Abstract: An SAE/LTE or 4G cellular telecommunications network is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eNodeBs 5 and a network core 3. A plurality of mobile telecommunications devices 1 are registered with the network and communicate with the network core 3 via the eNodeBs 5. A joining relay 20 and at least one other relay 22 is provided between the eNodeB 5 and the mobile telecommunications device 1 to extend the radio coverage provided by the eNodeB 5. The joining relay 20 analyses the characteristics of the path between the joining relay and the eNodeB 5 and selectively changes the path to optimise the path.

Abstract: A system and method for restricting public access to a mobile telecommunications network in order to prevent congestion. The system and method are particularly useful in situations where the number of end users exceeds, or is likely to exceed, network capacity, for example in emergency situations or for large public gatherings, such as sporting events or New Years Eve celebrations. The system and method disclosed uses filtering by network elements, such as the base stations and MSCs. In particular the system and method can filter low data messages, such as SMS, from more demanding services, such as voice calls, so that all low data messages are transmitted, while the more demanding services are terminated, unless special conditions are met.

Abstract: A mobile radio communication system and method of initiating a circuit-switched service at a mobile station over a System Architecture Evolution (SAE) core network using packet-switched communications between the mobile station and the SAE core network is provided. The method includes communicating service handling information between a Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) and the mobile station through a Mobility Management Entity (MME) of the SAE core network; sending instructions from the MSC for setting up the circuit-switched service through a Media Gateway, coupled to at least one network external to the SAE core network; providing packet-switched addressing information for the Media Gateway to the mobile station; and initiating the circuit-switched service at the mobile station over the SAE core network and through the Media Gateway.

Abstract: A mobile telecommunications network includes a core and a radio access network having radio means for wireless communication with mobile terminals registered with the network, wherein the radio access network includes control means 700 operable to control the use of network resources by the mobile terminals. The control means processes control plane signalling.

Abstract: A system and method for use in a telecommunications network may utilize Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS), specifically, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network may utilize MBMS and eHSPA technology. IP multicast connections directly between the eHSPA Node Bs and an IP address are utilized to reduce the amount of transport bearers that need to be established. Further, the RNC functionality for setting up an MBMS communication is divided between the eHSPA Node Bs and a legacy RNC, utilized as a CRNC. In particular, this arrangement enables the user plane to be effectively established from the enhanced node B, whilst still allowing the second RNC to have control of the control plane decisions. This therefore also allows the resources used in establishing the MBMS communication to be minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to operating a Machine-Type Communication (MTC) device for communication with a cellular radio network. A transmission is made from the MTC device to the cellular radio network to register the MTC device with the cellular radio network. The transmission includes a message from the MTC device to the cellular radio network, identifying the MTC device as an MTC device to the cellular radio network. Also, the MTC device has an associated HPLMN. An instruction is received at the MTC device from the network not to make a transmission from the MTC device for accessing the network. The instruction specifies a criteria for the MTC device's HPLMN or preferred list of networks. The MTC Device compares the criteria with the HPLMN associated with the MTC device and avoids making a transmission to access the network for a period of time based on the result comparing step.

Abstract: A GSM, UMTS or LTE mobile telecommunications network includes a radio access network comprising base stations, and further includes one or more additional access points. An access point may be connected to the network core by an IP transport broadband connection. The access point is configured to appear to the mobile terminal as a base station. Arrangements are disclosed which allow the network to restrict access to the network via these access points whilst also minimizing signaling requirements. The access points may be excluded from traditional Tracking Areas, but associated therewith by a network controller in a mapping in order to notify authorized mobile terminals of the Access Point's existence.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods and systems for network communications. In one example of such a method, respective groups of cells are first allocated to respective location regions. Next, respective indicators are received from various devices, indicating the identity of the cell occupied by the corresponding device. Additionally, a database is maintained that includes information concerning the location region occupied by each device. In operation, when a device switches from a radio access network to another access network, the other access network receives the indicator of the identity of the cell occupied by the device and, in dependence thereon, selects the location region which the device is deemed to occupy by a core network.

Abstract: An SAE/LTE or 4G cellular telecommunications network is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eNodeBs 5 and a network core 3. A plurality of mobile telecommunications devices 1 are registered with the network and communicate with the network core 3 via the eNodeBs 5. A joining relay 20 and at least one other relay 22 is provided between the eNodeB 5 and the mobile telecommunications device 1 to extend the radio coverage provided by the eNodeB 5. The joining relay 20 analyses the characteristics of the path between the joining relay and the eNodeB 5 and selectively changes the path to optimise the path.

Abstract: A method and system for routing a voice connection over a cellular network to a mobile station is disclosed. The cellular network comprises a plurality of base stations, some of which have capability to provide the voice connection to the mobile station using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). A voice connection for the mobile station is identified at an Application Server of the cellular network. A request message is sent from the Application Server to a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), or Home Location Register (HLR), of the cellular network. The request message requests an indication ds to whether the mobile station is being served by a base station having capability to provide a voice connection using VoIP.

Abstract: A mobile station is operated within at least one radio network having a plurality of base stations. Only some of the plurality of base stations support a Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP, service. The mobile station is registered with a first base station of the plurality of base stations. The mobile station may be registered with a second base station. The mobile station determines that one of the first base station and the second base station has functionality to support VoIP and the other does not. A Routing Area Update Request message or Tracking Area Update Request message is sent from the mobile station to the second base station in response to determining support for VoIP.

Abstract: A mobile radio communication system and method of initiating a circuit-switched service at a mobile station over a System Architecture Evolution (SAE) core network using packet-switched communications between the mobile station and the SAE core network is provided. The method includes communicating service handling information between a Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) and the mobile station through a Mobility Management Entity (MME) of the SAE core network; sending instructions from the MSC for setting up the circuit-switched service through a Media Gateway, coupled to at least one network external to the SAE core network; providing packet-switched addressing information for the Media Gateway to the mobile station; and initiating the circuit-switched service at the mobile station over the SAE core network and through the Media Gateway.

Abstract: A telecommunications system is described which allows a push-to-talk: over cellular (PoC) communication session to be established between PoC Clients comprised in respective mobile terminals (1A, 1A?, 1B). The PoC Clients form a group of devices between which a PoC communication session is established. A single controlling PoC function (22B) controls the admission of new members to the PoC communication session and the removal of members from the PoC communication session. Each PoC Client communicates with the PoC controlling function (22B) via a respective PoC participating function (20A, 20A?,20B). In accordance with an advantageous feature of the embodiment described, the controlling PoC function (22B) issues a Talk Burst Granted message having a modified form to a PoC Client (via its associated PoC participating function) when that client is given permission to transmit a talk burst.

Abstract: A method of routing legacy messages between a message centre and a mobile telecommunications device registered with a mobile telecommunications network, which mobile telecommunications network includes a plurality of base stations each serving a plurality of mobile telecommunications devices, and a plurality of mobility management entities, each serving a plurality of said base stations, the mobility management entities (being adapted to communicate using a legacy protocol with a legacy network for routing the legacy messages between the message centre and the mobile telecommunications device via the legacy network. A legacy message interworking function communicates with the mobility management entities using the legacy protocol and directly routes messages between the mobility management entities and the message centre without routing the messages via the legacy network.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns systems and methods for location updating in communications networks. In one example, when a device initiates a connection to an access network, by way of which a communications network is adapted to provide core network GSM functions to devices registered therewith over a non-GSM bearer, a core network interrogates the device to obtain, if available, data indicative of the cell occupied thereby, interrogates the core network to obtain, if available, an indicator of the identity of the cell occupied by the device, obtains, if available, data indicative of the location of the access point with which the device communicates, and, in dependence on that location, selects an access controller for communicating with the access point or instructs the device to attempt to connect to the GSM radio access network.

Abstract: A telecommunications network, including an evolved base station node having a node controller and a first radio network controller (RNC), the node controller configured to communicate with user terminals, and the first radio network controller configured to communicate with a packet switched component of a core network, but not with a circuit switched component, may further include a second RNC that communicates with the node controller and also communicates with the packet switched component of the core network and a circuit switched component. A method of establishing communication between a user terminal and the core network via the second RNC, when the user terminal has a control plane connection with the evolved base station node, such that the first RNC is the serving RNC (SRNC), may include tunnelling communication set up messages over the control plane between the node controller and the core network via the second RNC.

Abstract: A system and method for restricting public access to a mobile telecommunications network in order to prevent congestion. The system and method are particularly useful in situations where the number of end users exceeds, or is likely to exceed, network capacity, for example in emergency situations or for large public gatherings, such as sporting events or New Years Eve celebrations. The system and method disclosed uses filtering by network elements, such as the base stations and MSCs. In particular the system and method can filter low data messages, such as SMS, from more demanding services, such as voice calls, so that all low data messages are transmitted, while the more demanding services are terminated, unless special conditions are met.

Abstract: A system and method for use in a telecommunications network may utilize Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS), specifically, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network may utilize MBMS and eHSPA technology. IP multicast connections directly between the eHSPA Node Bs I 1 and an IP address are utilized to reduce the amount of transport bearers that need to be established. Further, the RNC functionality for setting up an MBMS communication is divided between the eHSPA Node Bs 11 and a legacy RNC, utilised as a CRNC 12. In particular, this arrangement enables the user plane to be effectively established from the enhanced node B, whilst still allowing the second RNC to have control of the control plane decisions. This therefore also allows the resources used in establishing the MBMS communication to be minimized.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with systems and methods for network communications. In one example, a cellular telecommunications network includes a radio access network with multiple geographically distributed cells, and further includes a core network for providing cellular telecommunications network functions to devices registered therewith over a cellular telecommunications network bearer. The cellular telecommunications network is adapted to provide core network cellular telecommunications network functions to devices registered therewith over a non-cellular telecommunications network bearer via another access network including a plurality of access points. Further, the core network is configured to receive an identifier of said other access network when a device communicates with the core via an access point and selects a charge for providing telecommunications services in dependence upon the value of that identifier.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods and systems for network communications. In one example of such a method, respective groups of cells are first allocated to respective location regions. Next, respective indicators are received from various devices, indicating the identity of the cell occupied by the corresponding device. Additionally, a database is maintained that includes information concerning the location region occupied by each device. In operation, when a device switches from a radio access network to another access network, the other access network receives the indicator of the identity of the cell occupied by the device and, in dependence thereon, selects the location region which the device is deemed to occupy by a core network.