WO2017021773A1

WO2017021773A1 - Method and apparatus for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum

Info

Publication number: WO2017021773A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/001160
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zhi Wang; Yigang Cai
Original assignee: Alcatel Lucent
Priority date: 2015-08-06
Filing date: 2016-07-22
Publication date: 2017-02-09
Also published as: CN106455065A

Abstract

An objective of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in a LTE-U system. The method comprises steps of: a PCRF generates a LTE-U policy for the session after receiving a session establishment request, the LTE-U policy including relevant information regarding the session utilizing the unlicensed spectrum; then, notifies the LTE-U policy to the eNB, such that the eNB executes the LTE-U policy. When the triggering condition is satisfied, the PCRF modifies the LTE-U policy and notifies the modified LTE-U policy to the eNB, such that the eNB executes the modified LTE-U policy. The present invention fills a blank in the prior art and provides a method of allocating resources of an unlicensed spectrum, and by defining an LTE-U policy and modifying the LTE-U policy based on various triggering conditions, the present invention achieves a dynamic and flexible utilization of the resources of the unlicensed spectrum.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING UTILIZATION OF AN UNLICENSED SPECTRUM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of communication technologies, and more specifically relates to a technology of resource utilization in a LTE-U system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] With the expeditious growth of wireless services, there is a higher demanding on the capacity and spectrum of a wireless communication system. In this case, the authorized spectrum resource of the LTE system appears relatively insufficient. Therefore, 3GPP proposes a LTE-U (LTE in Unlicensed spectrum) technical framework to expand the LTE system from a licensed spectrum to an unlicensed spectrum.

[0003] At present, there are mainly three manners of aggregating an unlicensed spectrum to a licensed spectrum, wherein the first two manners are relatively common.

[0004] The first manner is Supplemental Downlink (shortly referred to as SDL) mode, i.e., the unlicensed spectrum is only used for downlink transmission, which is very typical in current network application;

[0005] The second manner is Carrier Aggregation (CA) mode, i.e., the unlicensed spectrum is allowed to be used in downlink and uplink, such as typical LTE TDD system. Its most critical advantage is flexibly adjusting the amount of unlicensed spectrum resources for uplink and downlink.

[0006] The third manner is Stand Alone (SA) mode, i.e., independently running the LTE at the unlicensed spectrum, without using the licensed spectrum.

[0007] In the SDL and CA modes, the unlicensed spectrum are used for a data layer only, while all of the control layer traffic are processed by a licensed spectrum. The operators simultaneously control the licensed and unlicensed spectrum resources.

[0008] However, introduction and use of LTE-U also bring many challenges, one of which is how to sufficiently utilize the resources of the unlicensed spectrum to the utmost extend, i.e., how to dynamically and flexibly allocate resources of the unlicensed spectrum.

[0009] In the current 3GPP standards, there is no specification on how to allocate resources of an unlicensed spectrum. Therefore, in order to sufficiently exert the advantages of LTE-U, it is very desirable to provide a dynamic and flexible technology of utilizing resources of an unlicensed spectrum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00010] An objective of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum.

[00011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in a PCRF of a LTE-U system. The method comprises steps of: a. receiving an IP-CAN session establishment request from a PGW; b. generating a LTE-U policy for the session, the LTE-U policy comprising relevant information about the session utilizing the unlicensed spectrum; c. sending to the PGW an IP-CAN session establishment request reply, which includes the generated LTE-U policy. [00012] Preferably, the step b further comprises: determining whether the session satisfies a condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum; if so, generating a LTE-U policy for the session.

[00013] Preferably, the method further comprises: when the session changes from not satisfying the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum to satisfying the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum, generating a LTE-U policy for the session; sending to the PGW a policy configuration message, which includes the generated LTE-U policy.

[00014] Preferably, the method further comprises: when a triggering condition is satisfied, modifying the LTE-U policy; sending to the PGW a policy configuration message, which includes the modified LTE-U policy.

[00015] Preferably, the triggering condition at least comprises one of the following scenarios: the PCRF detects that the IP-CAN session creates a new bearer; the PCRF detects that user-related data or network condition changes; wherein the user-related data at least comprises one of the following: user type, user account balance, data traffic used, power level of user equipment, moving speed or moving frequency of a user, data application type, bearer information, service parameter of the user; the network condition at least comprises network load information.

[00016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in an eNB of a LTE-U system, the method comprising steps of: receiving from a PCRF indication information, which includes a LTE-U policy of an IP-CAN session, the LTE-U policy comprises relevant information regarding the session utilizing the unlicensed spectrum; and controlling utilization of the unlicensed spectrum according to the LTE-U policy.

[00017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in a PCRF of a LTE-U system, the apparatus comprising: a first receiving module configured to receive an IP-CAN session establishment request from a PGW; a first policy generating module configured to generate a LTE-U policy for the session, the LTE-U policy including relevant information regarding the session utilizing the unlicensed spectrum; a first sending module configured to send to the PGW an IP-CAN session establishment request reply, which includes the generated LTE-U policy.

[00018] Preferably, the first policy generating module is further configured to: determine whether the session satisfies a condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum; if so, generate a LTE-U policy for the session.

[00019] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises: a second policy generating module configured to, when the session changes from not satisfying the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum to satisfying the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum, generate a LTE-U policy for the session; and a second sending module configured to send to the PGW a policy configuration message, which includes the generated LTE-U policy.

[00020] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises: a policy modifying module configured to, when a triggering condition is satisfied, modify the LTE-U policy; and a third sending module configured to send to the PGW a policy configuration message, which includes the modified LTE-U policy.

[00021] Preferably, the triggering condition at least comprises one of the following scenarios: the PCRF detects that the IP-CAN session creates a new bearer; the PCRF detects that user-related data or network condition changes; wherein the user-related data at least comprises one of the following: user type, user account balance, data traffic used, power level of user equipment, moving speed or moving frequency of a user, data application type, bearer information, service parameter of a user; the network condition at least comprises network load information.

[00022] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in an eNB of a LTE-U system, the apparatus comprising: a second receiving module configured to receive from a PCRF indication information, which includes a LTE-U policy of an IP-CAN session, the LTE-U policy comprises relevant information regarding the session utilizing the unlicensed spectrum; and an executing module configured to control utilization of the unlicensed spectrum according to the LTE-U policy.

[00023] Preferably, the relevant information regarding the unlicensed spectrum included in the LTE-U policy at least comprises one of the following: priority of utilizing an unlicensed spectrum; time interval of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum; location of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum; utilization type of the unlicensed spectrum, the priority of each utilization type; QoS of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum.

[00024] The present invention fills a blank in the prior art and provides a method of allocating resources at an unlicensed spectrum. By defining an LTE-U policy in the PCRF and executing the LTE-U policy in eNB, the present invention achieves reasonable allocation of resources of the unlicensed spectrum. Moreover, the PCRF can generate and modify the LTE-U policy based on various static data and real-time situations, and timely notify the eNB for executing the corresponding policy, thereby dynamically, flexibly, and reasonably utilizing the resources of the unlicensed spectrum to the utmost extend.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[00025] Other features, objectives, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent through reading detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[00026] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a process of controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in a LTE-U system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[00027] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a process of controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in a LTE-U system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[00028] Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a process of controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in a LTE-U system according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[00029] Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in PCRF according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[00030] Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in an eNB according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[00031] Same or similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawings represent same or similar components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00032] According to one application scenario of the present invention, in a LTE-U system, there is at least one base station eNBll, a MME 12, a SGW13, a PGW14, and a PCRF15.

[00033] The present invention achieves an objective of controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum by generating an LTE-U policy in a PCRF and executing the LTE-U policy in the eNB, the LTE-U policy being for indicating the eNB how to utilize the unlicensed spectrum.

[00034] In one embodiment, the LTE-U policy at least comprises, but not limited to, one of the following information:

[00035] 1) priority of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum

[00036] An IP-CAN (IP-Connectivity Access Network) session or bearer with a higher priority is granted an unlicensed spectrum more easily than a session or bearer with a lower priority. The eNB will allocate in priority the unlicensed spectrum to a session or bearer with a higher priority for utilization. When the resources of the unlicensed priority spectrum are tight, the eNB will release an unlicensed spectrum occupied by the session or bearer with a lower priority and allocate it to the session or bearer with a higher priority. In this way, it can be guaranteed that the resources of the unlicensed spectrum (particularly when the resources of the unlicensed spectrum are limited) can be sufficiently utilized to the utmost extent, and a maximum value may be generated for the telecommunications service provider and the user.

[00037] 2) time interval of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum

[00038] Indicating the time length of occupying the unlicensed spectrum.

[00039] 3) location of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum

[00040] i.e., at what position the user can utilize the unlicensed spectrum.

[00041] 4) type of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum

[00042] Indicating a type of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum, e.g., an SDL mode, a CA mode, or an SA mode; when there are a plurality of modes available, utilization priority of various modes may be further indicated.

[00043] 5) QoS of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum

[00044] Indicating the quality parameters of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum, e.g., a width of the unlicensed spectrum allowed to occupying, a bit rate of transmission through the unlicensed spectrum, etc. Different sessions or bearers may have different QoS. Moreover, the PCRF may modify the QoS according to the real-time circumstances, e.g., the PCRF may set such a policy: when the users are relatively few, a larger spectrum width is available to the users; when the users are many, the spectrum width occupied by each user is appropriately narrowed to guarantee that the users with the same priority share the unlicensed spectrum in a most reasonable manner.

[00045] It should be noted that the LTE-U policy information is not limited to the above information, which may comprise any information regarding utilization of the unlicensed spectrum. The eNB assigns the resources of the unlicensed spectrum based on the LTE-U policy information.

[00046] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[00047] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a process of controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in a LTE-U system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the process, a PCRF 15 will generate an LTE-U policy P.

[00048] It should be noted that the process is an improvement of a UE attach process specified in section 5.3.2 of 3GPP TS 23.401. Fig. 1 only shows messages associated with the invention. For more message flows, please refer to section 5.3.2 of 3GPP TS 23.401, and section 7.2 of 3GPP TS 23.203. [00049] The process starts from step S101.

[00050] In step S101, after receiving an attach request from the UE10 (not shown), the eNB 11 sends an attach request to the MME 12, e.g., an Attach Request message as shown in the figure.

[00051] Then, in steps S102 and S103, the MME 12 sends a Create Session Request to the PGW 14 through the SGW 13, e.g., the Create Session Request message as shown in the figure.

[00052] Next, in step S104, the PGW 14 sends an IP-CAN session establishment request to the PCRF 15, e.g., the Indication of IP-CAN Session Establishment message as shown in the figure, for requesting for establishment of a new session S.

[00053] Then, in step S105, the PCRF 15 generates a LTE-U policy P, the LTE-U policy P including relevant information regarding the session S utilizing the unlicensed spectrum.

[00054] The PCRF 15 generates the LTE-U policy P according to information from SPR or OCS, local configuration information, preset rule, network condition, and the like. The LTE-U policy P is for indicating how the eNB 11 allocates resources of an unlicensed spectrum for the UE10.

[00055] In one embodiment, the PCRF 15 will determine whether the session S satisfies a condition of using the unlicensed spectrum before generating the LTE-U policy P. These conditions are preset, e.g., only a VIP user can utilize the unlicensed spectrum in the case of network congestion. If the session S satisfies the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum, the PCRF 15 generates a LTE-U policy P for it.

[00056] In a further embodiment, when the session S changes from not satisfying the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum to satisfying the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum, the PCRF 15 generates the LTE-U policy P for the session S. For example, upon receiving the IP-CAN session establishment request, the PCRF 15 detects a network congestion, while UE10 is not a VIP user; then, the UE10 cannot use an unlicensed spectrum based on the preset condition; therefore, the PCRF 15 will not generate the LTE-U policy immediately for the session S. Afterwards, the PCRF 15 finds that the network is not congested any more, and the UE 10 may utilize the unlicensed spectrum; therefore, the PCRF 15 generates an LTE-U policy P for the session S. Then, the PCRF 15 sends a policy configuration message to the PGW14, wherein the policy configuration message includes the generated LTE-U policy P.

[00057] After performing the step S105, the PCRF 15 then sends an IP-CAN session establishment request reply to the PGW 14 in step S106, e.g., the Acknowledge of IP-CAN Session Establish message as shown in the figure, which includes the LTE-U policy P. The PCRF 15 may newly add an AVP (Attribute Value Pair) in the existing Acknowledge of IP-CAN Session Establish message to carry information of the LTE-U policy P.

[00058] In steps S107 and S108, the PGW 14 sends a Create Session Response to the MME 12 via the SGW 13, e.g., the Create Session Response message as shown in the figure, which includes the above LTE-U policy P. Information of the LTE-U policy P may be carried by newly adding an AVP in the existing Create Session Response message.

[00059] Next, in step S109, the MME 12 sends an Attach Complete message to the eNB 11, e.g., the Initial Context Setup Request or Attach Accept message as shown in the figure, which includes the information of the LTE-U policy P of the newly created session S. The information of the LTE-U policy P may be carried by newly adding an AVP in the existing Initial Context Setup Request or Attach Accept message.

[00060] After receiving the information of the LTE-U policy P of the newly created session S, the eNB will save the LTE-U policy P. [00061] Then, in step S110, the eNB 11 executes the LTE-U policy P, i.e., controlling use of the unlicensed spectrum according to the LTE-U policy P. Specifically, the eNB 11 allocates the resources of the unlicensed spectrum for the UE10 according to the information in the LTE-U policy P.

[00062] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a process of controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in a LTE-U system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[00063] The process starts from step S201.

[00064] In step S201, when the triggering condition is satisfies, the PCRF 15 modifies the LTE-U policy P of the created IP-CAN session S, the modified LTE-U policy being denoted as P'.

[00065] The triggering condition here at least comprises: the PCRF 15 detects change of the user-related data or network condition.

[00066] The user-related data at least includes one of the following items, but not limited to the following items:

[00067] 1) user type

[00068] For example, whether the user is a VIP user or a common user.

[00069] 2) user account balance

[00070] For example, when the user account balance is in shortage, its priority in the LTE-U policy will be lowered accordingly.

[00071] 3) Data traffic in use

[00072] For example, when the data traffic used by the user constantly increases or reaches a certain threshold, its priority in the LTE-U policy will be raised accordingly. For another example, when the data traffic used by the user is constantly lower than a certain threshold within a preset time interval, its priority in the LTE-U policy will be lowered accordingly.

[00073] 4) power level of user equipment

[00074] For example, when the power level of the user equipment is lower than a certain threshold, its priority in the LTE-U policy will be lowered accordingly, or its utilization of the unlicensed spectrum is directly suspended.

[00075] 5) moving speed or moving frequency of the user

[00076] For example, when the user's moving speed is higher than a certain threshold, or the serving eNB is frequently changed within a preset time interval, its priority in the LTE-U policy will be lowered accordingly, or its utilization of the unlicensed spectrum is directly suspended.

[00077] 6) data application type

[00078] It refers to a data flow type transmitted on a bearer, which may be divided by data type, e.g., voice, picture, video, etc., or divided by server type, e.g., Facebook application, Youtube application, Weibo application, Weixin application, etc. The PCRF 15 may adopt different LTE-U policies according to different types.

[00079] 7) bearer information

[00080] It refers to information regarding bearer, e.g., bearer type, data flow characteristic of the bearer, bandwidth of the bearer, etc. The bearer type refers to a default bearer or a dedicated bearer. The data flow characteristic of the bearer refers to a high data amount or a low data amount. The bandwidth of the bearer refers to a high bandwidth or a low bandwidth.

[00081] 8) service parameter of a user

[00082] It refers to a service parameter set by an operator for a user, e.g., service fee rate, QCI (QoS Class Identifier), GBR (Guaranteed Bit Rate), etc. [00083] The network condition at least includes network load information. When the network load changes, the PCRF 15 may adopt different LTE-U policy.

[00084] Then, in step S202, the PCRF15 sends a policy configuration information to the PGW 14, for example, the Policy and Charging Rules Provision message as shown in the figure, which includes the modified LTE-U policy P'. The LTE-U policy P' may be carried by newly adding an AVP in the Policy and Charging Rules Provision message.

[00085] In step S203 and step S204, the PGW 14 sends an update message to the MME 12 via the SGW 13, e.g., the Update Bearer Request message as shown in the figure, which includes the modified LTE-U policy P'. The LTE-U policy P' may be carried by newly adding an AVP in the Update Bearer Request message.

[00086] Next, in step S205, the MME 12 sends an update message to the eNBll, e.g., the Bearer Modify Request or Session Management Request message as shown in the figure, which includes the modified LTE-U policy P'. The LTE-U policy P' may be carried by newly adding an AVP in the Bearer Modify Request or Session Management Request message.

[00087] After receiving the updated message, the eNB 11 will update the locally saved LTE-U policy P of the session S to P'.

[00088] Next, in step S206, the eNB 11 will execute the new LTE-U policy P', i.e., controlling utilization of the unlicensed spectrum according to the LTE-U policy P'. Specifically, the eNBll allocates resources of the unlicensed spectrum for the UE10 according to the information in the LTE-U policy P'.

[00089] Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a process of controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in a LTE-U system according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[00090] The process starts from step S301.

[00091] In step S301, when the triggering condition is satisfied, the PCRF 15 modifies the already generated LTE-U policy P of the IP-CAN session S, the modified LTE-U policy being denoted as P".

[00092] The triggering condition here at least comprises: the PCRF 15 detects that the IP-CAN session S creates a new bearer. The new bearer here refers to a dedicated bearer.

[00093] During the process shown in Fig. 1, what is created by the IP-CAN session S is a default bearer. When the PCRF 1 detects that the IP-CAN session S needs to create a new dedicated bearer, the PCRF 15 may create a different policy for the default bearer and the dedicated bearer according to the needs. The LTE-U policy P only includes policy information of the default bearer. Therefore, when it is needed to create different policies for the default bearer and the dedicated bearer, the PCRF 15 may modify the LTE-U policy P by adding the policy information for the dedicated bearer therein.

[00094] Then, in step S302, the PCRF 15 sends a policy configuration message to the PGW 14, e.g., the Policy and Charging Rules Provision message as shown in the figure, which includes the modified LTE-U policy P". The LTE-U policy P" may be carried by newly adding an AVP into the Policy and Charging Rules Provision message.

[00095] In steps S303 and S304, the PGW 14 sends a Create Bearer message to the MME 12 via the SGW 13, e.g., the Create Bearer Request message as shown in the figure, which includes the modified LTE-U policy P". The LTE-U policy P" may be carried by newly adding an AVP in the Create Bearer Request message.

[00096] Next, in step S305, the MME 12 sends a bearer setup message to the eNB 11, e.g., Bearer Setup Request or Session Management Request message as shown in the figure, which includes the modified LTE-U policy P". The LTE policy P" may be carried by newly adding an AVP in the Bearer Setup Request or Session Management Request message.

[00097] After receiving the above message, the eNB 11 updates the locally saved LTE-U policy P of the session S to P".

[00098] Then, in step S306, the eNB 11 will execute the new policy LTE-U policy P", i.e., controlling use of the unlicensed spectrum according to the LTE-U policy P". Specifically, the eNB 11 allocates the resources of the unlicensed spectrum for the UE10 according to the information in the LTE-U policy P".

[00099] Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in PCRF 15 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 400 comprises a first receiving module 401, a first policy generating module 402, and a first sending module 403.

[000100] Hereinafter, the working process of the module 400 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 1-3.

[000101] First, as shown in Fig. 1, the first receiving module 401 receives an IP-CAN session establishment request from the PGW 14, e.g., the Indication of IP-CAN Session Establishment message as shown in Fig. 1. The request is for requesting establishing a new session S.

[000102] Then, the first policy generating module 402 generates an LTE-U policy P, and the LTE-U policy P includes relevant information regarding the session S utilizing the unlicensed spectrum.

[000103] The first policy generating module 402 generates the LTE-U policy P according to the information from the SPR or OCS, local configuration information, preset rules, and network condition, etc. The LTE-U policy P is for indicating the eNB 11 how to allocate the resources of the unlicensed spectrum for the UE10.

[000104] In one embodiment, the first policy generating module 402 will determine whether the session S satisfies the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum before generating the LTE-U policy. These conditions are preset, e.g., only a VIP user can utilize the unlicensed spectrum in the case of network congestion. If the session S satisfies the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum, the first policy generating module 402 generates a LTE-U policy P for it.

[000105] In a further embodiment, the apparatus 400 further comprises a second policy generating module (not shown) and a second sending module (not shown). When the session S changes from not satisfying the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum to satisfying the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum, the second policy generating module generates the LTE-U policy P for the session S. For example, upon receiving the IP-CAN session establishment request, the PCRF 15 detects a network congestion, while UE10 is not a VIP user; then, the UE10 cannot use an unlicensed spectrum according to the preset condition; therefore, the first policy generating module 402 will not generate the LTE-U policy immediately for the session S. Afterwards, the PCRF 15 finds that the network is not congested any more, and the UE 10 may utilize the unlicensed spectrum; therefore, the second policy generating module generates an LTE-U policy P for the session S. Afterwards, the second sending module sends a policy configuration message to the PGW14, wherein the policy configuration message includes the generated LTE-U policy P.

[000106] After the first policy generating module 402 generates the LTE-U policy P, the first sending module 403 sends an IP-CAN session establishment request reply to the PGW 14, e.g., the Acknowledge of IP-CAN Session Establish message as shown in the figure, which includes the LTE-U policy P. The first sending module 403 may newly add an AVP (Attribute Value Pair) in the existing Acknowledge of IP-CAN Session Establish message to carry information of the LTE-U policy P.

[000107] In a further embodiment, the apparatus 400 further comprises a policy modifying module (not shown) and a third sending module (not shown).

[000108] When the triggering condition is satisfied, the policy modifying module modifies the LTE-U policy P of the created IP-CAN session S, and the modified LTE-U policy is denoted as P'.

[000109] Here, the triggering condition at least includes one of the following:

[000110] - the PCRF 15 detects that the user-related data or network condition changes;

[000111] wherein, the user-related data at least comprises one of the following: a user type, a user account balance, data traffic used, power level of user equipment, moving speed or moving frequency of a user, data application type, bearer information, service parameter of a user. As to the explanations of respective items, please see the description with reference to Fig. 2.

[000112] Wherein, the network condition at least includes network load information. When the network load changes, the PCRF 15 may adopt a different LTE-U policy.

[000113] - The PCRF 15 detects that the IP-CAN session S creates a new bearer;

[000114] The new bearer here refers to a dedicated bearer. During the process shown in Fig. 1, what is created by the IP-CAN session S is a default bearer. When the PCRF 15 detects that the IP-CAN session S needs to create a new dedicated bearer, the PCRF 15 may create a different policy for the default bearer and the dedicated bearer according to the needs. The LTE-U policy P only includes policy information of the default bearer. Therefore, when it is needed to create different policies for the default bearer and the dedicated bearer, the PCRF 15 may modify the LTE-U policy P by adding the policy information of the dedicated bearer therein.

[000115] Then, the third sending module sends a policy configuration message to the PGW 14, e.g., the Policy and Charging Rules Provision message as shown in Fig. 2, which includes the modified LTE-U policy P'. The LTE-U policy P' may be carried by newly adding an AVP into the Policy and Charging Rules Provision message.

[000116] Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in an eNB 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 500 comprises: a second receiving module 501 and an executing module 502.

[000117] Hereinafter, the working process of the apparatus 500 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 1-3.

[000118] First, the second receiving module 501 receives indication information from the PCRF 15, which includes the LTE-U policy of the IP-CAN session S, and the LTE-U policy includes relevant information regarding the session S utilizing the unlicensed spectrum.

[000119] As shown in Fig. 1, the second receiving module 501 in eNB 11 receives indication information from the PCRF 15 via MME 12, SGW 13, and PGW 14, and the indication information includes the LTE-U policy P newly created by the PCRF 15 for the session S.

[000120] As shown in Fig. 2, the second receiving module 501 in eNB 11 receives indication information from the PCRF 15 via MME 12, SGW 13, and PGW 14, and the indication information includes policy P' modified by the PCRF 15 for the LTE-U policy P.

[000121] As shown in Fig. 3, the second receiving module 501 in eNB 11 receives indication information from the PCRF 15 via MME12, SGW 13, and PGW 14, and the indication information includes the policy P" modified by the PCRF 15 for the LTE-U policy P.

[000122] Then, the executing module 502 controls utilization of the unlicensed spectrum according to the received LTE-U policy, i.e., controlling utilization of the unlicensed spectrum according to the received LTE-U policy. Specifically, the eNB 11 allocates resources of the unlicensed spectrum for the UE 10 according to the information in the received LTE-U policy. As mentioned above, the received LTE-U policy may be either the newly created LTE-U policy or a modified policy from the existing LTE-U policy.

[000123] It should be noted that the present invention may be implemented in software and/or a combination of software and hardware, for example, may be implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), general purpose computer or any other similar hardware device. In one embodiment, the software program of the present invention may be executed through a processor to implement the steps or functions as mentioned above. Likewise, the software program (including relevant data structure) of the present invention may be stored in a computer readable recording medium, e.g., RAM memory, magnetic or optic driver or soft floppy or similar devices. Additionally, some steps or functions of the present invention may be implemented by hardware, for example, as a circuit cooperating with the processor so as to execute various steps of functions.

[000124] Additionally, a part of the present invention may be applied as a computer program product, e.g., computer program instructions, which, when being executed by a computer, may invoke or provide a method and/or technical solution according to the present invention through the operations of the computer. Further, the program instructions invoking the method of the present invention may be stored in a fixed or mobile recording medium, and/or communicated through broadcast or data stream in other signal carrying media, and/or stored in a work memory of a computer device running according to the program instructions. Here, one embodiment according to the present invention comprises an apparatus that includes a memory for storing the computer program instructions and a processor for executing the program instructions, wherein when being executed by the processor, the computer program instructions trigger the apparatus to operate the method and/or technical solution according to a plurality of embodiments of the present invention as mentioned above.

[000125] To those skilled in the art, it is apparent that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and the present invention may be implemented with other embodiments without departing from the spirit or basic features of the present invention. Thus, in any way, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary, not limitative; the scope of the present invention is limited by the appended claims, instead of the above depiction. Thus, all variations falling into the meaning and scope of equivalent elements of the claims are intended to be covered within the present invention. No reference signs in the claims should be regarded as limiting the involved claims. Besides, it is apparent that the term "comprise" does not exclude other units or steps, and singularity does not exclude plurality. A plurality of units or modules stated in a system claim may also be implemented by a single unit or module through software or hardware. Terms such as a first and a second are used to indicate names, but do not indicate any particular sequence.

Claims

1. A method for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in a PCRF of a LTE-U system, the method comprising steps of:

a. receiving an IP-CAN session establishment request from a PGW;

b. generating a LTE-U policy for the session, the LTE-U policy comprising relevant information about the session utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

c. sending to the PGW an IP-CAN session establishment request reply, which includes the generated LTE-U policy.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step b further comprises:

determining whether the session satisfies a condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum; if so, generating a LTE-U policy for the session.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the method further comprises:

when the session changes from not satisfying the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum to satisfying the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum, generating a LTE-U policy for the session;

sending to the PGW a policy configuration message, which includes the generated LTE-U policy.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:

when a triggering condition is satisfied, modifying the LTE-U policy;

sending to the PGW a policy configuration message, which includes the modified LTE-U policy.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the triggering condition at least comprises one of the following scenarios:

the PCRF detects that the IP-CAN session creates a new bearer;

the PCRF detects that user-related data or network condition changes;

wherein, the user-related data at least comprises one of the following: user type, user account balance, data traffic used, power level of a user equipment, moving speed or moving frequency of a user, data application type, bearer information, service parameter of a user; the network condition at least comprises network load information.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the relevant information regarding utilizing of the unlicensed spectrum as included in the LTE-U policy at least includes one of the following information:

priority of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

time interval of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

location of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

utilization type of the unlicensed spectrum;

QoS of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum.

7. A method for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in an eNB of a LTE-U system, the method comprising steps of:

receiving from a PCRF indication information, which includes a LTE-U policy of an IP-CAN session, the LTE-U policy comprises relevant information regarding the session utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

controlling utilization of the unlicensed spectrum according to the LTE-U policy.

8. The method according to claim7, wherein the relevant information regarding utilization of the unlicensed spectrum as included in the LTE-U policy at least includes one of the following information:

priority of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

time interval of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

location of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

utilization type of the unlicensed spectrum;

QoS of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum.

9. An apparatus for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in a PCRF of a LTE-U system, the apparatus comprising:

a first receiving module configured to receive an IP-CAN session establishment request from a PGW;

a first policy generating module configured to generate a LTE-U policy for the session, the LTE-U policy including relevant information regarding the session utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

a first sending module configured to send to the PGW an IP-CAN session establishment request reply, which includes the generated LTE-U policy.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first policy generating module is further configured to:

determine whether the session satisfies a condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum; if so, generate a LTE-U policy for the session.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a second policy generating module configured to, when the session changes from not satisfying the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum to satisfying the condition of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum, generate a LTE-U policy for the session;

a second sending module configured to send to the PGW a policy configuration message, which includes the generated LTE-U policy.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a policy modifying module configured to, when a triggering condition is satisfied, modify the LTE-U policy;

a third sending module configured to send to the PGW a policy configuration message, which includes the modified LTE-U policy.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the triggering condition at least comprises one of the following scenarios:

the PCRF detects that the IP-CAN session creates a new bearer;

the PCRF detects that user-related data or network condition changes;

wherein the user-related data at least comprises one of the following: user type, user account balance, data traffic used, power level of a user equipment, moving speed or moving frequency of a user, data application type, bearer information, service parameter of a user;

the network condition at least comprises network load information.

14. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the relevant information regarding utilizing the unlicensed spectrum included in the LTE-U policy at least comprises one of the following:

priority of utilizing an unlicensed spectrum;

time interval of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

location of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

utilization type of the unlicensed spectrum;

QoS of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum.

15. An apparatus for controlling utilization of an unlicensed spectrum in an eNB of a LTE-U system, the apparatus comprising:

a second receiving module configured to receive from a PCRF indication information, which includes a LTE-U policy of an IP-CAN session, the LTE-U policy comprises relevant information regarding the session utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

an executing module configured to control utilization of the unlicensed spectrum according to the LTE-U policy.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the relevant information regarding utilizing the unlicensed spectrum included in the LTE-U policy at least comprises one of the following:

priority of utilizing an unlicensed spectrum;

time interval of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

location of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum;

utilization type of the unlicensed spectrum;

QoS of utilizing the unlicensed spectrum.