Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Multiple computer communication using cryptography – Protection at a particular protocol layer
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-23
2001-08-14
Trammell, James P. (Department: 2161)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Multiple computer communication using cryptography
Protection at a particular protocol layer
C455S426100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06275943
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a procedure for carrying out checking functions related to safety management during call setup in a mobile communication network or in a wireless local network.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
During call setup in a mobile communication network and/or in a wireless local network, various checking functions relating to network safety management are carried out. These checking functions are designed to prevent unauthorised network access for users not entitled to use the network, and to prevent the use of e.g. a mobile station that has been reported lost. Such checking functions are performed during call setup normally by means of a data processing apparatus used for operation control, located in a mobile communication switching centre and/or in the access node of a wireless local network. The problem is that such checking functions take up call setup time. The heavier the load on the data processing apparatus, the more the call setup is retarded. Slow call setup again is unpleasant for the user. Especially in the case of a wireless local network (WLL), fast setup of outgoing calls is important.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks described above.
A specific object of the invention is to present a procedure that enables the call setup speed to be kept within reasonable limits in conditions of a high level of occupancy, yet without substantially impairing network safety.
In the procedure of the invention, information about the occupancy of a data processing apparatus implementing checking functions in a network element, such as a mobile communication switching centre and/or the access node of a wireless local network, is continuously determined, the frequency of execution of the checking functions is adjusted based on the occupancy information thus determined, and checking functions are carried out on calls according to the checking frequency defined for the respective degree of occupancy.
The invention has the advantage that the procedure allows a workable and self-adjusting compromise between call setup speed and safety. In spite of a high degree of occupancy of the data processing apparatus performing checking functions, the call setup time will not substantially exceed the normal setup time because some calls are passed through without a safety check. However, safety is not substantially impaired as it is very unlikely for the next calls from the same user's mobile station to be passed through unchecked, because the degree of occupancy determining the checking frequency varies continuously.
In an embodiment of the invention, when the degree of occupancy is lower than a predetermined limit, the checking functions are carried out at a specified high checking frequency. In conditions of low occupancy, every call, or 100% of the calls, could be checked.
In an embodiment of the procedure, when the degree of occupancy is higher than a predetermined limit, the checking functions are carried out at a specified low checking frequency. In conditions of high occupancy, a definition can be made to the effect that e.g. only 5% of the calls are checked.
In an embodiment of the procedure, the limits are parameters that can be changed by the network operator.
In an embodiment of the procedure, the checking function for which the checking frequency is adjusted is authentication or the checking of the right of access, wherein the subscriber data for the mobile station are verified during call setup and possible illicit network access is denied.
In an embodiment of the procedure, the checking function for which the checking frequency is adjusted is an equipment identity check, wherein the equipment identity code sent by the mobile station is checked during call setup by comparing it with a register of equipment identity codes for mobile stations reported stolen and/or defective.
In an embodiment of the procedure, the equipment identity check is verification of the IMEI code. IMEI is an international mobile station equipment identity code, which enables the mobile station to be unambiguously identified. E.g. in the GSM system, the IMEI code is a 15-digit number and it is divided into a 6-digit type approval code (TAC), a 2-digit assembly code (FAC) identifying the assembling factory, a 6-digit serial number and a 1-digit reserve number.
In an embodiment of the procedure, the mobile communication network is a GSM/DCS mobile communication network. GSM is a European digital mobile communication system (GSM, Global System for Mobile Communications). DCS (Digital Cellular System) is a mobile communication system standardized by the ETSI and based on the GSM specification, aimed at a more effective use of microcells; e.g. DCS-1800 works in a frequency range of 1800 MHz.
In an embodiment of the procedure, the wireless local network is a so-called WLL (Wireless Local Loop) network. In a WLL network, the subscriber's station is connected via a radio link to an access node or WLL controller. The WLL system may be based e.g. on technology used in a mobile communication system, such as the GSM/DCS-1800 technology. Between the subscriber's station and the access node there is a base transceiver station, through which call signals sent by the terminal device over a radio channel are transmitted via the access node to a public telephone network and vice versa. The access node or WLL controller can be connected to the telephone exchange using e.g. the V5.1 or V5.2 protocol consistent with the ETSI standards.
In an embodiment of the procedure, identity data left unchecked because of high occupancy are stored for possible later checking.
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Paananen Kirsi
Pentikainen Heimo
Simonen Kirsi-Marjut
Suutari Jyrki
Altera Law Group LLC
Elisca Pierre E.
Nokia Networks Oy
Trammell James P.
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