Core Wireless Licensing S.a.r.l. v. Apple, Inc.

Filing 1

COMPLAINT against Apple, Inc. ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 0540-3468392.), filed by Core Wireless Licensing S.a.r.l.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Exhibit 1 - United States Patent No. 6,792,277, # 3 Exhibit 2 - United States Patent No. 7,606,910, # 4 Exhibit 3 - United States Patent No. 6,697,347, # 5 Exhibit 4 - United States Patent No. 7,447,181, # 6 Exhibit 5 - United States Patent No. 6,788,959, # 7 Exhibit 6 - United States Patent No. 7,529,271, # 8 Exhibit 7 - United States Patent No. 6,266,321, # 9 Exhibit 8 - United States Patent No. 6,978,143, # 10 Exhibit 9 - Nokias June 14, 2011 press release)(Hill, Jack)

EXHIBIT 5

111111

1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US006788959B2

(54)

United States Patent

(10)

Jokinen et ai.

(12)

(45)

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING
DYNAMIC CONFIGURATION PARAMETERS
IN A THIRD GENERATION CELLULAR
TELEPHONE NETWORK

(75)

Inventors: Harri Jokinen, Hiisi (FI); Sari
Korpela, Kauniainen (PI); Jussi
Numminen, Turku (FI); Antti Toskala,
Espoo (FI)

(73)

Assignee: Nokia Corporation, Espoo (FI)

( *)

Notice:

(21)

Appl. No.: 10/004,529

(22)

Filed:

(65)

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.c. 154(b) by 336 days.

Oct. 23, 2001

Sep. 12, 2002

Provisional application No. 60/244,356, filed on Oct. 30,
2000.

(51)

Int. CI? .................................................. H04Q 7/20

(52)

U.S. CI. ................. 455/552.1; 455/436; 455/432.1;
455/561

(58)

Field of Search .............................. 455/552.1, 436,
455/437, 438, 439, 432.1, 435.1, 435.2,
435.3,561
References Cited

(56)

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
5,214,687 A
6,393,286 B1 *
6,567,666 B2 *

5/1993 Kiinsiikoski et al. ........ 455/425
5/2002 Svensson ............. 455/552.1 X
5/2003 Czaja et al. ............ 455/436 X

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
WO

3G TS 25.211 V3.1.1 (Dec. 1999); 3 rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access
Network; Physical channels and mapping of transport channels onto physical channels (FDD); published on the Internet, Dec. 1999.
3GPP TS 25.302 V3.6.0 (Sep. 2000); 3 rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio
Access Network; Services provided by the physical layer
(Release 1999), Section 7. Published Sep. 2000 on the
Internet.
Draft ETSI EN 300 911 V7.4.0 (Apr. 2000); Digital cellular
telecommunications system (Phase 2+); Radio subsystem
link control; (GSM 05.08 version 7.4.0 Release 1998);
Sections 1-6 only, plus annexes.
"Preconfigurations for Release '99 GSM to UMTS handovers"; Vodafone Group pic, Nortel Networks, Beijing,
China, Oct. 9-13, 2000.
(List continued on next page.)

Related U.S. Application Data
(60)

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Prior Publication Data

us 2002/0128035 A1

WO 96/19088

Patent No.:
US 6,788,959 B2
Date of Patent:
Sep.7,2004

Primary Examiner-Nay Maung
Assistant Examiner-Philip 1. Sobutka
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Ware, Fressola, Van Der
Sluys & Adolphson LLP
(57)

ABSTRACT

A method for a mobile station and a base station to which the
mobile is being handed over, and corresponding apparatuses
for use by the mobile and the base station. The method for
use by the mobile station is for determining whether
dynamic configurations are in use by the base station to
which the mobile is being handed over, and the method for
use by the base station is for determining whether to use a
dynamic configuration (if the base station uses dynamic
configurations) or to switch to a static preconfiguration in
communicating with the mobile. The base station to which
the mobile is being handed over is of one wireless communication system (such as the UTRA wireless communication
system) and the base station doing the handing over is of
another type (such as GSM). Both base stations are assumed
to broadcast control signals on a respective broadcast control
channel.
22 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets

6/1996

crltena?

CReOK?

No

~_

_~

US 6,788,959 B2
Page 2

OlliER PUBLICATIONS

Preconfigurations for Release '99 GSM to UMTS handovers, 3GPP TSG RAN WG2 meeting #16, Vodafone
Group pIc, Nortel Networks, Beijing, China, Oct. 9-13,
2000.
3GPP TS 25.331 version 3.4.1 Release 1999, ETSI TS 125
331 V3.4.1 (Sep. 2000); Section 8.3.5 Hard Handover, Sec.
9 Protocol States; Section 10.3.5, Section 14.13.2.

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS);
Physical Channels and mapping of transport channels onto
physical channels (FDD) (3GPP TS 25.211 version 3.4.0
Release 1999); ETSI TS 125 211 V3.4.0 (Sep. 2000).
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS);
Services provided by the Physical Layer (3GPP TS 25.302
version 3.6.0 Release 1999); ETSI TS 125302 V3.6.0 (Sep.
2000).

* cited by examiner

u.s. Patent

US 6,788,959 B2

Sheet 1 of 6

Sep.7,2004

Start

No

11
signal level
meet
pre-determined
criteria?

Yes

12

Receive UMTS BCCH.

Yes

No

15

14
~_ _ _-.I

Wait until T_attempt
expires.

Fig. 1

Read dynamic
configurations, if
any.

u.s.

Patent

US 6,788,959 B2

Sheet 2 of 6

Sep.7,2004

20
Start

Decode GSM BCCH and read flag bit.

.--No~

Stop)

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

24

25
Wait until T_attempt
expires.

Fig. 2

Read dynamic
configurations.

u.s. Patent

US 6,788,959 B2

Sheet 3 of 6

Sep.7,2004

Start

No
Yes

32
Receive from and transmit to
mobile using dynamic
configuration parameters.

33
Receive from mobile with
static preconfiguration
parameters.

Yes

Does uplink TFCI
point to dynamic
configuration?
No

36
Continue with
dynamic
configuration
parameters.

Fig. 3

Change downlink
parameters to static
preconfiguration
parameters, and
receive with same.

~

•
00
•

DPCCH
Pilot
Npilot bits

DPDCH

TPC
TFI
N TPC bits N TFr bits

•

Data
N data bits

0.625 ms, 20*2 k bits (k=0 .. 6)

Slot #1

Slot #2

Slot #i

Slot#16

T f = 10 ms

1 Frame #1 1 Frame;;r

Frame #i

...
Tsuper =

720 ms

Fig.4

. . . . .....1 Frame #72

1

•

~

~
.....
.....
~

=

u.s.

Patent

\t\.

V

'~

Antenna!

US 6,788,959 B2

Sheet 5 of 6

Sep.7,2004

52

received signals
(including broadcast control signals)

51

-----------------------------------1.----1
________________________ L 56

I
I
I
I
I

/ 53

Receiver! decoder I

54
amplified

Receiver

I - received

j~

Decoder

signals

___ ----1----------

_,____

I
I
I
I

decoder
control
signal
decoded signal
CRG

55

Controller/ Timer
---flag bit-- ---:

Fig. 5

u.s.

Patent

US 6,788,959 B2

Sheet 6 of 6

Sep.7,2004

62
Antenna

61

-----------------1------,
received
signal
(includes
uplink TFCI)

transmitter signals
(including UMTS BCCH signals
and including other signals
provided according to
a dynamic configuration or
a static preconfiguration)

_________ J _66___ ,
I
I
I
I

64

63
Transceiver
(TRX)

transceiver/ decoder

amplified
received signal

I
I
I
I

Decoder

L

_...J

uplink TFCI

TRX control
signal
signals to be
transmitted

I

/65

L-...-----1

--.-.-

...

Controller

I

I----------.J

I<II\
__

-.-._-------------_ .. _------_

Fig. 6

......

US 6,788,959 B2
1

2

rations in section 13.7 of TS25.331. SIB type 16 contains
radio bearer, transport channel, and physical channel parameters to be held in memory by the UE. System information
is specified to contain a preconfiguration identity and a value
5 tag to identify a certain dynamic configuration as well as
updates to dynamic configurations, if needed.
This application claims priority to a provisional applicaWCDMA is the most widely adopted air interface for
tion filed on Oct. 30, 2000, having Ser. No. 60/244,356.
so-called third generation wireless communication systems,
where GSM is the corresponding interface for so-called
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
10 second generation (i.e. digital) wireless communication sysThe present invention relates to the field of cellular
tems. (First generation systems are analog.) In the context of
telephony, and more particularly to the transmission of
the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (a joint standardizainformation from a cellular network to a mobile station
tion project of the standardization bodies from Europe,
concerning handover between cells using different radio
Japan, Korea, China and the United States of America),
access technologies, such as from a cell using a radio access 15 WCDMA is referred to as UTRA (Universal Terrestrial
technology according to the Global System for Mobile
Radio Access), and can be either WCDMAFDD (frequency
communications (GSM) to a cell using radio access techdivision duplex) or WCDMA TDD (time division duplex).
nology according to the Universal Mobile Telephone System
In UTRA the data generated at higher layers is carried
(UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN).
over the air interface through transport channels, which are
20 mapped to different physical channels in the physical layer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Two types of transport channels exist: dedicated channels
In a cellular network including different cellular systems,
(each identified by a certain code on a certain frequency and
such as GSM and UMTS, which uses so-called wide band
so reserved for a single user) and common channels (a
code division multiple access (WCDMA) and for which
resource divided between all or a group of users in a cell).
access is provided by UTRAN, to make a GSM to UTRAN
handover/cell re-selection for a mobile station fast enough, 25 There are a number (currently six) of different common
transport channel types defined for UTRA, one of which is
i.e. to make a suitably fast handover from GSM, the current
the so-called broadcast channel (BCH), which is used to
radio access technology (RAT), to UTRAN, the target RAT,
transmit information specific to the UTRA network for a
it is necessary to transfer various items of information
given cell. Associated with the BCH (a physical transport
including so-called channel preconfiguration parameters
from the target cellular network to the mobile station. For 30 channel) is a logical channel, referred to as the broadcast
channel (logical channel) and designated as BCCH. For
what are called hardcoded or static preconfigurations, stanclarity, the corresponding transport channel, designated as
dards specify the preconfiguration parameters, i.e. standards
BCH, is referred to as the broadcast channel (transport
provide a certain number of sets of values of the preconfiguration parameters, each set of values defining a configu- 35 channel).
The Primary Common Control Physical Channel
ration. Examples of preconfiguration parameters are param(Primary CCPCH) is the physical channel carrying the
eters indicating transport block size, transport block set size,
Broadcast Channel (BCH). It needs to be demodulated by all
spreading factor, CRC, and TTl (transmission time interval)
the mobile stations in the system. As a result, the parameters
value. Because the static preconfiguration parameters are
specified in the standards, a mobile station can be expected 40 with respect to (for example) the channel coding and spreading code contain no flexibility, as they need to be known by
to know the parameters (i.e. their values) for each static
all terminals made since the publication of what are called
preconfiguration, usually maintaining the static configurathe Release-99 specifications. The contents of the signaling
tions in memory. In addition to static preconfigurations,
messages have room for flexibility as long as the new
however, there are what are called dynamic configurations.
These are usually information about the operation of the 45 message structures are such that they do not cause unwanted
or unpredictable behavior in the mobile stations deployed in
target RAT in addition to what is provided in any of the static
the network.
preconfigurations. However, a dynamic configuration can
also be complete in and of itself, i.e. it can specify all of the
The logical channels are mapped to the physical channels
configuration parameters of the target RAT by itself, instead
in what is called the media access control (MAC) layer. Aset
of supplementing the information provided by a static 50 of logical channel types is defined for the different kinds of
preconfiguration, and so by itself completely specify the
data transfer services offered by the MAC layer. Each logical
configuration of the target RAT.
channel type is defined by the type of information transferred. There are two general categories: logical control
Unlike for static preconfigurations, the sets of preconfiguchannels, used to transfer control information, and logical
ration parameters making up a dynamic configuration
(whether it supplements a static preconfiguration or is 55 traffic channels, used to transfer user information. The
BCCH is a logical downlink (from base station to mobile
intended to be complete by itself) must be provided to the
mobile station dynamically, i.e. at or near the time of
station) channel used for broadcasting system control inforhandover of the mobile station from GSM to UTRAN.
mation. The BCCH is mapped to ( connected to) the BCH
(physical channel) in the MAC layer. (It may also be mapped
Section 13.7 of TS25.331 v.3.7.0, entitled Parameter
Values for Default Radio Configurations, defines (static or 60 to what is called the FACH, i.e. the forward access (physical)
channel.)
hardcoded) preconfigurations, referring to them as default
configurations. In section 13.7, the required parameter valIt should be noted that the terms UMTS BCCH and
ues are specified for each (hardcoded) preconfiguration. The
UMTS BCH represent the same channel in UMTS. The term
UE maintains these (hardcoded) preconfigurations in
BCCH is used to point to the logical channel, while the term
memory.
65 BCH is used to point to the actual transport channel being
System Information Block (SIB) type 16 defines dynamic
carried on the Primary CCPCH as described in 3 GPP TS
25.211, v. 3.4.0, sections/chapters 4-6.
configurations, which are referred to as predefined configuMETHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING
DYNAMIC CONFIGURATION PARAMETERS
IN A THIRD GENERATION CELLULAR
TELEPHONE NETWORK

US 6,788,959 B2

3

4

GSM BCCH capacity is limited, and is not a suitable
station of the first wireless communication system; wherein,
if the error check fails, the mobile station performs a step of
means for transferring additional ( dynamic) preconfigurawaiting a predetermined time interval, and then repeats the
tion parameters to a mobile station. However the transfer
method beginning with the step of receiving the control
might be done, it is advantageous to keep the mobile station
power consumption as low as possible. Therefore, when 5 signal from the first wireless communication system.
dynamic configurations are transmitted on the UTRA
In a further aspect of the invention, the mobile also
BCCH, it is necessary for example that these dynamic
performs a step of decoding the control signal broadcast by
configurations be repeated in the system information of the
the different wireless communication system and reading a
UTRABCCH often enough so that the UE need not continue
flag bit indicating whether or not the base station of the first
to decode the UTRA BCCH for too long a time. In other 10 wireless communication system is using dynamic
words, the UE should not have to wait too long for the
configurations, and then only if the flag bit indicates that the
dynamic configurations to appear again. On the other hand,
base station of the first wireless communication system is
the UE should not attempt to decode the UTRABCCH when
using dynamic configurations does the mobile station
UTRAN quality (coverage) is poor or if dynamic configureceive and decode the control signal broadcast by the first
rations are not used in the network. Unnecessary decoding 15 wireless communication system carry out the aforemenof UTRA BCCH increases the idle mode activity of the UE
tioned steps (a)--( d).
and so increases power consumption.
The corresponding method for use by the base station of
The standard set out in the specification entitled, 3 GPP
the first wireless communication system in determining
25.302, v. 3.60, chapter 7, describes certain channel transwhether or not to use dynamic configurations in communiport format combinations (TFCs) (which are supported by at 20 cating with the mobile station being handed over by the base
least some mobile stations). In addition, there is a proposal
station of a different wireless communication system,
from Vodafone (R2-002015) in which additional (dynamic)
assumes that the mobile station communicates with the base
preconfiguration parameters are transferred from a cellular
station of the first wireless communication according to a
network (i.e. a base station) to a mobile station, but the
protocol in which a transport format combination indicator
proposal does not indicate how the transfer could be done 25 (TFCI) is used (at least by the mobile), and includes: a) a
fast enough (and also reliably enough) to provide for
step of transmitting to and receiving from the mobile station
handover/cell reselection with acceptably low power conwith using dynamic configuration parameters; b) a step of
sumption by the mobile station. Moreover, the prior art does
examining the uplink TFCI to determine whether the TFCI
not teach how to avoid so-called ping-ponging (handoverl
points to a dynamic configuration; and c) a step of continucell reselection back and forth from one system to another) 30 ing to transmit to and receive from the mobile station with
in inter-RAT (Radio Access Technologies) cell reselection,
the dynamic configuration pointed to by the uplink TFCI, if
i.e. in selecting between for example GSM and WCDMA
the uplink TFCI points to a dynamic configuration, and
(UTRA).
otherwise a step of transmitting to and receiving from the
What is needed is a method for quickly and reliably
mobile station using a static preconfiguration.
communicating to a mobile station in being handed over 35
From another perspective, the invention includes a
from a cell operating under GSM to a cell operating under
method and corresponding apparatus for use by a mobile
UTRA (WCDMA) any dynamic configuration information
station including the steps of: a) receiving at a mobile station
needed by the mobile station for operation in the cell
a broadcast control signal issuing from a base station to
operating under UTRA.
40 which the mobile station is being handed over by another
base station; and b) based on an error check of the broadcast
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
control signal, either reading any dynamic configuration
Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for
indicated by the broadcast control signal or waiting until a
a mobile station and a base station to which the mobile is
predetermined time to repeat the aforementioned step (a). In
being handed over, and corresponding apparatuses for use
45 some applications, the steps (a)-(b) are performed only if a
by the mobile and the base station. The method for use by
flag bit received from the base station handing over the
the mobile station is for determining whether dynamic
mobile station indicates that dynamic configurations are in
configurations are in use by the base station to which the
use at the base station to which the mobile station is being
mobile is being handed over, the base station to which the
handed over.
mobile is being handed over being of a first wireless
From this other perspective the invention also includes a
communication system (such as the universal mobile tele- 50
corresponding method (and corresponding apparatus) for
phone system terrestrial radio access (UTRA)) and the base
use by a base station, including the steps of: a) receiving at
station doing the handing over being of a different wireless
the base station a signal from a mobile station indicating a
communication system (such as the global system for
dynamic configuration or a state pre configuration in use by
mobile communications (GSM) wireless communication
system). Both base stations are assumed to broadcast control 55 the mobile station; and b) using dynamic configuration
parameters or static preconfiguration parameters in said base
signals on a respective broadcast control channel. The
station depending on said signal received from said mobile
method for use by the mobile station includes: a) a step of
station.
determining whether the signal level of the control signal
The present invention is an improvement over what is
broadcast by the different wireless communication system
meets a predetermined criterion for intersystem reselection; 60 provided by the prior art in that with the present invention
it is possible to avoid complex double cell reselection
b) a step of receiving the control signal broadcast by the first
criteria based on some prioritization depending on whether
wireless communication system; c) a step of performing an
dynamic configuration parameters are available or not.
error check of the received control signal broadcast by the
first wireless communication system; and d) a step of
In a concept proposed by Vodafone, a mobile station
decoding the control signal broadcast by the first wireless 65 should give priority to GSM over UTRA if the mobile
communication system and in so doing, reading whatever
station has not been able to receive dynamic configurations
dynamic configurations are being broadcast by the base
even though the UTRA network is transmitting them on the

US 6,788,959 B2
5

6

UTRA BCCH. On the other hand, UTRA should be given
FIG. 5 is a schematiclblock diagram of an apparatus (part
of a mobile station) according to the invention, for receiving
priority over GSM if the dynamic configurations are not
obtained by the mobile station. If this kind of prioritization
dynamic configuration parameters from a base station
according to either of the methods illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
is used in cell reselection, it should be taken into account in
the cell reselection criteria of both GSM and UTRA in order 5 2; and
to avoid having a mobile station change back and forth
FIG. 6 is a schematiclblock diagram of an apparatus
between radio access technologies. If prioritization is for
according to the invention, serving as part of a base station,
example only defined in the cell reselection criteria of the
for determining how to communicate with a mobile station
GSM specification, it might happen that the prioritization
according to the method illustrated in FIG. 3.
rules in cell reselection criteria tends to push a mobile station 10
toward using UTRA. However, since such complex prioriBEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
tization cell reselection rules are not defined in the UTRA
INVENTION
specification, a mobile station would immediately come
The present invention is a method and protocol for use in
back to GSM and then again to UTRA and so on. Instead of
having such different kinds of prioritization rules in the cell 15 case of a handover of a mobile station from a cell using GSM
to a cell using UTRA; it provides for having the mobile
re-selection criteria, the invention defines a mechanism to
station acquire dynamic configuration parameters, if
recover from a situation where the UTRA network uses
practicable, to be used in operation in the UTRA cell.
dynamic configurations (transmitting them on UTRABCCH
Dynamic configuration parameters, as opposed to static
as well), but the mobile station has not been able to receive
preconfiguration parameters (organized into sets, each set
them from UTRA BCCH due to poor UTRA signal quality 20
describing a particular configuration, the sets specified by a
or because the mobile station has been in GSM dedicated
standard and so known in advance to any mobile able to
mode and does not have a dual receiver for receiving both
operate in a UTRA cell), are not a priori known to the mobile
GSM and UTRA data simultaneously.
station and so must be communicated to the mobile station.
Complex cell re-selection criteria (rules) both in GSM and
25 The dynamic configuration parameters may be in addition to
in UTRA are required to make the concept work properly
the static configuration parameters to fully specify a
and to avoid ping-ponging between two radio access techconfiguration, or may be used by themselves. Examples of
nologies (i.e. in this case between GSM and UTRA).
preconfiguration parameters include parameters indicating
In addition, mobile station power consumption can be
transport block size, transport block set size, spreading
decreased using the invention, since according to the 30 factor, CRC in use, and TTl (transmission time interval)
invention, a UE periodically looks for dynamic configuravalue. The preconfiguration parameter values are provided
tions only if the signal level of the measured GSM signal is
to a mobile station according to one of three methods, as
either above or below a predetermined threshold (depending
described below.
on the implementation) based on the measurement criterion
Some mobile stations are equipped to read dynamic
for cell reselection defined between UMTS and GSM. Thus,
configuration parameters and some are not, and the base
the network operator can control terminal power by setting 35
station to which a mobile station is being handed over must
the threshold so that the UE need not attempt to read
determine which is the case. The invention includes methods
dynamic configurations when the signal quality of the
by which a mobile station undergoing a GSM to UTRA
UTRA network is not adequate.
handover is to obtain dynamic configurations for use in the
Finally, the network can choose to use either dynamic
UTRA cell (either a set of parameters and their values or sets
configurations or (hardcoded, i.e. static) preconfigurations, 40
of values of parameters and their values along with an
depending on what sort of configurations the network supindicator of which set to use) from the base station (node B)
ports and what services the operator would like to provide.
to which the mobile station is being handed over (at least in
the case that the mobile station is equipped to read dynamic
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
45 configuration parameters), and also a method, in case of a
The above and other objects, features and advantages of
GSM to UTRAhandover, setting out steps to be followed by
the invention will become apparent from a consideration of
the UTRA base station (a so-called node B) by which to
the subsequent detailed description presented in connection
determine whether the mobile station has read its dynamic
with accompanying drawings, in which:
configuration parameters or not (the mobile station not
FIG. 1 is a flow chart for a first method, according to the 50 having done so because either it is not equipped to do so, or
invention, for having a mobile station determine whether
signal conditions are too poor for it to do so).
dynamic configurations are in use by a UTRA cell to which
For example, a network could provide a cell operating
the mobile station is being handed over by a GSM cell;
according to GSM and another cell according to UTRA, and
FIG. 2 is a flow chart for a second method (a second
the base station (node B) for the cell operating according to
method that is essentially the first method with an additional, 55 UTRA could operate according to parameters indicated by a
prefatory step), according to the invention, for having a
predefined static configuration (i.e. a preconfiguration) and,
mobile station determine whether dynamic configurations
in addition, according to parameters not predetermined, but
are in use by a UTRA cell to which the mobile station is
instead defined dynamically. To indicate to mobile phones
being handed over by a GSM cell;
being handed over to it which of the predefined (static)
FIG. 3 is a flow chart for method, according to the 60 preconfigurations to use (all of which are assumed for
invention, for having a UTRA node B determine whether or
purposes of this example to be maintained in a memory
not to use dynamic configuration parameters or (hardcoded)
device of the mobile station), the UTRA base station could
pre configuration parameters in communicating with a
use a default channel preconfiguration indicator having eight
mobile station undergoing a handover from a GSM cell;
possible values (i.e. eight values for the single (hardcoded)
FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating the structure of a 65 preconfiguration indicator, each of the eight values indicatdownlink dedicated physical channel (DPCH) radio frame;
ing a different preconfiguration as defined by standards).
and
Then for the mobile station being handed over from the

US 6,788,959 B2
7

8

GSM channel to the UTRA channel (either a hard handover,
with the mobile whether or not the mobile station is prepared
a soft handover, or a softer handover), the network (via
to use the dynamic configurations.
either the GSM base station or the UTRA base station) must
A first embodiment of a method by which a mobile station
inform the mobile station of the value of the preconfiguralearns whether dynamic configuration parameters are in
tion indicator. To do so would require transmitting to the 5
use by a UTRAN cell to which it is being handed over
mobile station three bits, which would be done, according to
Referring now to FIG. 1, in a first embodiment of a
the invention, using a dedicated handover command mesmethod according to the invention for having a mobile
sage (more specifically, a handover to UTRAN command
station determine whether or not a UTRAN cell is using
message). In addition, the network could have defined four
dynamic configuration parameters, in a decision step 11 the
additional, dynamic configuration parameter values, which, 10 mobile station determines whether the GSM signal level
according to the invention, are also signaled to the mobile
meets predefined (predetermined) criteria, i.e. whether the
station on UMTS BeeH (along with the three-bit indicator
signal level (or signal quality) of the measured GSM signal,
for the static preconfiguration parameters). In this example,
as provided for example by the received signal strength
the network (and more particularly, the subject node B)
indicator (RSSI), is above (or below) a predetermined
broadcasts only the specific additional dynamic configura- 15 threshold (depending on the implementation, as mentioned
tion parameters it uses, not sets of dynamic configuration
above) based on the measurement criterion for cell reselecparameters, and so the mobile station need not acquire sets
tion defined between UMTS and GSM. (If the received
of dynamic configuration parameters and also an indicator
signal strength is not adequate, i.e. when the predefined
for indicating which dynamic configuration set to use, but
criteria are not met, the terminal does not need to even try
instead only the additional configuration parameters used by 20 to read dynamic configurations, since attempting to do so
the node B.
would be futile. The threshold used for inter-system reseTypically, a mobile maintains a copy of all (hardcoded)
lection is transmitted on a downlink channel, such as the
preconfigurations in a memory device, so that when a
broadcast channel, available to the mobile station, and in
handover from GSM to UTRAN command message is
particular the GSM BeeH when the handover/cell reselecissued by the GSM network, the GSM network need not 25 tion is from a GSM cell to a UTRA cell.) If the GSM signal
send to the mobile station actual parameters used to initiate
level meets the predefined criteria, then, in a next step 12, in
a dedicated channel connection in UTRAN. Instead, similar
order to determine whether dynamic configurations are in
to what is described in the above example, the GSM network
use, the mobile station periodically receives and attempts to
can refer to a certain specific (static) pre configuration using
decode the UMTS BeeH. After receiving the UMTS
a certain parameter value (i.e. a preconfiguration indicator). 30 BeeH, in a next decision step 13, the mobile station decides
(A GSM to UTRAN handover command is sent via the GSM
whether or not the received signal passes a eRe check. If so,
network to the mobile phone. However, the Handover to
then in a next step 15, the mobile station reads dynamic
UTRAN message is first sent from the UTRAN network to
configurations from the UMTS BeeH, if they are present,
the GSM network, and then on to the mobile phone.) On the
and so determines whether or not the UTRA cell uses
other hand, dynamic configurations (sets of parameters), or 35 dynamic configurations, and if so, what they are. If the
alternatively, only dynamic configuration parameters used
received GSM UMTS signal does not pass the eRe check,
by the cell to which the mobile is being handed over, are
then in a step 14, the mobile station waits for an interval
broadcast on the UTRAN BeeH channel, and the dynamic
T_attempt between receiving the UMTS BeeH to elapse,
configuration parameters may of course differ from network
and then again tries the step 12 of receiving the UMTS
to network, i.e. from one public land mobile network 40 BeeH. The time interval T_attempt is used in order to
(PLMN) to another (but are the same for different node Bs
avoid having the mobile station attempt to decode the
within a PLMN. Hence, UTRAN must broadcast the actual
UMTS BeeH continuously. (Such attempts would interfere
preconfiguration parameters for each dynamic configuration
with paging reception in GSM, and they would also result in
(i.e. for each different set of dynamic configuration
increased IDLE mode activity.)
parameters) along with an indicator, or, alternatively, the 45
In such an embodiment, the receiving and decoding of the
actual dynamic configuration parameters it uses (their idenUMTS BeeH (performed before the actual handover from
tity and values). Obviously, in case of a UTRAN cell
GSM to UTRA), to obtain the dynamic configuration parambroadcasting set of dynamic configuration parameters and an
eters in use by the node B (or, instead, sets of dynamic
indicator of which set is in use, (hardcoded) preconfiguraconfiguration parameters and an indicator of which set is in
tion indicators and dynamic configuration indicators must be 50 use) is performed while the mobile is in IDLE mode
distinguishable.
(between paging receptions).
There can be several dynamic configurations broadcast on
A second embodiment of a method by which a mobile
the UTRAN BeeH, each typically represents different serstation learns whether dynamic configuration parameters
vices and different data rates. Each dynamic configuration
are in use by a UTRAN cell to which it is being handed
(as well as each preconfiguration) includes several param- 55
over
eters relating to both for downlink and uplink. When hanReferring now to FIG. 2, in a second embodiment of the
dover is commanded (by a GSM base station, only one
method of the invention for having a mobile station deterpreconfiguration is referred to in the command. The preconmine whether dynamic configuration parameters are in use
figuration referred to defines all needed parameters both for
by the UTRA node B to which the mobile is being handed
uplink and downlink.
60 over by a GSM base station, the GSM base station transmits
The invention includes two parts: firstly, two alternative
a flag bit over the GSM BeeH indicating whether or not the
node B uses dynamic configurations and in a first step 20 (by
ways by which a mobile station learns whether or not a
the mobile), the mobile station receives the GSM BeeH and
UTRAN cell uses dynamic configurations, and if so, a way
to receive the information specifying the dynamic configudecodes it so as to read the flag bit. In a next step 20a, the
ration in use; and secondly, a protocol to be followed by a 65 mobile station determines whether the flag bit indicates that
UTRAN cell using dynamic configurations in communicatdynamic configurations are in use by the UTRA cell, and if
the flag bit indicates that dynamic configurations are in use,
ing with a mobile station, including how to communicate

US 6,788,959 B2

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then the mobile station obtains the dynamic configurations
Such a code word would indicate a particular transport
as in the above-described method relying on using an
format combination set appropriate for the source data rate,
interval T_attempt between reading the GSM BCCH. Thus,
as set out by TS25.212, section 4.2.7 and 4.3, the code words
used in connection with a dynamic configuration being
in a decision step 21 the mobile station determines whether
the GSM signal level meets predefined criteria, i.e. whether 5 different from the code words used in connection with a
static preconfiguration.
the signal level (or signal quality) of the measured GSM
The DPCCH (Dedicated Physical Control Channel) strucsignal is above (or below) a predetermined threshold
(depending on the implementation, as mentioned above)
ture needs to be the same for both the (hardcoded) preconbased on the measurement criterion for cell reselection
figurations and the dynamic configurations, and the SF
defined between UMTS and GSM. If the GSM signal level 10 (spreading factor) is fixed to 256 for the uplink in any case.
meets the predefined criteria, then, in a next step 22, the
If the node B determines that the uplink TFCI does point to
mobile station periodically receives and attempts to decode
a dynamic configuration, then in a next step 35, the node B
the UMTS BCCH. After receiving the UMTS BCCH, in a
continues communication with the mobile station using the
next decision step 23, the mobile station decides whether or
dynamic configuration, else, in a next step 36, the node B
not the received signal passes a CRC check. If so, then in a 15 uses downlink parameters according to a corresponding
static preconfiguration (There are only a few different prenext step 25, the mobile station reads the dynamic configuconfigurations for each different service, e.g. for each difrations from the UMTS BCCH (which are known to be
ferent data rate, and therefore the network and the terminal
present because the flag bit has so indicated), and so learns
can do one-to-one mapping from a dynamic configuration to
what dynamic configurations are in use by the UTRA cell.
If the received UMTS BCCH signal does not pass the CRC 20 a preconfiguration (based on the data rate and spreading
factor). So if for downlink, the network has first used a
check, then in a step 24, the mobile station waits for an
interval T_attempt between receiving the UMTS BCCH to
dynamic configuration for data rate C, it then uses the
corresponding preconfiguration for the same data rate C.)
elapse, and then again tries the step 22 of receiving the
UMTS BCCH.
The dynamic configuration pointed to by the TFCI need
As in the method illustrated in FIG. 1, which does not rely 25 not be (and usually is not) the same dynamic configuration
on a flag bit, the receiving and decoding of the UMTS
as used by the node B in downlink. Uplink and downlink
BCCH (performed before the actual handover from GSM to
configurations (pre configurations or dynamic
configurations) often differ; for example, the uplink data rate
UTRA) performed in the method illustrated in FIG. 2, is
is often different from the downlink data rate. However, if an
performed while the mobile is in IDLE mode (between
paging receptions). Note that in the method illustrated in 30 uplink TFCI points to a dynamic configuration, the network
knows that the mobile has received the dynamic configuraFIG. 2, the mobile station does not have to decode the
UMTS BCCH transmission if the flag bit provided by the
tion parameters from UTRA BCCH, and so the network can
GSM base station indicates that dynamic configurations are
continue using dynamic configurations. It is naturally
not in use by the node B.
assumed that the mobile has received all (or at least all
A method for having a UTRA base station (i.e. a node B) 35 relevant) dynamic configuration parameters if the terminal
determine whether or not to use dynamic configuration
indicates a dynamic configuration in its uplink.
parameters in communicating with a mobile undergoing a
In first communicating with the mobile station (in step
handover from a GSM base station
32), before ascertaining whether the mobile station is using
the dynamic configuration in use by the node B (as per step
Referring now to FIG. 3, a method to be followed by a
UTRA node B, that from time to time uses one or another 40 31, the node B should use as a dynamic configuration one for
dynamic configuration, in determining whether or not to use
which the parameters (like spreading factor as well as the
one or another such dynamic configuration in communicatDPCCH structure) are the same as for the preconfiguration
ing with a mobile station being handed over to it from a
(i.e. there should be a one-to-one mapping between dynamic
GSM cell is shown as beginning with a first decision step 31
configurations and preconfigurations, both for the downlink
from which the node B proceeds to one of two possible 45 and the uplink), ensuring that communication control
courses 32 33 depending on whether the node B is currently
parameters such as power control are handled without a
using one or another of the dynamic configuration. The
problem whether or not the mobile station can read the
method therefore relies on information about the dynamic
dynamic configurations). If the network has selected to use
a particular dynamic configuration and determines that the
configurations having been broadcast via the UMTS BCCH.
If the node B is currently using dynamic configurations, it 50 mobile station is using the (hardcoded) preconfiguration, the
must decide whether to use dynamic configurations or
network, according to the invention, is to replace the down(hardcoded) preconfigurations in communicating with the
link DPDCH (dedicated physical data channel) part defined
mobile being handed over to it from a GSM cell, based on
for the dynamic configuration with the DPDCH defined for
whether or not the mobile phone can read the dynamic
the (hardcoded) preconfiguration. As mentioned above, the
configurations. (As mentioned above, a mobile station might 55 determination can be made by examining the set of TFCI
not be able to read dynamic configurations either because
code words the mobile station transmits to the node B. If the
the mobile station does not have the capability to do so or
TFCI code words for the (hardcoded) preconfiguration are
because external factors such as factors causing bad recepdetected, then the downlink DPDCH is to be adjusted as
tion prevent the mobile station from reading the dynamic
described (assuming the DPCCH parameters were the same
configurations.) According to the invention, if the node B is 60 for both pre configurations, otherwise the DPCCH paramusing dynamic configuration parameters, to determine
eters need to be adjusted in the same way, i.e. the dynamic
configuration DPCCH values must be replaced by the static
whether the mobile has detected the dynamic configuration
parameters, in a decision step 34, the node B examines the
preconfiguration DPCCH values used by the mobile).
uplink transmission to whether a code word in the so-called
Referring now to FIG. 4, the frame structure for a downTransport Format Combination Indicator (TFCI) indicates a 65 link dedicated physical channel (DPCH) radio frame, per
dynamic configuration, and depending on the outcome of the
TS25.211 v3.5.0, section 5.3.2, is shown as including 15
determination proceeds in one of two possible courses 35 36.
slots, with each slot consisting of number Ndatal of bits in the

US 6,788,959 B2
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in the same location in a slot and therefore the power control
DPDCH, a number NTPC+NTFCI of bits in the DPCCH,
where the number N TPC of bits indicates the TPC and the
command can always be detected as long as the spreading
number N TFCI of bits indicates the TICI, a number Ndata2 of
factor remains the same, since only one TPC bit must be
bits also from the DPDCH, and finally, a number Npilot of
determined to determine the power control command
bits also from the DPCCH. A slot consists of 2560 chips, 5 (because all the TPC bits are either one or zero, depending
which correspond to 10x2k bits, where k=O, 1, ... , 7,
on whether the power control command is a one or a zero)
although detecting more than one TPC bit is always prefdepending on the slot format. Some different slot formats are
erable for greater reliability. In order to maintain reasonable
indicated in table 1 below, which is partial reproduction of
table 11 of TS25.211 v3.5.0, section 5.3.2.
system performance, it is essential to detect the power
TABLE 1
Some formats for a DPCH radio frame. from table 11 of TS25.211 v3.5.0. section 5.3.2.
Channel
Slot
Channel Symbol
Format Bit Rate
Rate

DPDCH
Bits/Slot

Bits/

k value

#i

(kbps)

(ksps)

SF

Slot

NDatal

NData2

0
0

0
OA
OB

15
15
30
15
30
30
30
60
30
30
60
30
30
60

7.5
7.5
15
7.5
15
15
15
30
15
15
30
15
15
30

512
512
256
512
256
256
256
128
256
256
128
256
256
128

10
10
20
10
20
20
20
40
20
20
40
20
20
40

0
0
0
0
0
2
2
4
2
2
4
2
2
4

N TPC N TFCI N pilot

NT'

0
0
0
2
4
0
0
0
2
4
4
0
0
0

15
8-14
8-14
15
8-14
15
8-14
8-14
15
8-14
8-14
15
8-14
8-14

4
4
8
2
4
14
14
28
12
10
24
12
12
24

0

2

2

2

1B
2
2A
2B
3
3A
3B
4
4A
4B

Transmitted
slots per
radio frame

DPCCH
Bits/Slot

2
2
4
2
4
2
2
4
2
2
4
2
2
4

4
4
8
4
8
2
2
4
2
2
4
4
4
8

control command.) If the number of pilot bits in the DPCCH
field for the dynamic configuration and the preconfigurations
35 are not the same, then there is some degradation in the
channel estimation process. (For example, the slot format of
a dynamic configuration may have eight pilot symbols, and
the slot format of a preconfiguration only four pilot symbols.
Since these known pilot symbols are used for estimating
TABLE 2
40 channel, the difference in the number of pilot symbols
TPC bit pattern
causes degradation in the estimation process.)
When the a mobile station is undergoing a handover from
Transmitter power
TPC Bit Pattern
GSM to UTRAN, it is already using a particular service and
NTPC = 4
NTPC = 8
control command
so a particular data rate in communicating via GSM. The
45 service being used should be maintained during handover.
11
1111
11111111
Since the mobile station knows its current service and data
00
0000
00000000
o
rate in GSM prior to handover, it can determine which
(UTRAN) preconfiguration matches its data rate in GSM.
Thus, a mobile station can determine whether the transmitter
The mobile has to choose both a matching uplink and
power control is a 1 or a 0 even if the mobile station receives
50 downlink configuration based on the current uplink and
only one of the TPC bits.
downlink data rates. Once the mobile receives a handover
In the downlink direction, even if the same spreading
command from the GSM side to switch from GSM to
factor is used for the dynamic configuration as would be
UTRAN, the mobile station knows to use either the
used for the preconfiguration, since there is more than one
(hardcoded) preconfiguration parameters or dynamic conslot format defined for a given spreading factor (as per Table
11 of TS25.211 v3.5.0, section 5.3.2, reproduced in part 55 figuration parameters because the handover command
includes an index pointing either to a dynamic configuration
above as table 1), the slot format for the dynamic configuor to the (hardcoded) preconfiguration.
ration may still differ from what the slot format would be for
If the mobile station has been able to read the relevant
the corresponding preconfiguration; thus, the DPCCH structure for the dynamic configuration may still differ from what
information blocks on the UMTS BCCH prior to receiving
it would be for the corresponding preconfiguration, as e.g. 60 the handover command, then it has whatever dynamic
the power control command slot position (in the frame) is
configuration parameters it needs, and will use them for the
always fixed thus and can be detected whenever the spreaddedicated channel transmission after the handover procedure
ing factor is known. (The number of pilot symbols can differ
is complete (including synchronization and so on). If the
from slot format to slot format even if the spreading factors
mobile station has not been able to acquire (read) the
remain the same. However, if the spreading factor remains 65 dynamic configuration parameters prior to handover, then it
the same, at least some of the NTPC bits of the power control
automatically uses the (hardcoded) preconfiguration paramsymbol (indicating the power control command) are always
eters and their values (stored in the memory of the mobile
The number N TPC of TPC bits is either 2, 4, or 8, and, as
indicated in table 2, which is a reproduction of table 13 of
TS25.211 v3.5.0, section 5.3.2, all of the bits are either a 0
or a 1, depending on whether the transmitter power control
command is a 0 or a 1 (respectively).

US 6,788,959 B2

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14

station). Since the uplink and downlink data rates may differ,
Controller (RNC) controlling the base station, not by the
the mobile station must be sure to use a preconfiguration for
base station. As in the case of the receiver/decoder of the
mobile station indicated in FIG. 5, the allocation of funcwhich both the uplink and downlink data rates match those
tions indicated in FIG. 6 between the transceiver 63 and the
it is using in GSM.
Aspects of a receiver of a mobile station reading dynamic 5 decoder 64 is also in some respects arbitrary, and the
configuration parameters
invention is more generally represented in terms of a combined transceiver/decoder module 66, as indicated in FIG. 6.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the principal components of a
Discussion
mobile station 50 that are used in executing the method of
The decoding of the UMTS BCCR signal to obtain the
the invention indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are shown; the
components that implement the invention are indicated 10 dynamic configuration parameters can be performed using
collectively as apparatus 51. The mobile station 50 includes:
any of the various known methods. The implementation of
an antenna 52 for enabling reception of signals, a receiver
the CRC (i.e. how many bits are used for CRC) is a
(RX) module 53 for receiving signals on various channels
standards-specific issue. The RSSI can be determined by
detecting the received RF signal level; the signal level is
including broadcast control signals from UMTS and GSM
base stations (i.e. signals on the GSM BCCR and on the 15 then converted to digital form by an ND converter and
provided to the controller/timer module (FIG. 4).
UMTS BCCR), a decoder 54 for decoding the received
The reception of the UMTS BCCR transmission is prefsignal, and also a controller/timer 55. The signal level (as
indicated by for example by the RSSI) is determined from
erably done, as mentioned above, between paging recepthe received signal by the receiver 53, and CRC checks are
tions. It is assumed that the controller/timer module is aware
performed by the decoder 54. (Recall that it is the signal 20 of the paging reception timing interval information, which
depends on the telecommunication standard in use. The
level, as indicated for example by the RSSI, that is used (by
controller/timer module uses the paging reception informathe controller/timer 55) to determine whether the GSM
tion and the timer interval T_attempt to control the recepsignal level meets predetermined criteria for continuing in
an attempt to read dynamic configurations.) The CRC
tion circuits of the device. In other words, the controller/
checks and the signal level (RSSI) are both provided to the 25 timer module then controls the reception module so as to
controller/timer module 55, which controls the reception
have it repeatedly try to read the dynamic configuration
modules so as to receive the preconfigurations as described
parameters, waiting a time interval T_attempt, set by the
in the above described different embodiments of the method
standard in use, between each attempt. A new attempt is of
of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is the
course only made if the previous attempt failed.
The timer interval T_attempt and the optional bit
controller/timer module 55 that executes the method of the 30
(provided over the GSM BCCR to indicate whether or not
invention indicated in FIG. 1. Based on the logic indicated
in FIGS. 1 and 2, the controller/timer 55 provides a decoder
the node B to which the mobile station is being handed over
control signal to the decoder 54 to extract (read) dynamic
uses dynamic configurations) would preferably be defined
by a standard. The requirement for decoding dynamic conconfigurations from the received UMTS BCCR, and
(alternatively) a receiver control signal to the receiver 53 to 35 figuration parameters in respect to the timer interval
T_attempt (either its value, or how its value would be
again receive the UMTS BCCR (after a failed CRC check
conveyed) should also be set out in a standard.
and after the controller/timer waits a period T_attempt since
the last failed CRC check). Corresponding to the embodiAs mentioned above, it is advantageous to keep the
ment indicated in FIG. 2, the decoder 54 provides a flag bit
mobile station power consumption as low as possible in
extracted from a received GSM BCCR signal, and the 40 general. Therefore, when dynamic configurations are transcontroller/timer uses the flag bit to determine whether
mitted on the UTRA BCCR, it is advantageous that these
dynamic configurations are in use. The allocation of funcdynamic configurations be repeated in the system informations indicated in FIG. 5 between the receiver 53 and the
tion of the UTRA BCCR often enough so that the UE need
decoder 54 is in some respects arbitrary, and the invention
not continue to decode the UTRABCCR for too long a time.
is more generally represented in terms of a combined 45 In other words, the UE should not have to wait too long for
receiver/decoder module 56, as indicated in FIG. 5.
the dynamic configurations to appear again. On the other
Referring now to FIG. 6, the principal components of a
hand, the UE should not attempt to decode the UTRABCCR
when UTRAN quality (coverage) is poor or if dynamic
base station 60 that are used in executing the method of the
invention indicated in FIG. 3 are shown; the components
configurations are not used in the network. Unnecessary
that implement the invention are indicated collectively as 50 decoding of UTRA BCCR increases the idle mode activity
of the UE and so increases power consumption.
apparatus 61. The apparatus 61 includes: an antenna 52 for
Scope of the Invention
transmitting and receiving signals to and from a plurality of
It is to be understood that the above-described arrangemobile stations; a transceiver (TRX) module 63 for providing as transmitter signals the signals to be transmitted to the
ments are only illustrative of the application of the principles
mobile stations, the transmitter signals including broadcast 55 of the present invention. In particular, the invention in
respect to how a UTRA cell being handed a mobile station
control signals (UMTS BCCR) and also other signals, and
for receiving (RAT) signals from the mobile stations, the
determines whether or not to use dynamic configuration
received signals including an uplink TFCI (which can indiparameters in communicating with the mobile is of use not
only in a handover from a GSM cell to a UTRAcell, but also
cate a dynamic configuration); a decoder 64 for decoding
any received signal and so providing an uplink TFCI 60 from one UTRA cell to another, i.e. for internal UTRA cell
handovers. In addition, it is clear that the invention also
included in any received signal; and a controller 65. The
comprehends not only handovers from a GSM base station
controller is provided with the uplink TFCI from a mobile
to a UTRA node B, but also a handing off from a base station
station by the decoder, and based on the uplink TFCI
determines how to communicate with the mobile station,
of any other appropriate first wireless communication sysbased on the steps indicated in FIG. 3. Note, the decision 65 tem to a base station of any second and different appropriate
kind of wireless communication system. Numerous modiwhether or not a base station (node B) is to use dynamic
fications and alternative arrangements may be devised by
configurations at all is typically made by the Radio Network

US 6,788,959 B2
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those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and
transport format combination indicator (TFCI) is used, the
scope of the present invention, and the appended claims are
method comprising:
intended to cover such modifications and arrangements.
a) a step (32) of transmitting to and receiving from the
What is claimed is:
mobile station using dynamic configuration param1. A method for use by a mobile station in determining 5
eters;
whether dynamic configurations are in use by a base station
b) a step (34) of examining the uplink TFCI to determine
of a first wireless communication system to which the
whether the TFCI points to a dynamic configuration;
mobile station is being handed over by a base station of a
and
different wireless communication system, the base station of
c) a step (35) of continuing to transmit to and receive from
the different wireless communication system broadcasting a 10
the mobile station with the dynamic configuration
control signal on a broadcast control channel, the base
pointed to by the uplink TFCI, if the uplink TFCI points
station of the first wireless communication system also
to a dynamic configuration, and otherwise a step (36) of
broadcasting a control signal on a broadcast control channel,
transmitting to and receiving from the mobile station
the method comprising:
using a static preconfiguration.
a) a step (11) of determining whether the signal level of 15
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first wireless
the control signal broadcast by the different wireless
communication system is the universal mobile telephone
communication system meets a predetermined criterion
system terrestrial radio access (VTRA) wireless communifor intersystem reselection;
cation system, and the base station of the first wireless
b) a step (12) of receiving the control signal broadcast by
communication system is a node B.
the first wireless communication system;
20
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the different wireless
communication system is the global system for mobile
c) a step (13) of performing an error check of the received
communications (GSM) wireless communication system.
control signal broadcast by the first wireless communication system; and
8. An apparatus (51) for use by a mobile station (50) in
d) a step (15) of decoding the control signal broadcast by 25 determining whether dynamic configurations are in use by a
base station (60) of a first wireless communication system to
the first wireless communication system and in so
which the mobile station is being handed over by a base
doing, reading whatever dynamic configurations are
station of a different wireless communication system, the
being broadcast by the base station of the first wireless
base station of the first wireless communication system
communication system;
wherein, if the error check fails, the mobile station 30 broadcasting a broadcast control signal on a broadcast
control channel, and the base station of the different wireless
performs a step (14) of waiting a predetermined time
communication system broadcasting a different broadcast
interval (T_attempt), and then repeats the method
control signal on a different broadcast control channel, the
beginning with the step (12) of receiving the control
apparatus comprising:
signal from the first wireless communication system.
a) a receiver/decoder (56), responsive to signals received
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step (20) 35
from the base station (60) to which the mobile station
of decoding the control signal broadcast by the different
is being handed over including the broadcast control
wireless communication system and reading a flag bit indisignal and the different broadcast control signal,
cating whether or not the base station of the first wireless
responsive to a receiver control signal indicating that
communication system is using dynamic configurations, and
the receiver/decoder should receive the broadcast conwherein, only if the flag bit indicates that the base station of 40
trol signal, responsive to a decoder control signal
the first wireless communication system is using dynamic
indicating that the receiver/decoder should decode the
configurations does the mobile station carry out the aforereceived broadcast control signal and so read a dynamic
mentioned steps (a)-(d).
configuration indicated by the broadcast control signal,
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first wireless
for providing a signal level indicator (RSSI) indicating
communication system is the universal mobile telephone 45
a signal level of the different broadcast control signal,
system terrestrial radio access (VillA) wireless communiand for providing an error check (CRC) for the broadcation system, and the base station of the first wireless
cast control signal; and
communication system is a node B, and wherein the broadcast control channel of the first wireless communication
b) a controller/timer (55), responsive to the signal level
system is the VTRA broadcast control channel (BCCR).
50
indicator (RSSI) indicating a signal level of the differ4. The method of claim 1, wherein the different wireless
ent broadcast control signal, and the error check (CRC)
communication system is the global system for mobile
for the broadcast control signal, for providing the
communications (GSM) wireless communication system,
receiver control signal indicating that the receiver/
and wherein the broadcast control channel of the different
decoder should receive the broadcast control signal
wireless communication system is the GSM broadcast con- 55
depending on whether or not the signal level indicator
trol channel (BCCR).
meets predetermined criteria, for providing the decoder
5. A method for use by a base station of a first wireless
control signal indicating that the receiver/decoder
communication system in determining whether or not to use
should decode the received broadcast control signal and
dynamic configurations in communicating with a mobile
so read a dynamic configuration indicated by the broadstation being handed over by a base station of a different 60
cast control signal depending on the error check (CRC)
wireless communication system, the communication confor the broadcast control signal, and for again providing
sisting of uplink signals from the mobile station to the base
the receiver control signal after each failed error check
station of the first wireless communication system and
but only after a predetermined time interval
downlink signals from the base station of the first wireless
(T_attempt).
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the receiver/decoder
communication system to the mobile station, the mobile 65
station communicating with the base station of the first
(56) also provides a flag bit extracted from the different
wireless communication according to a protocol in which a
broadcast control signal, and wherein the controller/timer

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(55) uses the flag bit in deciding whether to attempt to
15. A method, comprising the steps of:
determine if dynamic configurations are in use by the base
a) receiving (12 22) at a mobile station a broadcast control
station of the first wireless communication system.
signal issuing from a base station to which the mobile
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first wireless
station is being handed over by another base station,
communication system is the universal mobile telephone 5
and
system terrestrial radio access (VillA) wireless communib) based on an error check (13 23) of the broadcast control
cation system, and the base station of the first wireless
signal, either reading (15 25) any dynamic configuracommunication system is a node B, and wherein the broadtion indicated by the broadcast control signal or waiting
cast control channel of the first wireless communication
(14 24) until a predetermined time to repeat the aforesystem is the VTRA broadcast control channel (BCCR).
mentioned step (a).
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the different wire- 10
16. A method as in claim 15, wherein the steps (a)-(b) are
less communication system is the global system for mobile
performed only if a flag bit received from the base station
communications (GSM) wireless communication system,
handing over the mobile station indicates that dynamic
and wherein the broadcast control channel of the different
configurations are in use at the base station to which the
wireless communication system is the GSM broadcast con15 mobile station is being handed over.
trol channel (BCCR).
12. An apparatus (61) for use by a base station (60) of a
17. A method, comprising the steps of:
first wireless communication system in determining whether
a) receiving (32) at a base station a signal (TFCI) from a
or not to use dynamic configurations in communicating with
mobile station indicating a dynamic configuration or a
a mobile station being handed over by a base station of a
static preconfiguration in use by the mobile station, and
different wireless communication system, the communica- 20
b) using dynamic configuration parameters (35) or static
tion consisting of uplink signals from the mobile station to
pre configuration parameters (36) in said base station
the base station of the first wireless communication system
depending on said signal received from said mobile
and downlink signals from the base station of the first
station,
wireless communication system to the mobile station, the
wherein the base station is being handed over a mobile
mobile station communicating with the base station of the 25
station by another base station, and further comprising
first wireless communication according to a protocol in
the steps of:
which a transport format combination indicator (TICI) is
c) receiving (12 22) at the mobile station a broadcast
used, the apparatus comprising:
control signal issuing from the base station to which the
a) a transceiver/decoder (56), responsive to a received
mobile station is being handed over, and
signal issuing from the mobile station, responsive to 30
d) based on an error check (13 23) of the broadcast control
signals to be transmitted including broadcast control
signal, either reading (15 25) any dynamic configurasignals (VMTS BCCR) and including other signals,
tion indicated by the broadcast control signal or waiting
and responsive to a transceiver control signal indicating
(14 24) until a predetermined time to repeat the aforewhether signals are to be transmitted according to
mentioned step (c).
either a dynamic configuration or a static 35
18. A method as in claim 17, wherein the steps (c)-(d) are
preconfiguration, for providing transmitter signals conperformed only if a flag bit received from the base station
veying the signals to be transmitted, wherein the sighanding over the mobile station indicates that dynamic
nals other than the broadcast control signals are proconfigurations are in use at the base station to which the
vided according to a dynamic configuration or a static
preconfiguration depending on the transceiver control 40 mobile station is being handed over.
19. An apparatus (51) for use by a mobile station, comsignal, and for providing an uplink transport format
prising:
combination indicator (TFCI) extracted from the
a) means (56) for receiving a broadcast control signal
received signal issuing from the mobile station; and
issuing from a base station to which the mobile station
b) a controller (65), responsive to the uplink transport
is being handed over by another base station and for
format combination indicator (TFCI), for providing the 45
performing an error check of the broadcast control
transceiver control signal, wherein the controller
signal; and
assigns a value to the transceiver control signal to
b) means (55), responsive to the error check of the
indicate that the transceiver/decoder is to use a dynamic
broadcast control signal, for either reading any
configuration in first communicating with the mobile
dynamic configuration indicated by the broadcast constation depending on whether or not the base station 50
trol signal or waiting until a predetermined time and
(60) uses a dynamic configuration, and then, if the base
then activating the means for receiving the broadcast
station uses a dynamic configuration, the controller
control signal, depending on the error check.
(65) examines the uplink transport format combination
20. An apparatus (51) as in claim 19, wherein the means
indicator (TFCI) to determine whether or not it indicates a dynamic configuration, and if so, assigns a value 55 (56) for receiving a broadcast control signal and performing
an error check also extracts a flag bit from a broadcast
to the transceiver control signal indicating that the
control signal issuing from the other base station, and
transceiver/decoder is to continue communicating with
wherein the mobile station attempts to read dynamic conthe mobile station using a dynamic configuration.
figurations only if the flag bit indicates dynamic configura13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first wireless
communication system is the universal mobile telephone 60 tions are in use by the base station to which the mobile
station is being handed over.
system terrestrial radio access (VillA) wireless communi21. A system, comprising an apparatus (61) for use by a
cation system, and the base station of the first wireless
base station being handed over a mobile station by another
communication system is a node B.
base station, the apparatus comprising:
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the different
wireless communication system is the global system for 65
means (66) for receiving a signal (TFCI) from a mobile
mobile communications (GSM) wireless communication
station indicating a dynamic configuration or a static
system.
pre configuration in use by the mobile station; and

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means (65) for using dynamic configuration parameters or
configuration indicated by the broadcast control sigstatic pre configuration parameters in said base station
nal or waiting until a predetermined time and then
depending on said signal received from said mobile
activating the means for receiving the broadcast
station;
control signal, depending on the error check.
22. A system as in claim 21, wherein the means (56) for
and further comprising an apparatus (51) for use by the 5
mobile station, the apparatus for use by the mobile
receiving a broadcast control signal and performing an error
station comprising:
check also extracts a flag bit from a broadcast control signal
issuing from the other base station, and wherein the mobile
means (56) for receiving a broadcast control signal
station attempts to read dynamic configurations only if the
issuing from the base station to which the mobile
station is being handed over by the other base station 10 flag bit indicates dynamic configurations are in use by the
base station to which the mobile station is being handed
and for performing an error check of the broadcast
over.
control signal; and
means (55), responsive to the error check of the broadcast control signal, for either reading any dynamic
* * * * *