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 restricting access to a basestation in a cellular wireless communications network, the method comprising:
 maintaining in said basestation a list of authorized devices; and   when an unauthorized device camps onto the basestation, sending a “Location Area Not Allowed” message to said unauthorized device.   
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising sending said “Location Area Not Allowed” message to said unauthorized device only when said unauthorized device camps repeatedly onto the basestation. 
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2 , comprising sending said “Location Area Not Allowed” message to said unauthorized device only when said unauthorized device camps onto the basestation for a second time within a predetermined time period. 
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising sending said “Location Area Not Allowed” message to said unauthorized device only after checking that the unauthorized device is not authorized to access a different basestation having the same Location Area Identification. 
     
     
         5 . A basestation for a cellular wireless communications network, wherein the basestation comprises a memory for maintaining a list of authorized devices; and wherein, when an unauthorized device camps onto the basestation, the basestation is adapted to send a “Location Area Not Allowed” message to said unauthorized device. 
     
     
         6 . A basestation as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the basestation is adapted to send said “Location Area Not Allowed” message to said unauthorized device only when said unauthorized device camps repeatedly onto the basestation. 
     
     
         7 . A basestation as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the basestation is adapted to send said “Location Area Not Allowed” message to said unauthorized device only when said unauthorized device camps onto the basestation for a second time within a predetermined time period. 
     
     
         8 . A basestation as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the basestation is adapted to send said “Location Area Not Allowed” message to said unauthorized device only after checking that the unauthorized device is not authorized to access a different basestation having the same Location Area Identification. 
     
     
         9 . A basestation for a cellular wireless communications network, wherein the basestation is adapted to provide coverage in a coverage area within a macro network, and wherein the basestation is identified by a PLMN that is defined by an Equivalent PLMN within the macro network. 
     
     
         10 . A basestation as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the basestation has a different Location Area Identification from other local basestations of said network.