A Software Framework to Associate Multiple FPMN MSISDNs with a HPMN IMSI

Abstract

Because the UMTS network provides the automatic roaming function, the mobile phone users can use their phones while they are in abroad. Some of them may want to use their HPMN MSISDNs in foreign countries. However, others may want to use the FPMN MSISDNs while using their own mobile phones. We present a software framework to associate multiple FPMN MSISDNs with a HPMN IMSI so that the mobile phone users can use the FPMN MSISDNs while they are visiting the FPMN without changing their USIM cards or phones. The MAP Location Update procedure and the mobile-originated call flow and the mobile-terminated call flow were modified by using the software framework. In simulation, we verified that the proposed scheme is more efficient than the 3GPP standard scheme on generating the ISUP signaling path. Therefore, mobile network service providers not only can provide the multiple FPMN MSISDNs service but also can reduce the foreign network access cost.