DATA TRANSFER BETWEEN GRAN INTERWORKING UNITS

摘要

The present invention relates generally to the problem of mobility in the Generic Radio Access Network (GRAN), and more particularly to the problem of updating core-network specific information with a minimum of consumed radio resources when a mobile terminal moves to an area covered by a new radio network controller (RNC). When the GRAN informs the old Interworking Unit (IWU) that its access port is no longer valid for a certain subscriber, the acknowledgement message form the old IWU comprises an optional, variable-length field for core network specific data. The IWU inserts the core network specific identifier for this subscriber in this field. This information is then able to be forwarded to the new IWU without interpretation by the GRAN. The new IWU can then perform the core network location update on behalf of the terminal. In this way the subscriber's terminal is not involved and precious radio resources are spared.