Radio access network node with IP interface
AssigneeAT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
InventorMoshiur Rahman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed to directly connect a node of a Radio Access Network (RAN) with an Internet Protocol (IP) network. The node is provided with an interface to a broadband local loop network. Access to the local loop network or last mile enables the node to communicate directly with an IP network, including an IP Multimedia System (IMS) core. The node need not access a packet-switched core network via a controller. Embodiments include a Node B with an IP interface in a UMTS system and a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) with an IP interface in a GSM system.
Claims16
A node in a Radio Access Network (RAN), comprising:
- a transceiver;
- an antenna coupled to the transceiver, the antenna receiving signals from a mobile device;
- a processor in communication with the transceiver;
- an interface to a controller, the controller being in communication with a cellular network;
- a memory in communication with the processor;
- and
- an Internet Protocol (IP) interface in communication with the processor;
- the IP interface providing the node with access to an IP network;
- wherein the IP network includes an IP Multimedia System (IMS) network;
- and
- wherein a plurality of gateways in communication with the node enable communication between the controller and the IMS network;
- wherein the IP interface communicates with an edge router on a broadband network;
- wherein the broadband network is a wireless local loop;
- wherein the edge router enables communication between the node and the IMS network;
- wherein a data packet destined for the IMS network is transmitted to the IMS network via the IP interface to the wireless local loop.
A system for communicating with an IP Multimedia System (IMS) network, the system comprising:
- a node within a Radio Access Network (RAN), the node including an antenna to receive signals from a mobile device, and an interface to communicate with a wireless local loop;
- a controller in communication with the node;
- a plurality of gateways in communication with the node, the plurality of gateways enabling communication between the controller and the IMS network;
- and
- an edge router on the wireless local loop, the edge router enabling communication between the node and the IMS network;
- wherein a data packet destined for the IMS network is transmitted to the IMS network via the interface to the wireless local loop.
A method for communicating with an IP Multimedia System (IMS) network, the method comprising:
- receiving a data packet from a mobile device across a wireless network;
- determining that the data packet is destined for the IP Multimedia System (IMS) network;
- determining that a controller in communication with a gateway is unavailable, the gateway being part of a packet-switched (PS) core network;
- and
- forwarding the data packet to a wireless local loop network;
- wherein the wireless local loop network is in communication with the IMS network.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.