Generic Access to the Iu Interface

Abstract

Some embodiments provide a method of registering a user equipment (UE) in a communication system that includes a licensed wireless communication system and a generic access network (GAN) that has a generic access network controller (GANC). The method sends a register request message from the UE to the GANC that indicates a GAN mode capability of A/Gb only for the UE. When the GANC has a GAN mode capability of A/Gb, the GANC registers the UE with the GAN. When the GANC has a GAN mode capability of Iu only, the GANC rejects the register request message. When the GANC has a GAN mode capability of both A/Gb and Iu, the GANC registers the UE based on a set of GANC mode selection rules that the GANC applies for registering UEs with the GAN.

1 . A method of registering a user equipment (UE) in a communication system comprising a first licensed wireless communication system and a second generic access network (GAN) comprising a generic access network controller (GANC), the method comprising: 
 a) sending a register request message from the UE to the GANC indicating a GAN mode capability of A/Gb only for the UE;    b) when the GANC has a GAN mode capability of A/Gb, the GANC registering the UE with the GAN;    c) when the GANC has a GAN mode capability of Iu only, the GANC rejecting said register request message; and    d) when the GANC has a GAN mode capability of both A/Gb and Iu, the    GANC registering the UE based on a set of GANC mode selection rules for registering UEs with the GAN.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said set of GANC mode selection rules utilizes information received by the GANC in the GAN register request message from the UE.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said set of GANC mode selection rules utilizes information stored in the GANC.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said set of GANC mode selection rules comprises service provider policies.