An extension of S1 AP protocol for home enodeb

Currently, Home eNodeB(HeNB) has become a hot spot research area in the mobile communication, as a small, low-power and client premises access equipment, HeNB connects the operators core network via broadband IP network(Such as DSL or cable) and provides the voice and high speed data service for users. It is not only an extension of mobile telecommunication, but also the integration of fixed and mobile network. However, compared with the 3G Home NodeB (HNB) network architecture, there is not exist special protocol in HeNB architecture like HNB Access Part (HNBAP) [1] protocol which running between HNB and HNB Gateway (HNB GW). HeNB is using the S1 AP protocol which is defined initially for eNodeB (eNB). Because of the different features between HeNB and eNB, S1 AP protocol still don't support HeNB perfectly, e.g. the function of HeNB registration/de-registration, etc. In this paper, the network architecture and the interface protocol of HeNB, eNB and the HNB are analyzed, and then on the bases of HeNB special features, the S1 AP protocol is extended, the related elementary procedure and information element [2] are defined. Finally, the extended S1-AP protocol is illustrated by a complete registration procedure.