Abstract: A wireless communication system including at least one IEEE 802 multi-stack wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) and a plurality of technologically diversified access networks, such as IEEE 802.X networks and Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) networks, that are concurrently deployed. Both the multi-stack WTRU and the technologically-diversified networks include a media independent handover (MIH) function. The WTRU is configured to read MIH information transmitted from one of the IEEE 802.X networks, trigger 3GPP authentication and authorization procedures based on the MIH information, obtain a local Internet protocol (IP) address, establish a tunnel to a packet data gateway (PDG) in a 3GPP core network, construct a care of address (CoA) and register the CoA with a home agent of the WTRU, whereby data destined for the WTRU is routed via the home agent through a new tunnel established between the home agent and a foreign agent based on the CoA.

Abstract: A method and system for interworking between cellular networks and wireless local area networks (WLANs) are disclosed. At least one cellular network, at least one WLAN and an IP network are deployed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) first establishes a connection to a WLAN and a tunnel between an access point (AP) and a packet data gateway (PDG) is established. The PDG further establishes a tunnel to an IP network. The WTRU then invokes a service which is delivered through the WLAN. As signal quality from the AP degrades below a predetermined threshold, a handover from the WLAN to the cellular network is performed. A new connection to the cellular network may be established either before or after breaking the current connection to the WLAN or the two connections may be maintained simultaneously.

Abstract: This invention relates to wireless local area networks (WLANs), and the interoperability of networks of different types or conforming to different standards, and to methods and apparatus to allow a multimode wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), which is able to operate in more than one type of network, to handover from one network type to another without adversely affecting service, utilizing a mechanism and information flows implemented in a new protocol stack.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling access to a medium in a wireless communication system. A superframe structure is defined in time domain to include a contention free period (CFP) which has at least one scheduled resource allocation (SRA), at least one management SRA (MSRA) and a contention period. An extended beacon (EB) including information about the SRA and MSRA is transmitted for. The MAC architecture reduces station battery consumption, supports higher throughput for non-real time (NRT) traffic and is more efficient for real time (RT) traffic while maintaining full compatibility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether attach procedures between a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) and a network should proceed based on whether the internet protocol (IP) version, (i.e., packet data protocol (PDP) type), of the WTRU is compatible with the network. In one embodiment, the WTRU receives a network compatibility message from the network which indicates the network's IP version. If the network's IP version is determined by the WTRU to be compatible, the WTRU and the network proceed with the attach procedures. In another embodiment, the network receives an attach request message from the WTRU which indicates the IP version of the WTRU. If the IP version of the WTRU is determined by the network to be compatible, the network and the WTRU proceed with the attach procedures. For both embodiments, another network is selected if the IP versions of the WTRU and the network are not compatible.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for supporting multimedia services (MMS) provided to a user of a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) which communicates with the wireless communication system. The wireless communication system includes a third generation partnership program (3GPP) universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), a wireless local area network (WLAN) and an MMS server. The MMS server stores at least one MMS message for the WTRU in a memory until the WTRU retrieves the message. The 3GPP UMTS includes an internet protocol short message gateway (IP-SM-GW) having a short message service (SMS) proxy. The WTRU is registered with the SMS proxy to establish SMS connectivity, and is also registered with the MMS server to establish MMS connectivity. The WTRU is notified when the MMS server receives an MMS message for the WTRU. The WTRU then retrieves the MMS message from the memory of the MMS server.

Abstract: A procedure is provided wherein a serving general packet radio service (GPRS) support node (SGSN) receives a request for an access point name (APN) the SGSN making a determination if the requested packet data protocol (PDP) and APN are the same as subscribed information. In the event that the requested and subscribed PDP type and the requested and subscribed APN are not the same, the SGSN advises that the APN requested is not authorized and agreement to terms and conditions and the provision of credit (or debit) card information must be provided to obtain the requested APN.

Abstract: A method for delivering a short message service (SMS) message to an interworking wireless local area network user equipment (UE) begins by registering the UE with an Internet Protocol short message gateway (IP-SM-GW). A capability report is sent from the UE to the IP-SM-GW, the capability report including the capabilities of the UE. A SMS message is transmitted from a short message service center (SMSC) to the IP-SM-GW. The capabilities of the UE are evaluated at the IP-SM-GW to determine whether the UE can receive the SMS message, and the SMS message is delivered to the UE via the IP-SM-GW if the UE has the capabilities to receive the SMS message.

Abstract: A method for configuring an interworking wireless local area network (I-WLAN) user equipment (UE) to access a third generation partnership project (3GPP) system begins by initiating a connection from a UE to the 3GPP system, the initiating step including indicating the UE's interworking protocol capabilities. Authentication and authorization of the UE connection by the WLAN to the 3GPP system is requested, including indicating the UE's interworking protocol capabilities. The 3GPP system determines whether to accept the UE's request, including examining the UE's interworking protocol capabilities. An interworking protocol is instantiated at the UE, whereby the UE is configured to interwork with the 3GPP system.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and system for providing a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) status, in providing real time services via a wireless local area network interworking with 3GPP systems. An entity such as a packet data gateway (PDG) in the 3GPP network stores and maintains the current state of the WTRU and updates the state of the WTRU when it changes. The WTRU signals a change in its state to the PDG. When the PDG receives a message from the 3GPP system directed to the WTRU, the PDG examines the status of the WTRU prior to forwarding the message to the WTRU.

Abstract: A method and system for switching a radio access technology (RAT) between wireless communication systems connected to each other while implementing different RATs with a multi-mode WTRU are disclosed. A plurality of wireless communication systems are deployed with overlapping coverage areas wherein each system implements different RATs and are connected to each other such that a service that is provided by one system may be provided through the other system. Each wireless communication system transmits an indication of the existence of an inter-working wireless communication system in a coverage area of each system. The WTRU receives the indication and information regarding the inter-working wireless communication system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing an automatic handoff process of a dual-mods user equipment (UE) from either a wireless local area network (WLAN) to a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) or from a UMTS to a WLAN. Handoffs may be initiated by the UE, based upon user preference, signal quality, comparison of location coordinates of the UE and the system to be switched to or signal quality. The available channels of one system may be sent to the UE by the other system or the UE may monitor channels of the system to be switched to and lock on to one. The handoff may also be initiated by the UMTS, the selection being power-based.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enabling a wireless terminal to communicate the dual-mode capabilities and reporting the interworking capabilities of the two networks with which the wireless terminal have the added capability of obtaining services from either one of the interworking networks.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a solution to the handoff problem includes negotiation of new media codes (coders/decoders) for utilization in cases where the two devices involved in the handoff are incompatible. Although mobile IP (MIP) is presently utilized to perform handoff procedures, this technique lacks a trigger mechanism to initiate handoff between two different devices which communicate with two different networks or one common network. In addition, MIP does not address the issue of compatibilities between media types, codes and supported bit rate. The handoff utilizes a session protocol (SIP) message for handoff.

Abstract: Independent delivery services to wireless terminals capable of supporting multiple radio interfaces is achieved through the employment of a service management center (SMC). The SMC determines the set of services and parameters based on the capability and service profile of the wireless terminal.

Abstract: A wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU), method and system for efficiently handling various types of wireless services across multiple wireless access technologies for WTRUs that may operate in multiple types of networks is disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enabling a wireless terminal to communicate the dual-mode capabilities and reporting the interworking capabilities of the two networks with which the wireless terminal have the added capability of obtaining services from either one of the interworking networks.

Abstract: A wireless communication system facilitates communication within subscribing units within a respective service area, supports at least one communication protocol revision. The system communicates with a subscribing unit operating within a respective service area to determine the communication protocol revisions supported by the subscribing unit. Subsequently, the subscribing unit and base station communicate according to a supported communication protocol revision. The base station and subscribing unit may further communicate to indicate extended services supported by the subscribing unit and the methods of delivering the extended services to the subscribing unit. The extended services may include caller line ID, message waiting indications and short message services among other extended services. In addition to a base station, the wireless communication system may include a mobile switching center that is in communication with the base station.

Abstract: A method and architecture for accessing an IMS over WLANs/WWANs generally, and more particularly over WLANs/WWANs viewed in light of existing related standards is disclosed. More specifically, the invention provides new interfaces enabling IMS access over WLANs/WWANs, and an exemplary method and architecture for such an interface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus delivering voice/data services within a piconet operating over a limited range or over a WLAN communicating with 3GPP devices by reformatting data into IP format before delivering to the WLAN. The service is short message service (SMS). Upon receipt of an SMS message, relevant routing information is retrieved. A PDGW address for the SMS message is identified and is sent to the PDGW address which identifies the WLAN user equipment (UE) for receiving the SMS and reformats the SMS message into IP format (text or encapsulation) for delivery to the UE. A protocol architecture is provided for SMS delivery over WLANs, in particular, for UMTS/CDMA based SMS over WLAN through two alternative mechanisms, i.e., SMS tunneling and SMS proxy, for protocols for the delivery of SMS across the WLAN. The invention enhances standard 802.11 in the context of UMTS and CDMA 2000; as well as other scenarios.