System and Method for Deactivating IP Sessions of Lower Priority

(19) &

(11) EP 1 912 385 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: H04L 12/56 (2006.01) 26.08.2009 Bulletin 2009/35

(21) Application number: 06122310.3

(22) Date of filing: 13.10.2006

(54) System and method for deactivating IP sessions of lower priority System und Verfahren zum Beenden von IP-Verbindungen niedrigerer Priorität Système et procédé afin de désactiver des sessions IP de priorités moindres

(84) Designated Contracting States: • Islam, M. Khaledul AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR Ottawa, HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI Ontario K2K 3N4 (CA) SK TR •Kim,Jin Designated Extension States: Ottawa, AL BA HR MK RS Ontario K1Y 4S3 (CA)

(43) Date of publication of application: (74) Representative: Rickard, David John 16.04.2008 Bulletin 2008/16 Ipulse 26 Mallinson Road (73) Proprietor: Research In Motion Limited London Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3W8 (CA) SW11 1BP (GB)

(72) Inventors: (56) References cited: • Wirtanen, Jeff EP-A- 1 176 766 EP-A- 1 686 752 Kanata, WO-A-20/05084061 WO-A2-03/017522 Ontario K2K 2L9 (CA)

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 1 912 385 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 1 912 385 B1 2

Description priorities indicating which of the plurality of IP sessions of the mobile device should be maintained and which of [0001] The application relates generally to wireless the plurality of IP sessions of the mobile device should communication, and more particularly to IP sessions. be deactivated if the mobile device moves into an area [0002] Communications between a mobile device and 5 that supports a maximum number of IP sessions per mo- a corresponding node are processed in a UMTS (Univer- bile device that is fewer than how many IP sessions are sal Mobile Telecommunications System) network established for the mobile device; and transmitting an through GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) serving indication of each respective priority to a wireless net- nodes. The GPRS serving nodes include an SGSN work. (Serving GPRS Support Node) and a GGSN (Gateway 10 [0006] According to another broad aspect, there may GPRS Support Node). Such communication exchange be provided a computer readable medium having com- between the mobile device and the corresponding node puter executable instructions stored thereon for execu- involve communication exchange between the mobile tion on a processor so as to implement the method sum- device and the SGSN. Communication exchanges such marised above. as user plane communication (i.e. IP data traffic) between 15 [0007] According to a broad aspect, there may be pro- the mobile device and the SGSN node use one or more vided a mobile device comprising: a wireless access ra- PDP contexts. dio adapted to communicate with a wireless network; an There may be many PDP contexts depending on how IP session priority function adapted to: determine a re- many different applications of the mobile device are com- spective priority for each of a plurality of IP sessions of municating over PDP contexts. However, the number of 20 the mobile device, the respective priorities indicating PDP contexts for the mobile device may be limited by which of the plurality of IP sessions of the mobile device the number of PDP contexts supported in the routing area should be maintained and which of the plurality of IP ses- in which the mobile device resides. Different routing ar- sions of the mobile device should be deactivated if the eas may support different numbers of PDP contexts. mobile device moves into an area that supports a maxi- [0003] There may be instances when the mobile de- 25 mum number of IP sessions per mobile device that is vice moves from a first routing area supporting a plurality fewer than how many IP sessions are established for the of PDP contexts to a second routing area supporting few- mobile device; and transmit an indication of each respec- er PDP contexts. In this situation, if the mobile device tive priority to the wireless network. has more PDP contexts than is supported by the second [0008] According to a broad aspect, there may be pro- routing area, then the SGSN will deactivate PDP contexts 30 vided a method in a wireless network maintaining a plu- such that the mobile device does not have more PDP rality of IP sessions for a mobile device; receiving an contexts than are supported by the second routing area. indication of a respective priority for each of the plurality Typically, the mobile device cannot predict which PDP of IP sessions; and upon determining that at least one of contexts will be deactivated. This can result in a poor the plurality of IP sessions of the mobile device is to be user experience, especially if a PDP context being used 35 deactivated due to the mobile device moving into an area for a voice call is deactivated. Another example of poor supporting fewer IP sessions for the mobile device than user experience is if a PDP context being used for IP are established for the mobile device, deactivating an IP Modem/Tethered Modem is deactivated. session of the mobile device that is indicated to be of [0004] An existing approach is found in EP 1 686 752 lower priority than at least one other of said plurality of which discloses a method for achieving multimedia pri- 40 IP sessions. ority services, which sets up priority service classes for [0009] According to a broad aspect, there may be pro- the user equipment (UE) using multimedia services. An- vided a computer readable medium having computer ex- other existing approach is found in WO 03/017522 which ecutable instructions stored thereon for execution on a describes how combined session and resource tracking processor so as to implement the method summarised in a mobile node (MN) and/or base station in dynamic 45 above. network resource environment can be used to control [0010] According to a broad aspect, there may be pro- reactions to resource shortage. Yet another existing ap- vided a wireless network comprising an IP session func- proach is found in WO 2005/084061, which relates to a tion adapted to: maintain a plurality of IP sessions for a method for managing radio resources allocated by the mobile device; receive an indication of a respective pri- radio network controller of a UTRAN radio access net- 50 ority for each of the plurality of IP sessions; and upon work. determining that at least one of the plurality of IP sessions of the mobile device is to be deactivated due to the mobile General device moving into an area supporting fewer IP sessions for the mobile device than are established for the mobile [0005] According to a broad aspect, there may be pro- 55 device, deactivate an IP session of the mobile device that vided a method in a mobile device comprising: determin- is indicated to be of lower priority. ing a respective priority for each of a plurality of Internet Protocol ’IP’ sessions of the mobile device, the respective

2 3 EP 1 912 385 B1 4

Brief Description of the Drawings an IP session function 51 coupled to a processor 52 and may have other components, but they are not shown for [0011] Embodiments will now be described with refer- simplicity. ence to the attached drawings in which: [0014] The wireless network 100 is shown with a single 5 mobile device, namely the mobile device 10. There may Figure 1A is a block diagram of an example wireless be other mobile devices, but they are not shown for sim- network and a mobile device; plicity. With reference to Figure 1B, shown is a block di- Figure 1B is a block diagram of the mobile device agram of the mobile device 10 shown in Figure 1A. The shown in Figure 1A; mobile device 10 has a processor 12, which is coupled Figure 1C is a block diagram of another mobile de- 10 to a wireless access radio 11, an IP session priority func- vice; tion 13, applications 14, and a user interface 15. The Figure 2 is a flowchart of an example method of in- mobile device 10 may have other components, but they dicating priority of IP sessions to a wireless network; are not shown for sake of simplicity. With reference back Figures 3A through 3C are flowcharts of example to Figure 1A, the mobile device 10 is currently positioned methods of transmitting the indication to the wireless 15 within the first routing area 31. However, the mobile de- network; vice 10 may move to another routing area such as the Figures 4A through 4C are tables of example mes- second routing area 40 as indicated by a moving arrow sage contents of messagesthat canbe used to trans- 19. mit the indication to the wireless network; [0015] In operation, the mobile device 10 is adapted Figures 5A and 5B are tables of an example PDP 20 to communicate with the wireless network 100 using its context priority information element; wireless access radio 11. Such communication may for Figures 6A and 6B are flowcharts of example meth- example be voice communication, electronic messaging, ods of determining the respective priority for each IP or any other appropriate form of communication support- session; and ed by the applications 14. At least some communication Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example method of de- 25 with the wireless network 100 is over one or more IP activating an IP session that is indicated to be of sessions between the mobile device 10 and the SGSN lower priority. 50. A PDP (Packet Data Protocol) session is an example of an IP session. There may be many IP sessions be- Description of Preferred Embodiments tween the mobile device 10 and the SGSN 50 depending 30 on how many of the applications 14 have an established Wireless Communication System IP session. However, the number of IP sessions is typically limited by the routing area in which the mobile device [0012] Referring now to Figure 1A, shown is a block 10 resides, which is currently the first routing area 30. diagram of an example wireless network 100 and a mo- [0016] Different routing areas may support different bile device 100. The wireless network 100 has a first rout- 35 number of IP sessions for a given mobile device. This ing area 30 and a second routing area 40. There may be may for example depend on the RNC of the routing area, other routing areas, but they are not shown for simplicity. or may alternatively depend on any other limitation of the Each routing area has at least one RNC (Radio Network wireless network. In the illustrated example, the first rout- Controller). In the illustrated example, the first routing ing area is assumed to support three IP sessions for the area 30 has a first RNC 31 and a second RNC 32 while 40 mobile device 10 while the second routing area 40 is the second routing area 40 has a single RNC 41. Each assumed to support only a single IP session for the mo- RNC 31,32,41 is associated with a respective RNC bile device 10. The mobile device 10 is assumed to have Id.The first RNC 31 and the second RNC 32 of the first three established IP sessions while in the first routing routing area 30 have an RNC Id 31a and an RNC Id 32a, area. However, upon moving to the second routing area respectively, while the single RNC 41 of the second rout- 45 as indicated by the moving arrow 11, two of the three IP ing area 40 has an RNC Id 41a. Each cell (not shown) sessions will be deactivated since the second routing ar- within an RNC (via a Node B) is associated with an RAI ea supports only a single IP session. The SGSN 50 de- (Routing Area Identification) in a hierarchal fashion. An activates the two IP sessions, but this may be triggered RAI may include one or more cells and span across by signaling from the RNC. RNCs. In some implementations, each RAI is a combi- 50 [0017] According to an embodiment of the application, nation of a country code, a network code, and a routing the IP session priority function 13 implements a method area code. RAIs may differ for other wireless networks. in the mobile device 10 so as to determine a respective [0013] In the illustrated example, each RNC 31,32,41 priority for each of the IP sessions and to transmit an is coupled to an SGSN (Serving General Packet Radio indication of each respective priority to the wireless net- Service Support Node) 50, which in turn is coupled to a 55 work 100. The SGSN 50 receives the indication of the GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) 60, which in turn respective priority for each IP session. According to an- is coupled to a PDN (Packet Data Network) 70. The PDN other embodiment of the application, the IP session func- 70 may for example be an Internet. The SGSN 50 has tion 51 implements a method in the SGSN 50 so as to

3 5 EP 1 912 385 B1 6 deactivate an IP session that is indicated to be of lower number of IP sessions for the mobile device. The "area" priority upon determining that at least one IP session is may be a routing area, a portion of a routing area as to be deactivated due to the mobile device 10 moving defined for example by an RNC Id, a network, a cell id, into a routing area supporting fewer IP sessions than are or any other area in which the number of IP sessions established for the mobile device. In the event that more 5 supported for a mobile device is limited. than one IP session is to be deactivated, then more than [0021] In some implementations, there are subtleties one IP session that is indicated to be of lower priority is between the Connected/Active state (CELL_DCH, deactivated. Accordingly, IP sessions that are not deac- CELL_FACH) and the Idle state (CELL_PCH, URA_ tivated are those indicated by the mobile device 10 to be PCH, IDLE) for the mobile device. The routing area is of greater priority. Further details of the methods are pro- 10 known to the mobile device while in the Idle state; how- vided later with reference to Figures 2 through 5. ever, the RNC id is typically not known. While in the Idle [0018] It is to be understood that an IP session is indi- state, a mobile device moves to the Connected/Active cated to be of "lower" priority when its priority is generally state in order to find out its serving RNC id. This may indicated as being lower than other IP sessions. In some waste battery life, etc. Therefore, in some implementa- implementations, this is the IP session with the lowest 15 tions, the number of IP sessions supported is considered priority. An IP session indicated as having a lower priority for a routing area irrespective of whether this is the lowest may not be a low priority IP session per se, but is none- level of granularity. theless indicated as having a lower priority than other IP [0022] There are many possibilities for the IP session sessions. priority function 13 of the mobile device 10. In the illus- [0019] At some later time, the mobile device 10 may 20 trated example, the IP session priority function 13 is im- move back to a routing area supporting more IP sessions, plemented as software and is executed on the processor such as the first routing area 30. In this event, the mobile 12. However, more generally, the IP session priority func- device 10 may choose to reestablish those IP sessions tion 13 may be implemented as software, hardware, that were deactivated. In some implementations, it is up firmware, or any appropriate combination thereof. In the to the mobile device 10 to reestablish an IP session, for 25 illustrated example, the IP session priority function 13 is example by transmitting an Activate PDP context request shown as a single component. However, more generally, message to the SGSN 50 of the wireless network 100. the IP session priority function 13 may be implemented In response to the Activate PDP context request mes- as one or more components. An example in which the sage, the SGSN 50 may establish an IP session for the IP session priority function 13 includes more than one mobile device 10. In some implementations, the mobile 30 component is described below. device 10 automatically initiates the IP session to be re- [0023] In some implementations, the IP session prior- established. In other implementations, a user of the mo- ity function 13 includes a NAS (Non Access Stratum) and bile device 10 provides input, for example using the user an AS (Access Stratum). The NAS includes a session interface 15, so as to initiate the IP session to be rees- management layer and manages IP sessions. The NAS tablished. In other implementations, the wireless network 35 may for example initiate an Activate PDP context request 100 initiates the IP session to be reestablished. For ex- message to be sent to the SGSN 50. The AS manages ample, the wireless network 100 may send a Request an air interface of the wireless access radio and includes PDP context Activation message to the mobile device a respective RAB (Radio Access Bearer) for each active 100. Other implementations are possible. IP session. An RAB is an identifier for an RF (Radio Fre- [0020] In the illustrated example, it is assumed that 40 quency) pipe. There may be dormant IP sessions without within each routing area the same number of IP sessions respective RABs. The AS may for example initiate a serv- is supported for the mobile device 10 regardless of how ice request message to be sent to the RNC. many RNCs are present. Typically a routing area has a [0024] There are many possibilities for the IP session single RNC, such is the case with the second routing function 51 of the wireless network 100. In the illustrated area 40. The number of IP sessions supported for a given 45 example, the IP session function 51 is implemented as mobile device is currently limited by the RNC. Therefore, software and is executed on the processor 52. However, while the limiting factor is actually the RNC, the routing more generally, the IP session function 51 may be im- area can typically be regarded as the limiting factor. How- plemented as software, hardware, firmware, or any ap- ever, a routing area might have more than one RNC, propriate combination thereof. In the illustrated example, such is the case with the first routing area 30. Therefore, 50 the IP session function 51 is shown as a single compo- it is possible for a routing area to support a different nent of the SGSN 50. However, more generally, the IP number of PDP contexts for a mobile device depending session function 51 may be implemented as one or more on where in the routing area the mobile device resides. components and may be implemented as part of, or sep- This is the case in which the routing area cannot be re- arate from, the SGSN 50. The one or more components garded as the limiting factor. While the examples pre- 55 may be distributed throughout the wireless network 100, sented herein refer to "routing areas" as limiting the or reside in a common location. Other implementations number of IP sessions for a mobile device, it is to be are possible. understood that more generally an "area" limits the [0025] There are many possibilities for the wireless

4 7 EP 1 912 385 B1 8 network 100. In the illustrated example, the wireless net- stalled on the mobile device 80 during manufacture. In work 100 is a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunica- addition, a personal information manager (PIM) applications System) network. However, more generally, the tion module 130C may also be installed on the mobile wireless network 100 may be any wireless network in device 80 during manufacture. The PIM application is in which there are areas supporting different numbers of IP 5 some embodiments capable of organizing and managing sessions. data items, such as e- mail, calendar events, voice mails, [0026] There are many possibilities for the mobile de- appointments, andtask items. The PIM application is also vice 10. Referring now to Figure 1C, shown is a block in some embodiments capable of sending and receiving diagram of another mobile device 80 that may implement data items via a wireless network 110. In some embod- any of the methods described herein. It is to be under- 10 iments, the data items managed by the PIM application stood that the mobile device 80 is shown with very spe- are seamlessly integrated, synchronized and updated via cific details for example purposes only. the wireless network 110 with the device user’s corre- [0027] A processing device (a microprocessor 128) is sponding data items stored or associated with a host shown schematically as coupled between a keyboard computer system. As well, additional software modules, 114 and a display 126. The microprocessor 128 controls 15 illustrated as another software module 130N, may be in- operation of the display 126, as well as overall operation stalled during manufacture. of the mobile device 80, in response to actuation of keys [0032] Communication functions, including data and on the keyboard 114 by a user. voice communications, are performed through the com- [0028] The mobile device 80 has a housing that may munication subsystem 170, and possibly through the be elongated vertically, or may take on other sizes and 20 short-range communications subsystem 170. The com- shapes (including clamshell housing structures). The munication subsystem 170 includes a receiver 150, a keyboard 114 may include a mode selection key, or other transmitter 152 and one or more antennas, illustrated as hardware or software for switching between text entry a receive antenna 154 and a transmit antenna 156. In and telephony entry. addition, the communication subsystem 170 also in- [0029] In addition to the microprocessor 128, other 25 cludes a processing module, such as a digital signal proc- parts of the mobile device 80 are shown schematically. essor (DSP) 158, and local oscillators (LOs) 160. The These include: a communications subsystem 170; a specific design and implementation of the communica- short-range communications subsystem 102; the key- tion subsystem 170 is dependent upon the communica- board 114 and the display 126, along with other input/ tion network in which the mobile device 80 is intended to output devices including a set of LEDS 104, a set of aux- 30 operate. For example, the communication subsystem iliary I/O devices 106, a serial port 108, a speaker 111 170 of the mobile device 80 may be designed to operate and a microphone 112; as well as memory devices in- with the Mobitex™, DataTAC™ or General Packet Radio cluding a flash memory 116 and a Random Access Mem- Service (GPRS) mobile data communication networks ory (RAM) 118; and various other device subsystems and also designed to operate with any of a variety of voice 120. The mobile device 80 may have a battery 121 to 35 communication networks, such as Advanced Mobile power the active elements of the mobile device 80. The Phone Service (AMPS), Time Division Multiple Access mobile device 80 is in some embodiments a two-way (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access CDMA, Personal radio frequency (RF) communication device having voice Communications Service (PCS), Global System for Mo- and data communication capabilities. In addition, the mobile Communications (GSM), etc. Other types of data and bile device 80 in some embodiments has the capability 40 voice networks, both separate and integrated, may also to communicate with other computer systems via the In- be utilized with the mobile device 80. ternet. [0033] Network access may vary depending upon the [0030] Operating system software executed by the mi- type of communication system. For example, in the Mo- croprocessor 128 is in some embodiments stored in a bitex™ and DataTAC ™ networks, mobile devices are reg- persistent store, such as the flash memory 116, but may 45 istered on the network using a unique Personal Identifi- be stored in other types of memory devices, such as a cation Number (PIN) associated with each device. In read only memory (ROM) or similar storage element. In GPRS networks, however, network access is typically addition, system software, specific device applications, associated with a subscriber or user of a device. A GPRS or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile device therefore typically has a subscriber identity mod- store, such as the RAM 118. Communication signals re- 50 ule, commonly referred to as a Subscriber Identity Mod- ceived by the mobile device 80 may also be stored to the ule (SIM) card, in order to operate on a GPRS network. RAM 118. [0034] When network registration or activation proce- [0031] The microprocessor 128, in addition to its op- dures have been completed, the mobile device 80 may erating system functions, enables execution of software send and receive communication signals over the com- applications on the mobile device 80. A predetermined 55 munication network 110. Signals received from the com- set of software applications that control basic device op- munication network 110 by the receive antenna 154 are erations, such as a voice communications module 130A routed to the receiver 150, which provides for signal am- and a data communications module 130B, may be in- plification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel

5 9 EP 1 912 385 B1 10 selection, etc., and may also provide analog to digital function 13 of the mobile device 10 shown in Figures 1A conversion. Analog-to-digital conversion of the received and 1B, or by the mobile device 80 shown in Figure 1C. signal allows the DSP 158 to perform more complex com- At step 2-1 the mobile device determines a respective munication functions, such as demodulation and decod- priority for each of a plurality of IP sessions. At step 2-2, ing. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted to the 5 the mobile device transmits an indication of each respec- network 110 are processed (e.g., modulated and encod- tive priority to a wireless network. ed) by the DSP 158 and are then provided to the trans- [0040] There are many ways that the mobile device mitter 152 for digital to analog conversion, frequency up may transmit the indication to the wireless network. Ex- conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission to amples are provided with reference to Figures 3A through the communication network 110 (or networks) via the10 3C. In some implementations, as indicated by step 3A- transmit antenna 156. 1, the mobile device transmits a message having the in- [0035] In addition to processing communication sig- dication of each respective priority. In other implementa- nals, the DSP 158 provides for control of the receiver 150 tions, as indicated by step 3B- 1, the mobile device trans- and the transmitter 152. For example, gains applied to mits a plurality of messages. Each message provides a communication signals in the receiver 150 and the trans- 15 dynamic update of the respective priority of at least one mitter 152 may be adaptively controlled through auto- of the IP sessions. The plurality of messages may be of matic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP varying type, or of the same type. In other implementa- 158. tions, as indicated by step 3C- 1, the mobile device trans- [0036] In a data communication mode, a received sig- mits the at least one message to the wireless network nal, such as a text message or web page download, is 20 upon an event triggering a priority level update. Other processed by the communication subsystem 170 and is implementations are possible. input to the microprocessor 128. The received signal is [0041] There are many types of messages that may then further processed by the microprocessor 128 for an be transmitted for providing the indication of each respec- output to the display 126, or alternatively to some other tive priority. Specific types of messages are provided be- auxiliary I/O devices 106. A device user may also com- 25 low for example purposes. It is to be understood that pose data items, such as e-mail messages, using the specific details of the example messages are provided keyboard 114 and/or some other auxiliary I/O device 106, for example purposes only. such as a touchpad, a rocker switch, a thumb-wheel, or [0042] In some implementations, the message is an some other type of input device. The composed data RAU (Routing Area Update) request message. The RAU items may then be transmitted over the communication 30 request message may for example be sent periodically, network 110 via the communication subsystem 170. upon the mobile device crossing a routing area boundary, [0037] In a voice communication mode, overall oper- or when the mobile device transitions from an idle state ation of the device is substantially similar to the data com- to a standby state such as when the mobile device is munication mode, except that received signals are output powered on. The message may be sent by the mobile to a speaker 111, and signals for transmission are gen- 35 device to the wireless network either to request an update erated by a microphone 112. Alternative voice or audio of its location file or to request an IMSI attach for non- I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording sub- GPRS services. In some instances the RAU request system, may also be implemented on the mobile device message is also sent whenever there is an active voice 80. In addition, the display 126 may also be utilized in call, irrespective of whether there is data to send. In some voice communication mode, for example, to display the 40 implementations, the RAU request message is provided identity of a calling party, the duration of a voice call, or with the indication as a new field to convey PDP context other voice call related information. priority. Referring to Figure 4A, shown is a table of ex- [0038] The short-range communications subsystem ample message content of the RAU request message. 102 enables communication between the mobile device The table has columns labeled as IEI 81, Information 80 and other proximate systems or devices, which need 45 Element 82, Type 83, Presence 84, Format 85, and not necessarily be similar devices. For example, the length 86. The table has a plurality of fields 91 including short-range communications subsystem may include an a "PDP context priority" field, which is the new field to infrared device and associated circuits and components, convey PDP context priority. The "PDP context priority" or a Bluetooth™ communication module to provide for field has an IEI value, which may for example be 38. communication with similarly-enabled systems and de- 50 [0043] In other implementations, the message is a vices. Modify PDP Context Accept message. This message may be sent by the mobile device to the wireless network Method in a Mobile Device to acknowledge the modification of an active PDP context. In some implementations, the Modify PDP Context [0039] Referring now to Figure 2, shown is a flowchart 55 Accept message is provided with the indication as a new of an example method of indicating priority of IP sessions field to convey PDP context priority. Referring to Figure to a wireless network. This method may be implemented 4B, shown is a table of example message content of the by a mobile device, for example by the IP session priority Modify PDP Context Accept message. The table has col-

6 11 EP 1 912 385 B1 12 umns labeled as IEI 81, Information Element 82, Type appropriate message capable of carrying the indication 83, Presence 84, Format 85, and length 86. The table of each respective priority. The priority message may for has a plurality of fields 92 including a "PDP context pri- example be sent whenever the mobile device determines ority" field, which is the new field to convey PDP context that a priority updated is to be executed. In some imple- priority. The "PDP context priority" field has an IEI value, 5 mentations, the priority update message is a Modify PDP which may for example be 38. Context Request message sent from the mobile device [0044] In other implementations, the message is an to the wireless network. In some implementations, the Activate PDP (Packet Data Protocol) Request message. Modify PDP Context Request message is provided with The Activate PDP Request message may for example the indication as a new field to convey PDP context pri- be sent when the mobile device is requesting a PDP ses- 10 ority. In other implementations, the priority update mes- sion to be activated or when the mobile device is to ac- sage is a Modify PDP Context Priority message. tivate a new NSAPI (Network Service Access Point Iden- [0049] Example messages have been provided above tifier). In some implementations, the Activate PDP con- for the message having the indication of each respective text request message is provided with the indication as priority. In some implementations, the messages are a new field to convey PDP context priority. In some im- 15 based on messages defined in 3GPP (3rd Generation plementations, the new field conveys PDP context prior- Partnership Project) TS 24.008 V7.5.0 with appropriate ity of the new PDP context and/or existing PDP contexts. modification for including the indication of each respec- By conveying PDP context priority of the existing PDP tive priority. Other implementations are possible. contexts, changes to the priority of the existing PDP con- [0050] There are many possibilities for the indication. texts can be conveyed. Other implementations are pos- 20 In some implementations, the indication includes a re- sible. spective numerical priority level for each of a plurality of [0045] In other implementations, the message is a different IP session types. For instance, if there is a first PDP Status Request message. The PDP Status Request IP session for modem communication, a second IP ses- message may for example be sent when the mobile de- sion for WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) communi- vice is requesting status of a PDP session. In some im- 25 cation, and a third IP session for push email, then the plementations, the PDP Status Request message is pro- indication may for example be (1,3,2). In this case, the vided with the indication as a new field to convey PDP first IP session for modem communication has the high- context priority. est priority level while the second IP session for WAP [0046] In other implementations, the message is a De- communication has the lowest priority level. In specific activate PDP context request message. The Deactivate 30 implementations, the indication is an ordered set of pri- PDP context request message may for example be sent ority levels corresponding to IP sessions that may be when the mobile device is deactivating a PDP context. maintained. For example, the mobile device may be in- This message may be sent to request deactivation of an formed of IP sessions that have been established by way active PDP context or an active MBMS context. In some of a message such as an RAU accept message. In re- implementations, the Deactivate PDP context request 35 sponse to the message, the mobile device may transmit message is provided with the indication as a new field to a message such as an RAU accept with an indication of convey PDP context priority. In other implementations, an ordered set of priority levels corresponding to the IP the Deactivate PDP context request message does not sessions that have been established. include the indication as a field, as deactivating a PDP [0051] In other implementations, the indication in- context serves as an implicit indication that the priority 40 cludes an order of priority. For instance, if there is a first of the PDP context is lower than other PDP contexts. IP session for modem communication, and a second IP Referring to Figure 4C, shown is a table of example mes- session for VoIP (Voice over IP), then the indication may sage content of the Deactivate PDP context request mes- for example be (Identifier for the first IP session, Identifier sage. The table has columns labeled as IEI 81, Informa- for the second IP session). In this case, the first IP session tion Element 82, Type 83, Presence 84, Format 85, and 45 for modem communication isindicated as havinga higher length 86. The table has a plurality of fields 93 including priority than the second IP session for VoIP. Other im- a "PDP context priority" field, which is the new field to plementations are possible. Referring now to Figures 5A convey PDP context priority. The "PDP context priority" and 5B, shown are tables of an example PDP context field has an IEI value, which may for example be 38. priority information element. It is to be understood that [0047] In other implementations, the message is a50 the PDP context priority information element shown in PDP Service Request message. The PDP Service Re- the illustrated example is a specific implementation for quest message may for example be sent when the mobile the indication for example purposes only. The purpose device is requesting service for an existing PDP context. of the PDP context priority information element is to in- In some implementations, the PDP Service Request dicate the priority of each PDP context which can be iden- message is provided with the indication as a new field to 55 tified by NSAPI. The priority may be used by the wireless convey PDP context priority. network to determine which PDP contexts to deactivate [0048] In other implementations, the message is a pri- for issues such as resource limitations. The PDP context ority update message. The priority message may be any status information element is a type 4 information ele-

7 13 EP 1 912 385 B1 14 ment with a minimum length of 3 octets and 10 octets of the IP sessions is to be deactivated due to the mobile length maximal. Further restriction on the length may be device moving into a routing area supporting fewer IP applied, for example the number of PDP contexts acti- sessions than are established for the mobile device, the vated. The PDP context status information element is wireless network deactivates an IP session that is indi- coded according to a coding scheme. In some implemen- 5 cated to be of lower priority. In the event that more than tations, the coding scheme includes the numeric number one IP session is to be deactivated, then more than one of PDPs. In some implementations, the number of PDPs IP session that is indicated to be of lower priority is de- is preceded by the IEI (information element identifier) for activated. Accordingly, IP sessions that are not deacti- the data field. The table of Figure 5A has entries for en- vated are those indicated by the mobile device to be of coding the st 1 priority NSAPI, the second priority10 greater priority. NSAPI, ..., and the 11th priority NSAPI. The entries are [0057] There are many ways for the wireless network encoded according to the encoding scheme outlines in to receive the indication of the respective priority for each the table of Figure 5B. IP session. The wireless network may for example re- [0052] In other implementations, the indication identi- ceive the indication as it is transmitted by the mobile de- fies the type priority such as for an "Always On" IP Ses- 15 vice using any one or more of the implementations de- sion compared to a short term duration IP Session such scribed above. as for Internet browsing. Certain types of IP Sessions may implicitly be regarded as having a higher priority IP Sessions than others. Other implementations are possible. [0053] There are many possibilities for the event trig- 20 [0058] In the examples presented above, references gering a priority level update. In some implementations, are made to IP sessions. It is to be understood that there the event is a change to the IP sessions. In other imple- are many possibilities for the IP sessions. The IP ses- mentations, the event is user input specifying that there sions may for example include any of an Always-On IP should be a priority level update. In other implementa- session, an IM (Instant Messaging) IP session, a WAP tions, the event is a predefined schedule indicating that 25 (Wireless Application Protocol) IP session, an MMS (Mul- a priority level update is to be executed. In some imple- timedia Messaging Service) IP session, a DUN (Dial-Up mentations, the event is dependent upon the type of mes- Networking) IP session, an LBS (Location Base Servic- sage being transmitted, examples of which have been es) IP session, IP Modem IP session, and a PTT (Push- provided above. Other implementations are possible. to-Talk) IP session. The nature of the IP sessions is im- [0054] With reference back to Figure 2, there are many 30 plementation specific and typically depends on the wire- ways that the mobile device may determine the respec- less network. In some implementations, the wireless net- tive priority for each IP session. Examples are presented work is a UMTS network and each IP session is part of with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. In some implemen- a respective PDP (Packet Data Protocol) context. tations, as indicated by step 6A-1, the mobile device ac- [0059] It is therefore to be understood that within the cepts user input for determining the respective priority 35 scope of the appended claims, the application may be for each IP session. Accordingly, the mobile device de- practised otherwise than as specificallydescribed herein. termines the respective priority for each IP session based on the user input. In other implementations, as indicated by step 6B-1, the mobile device maintains a record of a Claims predefined priority level for each IP session of a prede- 40 fined type. Accordingly, the mobile device determines 1. A method in a mobile device (10,80) comprising: the respective priority for each IP session based on the record. Other implementations are possible. determining (2-1) a respective priority for each of a plurality of Internet Protocol ’IP’ sessions of Method in a Wireless network 45 the mobile device (10,80), the respective priorities indicating which of the plurality of IP ses- [0055] Referring now to Figure 7, shown is a flowchart sions of the mobile device (10,80) should be of an example method of deactivating IP sessions that maintained and which of the plurality of IP ses- are indicated to be of lower priority. This method may be sions of the mobile device (10,80) should be de- implemented by a wireless network, for example by the 50 activated if the mobile device (10,80) moves into IP session function 51 of the wireless network 100 shown an area that supports a maximum number of IP in Figure 1A. sessions per mobile device (10,80) that is fewer [0056] At step 7-1, the wireless network maintains IP than how many IP sessions are established for sessions for a mobile device. As described above, the the mobile device (10,80); and mobile device indicates to the wireless network the pri- 55 transmitting (2-2) an indication of each respec- ority of IP sessions. At step 7-2, the wireless network tive priority to a wireless network (100). receives an indication of a respective priority for each IP session. At step 7-3, upon determining that at least one 2. The method of claim 1 wherein transmitting (2-2) the

8 15 EP 1 912 385 B1 16

indication of each respective priority to the wireless 9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the network (100) comprises: plurality of IP sessions comprises any one or any combination of: an Always- On IP session, an Instant transmitting (3A-1) at least one message to the Messaging ’IM’ IP session, a Wireless Application wirelessnetwork, the at least one message com- 5 Protocol ’WAP’ IP session, a Multimedia Messaging prising the indication of each respective priority. Service ’MMS’ IP session, a Dial-Up Networking ’DUN’ IP session, a Location Base Services ’LBS’ 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one mes- IP session, an IP Modem IP session, and/or a Push- sage comprises any one or any combination of: to-Talk ’PTT’ IP session. 10 a Routing Area Update ’RAU’ request message; 10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein each a Modify Packet Data Protocol ’PDP’ Context of the plurality of IP sessions is part of a respective Accept message; PDP context. an Activate Packet Data Protocol ’PDP’ Request message; 15 11. A computer readable medium having computer ex- a PDP Status Request message; ecutable instructions stored thereon for execution on a PDP Deactivate message; a processor (12) of a computing device (10,80) so a PDP Service Request message; and/or as to implement the method of any one of claims 1 a priority update message. to 10. 20 4. The method of claim 2 or claim 3 wherein transmitting 12. A mobile device (10,80) comprising: (3A-1) the at least one message to the wireless network (100) comprises: a wireless access radio (11) adapted to communicate with a wireless network (100); transmitting (3B- 1) aplurality of messages, each 25 an IP session priority function (13) adapted to: of the plurality of messages providing a dynamic update of the respective priority of at least one determine (2-1) a respective priority for of the plurality of IP sessions. each of a plurality of IP sessions of the mobile device (10,80), the respective priorities 5. The method of claim 2 or claim 3 wherein transmitting 30 indicating which of the plurality of IP ses- (3A-1) the at least one message to the wireless net- sions of the mobile device (10,80) should be work (100) comprises: maintained and which of the plurality of IP sessionsof the mobile device (10,80) should transmitting (3C-1) the at least one message to be deactivated if the mobile device (10,80) the wireless network upon an event triggering a 35 moves into an area that supports a maxi- priority level update. mum number of IP sessions per mobile device that is fewer than how many IP ses- 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the event triggering sions are established for the mobile device the priority level update comprises a change to the (10,80); and plurality of IP sessions. 40 transmit (2-2) an indication of each respective priority to the wireless network. 7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising: 13. The mobile device (10,80) of claim 12 wherein the IP session priority function comprises: accepting (6A-1) user input; 45 wherein determining (2-1) the respective priority a Non-Access Stratum ’NAS’ for managing IP for each of the plurality of IP sessions is based sessions; and on the user input. an Access Stratum ’AS’ for managing an air interface or the wireless access radio, the AS com- 8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6 further com- 50 prising a respective Radio Access Bearer ’RAB’ prising: for each IP session that is active.

maintaining (6B-1) a record of a predefined pri- 14. A method in a wireless network (100) comprising: ority level for each IP session of a predefined type; 55 maintaining (7-1) a plurality of IP sessions for a wherein determining (2-1) the respective priority mobile device (10,80); for each of the plurality of IP sessions is based receiving (7-2) an indication of a respective pri- on the record. ority for each of the plurality of IP sessions; and

9 17 EP 1 912 385 B1 18

upon determining that at least one of the plurality maintain (7-1) a plurality of IP sessions for a mo- of IP sessions of the mobile device (10,80)is to bile device (10,80); be deactivated due to the mobile device (10,80) receive (7-2) an indication of a respective priority moving into an area supporting fewer IP ses- for each of the plurality of IP sessions; and sions per mobile device (10,80) than are estab- 5 upon determining that at least one of the plurality lished for the mobile device(10,80), deactivating of IP sessions of the mobile device (10,80)is to (7-3) an IP session of the mobile device (10,80) be deactivated due to the mobile device (10,80) that is indicated to be of lower priority than at moving into an area supporting fewer IP ses- least one other of said plurality of IP sessions. sions per mobile device (10,80) than are estab- 10 lished for the mobile device (10,80), deactivate 15. The method of claim 14 wherein receiving (7-2) the (7-3) an IP session of the mobile device (10,80) indication of the respective priority for each of the that is indicated to be of lower priority. plurality of IP sessions comprises: 22. The wireless network of claim 21 further comprising: receiving (3A-1) at least one message from the 15 mobile device (10,80), the at least one message a Serving General Packet Radio Service Sup- comprising the indication of each respective pri- port Node ’SGSN’ (50) for receiving the indica- ority. tion of the respective priority for each of the plurality of IP sessions; 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the at least one20 wherein the SGSN 50 comprises the IP session message comprises any one or any combination of: function.

an RAU request message; a Modify PDP Context Accept message; Patentansprüche an Activate PDP Request message; 25 a PDP Status Request message; 1. Verfahren auf einem mobilen Gerät (10, 80), umfas- a PDP Deactivate message; send: a PDP Service Request message; and/or a priority update message. das Feststellen (2-1) einer jeweiligen Priorität 30 für jede einer Mehrzahl von Internetprotokoll(IP) 17. The method of claim 15 or claim 16 wherein receiving -Sitzungen des mobilen Geräts (10, 80), wobei (3A-1) at least one message from the mobile device die jeweiligen Prioritäten angeben, welche der (10,80) comprises: Mehrzahl von IP-Sitzungen des mobilen Geräts (10, 80) beibehalten werden sollte und welche receiving (3B-1) a plurality of messages, each 35 der Mehrzahl von IP- Sitzungen des mobilen Ge- of the plurality of messages a providing a dy- räts (10, 80) deaktiviert werden sollte, wenn sich namic update of the respective priority of at least das mobile Gerät (10, 80) in einen Bereich be- one of the plurality of IP sessions. wegt, in dem eine maximale Anzahl von IP-Sit- zungen pro mobilem Gerät (10, 80) unterstützt 18. The method of any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein 40 wird, die geringer ist als die Anzahl der für das the plurality of IP sessions comprises any one or any mobile Gerät (10, 80) hergestellten IP-Sitzun- combination of: an Always-On IP session, an IM IP gen; und session, a WAP IP session, a MMS IP session, a das Übertragen (2-2) einer Anzeige jeder jewei- DUN IP session, a LBS IP session, an IP Modem IP ligen Priorität an ein Drahtlos-Netz (100). session, and/or a PTT IP session. 45 2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Übertragen 19. The method of any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein (2-2) der Anzeige jeder jeweiligen Priorität an das each of the plurality of IP sessions is part of a re- Drahtlos-Netz (100) umfasst: spective PDP context. 50 Übertragen (3A-1) mindestens einer Nachricht 20. A computer readable medium having computer ex- an das Drahtlos-Netz, wobei die mindestens ei- ecutable instructions stored thereon for execution on ne Nachricht die Anzeige jeder jeweiligen Prio- a processor (52) of a computing device or system rität beinhaltet. so as to implement the method of any one of claims 14 to 19. 55 3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, wobei die mindestens eine Nachricht eine oder eine Kombination von: 21. A wireless network (100) comprising an IP session function (51) adapted to: einer Routing-Area-Update (RAU) -Anforde-

10 19 EP 1 912 385 B1 20

rung; timedia-Messaging-Service (MMS) -IP-Sitzung, ei- einer Modify-Packet Data Protocol (PDP) -Con- ner Dial-Up-Networking (DUN) -IP- Sitzung, einer Lo- text-Accept-Nachricht; cation-Base-Services (LBS) -IP-Sitzung, einer IP- einer Activate-Packet- Data-Protocol (PDP) -An- Modem-IP-Sitzung und/oder einer Push-to-Talk forderung; 5 (PTT) -IP-Sitzung umfasst. einer PDP-Status-Anforderung; einer PDP-Deactivate-Nachricht; 10. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, wobei einer PDP-Service-Anforderung; und/oder jede der Mehrzahl von IP-Sitzungen Teil eines je- einer Prioritätsaktualisierungs-Nachricht um- weiligen PDP-Kontexts ist. fasst. 10 11. Computerlesbarer Datenträger mit darauf gespei- 4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2 oder Anspruch 3, wobei cherten, von einem Rechner ausführbaren Anwei- das Übertragen (3A-1) der mindestens einen Nach- sungen zur Ausführung auf einem Prozessor (12) richt an das Drahtlos-Netz (100) umfasst: eines Datenverarbeitungsgeräts (10, 80), um das 15 Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10 zu das Übertragen (3B-1) einer Mehrzahl von realisieren. Nachrichten, wobei jede der Mehrzahl von Nachrichten eine dynamische Aktualisierung 12. Mobiles Gerät (10, 80), umfassend; der jeweiligen Priorität mindestens einer der ein Wireless Access Radio (11), das dafür ausgelegt Mehrzahl von IP-Sitzungen bereitstellt. 20 ist, mit einem Drahtlos-Netz (100) zu kommunizie- ren; 5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2 oder Anspruch 3, wobei eine IP-Sitzungs-Prioritätsfunktion (13), die ausge- das Übertragen (3A-1) der mindestens einen Nach- legt ist für: richt an das Drahtlos-Netz (100) umfasst: 25 das Feststellen (2-1) einer jeweiligen Priorität das Übertragen (3C-1) der mindestens einen für jede einer Mehrzahl von IP-Sitzungen des Nachricht an das Drahtlos-Netz bei einem Er- mobilen Geräts (10, 80), wobei die jeweiligen eignis, das eine Aktualisierung der Prioritätsstu- Prioritäten angeben, welche der Mehrzahl von fe veranlasst. IP-Sitzungen des mobilen Geräts (10, 80) bei- 30 behalten werdensollte und welche der Mehrzahl 6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5, wobei das Ereignis, das von IP-Sitzungen des mobilen Geräts (10, 80) die Aktualisierung der Prioritätsstufe veranlasst, ei- deaktiviert werden sollte, wenn sich das mobile ne Änderung an der Mehrzahl von IP- Sitzungen um- Gerät (10, 80) in einen Bereich bewegt, in dem fasst. eine maximale Anzahl von IP- Sitzungen pro mo- 35 bilem Gerät unterstützt wird, die geringer ist als 7. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, ferner die Anzahl der für das mobile Gerät (10, 80) her- umfassend: gestellten IP-Sitzungen; und das Übertragen (2-2) einer Anzeige jeder jewei- das Akzeptieren (6A-1) einer Benutzereingabe; ligen Priorität an das Drahtlos-Netz. wobei das Feststellen (2-1) der jeweiligen Prio- 40 rität für jede der Mehrzahl von IP- Sitzungen auf 13. Mobiles Gerät (10, 80) nach Anspruch 12, wobei die der Benutzereingabe basiert. IP-Sitzungs-Prioritätsfunktion umfasst:

8. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, ferner ein Non-Access Stratum (NAS) zum Verwalten umfassend: 45 von IP-Sitzungen; und ein Access Stratum (AS) zum Verwalten einer dasFühren (6B- 1) einer Aufzeichnung einer vor- Luftschnittstelle oder des Wireless Access Ra- definierten Prioritätsstufe für jede IP- Sitzung ei- dio, wobei das AS einen jeweiligen Radio Ac- nes vorab festgelegten Typs; cess Bearer (RAB) für jede aktive IP-Sitzung wobei das Feststellen (2-1) der jeweiligen Prio- 50 umfasst. rität für jede der Mehrzahl von IP- Sitzungen auf der Aufzeichnung basiert. 14. Verfahren in einem Drahtlos- Netz (100), umfassend:

9. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei das Unterhalten (7-1) einer Mehrzahl von IP- Sit- die Mehrzahl von IP- Sitzungen eine oder eine Kom- 55 zungen für ein mobiles Gerät (10, 80); bination von: einer Always-On-IP-Sitzung, einer In- das Empfangen (7-2) einer Anzeige einer jewei- stant-Messaging (IM) -IP-Sitzung, einer Wireless- ligen Priorität für jede der Mehrzahl von IP-Sit- Application-Protocol (WAP) -IP-Sitzung, einer Mul- zungen; und

11 21 EP 1 912 385 B1 22

wenn festgestellt wird, dass mindestens eine eines Datenverarbeitungsgeräts oder -systems, um der Mehrzahl von IP- Sitzungen des mobilen Ge- das Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 14 bis 19 räts (10, 80) deaktiviert werden muss, weil sich zu realisieren. das mobile Gerät (10, 80) in einen Bereich bewegt, in dem weniger IP- Sitzungen pro mobilem 5 21. Drahtlos-Netz (100), umfassend eine IP-Sitzungs- Gerät (10, 80) unterstützt werden als für das mo- funktion (51), die geeignet ist für: bile Gerät (10, 80) hergestellt sind, das Deakti- vieren (7-3) einer IP- Sitzung des mobilen Geräts das Unterhalten (7-1) einer Mehrzahl von IP- Sit- (10, 80), für die angezeigt wird, dass sie eine zungen für ein mobiles Gerät (10, 80); niedrigere Priorität hat als mindestens eine an- 10 das Empfangen (7-2) einer Anzeige einer jewei- dere der Mehrzahl von IP-Sitzungen. ligen Priorität für jede der Mehrzahl von IP-Sit- zungen; und 15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14, wobei das Empfangen wenn festgestellt wird, dass mindestens eine (7-2) der Anzeige der jeweiligen Priorität für jede der der Mehrzahl von IP- Sitzungen des mobilen Ge- Mehrzahl von IP-Sitzungen umfasst: 15 räts (10, 80) deaktiviert werden muss, weil sich das mobile Gerät (10, 80) in einen Bereich be- Empfangen (3A-1) mindestens einer Nachricht wegt, in dem weniger IP- Sitzungen pro mobilem von dem mobilen Gerät (10, 80), wobei die min- Gerät (10, 80) unterstützt werden als für das mo- destens eine Nachricht die Anzeige jeder jewei- bile Gerät (10, 80) hergestellt sind, das Deakti- ligen Priorität umfasst. 20 vieren (7-3) einer IP- Sitzung des mobilen Geräts (10, 80), für die angezeigt wird, dass sie eine 16. Verfahren nach Anspruch 15, wobei die mindestens niedrigere Priorität hat. eine Nachricht eine oder eine Kombination von: 22. Drahtlos-Netz nach Anspruch 21, ferner umfassend: einer RAU-Anforderung; 25 einer Modify-PDP-Context-Accept-Nachricht; einen Serving General Packet Radio Service einer Activate-PDP-Anforderung; Support Node (SGSN) (50) zum Empfangen der einer PDP-Status-Anforderung; Anzeige der jeweiligen Priorität für jede der einer PDP-Deactivate-Nachricht; Mehrzahl von IP-Sitzungen; einer PDP-Service-Anforderung; und/oder 30 wobei der SGSN (50) die IP-Sitzungsfunktion einer Prioritätsaktualisierungs-Nachricht um- beinhaltet. fasst.

17. Verfahren nach Anspruch 15 oder Anspruch 16, wo- Revendications bei das Empfangen (3A-1) mindestens einer Nach- 35 richt von dem mobilen Gerät (10, 80) umfasst: 1. Un procédé dans un dispositif mobile (10, 80) comprenant : das Empfangen (3B-1) einer Mehrzahl von Nachrichten, wobei jede der Mehrzahl von la détermination (2-1) d’une priorité respective Nachrichten eine dynamische Aktualisierung 40 pour chaque session d’une pluralité de sessions der jeweiligen Priorität mindestens einer der Internet Protocol, ci-après dénommé IP, du dis- Mehrzahl von IP-Sitzungen bereitstellt. positif mobile (10, 80), les priorités respectives indiquant lesquelles des sessions de la pluralité 18. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 14 bis 17, wo- de sessions IP du dispositif mobile (10, 80) doi- bei die Mehrzahl von IP-Sitzungen eine oder eine 45 vent être maintenues et lesquelles des sessions Kombination von: einer Always-On- IP-Sitzung, einer de la pluralité de sessions IP du dispositif mobile IM-IP-Sitzung, einer WAP-IP-Sitzung, einer MMS- (10, 80) doivent être désactivées si le dispositif IP-Sitzung, einer DUN- IP-Sitzung, einer LBS- IP-Sit- mobile (10, 80) est déplacé vers une zone qui zung, einer IP-Modem-IP-Sitzung und/oder einer accepte un nombre maximum de sessions IP PTT-IP-Sitzung umfasst. 50 par dispositif mobile (10, 80) qui est inférieur au nombre de sessions IP qui sont établies pour le 19. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 14 bis 18, wo- dispositif mobile (10, 80), et bei jede der Mehrzahl von IP-Sitzungen Teil eines la transmission (2-2) d’une indication de chaque jeweiligen PDP-Kontexts ist. priorité respective à un réseau sans fil (100). 55 20. Computerlesbarer Datenträger mit darauf gespei- 2. Le procédé selon la revendication 1 où la transmis- cherten, von einem Rechner ausführbaren Anwei- sion (2-2) de l’indication de chaque priorité respec- sungen zur Ausführung auf einem Prozessor (52) tive au réseau sans fil (100) comprend :

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la transmission (3A-1) d’au moins un message IP d’un type prédéfini, au réseau sans fil, le au moins un message com- où la détermination (2-1) de la priorité respective prenant l’indication de chaque priorité respecti- pour chaque session de la pluralité de sessions ve. IP est basée sur l’enregistrement. 5 3. Le procédé selon la revendication 2 où le au moins 9. Le procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendica- un message comprend l’un quelconque ou une com- tions 1 à 8 où la pluralité de sessions IP comprend binaison de : l’une quelconque ou toute combinaison de : une session IP toujours connectée, une session IP de mes- un message de demande de mise à jour de zone 10 sagerie instantanée « IM », une session IP de pro- de routage « RAU », tocole pour des applications sans fil « WAP », une un message d’acceptation de modification de session IP de service de messagerie multimédia contexte de protocole de données par paquets « MMS », une session IP de mise en réseau par con- «PDP», nexion téléphonique « DUN », une session IP de un message de demande d’activation de proto- 15 services de localisation « LBS », une session IP de cole de données par paquets « PDP », un mes- modem IP et/ou une session IP de conversation par sage de demande d’état de PDP, bouton-poussoir « PTT ». un message de désactivation de PDP, un message de demande de service de PDP, 10. Le procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendica- et/ou 20 tions 1 à 9 où chaque session de la pluralité de ses- un message de mise à jour de priorité. sions IP fait partie d’un contexte de PDP respectif.

4. Le procédé selon la revendication 2 ou 3 où la trans- 11. Un support lisible par ordinateur possédant en mé- mission (3A-1) du au moins un message au réseau moire des instructions exécutables par ordinateur sans fil (100) comprend : 25 pour exécution sur un processeur (12) d’un dispositif informatique (10, 80) de façon à mettre en oeuvre le la transmission (3B- 1) d’une pluralité de messa- procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications ges, chaque message de la pluralité de messa- 1 à 10. ges fournissant une mise à jour dynamique de la priorité respective d’au moins une session de 30 12. Un dispositif mobile (10, 80) comprenant : la pluralité de sessions IP. un système radio d’accès sans fil (11) adapté 5. Le procédé selon la revendication 2 ou 3 où la trans- de façon à communiquer avec un réseau sans mission (3A-1) du au moins un message au réseau fil (100), sans fil (100) comprend : 35 une fonction de priorité de session IP (13) adap- té de façon à : la transmission (3C- 1) du au moins un message au réseau sans fil en cas d’événement déclen- déterminer (2-1) une priorité respective chant une mise à jour de niveau de priorité. pour chaque session d’une pluralité de ses- 40 sions IP du dispositif mobile (10, 80), les 6. Le procédé selon la revendication 5 où l’événement priorités respectives indiquant lesquelles déclenchant la mise à jour de niveau de priorité com- des sessions de la pluralité de sessions IP prend une modification dans la pluralité de sessions du dispositif mobile (10, 80) doivent être IP. maintenues et lesquelles des sessions de 45 la pluralité de sessions IP du dispositif mo- 7. Le procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendica- bile (10, 80) doivent être désactivées si le tions 1 à 6 comprenant en outre : dispositif mobile (10,80) est déplacé vers une zone qui accepte un nombre maximum l’acceptation (6A-1) d’une entrée utilisateur, de sessions IP par dispositif mobile qui est où la détermination (2-1) de la priorité respective 50 inférieur au nombre de sessions IP qui sont pour chaque session de la pluralité de sessions établies pour le dispositif mobile (10, 80), et IP est basée sur l’entrée utilisateur. transmettre (2-2) une indication de chaque priorité respective au réseau sans fil. 8. Le procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6 comprenant en outre : 55 13. Le dispositif mobile (10, 80) selon la revendication 12 où la fonction de priorité de session IP comprend : l’entretien (6B-1) d’un enregistrement d’un niveau de priorité prédéfini pour chaque session une strate de non-accès destinée à gérer des

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sessions IP, et pluralité de sessions IP. une strate d’accès, ci-après dénommée AS, destinée à gérer une interface hertzienne ou le 18. Le procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendica- système radio d’accès sans fil, l’AS comprenant tions 14 à 17 où la pluralité de sessions IP comprend un circuit support d’accès radio respectif pour 5 l’une quelconque ou toute combinaison de : une ses- chaque session IP qui est active. sion IP toujours connectée, une session IP IM, une session IP WAP, une session IP MMS, une session 14. Un procédé dans un réseau sans fil (100) IP DUN, une session IP LBS, une session IP de mo- comprenant : dem IP et/ou une session IP PTT. 10 l’entretien (7-1) d’une pluralité de sessions IP 19. Le procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendica- pour un dispositif mobile (10, 80), tions 14 à 18 où chaque session de la pluralité de la réception (7-2) d’une indication d’une priorité sessions IP fait partie d’un contexte de PDP respec- respective pour chaque session de la pluralité tif. de sessions IP, et 15 après la détermination qu’au moins une session 20. Un support lisible par ordinateur possédant en mé- de la pluralité de sessions IP du dispositif mobile moire des instructions exécutables par ordinateur (10, 80) doit être désactivée du fait du déplace- pour exécution sur un processeur (52) d’un dispositif ment du dispositif mobile (10, 80) vers une zone ou système informatique de façon à mettre en acceptant moins de sessions IP par dispositif 20 oeuvre le procédé selon l’une quelconque des re- mobile (10,80) que ne sont établies pour le dis- vendications 14 à 19. positif mobile (10, 80), la désactivation (7-3) d’une session IP du dispositif mobile (10, 80) qui 21. Un réseau sans fil (100) comprenant une fonction est indiquée comme étant d’une priorité plus de session IP (51) adaptée de façon à : basse qu’au moins une autre des sessions de 25 ladite pluralité de sessions IP. entretenir (7-1) une pluralité de sessions IP pour un dispositif mobile (10, 80), 15. Le procédé selon la revendication 14 où la réception recevoir (7-2) une indication d’une priorité res- (7-2) de l’indication de la priorité respective pour cha- pective pour chaque session de la pluralité de quesession de la pluralité de sessions IP comprend : 30 sessions IP, et après la détermination qu’au moins une session la réception (3A-1) d’au moins un message du de la pluralité de sessions IP du dispositif mobile dispositif mobile (10, 80), le au moins un mes- (10, 80) doit être désactivée du fait du déplace- sage comprenant l’indication de chaque priorité ment du dispositif mobile (10, 80) vers une zone respective. 35 acceptant moins de sessions IP par dispositif mobile (10, 80) que ne sont établies pour le dis- 16. Le procédé selon la revendication 15 où le au moins positif mobile (10, 80), désactiver (7-3) une ses- un message comprend l’un quelconque ou une com- sion IP du dispositif mobile (10, 80) qui est indi- binaison de : quée comme étant d’une priorité plus basse. 40 un message de demande de RAU, 22. Le réseau sans fil selon la revendication 21 compre- un message d’acceptation de modification de nant en outre : contexte de PDP, un message de demande d’activation de PDP, un noeud de support du service général de ra- un message de demande d’état de PDP, 45 diocommunications en mode paquet de desser- un message de désactivation de PDP, te (50), ci-après dénommé noeud SGSN, pour un message de demande de service de PDP, la réception de l’indication de la priorité respec- et/ou tive pour chaque session de la pluralité de ses- un message de mise à jour de priorité. sions IP, 50 où le noeud SGSN 50 comprend la fonction de 17. Le procédé selon la revendication 15 ou 16 où la session IP. réception (3A-1) d’au moins un message du dispositif mobile (10, 80) comprend :

la réception (3B- 1) d’une pluralité de messages, 55 chaque message de la pluralité de messages fournissant une mise à jour dynamique de la priorité respective d’au moins une session de la

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• EP 1686752 A [0004] • WO 2005084061 A [0004] • WO 03017522 A [0004]