4G/LTE Evolved Packet Core (EPC) gateway that offers UE/user option to inhibit downlink of some traffic/data types, particularly whilst roaming

摘要

4G/LTE (Long term evolution) cellular systems propose an Evolved Packet System (EPS) wherein all traffic, including voice, is carried on a packet/IP network rather than some using circuit switched networks. Thus the inhibition of certain traffic types must occur in the EPS, rather than simply deactivating packet/data functionality. An association is formed between the user equipment UE and one or more gateways (GW, PGW, SGW) in the packet switched data network S210-204. Gateways may send messages to the UE indicating their capability to inhibit downlink transmission of user data towards the user equipment S205. The UE can respond with a blocking request S206-207 and data transmission is disabled at the gateway S208. Alternatively UEs may request blocking without a capability message from the gateway. The gateway responds to the request with parameters specifying UE Gateway transmission behaviour and controls communications in accordance with the parameters (Fig.9). May be used to block data/internet functions whilst roaming.