+

WO2017003357A1 - Identification de dispositif dans des réseaux wlan et cellulaires étendus en interfonctionnement - Google Patents

Identification de dispositif dans des réseaux wlan et cellulaires étendus en interfonctionnement Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2017003357A1
WO2017003357A1 PCT/SE2016/050647 SE2016050647W WO2017003357A1 WO 2017003357 A1 WO2017003357 A1 WO 2017003357A1 SE 2016050647 W SE2016050647 W SE 2016050647W WO 2017003357 A1 WO2017003357 A1 WO 2017003357A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wlan
wireless terminal
mac address
cellular network
wlan mac
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2016/050647
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Icaro L.J. Da Silva
Mattias BERGSTRÖM
Gino Masini
Christofer Lindheimer
Oumer Teyeb
Original Assignee
Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) filed Critical Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ)
Publication of WO2017003357A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017003357A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W12/00Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
    • H04W12/02Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L61/00Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
    • H04L61/50Address allocation
    • H04L61/5038Address allocation for local use, e.g. in LAN or USB networks, or in a controller area network [CAN]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L61/00Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
    • H04L61/50Address allocation
    • H04L61/5092Address allocation by self-assignment, e.g. picking addresses at random and testing if they are already in use
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W12/00Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
    • H04W12/03Protecting confidentiality, e.g. by encryption
    • H04W12/033Protecting confidentiality, e.g. by encryption of the user plane, e.g. user's traffic
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W12/00Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
    • H04W12/03Protecting confidentiality, e.g. by encryption
    • H04W12/037Protecting confidentiality, e.g. by encryption of the control plane, e.g. signalling traffic
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L2101/00Indexing scheme associated with group H04L61/00
    • H04L2101/60Types of network addresses
    • H04L2101/618Details of network addresses
    • H04L2101/622Layer-2 addresses, e.g. medium access control [MAC] addresses
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H04W36/16Performing reselection for specific purposes
    • H04W36/22Performing reselection for specific purposes for handling the traffic
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W8/00Network data management
    • H04W8/26Network addressing or numbering for mobility support
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00Network topologies
    • H04W84/02Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
    • H04W84/10Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
    • H04W84/12WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/02Terminal devices
    • H04W88/06Terminal devices adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to wireless communication networks, and particularly relates to wireless devices in interworking wireless local area network (WLAN) and wide-area cellular networks.
  • WLAN wireless local area network
  • Wi-Fi The WLAN technology known as "Wi-Fi” can be used to offload traffic from wide-area cellular networks, such as 3GPP cellular networks. Interest in cooperation between WLANs and cellular networks is rapidly increasing, since virtually all smartphones support Wi-Fi. In some Wi-Fi descriptions, the term “Station” (STA) might be used instead of user equipment (UE).
  • STA user equipment
  • any of the terms UE, STA and terminal may be used herein when describing wireless terminals that support both a cellular technology (such as Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access, or E-UTRA) and WLAN.
  • a cellular technology such as Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access, or E-UTRA
  • WLAN Wireless Local Area Network
  • the wireless terminal In a simplified Wi-Fi architecture, the wireless terminal (UE/STA) is connected on the user plane to the Wi-Fi Access Point (AP), which can be directly connected to the Internet.
  • an Access point Controller In the control plane, an Access point Controller (AC) may handle the management of the AP.
  • AC Access point Controller
  • One AC usually handles the management of several APs.
  • Security /authentication of users can be handled via an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) entity, which may be a RADIUS server, for example.
  • RADIUS Remote Administration Dial In User Service
  • RRC 2865 Remote Administration Dial In User Service
  • the Access Network Discovery and Selection Function is an entity defined by 3GPP for providing access discovery information as well as mobility and routing policies to the UE.
  • ANDSF is a new entity added to the 3 GPP architecture in Release 8 of 3 GPP TS 23.402.
  • a simplified ANDSF architecture is depicted in Figure 1. As shown in the figure, the ANDSF server is only connected to the UE, and its main goal is to provide the UE with access network information in a resource efficient and secure manner.
  • the communication between the UE and the ANDSF server is defined as an IP-based S14-interface.
  • the ANDSF By supplying information about both available 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks to the UE, the ANDSF enables an energy-efficient mechanism of network discovery, where the UE can avoid continuous and energy-consuming background scanning. Furthermore, ANDSF provides the mobile operators with a tool for the implementation of flexible and efficient UE steering of access mechanisms, where policy control can guide UEs to select one particular Radio Access Network (RAN) over another.
  • RAN Radio Access Network
  • the ANDSF supplies three types of information - discovery information, inter-system mobility policies (ISMP) and inter-system routing policies (ISRP). All of these are summarized and implemented via ANDSF managed objects (MO), which are communicated to the UEs via an over-the-top (OTT) signaling channel, as SOAP-XML messages.
  • ISMP inter-system mobility policies
  • ISRP inter-system routing policies
  • the discovery information provides the UE with information regarding the availability of different RATs in the UE's vicinity. This helps the UE to discover available 3GPP access networks and non-3GPP access networks, without the burden of continuous background scanning.
  • Inter-System Mobility Policies are policies that guide the UE to select the most preferable 3GPP or non-3GPP access.
  • the ISMPs are used for UEs that access a single access (3GPP or Wi-Fi) at a time.
  • the ISMP information specifies the behavior of UEs that can be connected to only one access network at a given time (either 3GPP, WLAN, WiMAX, etc.).
  • the operator can use the third type of information, ISRP, to increase the granularity of the RAN selection.
  • the UEs will be provided with policies that specify how the traffic flows should be distributed over the different RAN. For example, voice might be only allowed to be carried over the 3GPP RAN, while Internet video streaming and best-effort traffic can be routed via WLAN.
  • the ANDSF provides mobile operators with a tool to determine how the UEs connect to different RANs, and hence allows them to add more flexibility in their traffic planning.
  • 3 GPP networks or 3 GPP- "friendly” networks such as CDMA2000
  • the WLAN deployment scenario is, in many cases, fundamentally different than cellular deployment. For this reason, special considerations have to be made when integrating WLAN to 3 GPP networks.
  • 3GPP has specified in Release 12 a feature/mechanism for WLAN/3GPP Radio interworking, which improves operator control with respect to how a UE performs access selection and traffic steering between 3GPP and WLANs belonging to the operator or its partners. It may be that the mechanism can be used for other, non-operator, WLANs as well, though this is not the main target.
  • Version vl2.4.0 (2014-01) of 3 GPP TS 36.300 supports E-UTRAN assisted UE based bi- directional traffic steering between E-UTRAN and WLAN for UEs in RRC_IDLE and
  • E-UTRAN provides assistance parameters via broadcast and dedicated RRC signaling to the UE.
  • the RAN assistance parameters may include E-UTRAN signal strength and quality thresholds, WLAN channel utilization thresholds, WLAN backhaul data rate thresholds, WLAN signal strength and quality thresholds and Offload Preference Indicator (OPI).
  • E-UTRAN can also provide a list of WLAN identifiers to the UE via broadcast signaling. WLANs provided by E-UTRAN may include an associated priority.
  • the UE uses the RAN assistance parameters in the evaluation of traffic steering rules (3GPP TS 36.304) or ANDSF policies (3 GPP TS 24.312) for traffic steering decisions between E-UTRAN and WLAN.
  • traffic steering rules 3GPP TS 36.304
  • ANDSF policies 3 GPP TS 24.312
  • An example of a traffic steering rule is shown below:
  • the OPI is only used in ANDSF policies.
  • WLAN identifiers are only used in traffic steering rules (3 GPP TS 36.304). If the UE is provisioned with ANDSF policies, it shall forward the received RAN assistance parameters to upper layers; otherwise, it shall use them in the traffic steering rules (section 23.6.2, 3GPP TS 36.304).
  • the traffic steering rules are applied only to the WLANs of which identifiers are provided by the E-UTRAN.
  • the UE in RRC_CONNECTED (Radio Resource Control -Connected) state shall apply the parameters obtained via dedicated signaling if such have been received from the serving cell; otherwise, the UE shall apply the parameters obtained via broadcast signaling.
  • RRC_CONNECTED Radio Resource Control -Connected
  • the UE in RRC_IDLE state shall keep and apply the parameters obtained via dedicated signaling, until cell reselection or a timer has expired since the UE entered RRC_IDLE upon which the UE shall apply the parameters obtained via broadcast signaling.
  • each public land mobile network (PLMN) sharing the RAN can provide independent sets of RAN assistance parameters.
  • PLMN public land mobile network
  • Figure 2 shows a fully network-controlled WLAN/3GPP interworking solution, which follows principles similar to CONNECTED mode operations in 3GPP, where several main steps are employed for traffic steering: measurement control configuration, measurement reporting and traffic steering.
  • the RAN sends information to the UE that includes details like the target WLAN(s) to be measured (e.g. specific identities such as service set identifiers (SSIDs)/basic SSIDs (BSSIDs)/homogenous extended SSIDs (HESSIDs) or more general information like operating frequencies), and events/thresholds for triggering
  • the UE sends a measurement report to the 3GPP RAN.
  • the RAN evaluates the received measurements and other relevant information obtained in an eNB/Radio Network Controller (RNC), and as a result of this, sends a traffic steering command to the UE, which can specify the traffic to be steered.
  • RNC Radio Network Controller
  • This can be an explicit indication of each bearer to be moved (i.e. by specifying data radio bearers (DRB/RB-IDs) or more general like the QoS Class Identifier (QCI), which can apply to many bearers at once).
  • DRB/RB-IDs data radio bearers
  • QCI QoS Class Identifier
  • the UE indicates to the RAN whether or not the action dictated by the traffic steering command was successfully performed or not.
  • UEs in IDLE mode can request to setup a RRC connection for the sake of sending measurement reports when the conditions of the measurement control configuration are satisfied.
  • solutions that are equally applicable to both IDLE and CONNECTED UEs might be employed for handling IDLE UEs, while another solution is used only for CONNECTED UEs.
  • the media access control (MAC) address of a station (STA) is a unique identifier (typically a layer 2 address) that is assigned to the wireless network interface.
  • the MAC address has a length of 6 bytes, organized as shown in Figure 3.
  • the STA's MAC address is exposed every time a STA decides to transmit a frame. In that sense, a WLAN network node can obtain the MAC address of the STA after the very first frame it receives from that STA.
  • the UE In correlating a STA (UE) identity with an eNB, the UE reports UE-associated information to the eNB, which may include signaling a suitable UE identifier (an "Xw UE ID"). This is needed in order for the eNB to correlate the UE-associated information with the UE identity it already knows.
  • a suitable UE identifier an "Xw UE ID"
  • IMSI international mobile subscriber identity
  • UE WLAN MAC address Two possible candidates for such a UE identifier are the UE international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) and the UE WLAN MAC address.
  • Adopting the UE IMSI would require the UE to signal its IMSI to the WLAN node over the air interface so that it could be signaled over Xw, since the WLAN has currently no knowledge of the IMSI. This has a number of serious implications: it requires changes in the WLAN air interface, and furthermore it is not considered good security practice to signal IMSI over a network interface (in particular involving a non-3GPP node). Adopting the WLAN MAC address, on the other hand, has the added benefit of reusing already available information from the WLAN, and of not requiring any changes in the WLAN air interface node, since it is already signaled by the UE when it attaches to the WLAN.
  • Table 1 Comparison table for potential Xw UE ID candidates.
  • MAC randomization for privacy protection can break the working of the interface between 3 GPP and WLAN networks to communicate terminal specific information. Embodiments described herein address this problem.
  • a wireless terminal reports to the WLAN a wide-area cellular network (e.g. 3 GPP) cell identity (e.g. E-CGI) so that the WLAN can identify to which 3 GPP RAN node the UE is associated.
  • the UE may report UE identities to a 3GPP RAN node, so that the 3GPP RAN node is capable of identifying which UE associated to it is transmitting over WLAN.
  • the described embodiments provide mechanisms to enable the 3GPP RAN (e.g. eNodeBs and RNCs) and WLAN APs to communicate terminal specific information even when the terminals use MAC randomization and change their MAC address from time to time.
  • a method in a wireless terminal configured for operation in a WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network, includes including a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages to the WLAN, generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address, and reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular network to thereby assist the cellular network with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • a method in a wireless terminal configured for operation in a WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network, includes receiving a timer indication from the cellular network, starting a timer responsive to the timer indication, and refraining from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address for the duration of the timer.
  • a method in a wireless terminal configured for operation in a WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network, includes indicating a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the cellular network, and then refraining from generating a second WLAN MAC address for a configured time T after indicating the first WLAN MAC address in one or more messages sent to the cellular network.
  • the time T may be pre-configured, e.g., according to a specification, in some embodiments, or network-configured, i.e., according to a configuration message sent to the wireless terminal from the cellular network.
  • the method further comprises generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address, and reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular network.
  • a method in a wireless terminal configured for operation in a WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network, includes indicating a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the cellular network, and further includes determining that the wireless terminal is performing a first type of WLAN operation. The method further comprises refraining from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal while performing the first type of WLAN operation, and generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal at a time when the wireless terminal is not performing the first type of WLAN operation, the second WLAN MAC address differing from the first WLAN MAC address. Finally, the method includes reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular network.
  • This first type of WLAN operation may comprise aggregating WLAN traffic and cellular network traffic, such as LTE traffic, in some embodiments.
  • the first type of WLAN operation may comprise sending traffic to the cellular network via a tunnel over WLAN.
  • a method in a network node of a wide-area cellular network configured to serve a wireless terminal configured for operation in both the cellular network and in a WLAN, includes determining that a first WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal has been replaced by a second WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal, and reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN to thereby assist the WLAN with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • a wireless terminal configured for operation in a WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network includes a transceiver configured to send and receive
  • a wireless terminal configured for operation in a WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network includes a transceiver configured to send and receive
  • the wireless terminal is associated with a first WLAN MAC address and the processing circuit is configured to receive, via the transceiver, a timer indication from the cellular network, start a timer responsive to the timer indication, and refrain from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address for the duration of the timer.
  • the processing circuit is configured to indicate a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the cellular network, to determine that the wireless terminal is performing a first type of WLAN operation, and refrain from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal while performing the first type of WLAN operation.
  • the processing circuit is further configure to generate a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal at a time when the wireless terminal is not performing the first type of WLAN operation, the second WLAN MAC address differing from the first WLAN MAC address.
  • the processing circuit is configured to report the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular network.
  • the processing circuit is configured to indicate a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the cellular network, refrain from generating a second WLAN MAC address for a configured time T after indicating the first WLAN MAC address in one or more messages sent to the cellular network, generate a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address, and report the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular network.
  • a wireless terminal for operation in a WLAN and in a wide- area cellular network.
  • the wireless terminal is adapted to indicate a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the cellular network, refrain from generating a second WLAN MAC address for a configured time T after indicating the first WLAN MAC address in one or more messages sent to the cellular network, generate a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address, and report the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular network.
  • a wireless terminal for operation in a WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network.
  • the wireless terminal is adapted to indicate a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the cellular network, determine that the wireless terminal is performing a first type of WLAN operation and refraining from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal while performing the first type of WLAN operation.
  • the wireless terminal is further adapted to generate a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal at a time when the wireless terminal is not performing the first type of WLAN operation, the second WLAN MAC address differing from the first WLAN MAC address.
  • the wireless terminal is further adapted to report the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular network.
  • a network node of a wide-area cellular network configured to serve a wireless terminal configured for operation in both the cellular network and in a WLAN includes a communication interface configured to communicate with the wireless terminal, the cellular network and the WLAN, and includes a processing circuit.
  • the processing circuit is configured to determine that a first WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal has been replaced by a second WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal, and report the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN, via the communication interface, to thereby assist the WLAN with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • a non-transitory computer readable storage medium stores a computer program that includes program instructions that, when executed on a processing circuit of a wireless terminal configured for operation in a WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network, cause the wireless terminal to include a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages to the WLAN, generate a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address, and report, via a transceiver, the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular network to thereby assist the cellular network with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • a non-transitory computer readable storage medium stores a computer program that includes program instructions that are executed on a processing circuit of a wireless terminal configured for operation in a WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network.
  • the wireless terminal is associated with a first WLAN MAC address.
  • the program instructions cause, when executed, the wireless terminal to receive, via a transceiver, a timer indication from the cellular network, start a timer responsive to the timer indication, and refrain from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address for the duration of the timer.
  • a non-transitory computer readable storage medium stores a computer program that includes program instructions that, when executed on a processing circuit of a network node of a wide-area cellular network serving a wireless terminal configured for operation in a WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network, cause the network node to determine that a first WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal has been replaced by a second WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal, and report the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN, via a communication interface, to thereby assist the WLAN with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • the wireless terminal e.g., UE/STA informs the wide-area cellular network (e.g., 3GPP network) whenever it performs WLAN MAC randomization. In some cases, this may be a notification that WLAN MAC randomization has taken place, tipping off the network to take action to determine the WLAN MAC address by which the wireless terminal is now known.
  • the wide-area cellular network e.g., 3GPP network
  • the UE is in connected mode in the 3GPP network (e.g.
  • PvRC_CONNECTED it communicates the new MAC address via a new RRC message or uses any existing information element (IE) of any existing message (e.g. RRC measurement reports with WLAN information) from the UE to the 3 GPP network.
  • IE information element
  • the UE if the UE is in IDLE mode in the 3GPP network, it first establishes an RRC connection, and then sends the update via a new RRC message.
  • the UE may include the old MAC address in addition to the new MAC address.
  • the UE may also send the information in new IE's of existing RRC messages, e.g., an RRC connection request.
  • the UE informs the WLAN network about its old MAC address that it has been using before MAC randomization resulted in a new MAC address. This can be performed during association/connection establishment with the WLAN, or later on after the connection has been established.
  • the WLAN informs its neighboring eNB(s) about the change of the MAC address of that UE by providing the old and new MAC addresses.
  • An eNB that receives such information checks to see if it is currently serving or had recently served a UE that used the indicated old MAC address. If so, it will replace that MAC address with the new MAC address and will use it in subsequent communication with the WLAN about that particular UE. On the other hand, if no such UE is found, the eNB ignores the message or responds with an error message to the WLAN indicating that no such UE has been found.
  • the WLAN stores the old MAC address and its association with the new MAC address. Whenever the WLAN gets a request for information about a UE with the old MAC address, it will respond with the information related to the UE that is currently employing the new MAC address.
  • the 3 GPP network configures the UE with a timer, such as T_random_ojf, when the UE establishes an RRC connection so that the UE shall not perform WLAN MAC randomization when the timer is running.
  • a timer such as T_random_ojf
  • different UE's may have different configurable values for the timer.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a simplified ANDSF architecture.
  • Figure 2 illustrates network-controlled cellular/WLAN interworking.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a diagram of a MAC address.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a problem resulting from WLAN MAC randomization.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of a wireless terminal, such as a user equipment, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a method in a wireless terminal for reporting WLAN MAC addresses, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 7 illustrates another method in a wireless terminal for reporting WLAN MAC addresses, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 8 illustrates a method in a wireless terminal for refraining from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 9 illustrates a block diagram of a network access node, such as a cellular network base station or a WLAN access point, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a method in a cellular network node for identifying a wireless terminal with a MAC WLAN address, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 11 illustrates a method in a cellular network node for reporting a MAC WLAN address for a wireless terminal, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 12 illustrates a method in a cellular network node for sending a timer to assist identification of a wireless terminal, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 13 illustrates a method in a WLAN access point for identifying a wireless terminal with a MAC WLAN address, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 14 illustrates a method in a WLAN access point for reporting a MAC WLAN address for a wireless terminal, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 15 illustrates a functional implementation of a wireless terminal, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 16 illustrates a functional implementation of a wireless terminal, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 17 illustrates a functional implementation of a wireless terminal, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 18 illustrates a functional implementation of a cellular network node, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 19 illustrates a functional implementation of a cellular network node, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 20 illustrates a functional implementation of a cellular network node, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 21 illustrates a functional implementation of a WLAN access point, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 22 illustrates a functional implementation of a WLAN access point, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 23 illustrates another method in a wireless terminal, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 24 illustrates still another method in a wireless terminal, according to some embodiments.
  • LTE Long Term Evolution
  • E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access
  • Wireless terminals designed for use in other wireless systems including variations and successors of 3GPP LTE systems, and WCDMA (UMTS) systems, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), etc., may also benefit from exploiting embodiments disclosed herein.
  • a wireless terminal may be capable of aggregating multiple carriers from a single eNB or multiple eNBs
  • a UE is capable of aggregating a carrier from the LTE network with a carrier from a WLAN AP.
  • the WLAN and AP are not part of the E-UTRAN architecture.
  • a communication path is established between a WLAN AP and at least one node in an LTE network, so that a dedicated connection can be established between the nodes. It will be appreciated that this connection may typically be established via the WLAN AP's broadband connection, rather than there being a direct signaling connection between the AP and eNB, such as via an air interface.
  • Similar interfaces may be established between one node in the LTE network and multiple WLAN APs. It will also be appreciated that where the AP is within the coverage area of several eNBs, the AP may have separate interfaces to each of those eNBs. Inter- node interfaces between pairs of nodes may use a peer-to-peer interface, i.e., an interface that connects the two nodes directly.
  • inter-node interfaces that pass through other network nodes could connect the two nodes.
  • 3 GPP the scope and requirements for a Multi-RAT Joint Coordination study item have been defined, with potential enhancements of RAN interfaces and procedures to support the joint operation among different RATs, including WLAN. Accordingly, an interface between the E- UTRAN and WLAN has been specified by 3 GPP.
  • Certain mechanisms make it possible for the 3GPP RAN node to determine that UEs associated to it are connected to the WLAN, and vice versa.
  • a WLAN AP may report to the 3GPP network whether a UE has connected to the WLAN.
  • a UE reports to the WLAN a 3 GPP cell identity (e.g. an E-CGI) so that the WLAN can identify to which 3 GPP RAN node the terminal is associated.
  • the UE may report its identity to a 3GPP RAN node, so that the 3GPP RAN node is capable of identifying which UE associated to it is transmitting over WLAN.
  • the 3GPP network node is given information regarding if and when a UE is connected to WLAN. Without this knowledge, the 3GPP RAN may not be able to set parameters in a suitable way. Of course, some other WLAN node, such as a WLAN Access Controller (AC), may report this information.
  • the 3GPP RAN node may utilize the information received from the WLAN node in handling the connection between the 3 GPP RAN node and the UE. For example, the 3GPP RAN node may release the connection between the 3GPP RAN and the UE if it has been indicated to the 3 GPP RAN node that the UE has successfully connected to a WLAN AP.
  • the WLAN AP may consider the UE's connection status to the 3GPP network when determining whether to include a UE in the report. For example, if the terminal has an active connection to the 3GPP network (e.g., RRC CONNECTED state in LTE, any of CELL_DCH, CELL_FACH, and CELL_PCH states in UMTS, etc.), the 3 GPP network can control the terminal using dedicated signaling. On the other hand, if the terminal is in an IDLE state, then no dedicated signaling is supported in 3GPP, as the 3GPP RAN is not aware of the terminal's presence in any given 3GPP cell.
  • the 3GPP network e.g., RRC CONNECTED state in LTE, any of CELL_DCH, CELL_FACH, and CELL_PCH states in UMTS, etc.
  • the terminal may request the WLAN to indicate to the 3GPP RAN node that the terminal has connected to the WLAN.
  • the terminal may indicate this to the WLAN node during the connection to the WLAN node.
  • the terminal may determine whether to request the WLAN to include it in the report based on its configuration as established by signaling from the 3 GPP network.
  • the 3 GPP RAN is influencing, and to some degree controlling, the terminal's access network selection and/or traffic-steering decisions between 3GPP and WLAN.
  • the 3GPP RAN has limited information regarding whether a terminal is selecting and/or steering traffic to WLAN, and with this limited information, the 3 GPP RAN will not be able to make informed Radio Resource Management (RRM) decisions.
  • RRM Radio Resource Management
  • the 3 GPP RAN may not be able to provide suitable thresholds to a terminal, due to this lack of knowledge. This can result in poor access selection and/or traffic steering decisions, and then result in a poor user experience. Furthermore, the 3 GPP RAN may not know whether the connection between the 3 GPP RAN and the terminal can be released or not. In order for the 3GPP node to be able to identify to which UE the report is associated to, terminal identities should be in the report and recognizable at the 3GPP RAN node.
  • the UE sends its 3GPP identity to WLAN during any steps of the
  • the report described earlier would contain this identity, and the 3 GPP RAN node is capable of identifying which UE is transmitting to the WLAN AP sending the report.
  • the UE reports its WLAN identity (e.g., a WLAN MAC address) during any steps of the radio connection setup in 3GPP, and the 3GPP RAN node associates with the UE context.
  • the report from WLAN to 3GPP RAN node may also contain the WLAN MAC address (available in the AP after WLAN association) so that the 3GPP RAN node is capable of retrieving the UE context and identity of the UE that is transmitting over WLAN.
  • the UE reports its WLAN identity (e.g. WLAN MAC address) to the 3 GPP RAN in response to receiving a request message from the 3GPP RAN.
  • This may be an RRC message (e.g., a UEInformationRequest).
  • the UE reports its WLAN identity (e.g. WLAN MAC address) to the 3 GPP RAN in response to receiving a configuration for performing WLAN operation. This may be performing aggregation of traffic (e.g., LTE-WLAN aggregation). In other cases, the UE reports its WLAN identity (e.g., a WLAN MAC address) to the 3 GPP RAN in response to receiving a configuration for performing WLAN measurements.
  • WLAN identity e.g. WLAN MAC address
  • the UE reports its WLAN identity (e.g., a WLAN MAC address) to the 3 GPP RAN in response to receiving a configuration for performing WLAN measurements.
  • the reported WLAN identity in any of these cases may be a WLAN identity that the UE is currently applying. Alternatively, it may be a WLAN identity that the UE plans to apply at a later time, for example at a later time when the UE is configured to perform WLAN operation.
  • a common identity is reported on both systems and associated to the UE context in 3 GPP, so that when the report from WLAN to 3 GPP RAN node is received, the eNB is capable of retrieving the UE context and can identify the UE. Any of several possible
  • the WLAN AP may inform the 3GPP RAN of an identity for the UE. This may allow the 3 GPP RAN to know not only that a UE has connected to WLAN, but also which UE has connected. Possible identities include 3GPP cell radio network temporary identifier (C- RNTI), IMSI, WLAN MAC, IP address, an identifier common for the terminals 3 GPP and WLAN entity.
  • C- RNTI 3GPP cell radio network temporary identifier
  • IMSI 3GPP cell radio network temporary identifier
  • WLAN MAC IP address
  • IP address an identifier common for the terminals 3 GPP and WLAN entity.
  • a generic identity may also be included in the report.
  • This identity may be provided by the 3 GPP RAN node.
  • the 3GPP RAN node indicates the generic identity to the terminal and the terminal then indicates this to the WLAN AP (e.g., during the connection procedure).
  • the WLAN AP subsequently indicates this to the 3GPP RAN.
  • the benefit of the generic identity is that it can be terminal- specific and yet be applicable regardless of the terminal's state in 3GPP. This would not be the case for the C-RNTI, for example, since the C-RNTI, while it is terminal- specific in a 3GPP cell, is released when the terminal moves from CONNECTED to IDLE mode and hence is not applicable in IDLE mode.
  • the WLAN AP may include an identity relevant for the WLAN network in the report.
  • the 3GPP RAN node is not already aware of where the report comes from, i.e., from which WLAN AP the report comes, then including the WLAN network identity could help the 3GPP RAN to know from which WLAN AP the report comes and hence to which WLAN AP the terminal has connected.
  • the UE is adapted to report the 3GPP cell identity (e.g., the E-CGI) to the WLAN, e.g., during any steps of WLAN association/authentication.
  • the UE sends its 3GPP identity and any other relevant information (such as PLMN, 3GPP cell ID, etc.) to the WLAN during any steps of the authentication/association procedures.
  • the report described earlier may contain this identity, and the 3GPP RAN node is capable of identifying which UE is transmitting to the WLAN AP that sends the report.
  • the UE reports its WLAN identity (e.g., a WLAN MAC address) during any steps of the radio connection setup in 3GPP, and the 3GPP RAN node is then able to associate the WLAN identity with the UE context.
  • WLAN identity e.g., a WLAN MAC address
  • UEs/STAs may apply WLAN MAC randomization for privacy purposes.
  • WLAN MAC randomization MAC randomization
  • Apple's iOS® 8 feature for MAC address randomization which takes place every time a new connection is initiated.
  • MAC randomization for privacy protection can break the working of the interface between 3 GPP and WLAN networks to communicate terminal specific information. This is illustrated in Figure 4. As shown in the figure, the wireless terminal communicates its MAC address to the eNB (either during connection establishment or afterwards). After a while, the wireless terminal performs MAC randomization, based on some implementation- specific behavior, and connects to an AP using this MAC address. This MAC randomization may be periodic, for example, or triggered based on certain other events. When MAC randomization is performed at the wireless terminal, the eNB is aware of the old MAC address but not the new MAC address.
  • Described herein are techniques to assist the WLAN or 3GPP network in identifying a wireless terminal that has had, or will have, a change in its WLAN MAC address. For instance, in an example scenario, a wireless terminal is associated with and known by a first WLAN MAC address, perhaps through communications with the WLAN or 3GPP network. For security reasons, the wireless terminal performs WLAN MAC randomization to generate a second
  • the WLAN and/or 3 GPP network may not be able to send requests or responses to the wireless terminal, because it cannot identify the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • the networks only know the wireless terminal by the first WLAN MAC address.
  • the embodiments described herein provide for the networks to learn the second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal and identify the wireless terminal using the second WLAN MAC address.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a diagram of a wireless terminal, such as a user equipment 50, according to some embodiments, that can assist the networks by reporting the second WLAN MAC address, in some embodiments, or refraining from replacing the first WLAN MAC address with the second WLAN MAC address under certain circumstances.
  • the UE 50 may be considered to represent any wireless terminal that operates in a network, such as a UE in a cellular network or a station in a WLAN.
  • the UE 50 can be any type of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node or another UE over radio signals or other interfaces.
  • the UE 50 may also exemplify a radio communication device, a target device, a device-to-device (D2D) UE, a machine-type UE or UE capable of machine-to-machine communication (M2M), a sensor equipped with UE, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a wireless tablet, a mobile terminal, a smart phone, etc.
  • D2D device-to-device
  • M2M machine-type UE or UE capable of machine-to-machine communication
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • wireless tablet a mobile terminal
  • smart phone etc.
  • the UE 50 is configured to communicate with a radio node or base station in a wide-area cellular network and to communicate with an access point or other stations in a WLAN, via antennas 54 and a transceiver circuit 56.
  • the transceiver circuit 56 may include transmitter circuits, receiver circuits, and associated control circuits that are collectively configured to transmit and receive signals according to a radio access technology, for the purposes of providing Wi-Fi or cellular communication services.
  • the UE 50 also includes one or more processing circuits 52 that are operatively associated with the radio transceiver circuit 56.
  • the processing circuit 52 comprises one or more digital processing circuits, e.g., one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, Digital Signal
  • the processing circuit 52 may comprise fixed circuitry, or programmable circuitry that is specially adapted via the execution of program instructions implementing the functionality taught herein, or may comprise some mix of fixed and programmed circuitry.
  • the processing circuit 52 may be multi-core.
  • the processing circuit 52 also includes a memory 64.
  • the memory 64 stores one or more computer programs 66 and, optionally, configuration data 68.
  • the memory 64 provides non-transitory storage for the computer program 66 and it may comprise one or more types of computer-readable media, such as disk storage, solid-state memory storage, or any mix thereof.
  • “non-transitory” means permanent, semi-permanent, or at least temporarily persistent storage and encompasses both long-term storage in non-volatile memory and storage in working memory, e.g., for program execution.
  • the memory 64 comprises any one or more of SRAM, DRAM, EEPROM, and FLASH memory, which may be in the processing circuit 52 and/or separate from processing circuit 52.
  • the memory 64 comprises one or more types of computer-readable storage media providing non- transitory storage of the computer program 66 and any configuration data 68 used by the user equipment 50.
  • UE 50 can report a second WLAN MAC address, e.g., the outcome of WLAN MAC randomization, to the WLAN.
  • the processor 62 of the processor circuit 52 may execute a computer program 66 stored in the memory 64 that configures the processor 62 to operate in a cellular network or a WLAN and to, for example, report WLAN MAC addresses.
  • the processor 62 is configured to include a first WLAN MAC address of the UE 50 (which may be referred to hereafter as the wireless terminal), in one or more messages sent to the WLAN, generate a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address, and report, via the transceiver circuit 56, the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN to thereby assist the WLAN with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • generation of the second WLAN MAC address includes performing WLAN MAC randomization or some other operation that changes or masks an earlier WLAN MAC address or identity of the wireless terminal.
  • the first WLAN MAC address may be sent with the second WLAN MAC address, so as to assist the receiving entity with identifying the wireless terminal.
  • this may include an indication that the second WLAN MAC address has replaced the first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal as the identity of the wireless terminal.
  • This indication may be simply the fact that the two WLAN MAC addresses sent together in a message.
  • the indication may also be information in the same IE or in a separate IE of the same message.
  • the indication may also be provided in another message, or a new message not yet specified.
  • the above example describes the wireless terminal reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN.
  • the wireless terminal can also report the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular network, in some embodiments.
  • the processor 62 is thus configured, in some embodiments, to include a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the WLAN, generate a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address, and report, via the transceiver circuit 56, the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular network, to thereby assist the cellular network with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • the wireless terminal can also postpone WLAN MAC address changes, in some embodiments.
  • the processor 62 is configured, in some embodiments, to receive, via the transceiver circuit 56, a timer indication from the cellular network, start a timer responsive to the timer indication, and refrain from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address for the duration of the timer.
  • the wireless terminal may be configured to operate a timer, such as a timer T_random_ojf, that prevents generation or randomization of the WLAN MAC address, at least until expiration of the timer.
  • Timer indications may include configuration values that configure the timer, such as a length of the timer or conditions for the timer.
  • the timer indication may be the trigger to start the timer, perhaps for a certain time duration. The functionality of these embodiments may be performed at least by reporting circuitry 60 in processing circuit 52.
  • the wireless terminal may refrain from changing the WLAN MAC address while configured to perform WLAN operation, in some embodiments. According to particular embodiments, the UE may only consider certain types of WLAN operation such as when aggregating traffic over
  • WLAN and LTE or sending traffic to the cellular network via a tunnel where the tunnel may be an IP- or IPsec-tunnel which is at least partially over WLAN.
  • This refraining step may occur when using the feature "LTE-WLAN aggregation" or a feature based on IP-tunnels carried over WLAN, because the eNB must know the UE's WLAN MAC address for these features. So the eNB should, before starting "LTE-WLAN aggregation,” ask the UE to give its MAC address and then the UE shall not change the MAC address, or else these features may not work. However, if the eNB sends the request but actually never starts "LTE-WLAN aggregation,” then the UE shall be allowed to start MAC address changing/randomization after a certain time from the request.
  • the terminal may refrain from changing the WLAN MAC address for a time interval of length T, from when the terminal has provided its WLAN MAC address to the cellular network.
  • T may be a time from when the terminal has been requested to provide its WLAN MAC address to the cellular network.
  • the value may be pre- configured, for example specified in a specification. Alternatively, it may be configured by the cellular network. For example, the cellular network may provide the value T in the message used for requesting the WLAN MAC address, or an earlier message.
  • an eNodeB may configure the terminal to use WLAN before T expires.
  • the terminal is not allowed to change WLAN MAC address until T expires.
  • the terminal may stay connected to the WLAN after T expires, but that may depend on a specific terminal's implementation.
  • the terminal may change WLAN MAC address from the original one signaled to the eNB at any time.
  • the WLAN MAC address change may be triggered by one or more conditions, other than time/ ⁇ value, that depend on a specific terminal's implementation.
  • the wireless terminal determines that the wireless terminal is performing a first type of WLAN operation and refrains from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal while performing the first type of WLAN operation.
  • the wireless terminal generates a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal at a time when the wireless terminal is not performing the first type of WLAN operation, the second WLAN MAC address differing from the first WLAN MAC address.
  • the wireless terminal reports the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular network.
  • the first type of WLAN operation may comprise aggregating WLAN traffic and cellular network traffic, such as LTE traffic, in some embodiments.
  • the first type of WLAN operation may comprise sending traffic to the cellular network via a tunnel over WLAN.
  • the processing circuit 52 of UE 50 is configured to perform one or more methods for reporting WLAN MAC addresses or preventing a WLAN MAC address change, such as any combination of methods 600-800 of Figures 6-8 and methods 2300 and 2400 of Figures 23 and 24.
  • method 600 is a method in a wireless terminal configured for operation in a WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network that includes including a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the WLAN (block 602), generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address (block 604), and reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN to thereby assist the WLAN with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address (block 606).
  • the wireless terminal if the wireless terminal is in an idle mode with respect to the cellular network, the wireless terminal establishes a WLAN connection and provides the second (and maybe also the first) WLAN MAC address to the WLAN.
  • method 700 includes including a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages to the WLAN (block 702), generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address (block 704), and reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular network to thereby assist the cellular network with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address (block 706).
  • the reporting may include providing the second (and maybe first) WLAN MAC address in a new IE of an existing RRCE message, such as an RRC connection request. This may also include providing such information in a new RRC message.
  • the wireless terminal is associated with a first WLAN MAC address
  • a method 800 illustrated in Figure 8, includes receiving a timer indication from the cellular network (block 802), starting a timer responsive to the timer indication (block 804), and refraining from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address for the duration of the timer (block 806).
  • the wireless terminal indicates a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the cellular network (block 2302), and then refrains from generating a second WLAN MAC address for a configured time T after indicating the first WLAN MAC address in one or more messages sent to the cellular network (block 2304).
  • the time may be pre-configured, e.g., according to a specification, in some embodiments, or network-configured, i.e., according to a configuration message sent to the wireless terminal from the cellular network.
  • the wireless terminal subsequently generates a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address (block 2306), and reports the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular network (block 2308).
  • the wireless terminal indicates a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the cellular network, as shown at block 2402.
  • the wireless terminal determines that it is performing a first type of WLAN operation (block 2404), and refrains from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal while performing the first type of WLAN operation (block 2406).
  • the wireless terminal generates a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal at a time when the wireless terminal is not performing the first type of WLAN operation, the second WLAN MAC address differing from the first WLAN MAC address (block 2408).
  • this first type of WLAN operation may comprise aggregating WLAN traffic and cellular network traffic, such as LTE traffic, in some embodiments.
  • the first type of WLAN operation may comprise sending traffic to the cellular network via a tunnel over WLAN.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a diagram of a network access node 30, according to some embodiments.
  • the network access node 30 may be referred to as a node, network node or a radio network node.
  • Network access node 30 can be any kind of network access node, referred to by any of such terms asbase station, radio base station, base transceiver station, evolved Node B (eNodeB), Node B, relay node, access point, WLAN access point, radio access point, UltraDense Network (UDN)/Software Defined Network (SDN) radio access node, Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Remote Radio Head (RRH), etc.
  • the network access node 30 will be described as operating as a cellular network node.
  • the network access node 30 will be described as operating as a WLAN access point.
  • the network node 30 facilitates communication between wireless terminals, other network access nodes and/or the core network.
  • the network access node 30 includes a communication interface circuit 38 that includes circuitry for communicating with other nodes in the core network (e.g., in the case of a network node that is part of a cellular communications network), other radio nodes, and/or other types of nodes in the network, for the purposes of providing data, WLAN and/or cellular communication services.
  • the network access node 30 uses the
  • the communication interface circuit 38 to communicate with wireless terminals, such as with antennas 34 and a transceiver circuit 36, which may be considered part of the communication interface circuit 38 for ease of discussion.
  • the transceiver circuit 36 may include transmitter circuits, receiver circuits, and associated control circuits that are collectively configured to transmit and receive signals according to a radio access technology, for the purposes of providing WLAN and/or cellular communication services.
  • the communication interface circuit 38 is configured to communicate with the cellular network and/or the WLAN using signals and/or interfaces that are setup between a cellular network and a WLAN.
  • the network access node 30 also includes one or more processing circuits 32 that are operatively associated with the communication interface circuit 38.
  • the network access node 30 uses the communication interface circuit 38 to communicate with network nodes and the transceiver 36 to communicate with user equipments.
  • the one or more processing circuits 32 are referred to hereafter as "the processing circuit 32."
  • the processing circuit 32 comprises one or more digital processors 42, e.g., one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, Digital Signal Processors or DSPs, Field Programmable Gate Arrays or FPGAs, Complex
  • the processing circuit 32 may comprise fixed circuitry, or programmable circuitry that is specially configured via the execution of program instructions implementing the functionality taught herein, or may comprise some mix of fixed and programmed circuitry.
  • the processor 42 may be multi-core, i.e., having two or more processor cores utilized for enhanced performance, reduced power consumption, and more efficient simultaneous processing of multiple tasks.
  • the processing circuit 32 also includes a memory 44.
  • the memory 44 stores one or more computer programs 46 and, optionally, configuration data 48.
  • the memory 44 provides non-transitory storage for the computer program 46 and it may comprise one or more types of computer-readable media, such as disk storage, solid-state memory storage, or any mix thereof.
  • the memory 44 comprises any one or more of SRAM, DRAM, EEPROM, and FLASH memory, which may be in the processing circuit 32 and/or separate from the processing circuit 32.
  • the memory 44 comprises one or more types of computer-readable storage media providing non-transitory storage of the computer program 46 and any configuration data 48 used by the network access node 30.
  • Processing circuitry 32 is configured to identify a wireless terminal using WLAN MAC addresses, notify other entities of WLAN MAC addresses for the wireless terminal, and/or postpone the change of a WLAN MAC address for a wireless terminal.
  • the processor 42 of the processing circuit 32 of network access node 30 may execute a computer program 46 stored in the memory 44 that configures the processor 42 to operate the network access node 30 as a wide-area cellular network node that serves a wireless terminal configured for operation in both the cellular network and in a WLAN.
  • the wireless terminal may be associated with a first WLAN MAC address.
  • the processor 42 is configured to receive, via the communication interface circuit 38, a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address, and identify the wireless terminal based on the second WLAN MAC address.
  • the network access node 30, acting as a cellular network node receives the second WLAN MAC address from a wireless terminal.
  • the cellular network node receives the second WLAN MAC address from the WLAN.
  • the cellular network node checks to see if it is currently serving the wireless terminal, or has recently served the wireless terminal, using the old WLAN MAC address. If so, it will replace the first WLAN MAC address with the second WLAN MAC address with respect to the identity of the wireless terminal stored at the cellular network node. If, on the other hand, no such wireless terminal is found, the report of the second WLAN MAC address is ignored or is returned with an error message.
  • the cellular network node upon receiving the second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal, the cellular network node will respond to messages or requests for the wireless terminal with either the first and/or second known WLAN MAC addresses for the wireless terminal. For example, if a request is addressed to a wireless terminal with the old WLAN MAC address, the cellular network node will respond based on information associated with any wireless terminal associated with the new, second WLAN MAC address.
  • the processor 42 is configured to determine that a first WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal has been replaced by a second WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal, and report the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN, via the communication interface, to thereby assist the WLAN with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • This reporting may take place using signals or an interface set up between the cellular network node and the WLAN, such as with a WLAN access point or AC.
  • the processor 42 is configured to determine to send a timer value to direct the wireless terminal to refrain from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address during a duration of a timer, and send, via the communication interface circuit 38, the timer value to the wireless terminal responsive to the determination to send the timer value.
  • the structure and functionality of these embodiments may be referred to as identification circuitry 40 in the processing circuit 32.
  • the processing circuit 32 is configured to perform a method for identifying a wireless terminal, such as any combination of respective methods 1000-1200.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a method 1000 that includes receiving a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address (block 1002), and identifying the wireless terminal based on the second WLAN MAC address (block 1004).
  • Figure 11 illustrates a method 1100 that includes determining that a first WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal has been replaced by a second WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal (block 1102), and reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN to thereby assist the WLAN with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address (block 1104).
  • Figure 12 illustrates a method 1200 that includes determining to send a timer value to direct the wireless terminal to refrain from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address during a duration of a timer (block 1202), and sending the timer value to the wireless terminal responsive to the determination to send the timer value (block 1204).
  • the network access node 30 will be described as operating as a WLAN access point.
  • the processor 42 of the processing circuit 32 of network access node 30 may execute a computer program 46 stored in the memory 44 that configures the processor 42 to operate the network access node 30 as a WLAN access point that serves a wireless terminal configured for operation in both the cellular network and in a WLAN.
  • the wireless terminal may be associated with a first WLAN MAC address.
  • the processor 42 is configured to receive, via the communication interface circuit 38, a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages from the wireless terminal, receive, via the communication interface 38, a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address, and identify the wireless terminal based on the second WLAN MAC address.
  • the access point may replace the old WLAN MAC address with the second WLAN MAC address as the known identity of the wireless terminal, as stored at the access point.
  • the access point may also respond to messages or requests for the old WLAN MAC address, by taking action based on information for the wireless terminal associated with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • processor 42 is configured to determine that a first WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal has been replaced by a second WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal, and report, via the communication interface, the second WLAN MAC address to one or more neighboring cellular network nodes to thereby assist the one or more neighboring cellular network nodes with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address. This reporting may be similar to what was described above for the cellular network node, such as over cellular network/WLAN interfaces.
  • the processing circuit 32 is configured to perform a method for identifying a wireless terminal, such as any combination of respective methods 1300 and 1400.
  • Figure 13 illustrates a method 1300 that includes receiving a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages from the wireless terminal (block 1302), receiving a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address (block 1304), and identifying the wireless terminal based on the second WLAN MAC address (block 1306).
  • Figure 14 illustrates a method 1400 that includes determining that a first WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal has been replaced by a second WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal (1402), and reporting the second WLAN MAC address to one or more neighboring cellular network nodes to thereby assist the one or more neighboring cellular network nodes with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address (1404).
  • Figure 15 illustrates an example functional module or circuit architecture as may be implemented in a wireless terminal, such as UE 50 based on the reporting circuitry 60.
  • the illustrated embodiment at least functionally includes an including module 1502 for including a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the WLAN.
  • the embodiment also includes a generating module 1504 for generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address.
  • the embodiment includes a reporting module 1506 for reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN to thereby assist the WLAN with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • Figure 16 illustrates another example functional module or circuit architecture as may be implemented in a wireless terminal, such as UE 50 based on the reporting circuitry 60.
  • the illustrated embodiment at least functionally includes an including module 1602 for including a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the WLAN.
  • the embodiment also includes a generating module 1604 for generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address.
  • the embodiment includes a reporting module 1606 for reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN to thereby assist the WLAN with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • Figure 17 illustrates another example functional module or circuit architecture as may be implemented in a wireless terminal, such as UE 50 based on the reporting circuitry 60.
  • the illustrated embodiment at least functionally includes a receiving module 1702 for receiving a timer indication from the cellular network.
  • the embodiment includes a starting module 1704 for starting a timer responsive to the timer indication.
  • the embodiment also includes a refraining module 1706 for refraining from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address for the duration of the timer.
  • Figure 18 illustrates an example functional module or circuit architecture as may be implemented in a network access node that serves a wireless terminal configured for operation in a WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network, such as network access node 30 based on the identification circuitry 40 and configured to operate as a network node of the cellular network.
  • the wireless terminal may be associated with a first WLAN MAC address.
  • the illustrated embodiment at least functionally includes a receiving module 1802 for receiving a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address.
  • the embodiment includes an identifying module 1804 for identifying the wireless terminal based on the second WLAN MAC address.
  • Figure 19 illustrates another example functional module or circuit architecture as may be implemented in a network access node configured to operate as a network node of the cellular network.
  • the illustrated embodiment at least functionally includes a determining module 1902 for determining that a first WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal has been replaced by a second WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal.
  • the embodiment also includes a reporting module 1904 for reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN to thereby assist the WLAN with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • Figure 20 illustrates another example functional module or circuit architecture as may be implemented in a network access node configured to operate as a network node of the cellular network.
  • the illustrated embodiment at least functionally includes a determining module 2002 for determining to send a timer value to direct the wireless terminal to refrain from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address during a duration of a timer.
  • the embodiment also includes a sending module 2004 for sending the timer value to the wireless terminal responsive to the determination to send the timer value.
  • Figure 21 illustrates an example functional module or circuit architecture as may be implemented in a network access node that serves a wireless terminal configured for operation in a WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network, such as network access node 30 based on the identification circuitry 40 and configured to operate as an access point of the WLAN.
  • the wireless terminal may be associated with a first WLAN MAC address.
  • the illustrated embodiment at least functionally includes a receiving module 2102 for receiving a first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages from the wireless terminal.
  • the embodiment also includes a receiving module 2104 for receiving a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal different than the first WLAN MAC address.
  • the embodiment also includes an identifying module 2106 for identifying the wireless terminal based on the second WLAN MAC address.
  • Figure 22 illustrates another example functional module or circuit architecture as may be implemented in a network access node configured to operate as an access point of the WLAN.
  • the illustrated embodiment at least functionally includes a determining module 2202 for determining that a first WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal has been replaced by a second WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal.
  • the embodiment also includes a reporting module 2204 for reporting the second WLAN MAC address to one or more neighboring cellular network nodes to thereby assist the one or more neighboring cellular network nodes with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • reports and updates from the UE/STA, 3GPP network and/or the WLAN can help to solve the ambiguity that may exist in UE identification on both WLAN and 3 GPP networks when WLAN MAC randomization occurs.
  • reporting the second WLAN MAC address comprises indicating to the WLAN that the second WLAN MAC address has replaced the first WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal.
  • generating the second WLAN MAC address comprises performing WLAN MAC randomization.
  • reporting the second WLAN MAC address comprises, when the wireless terminal is in an idle mode in the cellular network:
  • a method in a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and in a wide-area cellular network, comprising:
  • MAC media access control
  • reporting the second WLAN MAC address comprises indicating that the second WLAN MAC address has replaced the first WLAN MAC address as an identity of the wireless terminal.
  • reporting the second WLAN MAC address comprises, when the wireless terminal is in a connected mode in the cellular network, reporting the second WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal to the cellular network via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.
  • RRC Radio Resource Control
  • reporting the second WLAN MAC address comprises, when the wireless terminal is in an idle mode in the cellular network:
  • RRC Radio Resource Control
  • a method in a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and in a wide-area cellular network, wherein the wireless terminal is associated with a first WLAN media access control (MAC) address, the method comprising:
  • refraining from generating the second WLAN MAC address comprises refraining from performing WLAN MAC randomization.
  • a method in a network node of a wide-area cellular network configured to serve a wireless terminal configured for operation in both the cellular network and in a wireless local area network (WLAN), for determining the identity of the wireless terminal associated with a first WLAN media access control (MAC) address, comprising:
  • receiving the second WLAN MAC address comprises receiving the second WLAN MAC address via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the wireless terminal.
  • RRC Radio Resource Control
  • receiving the second WLAN MAC address comprises receiving the second WLAN MAC address in a message from the WLAN.
  • receiving the second WLAN MAC address comprises receiving an indication that the second WLAN MAC address has replaced the first WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal.
  • a method in a network node of a wide-area cellular network configured to serve a wireless terminal configured for operation in both the cellular network and in a wireless local area network (WLAN), comprising:
  • reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN comprises indicating to the WLAN that the second WLAN MAC address has replaced the first WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal.
  • reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN further comprises reporting the first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal to the WLAN.
  • a method in a network node of a wide-area cellular network configured to serve a wireless terminal configured for operation in both the cellular network and in a wireless local area network (WLAN), for determining the identity of the wireless terminal associated with a first WLAN media access control (MAC) address, comprising:
  • reporting the second WLAN MAC address comprises indicating to the one or more neighboring cellular network nodes that the second WLAN MAC address has replaced the first WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal.
  • reporting the second WLAN MAC address further comprises reporting the first WLAN MAC address of the wireless terminal to the one or more neighboring cellular network nodes.
  • a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and in a wide-area cellular network, comprising:
  • transceiver configured to send and receive communications in the WLAN and in the cellular network
  • a processing circuit configured to:
  • the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN to thereby assist the WLAN with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • the wireless terminal of embodiment 29, wherein the processing circuit is configured to generate the second WLAN MAC address by performing WLAN MAC randomization.
  • the processing circuit is configured to, when the wireless terminal is in an idle mode in the cellular network:
  • a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and in a wide-area cellular network, comprising:
  • transceiver configured to send and receive communications in the WLAN and in the cellular network
  • a processing circuit configured to:
  • the wireless terminal of embodiment 33 wherein the processing circuit is configured to indicate to the cellular network, via the transceiver, that the second WLAN MAC address has replaced the first WLAN MAC address as an identity of the wireless terminal. 35. The wireless terminal of embodiment 33, wherein the processing circuit is configured to generate the second WLAN MAC address by performing perform WLAN MAC randomization.
  • RRC Radio Resource Control
  • a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and in a wide-area cellular network, wherein the wireless terminal is associated with a first WLAN media access control (MAC) address, the method comprising:
  • transceiver configured to send and receive communications in the WLAN and in the cellular network
  • a processing circuit configured to:
  • a network node of a wide-area cellular network configured to serve a wireless terminal configured for operation in both the cellular network and in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the wireless terminal is associated with a first WLAN media access control (MAC) address, comprising:
  • a communication interface configured to communicate with the wireless terminal, the cellular network and the WLAN;
  • a processing circuit configured to:
  • the network node of embodiment 41 wherein the processing circuit is configured to receive, via the communication interface, the second WLAN MAC address in a message from the WLAN.
  • the processing circuit is configured to receive, via the communication interface, an indication that the second WLAN MAC address has replaced the first WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal.
  • the network node of embodiment 41 wherein the processing circuit is configured to, responsive to determining that the cellular network node is currently serving the wireless terminal identified by the first WLAN MAC address, replace the first WLAN MAC address with the second WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal stored by the network node. 46. The network node of embodiment 41, wherein the processing circuit is configured to, responsive to receiving a message directed to the first WLAN MAC address, take action based on information related to the wireless terminal employing the second WLAN MAC address.
  • a network node of a wide-area cellular network configured to serve a wireless terminal configured for operation in both the cellular network and in a wireless local area network (WLAN), comprising:
  • a communication interface configured to communicate with the wireless terminal, the cellular network and the WLAN;
  • a processing circuit configured to:
  • wireless terminal has been replaced by a second WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal
  • a network node of a wide-area cellular network configured to serve a wireless terminal configured for operation in both the cellular network and in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the wireless terminal is associated with a first WLAN media access control (MAC) address, the network node comprising:
  • a communication interface configured to communicate with the wireless terminal, the cellular network and the WLAN;
  • a processing circuit configured to:
  • An access point of a wireless local area network (WLAN) configured to serve a wireless terminal configured for operation in the WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network, comprising: a communication interface configured to communicate with the wireless terminal, the cellular network and the WLAN; and
  • WLAN wireless local area network
  • a processing circuit configured to:
  • MAC address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages from the wireless terminal
  • An access point of a wireless local area network configured to serve a wireless terminal configured for operation in the WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network, comprising: a communication interface configured to communicate with the wireless terminal, the cellular network and the WLAN; and
  • a processing circuit configured to:
  • wireless terminal has been replaced by a second WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal
  • the second WLAN MAC address to one or more neighboring cellular network nodes to thereby assist the one or more neighboring cellular network nodes with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • the processing circuit is configured to indicate to the one or more neighboring cellular network nodes, via the communication interface, that the second WLAN MAC address has replaced the first WLAN MAC address as the identity of the wireless terminal.
  • a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a computer program comprising program instructions that, when executed on a processing circuit of a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and in a wide-area cellular network, cause the wireless terminal to:
  • WLAN wireless local area network
  • MAC media access control
  • the second WLAN MAC address to the WLAN to thereby assist the WLAN with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a computer program comprising program instructions that, when executed on a processing circuit of a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and in a wide-area cellular network, cause the wireless terminal to:
  • WLAN wireless local area network
  • MAC media access control
  • a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a computer program comprising program instructions that, when executed on a processing circuit of a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and in a wide-area cellular network, the wireless terminal associated with a first WLAN media access control (MAC) address, cause the wireless terminal to:
  • WLAN wireless local area network
  • MAC media access control
  • a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a computer program comprising program instructions that, when executed on a processing circuit of a network node of a wide-area cellular network serving a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and in a wide-area cellular network, the wireless terminal associated with a first WLAN media access control (MAC) address, cause the network node to:
  • WLAN wireless local area network
  • MAC media access control
  • a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a computer program comprising program instructions that, when executed on a processing circuit of a network node of a wide-area cellular network serving a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and in a wide-area cellular network, cause the network node to: determine that a first WLAN media access control (MAC) address for the wireless
  • WLAN wireless local area network
  • MAC media access control
  • a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a computer program comprising program instructions that, when executed on a processing circuit of a network node of a wide-area cellular network serving a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and in a wide-area cellular network, the wireless terminal associated with a first WLAN media access control (MAC) address, cause the network node to:
  • WLAN wireless local area network
  • MAC media access control
  • a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a computer program comprising program instructions that, when executed on a processing circuit of an access point of a wireless local area network (WLAN) serving a wireless terminal configured for operation in the WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network, cause the access point to:
  • WLAN wireless local area network
  • a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a computer program comprising program instructions that, when executed on a processing circuit of an access point of a wireless local area network (WLAN) serving a wireless terminal configured for operation in the WLAN and in a wide-area cellular network, cause the access point to:
  • WLAN wireless local area network
  • the second WLAN MAC address to one or more neighboring cellular network nodes to thereby assist the one or more neighboring cellular network nodes with identifying the wireless terminal with the second WLAN MAC address.
  • a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processing circuit, cause the at least one processing circuit to carry out the method according to any one of example embodiments 1 to 28.
  • the first type of WLAN operation is aggregation of WLAN and LTE traffic (e.g. LTE-WLAN aggregation), and the second type of operation is another type.
  • the first type of WLAN operation comprises aggregating WLAN traffic and cellular network traffic.
  • the cellular network traffic is LTE traffic.
  • a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network, WLAN, and in a wide-area cellular network, the wireless terminal comprising:
  • transceiver configured to send and receive communications in the WLAN and in the cellular network
  • a processing circuit configured to:
  • a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network, WLAN, and in a wide-area cellular network, the wireless terminal comprising:
  • transceiver configured to send and receive communications in the WLAN and in the cellular network
  • a processing circuit configured to:
  • the wireless terminal according to embodiment 82 or 83, wherein the first type of WLAN operation comprises aggregating WLAN traffic and cellular network traffic.
  • the wireless terminal according to embodiment 82 or 83, wherein the first type of WLAN operation comprises sending traffic to the cellular network via a tunnel over WLAN.
  • WLAN MAC address is performed while the wireless terminal is operating in the WLAN but not while performing the first type of WLAN operation.
  • the wireless terminal according to embodiment 88 or 89, wherein the first type of WLAN operation comprises aggregating WLAN traffic and cellular network traffic.
  • the wireless terminal according to embodiment 90 wherein the cellular network traffic is LTE traffic.
  • the wireless terminal according to embodiment 88 or 89, wherein the first type of WLAN operation comprises sending traffic to the cellular network via a tunnel over WLAN.
  • a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network, WLAN, and in a wide-area cellular network, the wireless terminal comprising: an indicating module for indicating a first WLAN media access control, MAC, address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the cellular network;
  • a refraining module for refraining from generating a second WLAN MAC address for a configured time T after indicating the first WLAN MAC address in one or more messages sent to the cellular network
  • a generating module for generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless
  • a reporting module for reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular
  • a wireless terminal configured for operation in a wireless local area network, WLAN, and in a wide-area cellular network, the wireless terminal comprising: an indicating module for indicating a first WLAN media access control, MAC, address of the wireless terminal in one or more messages sent to the cellular network;
  • a determining module for determining that the wireless terminal is performing a first type of WLAN operation
  • a refraining module for refraining from generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless terminal while performing the first type of WLAN operation
  • a generating module for generating a second WLAN MAC address for the wireless
  • the second WLAN MAC address differing from the first WLAN MAC address
  • a reporting module for reporting the second WLAN MAC address to the cellular
  • the modules of embodiments 93 and 94 may be implemented as one or more computer programs stored in memory (e.g. memory 64 of Figure 5) for execution by one or more processors (e.g. processor(s) 62 of Figure 5) of the wireless device.
  • memory e.g. memory 64 of Figure 5
  • processors e.g. processor(s) 62 of Figure 5

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

Selon un mode de réalisation donné à titre d'exemple, un terminal sans fil, conçu pour fonctionner dans un réseau WLAN et dans un réseau cellulaire étendu, comporte (702) une première adresse MAC de réseau WLAN du terminal sans fil dans un ou plusieurs messages envoyés au réseau WLAN. Le terminal sans fil génère (704) une seconde adresse MAC de réseau WLAN pour le terminal sans fil, différente de la première adresse MAC de réseau WLAN, et signale (706) au réseau cellulaire la seconde adresse MAC de réseau WLAN. Selon d'autres modes de réalisation donnés à titre d'exemple, le terminal sans fil s'abstient de générer la seconde adresse MAC de réseau WLAN pendant certains laps de temps ou pendant qu'il effectue un certain type d'opération de réseau WLAN. Selon encore d'autres mode de réalisation donnés à titre d'exemple, un nœud de réseau détermine que la première adresse MAC de réseau WLAN pour le terminal sans fil a été remplacée par une seconde adresse MAC de réseau WLAN et signale au réseau WLAN la seconde adresse MAC de réseau WLAN.
PCT/SE2016/050647 2015-07-02 2016-06-28 Identification de dispositif dans des réseaux wlan et cellulaires étendus en interfonctionnement WO2017003357A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562187888P 2015-07-02 2015-07-02
US62/187,888 2015-07-02
US201662320960P 2016-04-11 2016-04-11
US62/320,960 2016-04-11

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017003357A1 true WO2017003357A1 (fr) 2017-01-05

Family

ID=56561407

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE2016/050647 WO2017003357A1 (fr) 2015-07-02 2016-06-28 Identification de dispositif dans des réseaux wlan et cellulaires étendus en interfonctionnement

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2017003357A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023143809A1 (fr) * 2022-01-27 2023-08-03 British Telecommunications Public Limited Company Procédé d'exploitation d'un réseau de télécommunication
GB2615576A (en) * 2022-02-11 2023-08-16 Canon Kk Method for seamlessly changing a value of an extended unique identifier of a non-AP station associated with an AP station

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"LTE; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN); Overall description; Stage 2 (3GPP TS 36.300 version 12.4.0 Release 12)", TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION, EUROPEAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS INSTITUTE (ETSI), 650, ROUTE DES LUCIOLES ; F-06921 SOPHIA-ANTIPOLIS ; FRANCE, vol. 3GPP RAN 2, no. V12.4.0, 1 February 2015 (2015-02-01), XP014248552 *
ERICSSON ET AL: "Considerations on UE Identifiers between eNB and WLAN", vol. RAN WG3, no. Athens, Greece; 20150209 - 20150213, 8 February 2015 (2015-02-08), XP050937075, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Meetings_3GPP_SYNC/RAN3/Docs/> [retrieved on 20150208] *
ERICSSON: "Sharing UE WLAN MAC Address Toward eNB", vol. RAN WG3, no. Fukuoka, Japan; 20150525 - 20150529, 24 May 2015 (2015-05-24), XP050968766, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Meetings_3GPP_SYNC/RAN3/Docs/> [retrieved on 20150524] *

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023143809A1 (fr) * 2022-01-27 2023-08-03 British Telecommunications Public Limited Company Procédé d'exploitation d'un réseau de télécommunication
GB2617816A (en) * 2022-01-27 2023-10-25 British Telecomm Method of operating a telecommunications network
GB2615576A (en) * 2022-02-11 2023-08-16 Canon Kk Method for seamlessly changing a value of an extended unique identifier of a non-AP station associated with an AP station
GB2615576B (en) * 2022-02-11 2024-04-24 Canon Kk Method for seamlessly changing a value of an extended unique identifier of a non-AP station associated with an AP station

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10194357B2 (en) Method and apparatus for applying assistance information for traffic steering in wireless communication system
US9813865B2 (en) Network-initiated control method and apparatus for providing proximity service
JP5864750B2 (ja) 異なる無線アクセス技術に属するコンポーネントキャリアのリソースにアクセスするために移動局において非アクセス層の手順を使用するための方法および装置
JP6392334B2 (ja) 無線通信システムにおけるd2d動作のための指示子を送信する方法及び装置
KR102071483B1 (ko) 트래픽 오프로딩을 위한 시스템, 방법 및 디바이스
JP6389263B2 (ja) セル間でのモビリティ及び/又はアクセス選択のステアリング
US10660022B2 (en) Method and user equipment for requesting connection to network
EP2983413B1 (fr) Procédé de recherche de station de base au sein d&#39;une pluralité de systèmes de communication et appareil associé
CN106664596B (zh) 在无线通信系统中执行用于wlan互通的接入控制的方法和装置
US20160373952A1 (en) Method of supporting communication using two or more radio access technologies and apparatus for same
WO2014137169A1 (fr) Procédé et appareil permettant de traiter un échec d&#39;orientation de trafic dans un système de communication sans fil
US20180124676A1 (en) Terminal, Base Station, Cell Access Method, and Data Transmission Method
US10356705B2 (en) Method for location area update in multi-rat environment and method for transmitting/receiving paging information
JP2016521514A (ja) 近接サービス実行方法及びそのための装置
KR20140110853A (ko) 무선 통신 시스템에서 근접 서비스 제공 방법 및 장치
TW201412159A (zh) 行動通訊裝置、電信網路、及資料流量卸載方法
JP2017519424A (ja) 無線通信システムにおけるキャリアアグリゲーションと二重接続のためのトラフィックステアリングを行う方法及び装置
US20180176842A1 (en) Connection Attempt to Alternative Access Upon Connection Attempt Rejection
US20180338268A1 (en) Method and apparatus for performing application category based traffic steering in wireless communication system
US20160219480A1 (en) Methods, network nodes and user equipments for controlling ip flow mobility in a communication network
CN105027620B (zh) 切换的方法、用户设备、基站和接入点
US9462541B2 (en) Method for enhanced access selection for a user equipment in a cellular telecommunications network, telecommunications network, and system for enhanced access selection of a user equipment
JP6153673B2 (ja) 基地局及び通信装置
WO2015065267A1 (fr) Procédés et appareils pour une intégration de wifi/3gpp fondée sur une politique
JP2016529818A (ja) ユーザ装置のための異なる無線アクセスネットワーク間の相互作用

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 16745871

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 16745871

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

点击 这是indexloc提供的php浏览器服务,不要输入任何密码和下载