Network element, cellular communication system and method therefor

摘要

A network element for supporting communication within at least one cell of a cellular communication network comprises a signal processing module arranged to identify when a first cell supported by the network element is in a capacity state, and in response thereto, indicate the first cell as being in a restricted access state within system information broadcast within the first cell and valid for wireless communication units in a connected mode state. The signal processing module is further arranged, upon receipt of a connection request message from a wireless communication unit within the first cell, to determine whether the first cell is in a capacity state, and, in response to determining that the first cell is in a capacity state, to cause the wireless communication unit from which the connection request message was received to enter a connected mode state.

主权项

1. A network element for supporting communication within at least one cell of a cellular communication network, wherein the network element comprises a signal processing circuit arranged to:
identify when a first cell supported by the network element is in a capacity state, and in response thereto indicate the first cell as being in a restricted access state within system information broadcast within the first cell, the system information being valid for wireless communication units in a connected mode state, and being invalid for wireless communication units which are in an idle state, wherein the signal processing circuit is further arranged, upon receipt of a connection request message from a wireless communication unit within the first cell, to determine whether or not the first cell is in a capacity state and, in response to determining that the first cell is in a capacity state, to cause the wireless communication unit from which the connection request message was received to enter a connected mode state.