Automatic base station configuration

Abstract

A basestation in a cellular communications network is configured such that it has a different Location Area Identification from other local basestations in the cellular network. This has the effect that a Location Area Update procedure is performed when a mobile device wishes to camp onto that basestation. The basestation is able to configure itself automatically, to ensure that its Location Area Identification differs from other local basestations.

1 . A method of identifying a Location Area in a cellular communications network, the method comprising, in a basestation of said network:
 including a first Location Area Identification in radio transmissions from said basestation, said first Location Area Identification being selected from a first set of Location Area Identifications;   including a second Location Area Identification in messages sent to a core network of said cellular communications network, said second Location Area Identification being selected from a second set of Location Area Identifications.   
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising including said first Location Area Identification in all radio transmissions from said basestation. 
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the second Location Area Identification included in a message sent to a core network of said cellular communications network is selected from said second set of Location Area Identifications based on an identity of a mobile device communicating with said basestation. 
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first set of Location Area Identifications and the second set of Location Area Identifications are mutually exclusive. 
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first set of Location Area Identifications comprises more than 100 Location Area Identifications. 
     
     
         6 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the second set of Location Area Identifications comprises less than 10 Location Area Identifications. 
     
     
         7 . A basestation for a cellular communications network,
 wherein the basestation identifies itself in radio transmissions therefrom by means of a first Location Area Identification, and   wherein the basestation includes a second Location Area Identification in messages sent to a core network of said cellular communications network, said second Location Area Identification being selected based on an identity of a mobile device communicating with said basestation.