`PEG. 2%
`
`,222
`
`,222
`
`.
`
`‘
`
`LQCATEGN ENFGRMATEGN
`HGLBENQ {5553?
`
`225
`
`SUBSCREBER ENF‘QRE‘JEAHGN
`HGLQEE‘EG UNET
`
`‘
`
`'
`
`,
`
`CGEEMUEECATBON
`
`CGNFRGL UNET
` 22"}
`SETTEE‘EG
`’
`, ENAELEfi/DESABLEfi
`
`JUDGMENT UNET
`
`
`
`ENQDEB GGNNECTEGN
`S—GW SONNEQTHEN
`
`MYERFACE UN”
`ENTERFACE UNET
`
`
`
`
`
`
`‘
`
`2;:
`
`AM
`
`ABBRESS BLQGK
`Si‘flRAGE UM?
`
`
`
`:
`
`
`’
`2223222
`
`
`» mmcmmuw »
`
`
`
`
`
`CQMEBNECATEUN UNET
`TE CGNE‘SECTEGN WERELESS
`
`2,2496
`
`
`
`
`ADDRBS
`ALLGCATEGN Uh“?
`
`
`
`
`
`422
`
`
`
`25222222
`22222322222202 um?
`
`'
`
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 26, 2012 Sheet 17 of 17
`
`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`
`
` mme
`
`mwmwmx .‘wzmfiwmmmfim
`lemmama“mm20%E,305gamma
`
`
`
`kg$73.NN,‘mm,33.fix?my?
`
`%%%%ggH!
`mmfimmmagmawwfimmmafiamagmamagmaqumwmmmwmagma5:me
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`mm.me
`
`Emg)
`
`mamg}
`
`gamma
`
`mama
`
`mmfimx
`
`18
`
`A:::::::H1aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
`
`{Sma
`
`
`
`“mammwx§
`
`18
`
`
`
`

`

`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`Jan. 26, 2012
`
`MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile communi-
`cation system, and particularly to a mobile communication
`system connected to an external packet data network.
`[0002] The present application claims priority based on the
`patent application 2009-079962, filed on Mar. 27, 2009 in
`Japan, the content of which is incorporated herein by refer-
`ence.
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`
`In the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunica-
`[0003]
`tions System) that has been standardized as a third-generation
`mobile communication system, an MT (Mobile Terminal) is
`established as a mobile terminal that has a UMTS wireless
`
`interface and a TE (Terminal Equipment) is established as a
`terminal equipment that connects to the MT. The MT and TE
`are collectively called UE (User Equipment).
`[0004] A TE-MT interface is set forth in the Non-Patent
`Document 1 (TS 27.060), wherein a communication protocol
`is indicated in which a TE such as a laptop PC (personal
`computer) that does not have a UMTS wireless interface
`connects to a PDN (Packet Data Network) that is an external
`network, via the UMTS wireless interface in an MT. Although
`the physical interface between the TE and MT can use not
`only a wired interface such as a serial cable or a USB (Uni-
`versal Serial Bus) cable, but also can use a wireless interface
`such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like, the use of
`the PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) is called for.
`[0005]
`Patent Document 1 discloses a method whereby,
`rather than a TE-MT interface, an Ethernet (registered trade-
`mark) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) are
`used to allocate an IP (Internet Protocol) address to the TE
`and make connection to the PDN. Additionally, it is assumed
`that it will be possible to use this TE-MT interface in the EPS
`(Evolved Packet System), which is standardized as the next-
`generation mobile communication system by the 3GPP (3rd
`Generation Partnership Project).
`[0006] The protocol for connecting a UE to the PDN in an
`EPS is set forth in the Non-Patent Document 2 (TS 23.401).
`The UE, after first being attached to the wireless access net-
`work, establishes a logical path connection to the PDN, which
`is known as a PDN connection.
`
`[0007] The PDN is uniquely identified by the APN (Access
`Point Name), and is connected to the core network via a
`PDN-GW, which is an external gateway equipment. The PDN
`connection is established individually for each PDN-GW that
`is connected to the UE. Even via one and the same PDN-GW,
`when connections are made to different PDNs, independent
`PDN connections are required.
`[0008] One PDN connection combines a plurality oflogical
`paths that is known as an EPS bearer when transferring a user
`IP packet, and it is further possible to assign a QoS (Quality of
`Service) class and a charging rule or the like to each EPS
`bearer. Therefore, using the UE packet transmission destina-
`tion and transport protocol, it is possible to apply different
`QoS classes and charging rules to each IP packet, using a port
`number.
`
`Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent
`[0009]
`Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application)
`No. 2008-511222
`
`1: TS 27.060 Packet
`[0010] Non-Patent Document
`Domain; Mobile Station (MS) Supporting Packet
`Switched Services
`
`[0011] Non-Patent Document 2: TS 23.401 General Packet
`Radio Service (GPRS) Enhancements for Evolved Univer-
`sal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Access
`
`DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
`
`Problem to be Solved by the Invention
`
`[0012] However, when a user is walking around carrying a
`plurality of TEs such as a PDA or a laptop personal computer
`that does not have a wireless interface for direct connection to
`an EPS and a mobile terminal device that alone can connect to
`
`an EPS as a UE, an ad-hoc network being formed that locally
`makes connection between these devices, and the TE being
`connected to the ad-hoc network uses the mobile terminal
`device as an MT to make connection to the PDN, there is a
`problem that the processing load increases as noted below,
`and there is a limitation on the service that can be provided.
`[0013] Conventionally, PDN connections have been estab-
`lished for each TE. Therefore, even in the case in which a
`plurality of TEs are connected to one and the same PDN and
`also to one and the same PDN-GW, as many procedures for
`establishing PDN connections are necessary as there are TEs.
`The mobile terminal device itself to which the TE is con-
`nected is also connected to the EPS and establishes a PDN
`connection for the mobile terminal device in order to benefit
`
`from the communication service. However, with regard to any
`of these PDN connections, even though they are established
`from a common mobile terminal device as the point of origin,
`because they could not be combined, there was the problem of
`an increase in the processing load, because of the increase in
`the overall system administrative information. Additionally,
`at the time of handover as well, it is necessary to perform the
`protocol for re-establishing the PDN connections for all PDN
`connections, thereby causing an increase in the overall sys-
`tem processing load.
`[0014] A method that can be envisioned so that the number
`of PDN connections does not increase is that of providing an
`NAT (Network Address Translator)
`in the above-noted
`mobile terminal device, and sharing one IP address allocated
`to the mobile terminal device and one PDN connection
`
`between the mobile terminal device and a plurality of TEs. In
`this case, however, not only does the installation into the
`mobile terminal device becomes complex, but also process-
`ing for the mobile terminal device to check all the packets
`transmitted and received by the TE becomes necessary and, if
`necessary, to rewrite the packet header and payload, thereby
`increasing the processing load on the mobile terminal device.
`This results in the problems of a reduced throughput and an
`increase in battery consumption of the mobile terminal
`device. Additionally, because a packet transmitted by the
`mobile terminal device itself and a packet that the TE trans-
`mits cannot be distinguished when seen from the viewpoint of
`the core network, the limitation occurs that, in spite ofthe fact
`that it is the origin of a packet transmission, the same QoS
`class and charging rule must be applied, this leading to the
`problem ofhindering the implementation of a diverse service
`model
`in which different charging models are applied,
`depending upon the mode of use.
`[0015] The present invention was made in consideration of
`the above-described situation and has as an object the provi-
`sion of a mobile communication system capable of suppress-
`
`19
`
`19
`
`

`

`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`Jan. 26, 2012
`
`ing an increase in the processing load and a limitation of
`providable services, even in the case in which an ad-hoc
`network is formed between a mobile terminal device and a
`
`via the wireless access network, may include in the request a
`request for setting of the information terminal PDN connec-
`tion.
`
`plurality of TEs and a PDN connection is made by the TE
`using the mobile terminal device as an MT.
`
`Means for Solving the Problem
`
`(1) In an aspect of the present invention, there is
`[0016]
`provided a mobile communication system including a mobile
`terminal device performing a communication connection
`with a plurality of information terminal devices, a wireless
`access network performing wireless communication with the
`mobile terminal device, and a core network performing com-
`munication with an external packet data network, and also
`performing communication with the mobile terminal device
`via the wireless access network, wherein: the core network
`includes a PDN connection holding unit that associates and
`stores information regarding PDN connection that is a logical
`path used for transfer of user data via the wireless access
`network between the external packet data network and the
`mobile terminal device with information indicating an
`address block configured as a set of a plurality of addresses
`identifying a plurality of the information terminal devices.
`[0017]
`(2) In the aspect of the present invention, the mobile
`terminal device may include: a connection request unit that
`requests the core network to set an information terminal PDN
`connection that is a PDN connection to be used for transfer of
`user data ofthe information terminal devices and that receives
`
`from the core network information indicating the address
`block assigned to the information terminal PDN connection
`set by the request; an address allocation unit that allocates an
`address belonging to an address block indicated by informa-
`tion received by the connection request unit to the informa-
`tion terminal devices; a router function unit that, when user
`data addressed to an address allocated to the information
`terminal devices is received, transfers the received user data
`to the information terminal devices to which the address is
`
`allocated; wherein the core network may include a PDN
`connection setting unit that, when a request is received from
`the mobile terminal device, allocates the address block to the
`PDN connection for the information terminal and associates
`
`and stores in the PDN connection holding unit information
`indicating the address block with information regarding the
`PDN connection for the information terminal, and transmits
`information indicating the allocated address block to the
`mobile terminal device.
`
`(3) In the aspect of the present invention, the con-
`[0018]
`nection request unit of the mobile terminal device, when
`requesting the setting of the information terminal PDN con-
`nection, may specify an address block class that is a type of
`the address block allocated the information terminal PDN
`
`connection and that specifies one of an address block indi-
`cated by the IPv4 network address, an address block indicated
`by the IPv6 prefix, or an address block indicated by the IPv4
`network address and by the IPv6 prefix, and wherein the PDN
`connection setting unit of the core network, when setting the
`information terminal PDN connection, may allocate to the set
`information terminal PDN connection the type of address
`block specified by the address block class.
`[0019]
`(4) In the aspect of the present invention, the con-
`nection request unit of the mobile terminal device, when
`requesting the core network to set a PDN connection for a
`mobile terminal that is a logic path used for transfer of user
`data of the mobile terminal device with an external network,
`
`(5) In the aspect of the present invention, the con-
`[0020]
`nection request unit of the mobile terminal device, when
`requesting the core network to set a PDN connection for a
`mobile terminal that is a logic path used for transfer of user
`data of the mobile terminal device between an external net-
`
`work and thereof, via the wireless access network, may
`include in the request a flag indicating that the mobile termi-
`nal device includes the router function unit, and wherein, the
`core network may include a setting enabled/disabled unit that,
`when a request to set the information terminal PDN connec-
`tion is received, judges, based on the flag, whether the infor-
`mation terminal PDN connection can bet set.
`
`(6) In the aspect of the present invention, the mobile
`[0021]
`terminal device may include an address block storage unit
`that stores information indicating the address block, and
`wherein the address allocation unit of the mobile terminal
`
`device, when the information terminal devices performs com-
`munication connection with the mobile terminal device, may
`allocate to the information terminal device an address that
`
`belongs to the address block stored by the address block
`storage unit.
`[0022]
`(7) In the aspect of the present invention, the core
`network may include a terminal information storage unit that
`stores information indicating an address block allocated to
`the information terminal PDN connection in association with
`information that
`identifies the mobile terminal device,
`wherein the PDN connection setting unit of the core network,
`upon receiving a request for an information terminal PDN
`connection setting, may allocate the address block stored by
`the terminal information storage unit, in association with
`information identifying the mobile terminal device that origi-
`nated the request.
`[0023]
`(8) In the aspect of the present invention, the core
`network may include a terminal information storage unit that
`stores information indicating whether a user of a mobile
`terminal device is subscribed to a network mobile service, in
`association with information identifying the mobile terminal
`device, wherein the setting enabled/disabledjudgment unit of
`the core network, upon receiving a request for setting of an
`information terminal PDN connection, may determine
`whether an information terminal PDN connection can be set,
`based on the flag in the request, and on information stored by
`the terminal information storage unit.
`[0024]
`(9) In the aspect of the present invention, the core
`network may include a terminal information storage unit that
`stores information indicating whether or not a user of the
`mobile terminal is subscribed to a network mobile service, in
`association with information identifying the mobile terminal
`device, wherein the setting enabled/disabledjudgment unit of
`the core network, upon receiving a request for setting of a
`mobile terminal PDN connection, may determine whether a
`mobile terminal PDN connection can be set, based on the flag
`in the request, and on information stored by the terminal
`information storage unit.
`the
`[0025]
`(10) In the aspect of the present invention,
`mobile terminal device may include a dynamic host setting
`client unit
`that, using a dynamic host setting protocol,
`requests an address block from the core network, and receive
`from the core network information indicating the address
`block allocated to the information terminal PDN connection
`
`by the request, wherein the core network may include a
`
`20
`
`20
`
`

`

`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`Jan. 26, 2012
`
`dynamic host setting server unit that, upon receiving the
`request for the address block using the dynamic host setting
`protocol, allocate an address block to the information termi-
`nal PDN connection of the mobile terminal device that origi-
`nated the request, and transmit the address block to the mobile
`terminal device.
`
`the
`(l 1) In the aspect of the present invention,
`[0026]
`mobile terminal device may include: a connection request
`unit that requests the core network to set an information
`terminal PDN connection that is a logical path used for trans-
`fer of user data of the information terminal device with the
`
`external PDN, and receives as a response to the request infor-
`mation indicating an address allocated to the information
`terminal PDN connection set by the request; an address allo-
`cation unit that allocates an address received by the connec-
`tion request unit to the information terminal device; and a
`router function unit that, upon receiving user data addressed
`to the address allocated to the information terminal device,
`transfers the received user data to the information terminal to
`which the address had been allocated, wherein the core net-
`work, upon receiving a request from the mobile terminal
`device, may associate an address belonging to the address
`block allocated to the mobile terminal PDN connection used
`in transfer of user data of the mobile terminal device with
`
`information regarding the information terminal PDN connec-
`tion for which setting was requested, store these in the PDN
`connection holding unit, and transmit the allocated address to
`the mobile terminal device.
`
`Effect of the Invention
`
`[0027] According to the present invention, PDN connec-
`tions for a plurality of terminal devices connected to a com-
`mon mobile terminal device can be combined, and addition-
`ally the establishment of the PDN connection for the mobile
`terminal device and the establishment of the PDN connection
`
`for the mobile terminal device can be performed together,
`thereby enabling suppression of an increase in processing
`load and limitation of the providable service.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`[0028]
`network configuration of a mobile communication system
`according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
`[0029]
`FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`configuration of a PDN-GW device 21 in the same embodi-
`ment.
`
`FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`[0030]
`configuration of an S-GW device 23 in the same embodiment.
`[0031]
`FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`configuration of an MME device 22 in the same embodiment.
`[0032]
`FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`configuration of an HSS device 24 in the same embodiment.
`[0033]
`FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`configuration of an ENB device 31 in the same embodiment.
`[0034]
`FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`configuration of a mobile terminal device 40 in the same
`embodiment.
`
`FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`[0035]
`configuration of a TE device 4111 in the same embodiment.
`[0036]
`FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of
`the sequence of attaching the mobile terminal device 40 to an
`EPS in the same embodiment.
`
`FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example
`[0037]
`of connection of the TE device 4111 and the TE device 41b to
`the mobile terminal device 40 in the same embodiment.
`
`FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the packet transfer
`[0038]
`processing of the PDN-GW device 21 in the same embodi-
`ment.
`
`FIG. 12 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`[0039]
`configuration of a mobile terminal device 40a in a second
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0040]
`FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example
`ofthe sequence ofattaching the mobile terminal device 4011 to
`an EPS in the same embodiment.
`
`FIG. 14 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`[0041]
`configuration of a PDN-GW device 21b in a third embodi-
`ment of the present invention.
`[0042]
`FIG. 15 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`configuration of a mobile terminal device 40b in the same
`embodiment.
`
`FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example
`[0043]
`of the sequence of connection of the mobile terminal device
`40b in the same embodiment.
`
`FIG. 17 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`[0044]
`configuration of a PDN-GW device 210 in a fourth embodi-
`ment of the present invention.
`[0045]
`FIG. 18 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`configuration of a mobile terminal device 400 in the same
`embodiment.
`
`FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example
`[0046]
`of the sequence of the connection for the TE devices 4111 and
`41b performing communication with an external PDN 50 in
`the same embodiment.
`
`FIG. 20 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`[0047]
`configuration ofan MME device 22d in a fifth embodiment of
`the present invention.
`[0048]
`FIG. 21 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`configuration of a mobile terminal device 406 in a sixth
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0049]
`FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the
`sequence for establishing a TE PDN 21 connection in the
`same embodiment.
`
`BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`
`First Embodiment
`
`[0050] The first embodiment of the present invention is
`described below, with references made to drawings. FIG. 1 is
`a simplified block diagram showing the network configura-
`tion of a mobile communication system according to the first
`embodiment of the present invention. The mobile communi-
`cation system 10 in this embodiment is connected to an exter-
`nal PDN (Packet Data Network) 50, and has a core network
`20, a wireless access network 30, and at least one mobile
`terminal device 40. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the
`mobile terminal device 10 has TE devices 4111 and 41b that
`
`are connected to the mobile terminal device 40. Although this
`embodiment is described for the example of an EPS as the
`mobile communication system that is standardized by 3GPP,
`the present invention is not limited in this manner, and can be
`applied in the same manner to a mobile communication sys-
`tem that has a node configuration.
`[0051] The core network 20 has a PDN-GW device 21, an
`MME (Mobile Management Entity) device 22, an S-GW
`device 23, and an HSS (Home Subscriber Server) device 24.
`
`21
`
`

`

`US 2012/0020318 A1
`
`Jan. 26, 2012
`
`The S-GW device 23 transmits and receives, as a local mobil-
`ity anchor, packets from the ENB (eNodeB: base station
`device) 31 to which the mobile terminal device 40 is con-
`nected.
`
`[0052] The PDN-GW device 21 is connected to the external
`PDN 50, which is the Internet or an IMS (IP Multimedia
`Subsystem), and functions as a gateway that connects the core
`network 20 to these types ofexternal PDNs 50. The PDN-GW
`device 21 allocates an IP address and performs sorting by
`packet QoS. The PDN-GW device 21 and the S-GW device
`23 may be constituted on one and the same physical node.
`[0053] The MME (Mobility Management Entity) 22 is an
`entity that performs only signaling, and has as its main func-
`tion management, including paging of mobility ofthe mobile
`terminal device 40 that connects to the wireless access net-
`work 30.
`
`[0054] The HSS device 24 performs user authentication
`and manages subscription data. Subscription data includes a
`subscriber’s service subscription information, and whether
`the subscriber is subscribed to NEMO (Network Mobility)
`service. The wireless access network 30 has at least one ENB
`device 31, which is a base station.
`[0055] The mobile terminal device 40 is a device that has
`the functions of both an MT and a UE in UMTS. The TE
`devices 4111 and 41b are TEs in UMTS.
`
`[0056] GTP (General Packet Radio Service Tunneling Pro-
`tocol) or GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) is used as the
`packet tunneling protocol between the S-GW device 23 and
`the PDN-GW device 21. With GTP, exchange is performed of
`the TEIDs (Tunnel Endpoint IDs) between two nodes and two
`TEIDs are set individually for each direction. Because differ-
`ent TEIDs are allocated for each EPS bearer, the GTP end-
`point node (S-GW device 23 or PDN-GW device 21) refer-
`ences the TEM included in the packet header to be able to
`uniquely distinguish between the mobile terminal device 40
`and its EPS bearer. Similar to GTP, GRE performs exchange
`of GRE keys, which correspond to the TEIDs in GTP,
`between two nodes, and sets two GRE keys (downlink GRE
`key and uplink GRE key) individually for each direction.
`[0057]
`FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram showing the
`configuration of the PDN-GW 21 in the present embodiment.
`The PDN-GW 21 has an address block holding unit 211, a
`PDN connection setting unit 212, an S-GW connection inter-
`face unit 213, a PDN connection holding unit 214, a user data
`transfer unit 215, and a PDN connection interface unit 216.
`[0058] The S-GW connection interface unit 213 is a com-
`munication interface unit for performing communication
`connection with the S-GW device 23. Each unit of the PDW-
`
`GW device 21 performs communication with the S-GW
`device 23, via this S-GW connection interface unit 213. The
`PDN connection interface unit 216 is a communication inter-
`
`face unit for performing communication with the external
`PDN 50. Each unit of the PDN-GW device 21 performs
`communication with the external PDN 50, via this PDN con-
`nection interface unit 216.
`
`[0059] The address block holding unit 211 holds informa-
`tion indicating an address block that can be allocated to the
`PDN connection by the PDN connection setting unit 212,
`which is described later. An address block as used herein is a
`
`set of a plurality of addresses, and in the present embodiment
`is a network address in IPv4 (for example, 192.63.25.0/24 of
`l92.63.25.0 to 192.63.25.255) and an IPv6 prefix in IPv6 (for
`example, 13922d38c22/32 of l392:d38c:: to 13922d38cszff:
`ffffzz).
`
`[0060] The PDN connection holding unit 214 stores infor-
`mation regarding a PDN connection, associating it with infor-
`mation that indicates an address block. The PDN connection
`
`in this case is a logical path used for transfer of user data, via
`the wireless access network 30, between the external PDN 50
`and the mobile terminal device 40. There are two types of
`PDN connections, a PDN connection for UE (PDN connec-
`tion for a mobile terminal) for transferring user data of the
`mobile terminal device 40, and a PDN connection for a TE
`(PDN connection for an information terminal) for transfer-
`ring user data of the information terminals 41a and 41b.
`[0061] The PDN connection setting unit 212, upon receiv-
`ing a request from the mobile terminal device 40, allocates an
`address bloc