Selecting one of several Home Node B Gateways through which to route communications between a User Equipment and a core network

摘要

A Home Node B (102) which supports a femto-cell (101) in a cellular communication system (100) is provided with a processor (113) for selecting one of several Home Node B Gateways (106, 107, 108) through which to route communications between a User Equipment (105) and a core network (103). The selection process can take into account various factors such as the current loading and functional status of the Home Node B Gateways (106, 107, 108). It is able to distribute (UE) loading between several network controllers (HNB-GWs) and it provides the possibility to prioritise service to certain UEs. Furthermore, it allows continuity of service in the event of failure of a network controller or a luh connection and allows the UE to receive services from more than one network operator if at least some of the selectable network controllers are controlled by different operators.