U.S. patent application number 16/808880 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-25 for assignment and handover in a radio communication network.
The applicant listed for this patent is Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ). Invention is credited to Karl Hellwig, Dirk Kampmann, Paul Schliwa-Bertling.
Application Number | 20200205046 16/808880 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40568271 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-25 |
![](/patent/app/20200205046/US20200205046A1-20200625-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200205046/US20200205046A1-20200625-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200205046/US20200205046A1-20200625-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200205046/US20200205046A1-20200625-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200205046/US20200205046A1-20200625-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200205046/US20200205046A1-20200625-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200205046/US20200205046A1-20200625-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200205046/US20200205046A1-20200625-D00007.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20200205046 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kampmann; Dirk ; et
al. |
June 25, 2020 |
Assignment and Handover in a Radio Communication Network
Abstract
Systems and methods related to performing an assignment and a
handover in a radio communication network are provided. In one
exemplary embodiment, a method performed by a Mobile Switching
Center (MSC) of a radio communication network may include seizing
resources for a Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) bearer and an
Internet Protocol (IP) bearer for use on a terrestrial A-interface
of the radio communication network for an activity to be performed
by a target Base Station Controller (BSC) of the radio
communication network. Further, the method may include sending, to
the target BSC, an indication that requests the activity be
performed by the target BSC and that also identifies the seized
resources for the TDM bearer and the IP bearer for use on the
terrestrial A-interface for the activity.
Inventors: |
Kampmann; Dirk; (Vaals,
NL) ; Hellwig; Karl; (Wonfurt, DE) ;
Schliwa-Bertling; Paul; (Ljungsbro, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ) |
Stockholm |
|
SE |
|
|
Family ID: |
40568271 |
Appl. No.: |
16/808880 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16044143 |
Jul 24, 2018 |
10645620 |
|
|
16808880 |
|
|
|
|
15223011 |
Jul 29, 2016 |
10075884 |
|
|
16044143 |
|
|
|
|
12809477 |
Oct 11, 2010 |
9439109 |
|
|
PCT/IB2008/003566 |
Dec 19, 2008 |
|
|
|
15223011 |
|
|
|
|
61015294 |
Dec 20, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 72/0433 20130101;
H04W 76/22 20180201; H04W 72/0413 20130101; H04W 92/14 20130101;
H04W 72/042 20130101; H04W 36/0072 20130101; H04W 72/0446
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 36/00 20060101
H04W036/00; H04W 72/04 20060101 H04W072/04 |
Claims
1. A method performed by a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) of a radio
communication network, comprising: seizing a first resource and a
second resource for use on a terrestrial A-interface of the radio
communication network for an activity to be performed by a target
Base Station System (BSS) of the radio communication network; and
sending, to the target BSS, a message comprising a circuit
identifier of the first resource and a transport address of the
second resource for use on the terrestrial A-interface for the
activity.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the message further requests the
activity be performed by the target BSS, the method further
comprising: receiving, from the target BSS, an acknowledgement that
acknowledges the target BSS receiving the activity request; and
determining that the first resource or the second resource is
selected based on the acknowledgement; wherein the acknowledgement
indicates which of the first resource and the second resource is
selected for use on the terrestrial A-interface for the
activity.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the message further requests the
activity be performed by the target BSS, the method further
comprising: receiving, from the target BSS, an acknowledgement that
acknowledges the target BSS receiving the activity request;
determining that one of the first and second resource is selected
based on the acknowledgement; and releasing an unselected one of
the first and second resources for use on the terrestrial
A-interface responsive to said determining.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, from a
source BSS of the radio communication network, an indication that
the activity is required; and wherein said seizing and said sending
is responsive to receiving the activity required indication.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the activity is one of a handover
and an assignment.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the circuit identifier comprises
a circuit identifier code (CIC) of a selected TDM circuit
associated with the first resource.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the transport address comprises a
transport address of a media gateway (MGw) that will terminate an
IP connection associated with the second resource.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said seizing comprises: sending,
to a media gateway (MGw), a request indication to seize resources
for the first and second resources for use on the terrestrial
A-interface for the activity; and in response to sending the
request indication, receiving, from the MGw, a reply indication
that identifies the seized first and second resources for use on
the terrestrial A-interface for the activity.
9. A Mobile Switching Center (MSC) for a radio communication
network, comprising: a processing circuit configured to: seize a
first resource and a second resource for use on a terrestrial
A-interface of the radio communication network for an activity to
be performed by a target Base Station System (BSS) of the radio
communication network; and send, to the target BSS, a message
comprising a circuit identifier of the first resource and a
transport address of the second resource for use on the terrestrial
A-interface for the activity.
10. The MSC of claim 9, further comprising: a network interface
circuit operationally coupled to the processing circuit and through
which the message is sent.
11. The MSC of claim 9: wherein the message further requests the
activity be performed by the target BSS: wherein the processing
circuit is further configured to: receive, from the target BSS, an
acknowledgement that acknowledges the target BSS receiving the
activity request; and determine that one of the first and second
resources is selected based on the acknowledgement; and wherein the
acknowledgement indicates which of the first and second resources
is selected for use on the terrestrial A-interface for the
activity.
12. The MSC of claim 9, wherein the message further requests the
activity be performed by the target BSS, and wherein the processing
circuit is further configured to: receive, from the target BSS, an
acknowledgement that acknowledges the target BSS receiving the
activity request; determine that one of the first and second
resources is selected based on the acknowledgement; and release an
unselected one of the first and second resources for use on the
terrestrial A-interface responsive to said determining.
13. The MSC of claim 9, wherein the processing circuit is further
configured to: receive, from a source BSS of the radio
communication network, an indication that the activity is required;
and wherein said seizing and said sending is responsive to
receiving the activity required indication.
14. The MSC of claim 9, wherein the activity is one of a handover
and an assignment.
15. The MSC of claim 9, wherein said seizing includes the
processing circuit being further configured to: send, to a media
gateway (MGw), a request indication to seize the first and second
resources for use on the terrestrial A-interface for the activity;
and in response to sending the request indication, receive, from
the MGw, a reply indication that identifies the seized first and
second resources for use on the terrestrial A-interface for the
activity.
16. A method of operating a Base Station System (BSS) of a radio
communication network, comprising: receiving, from a Mobile
Switching Center (MSC) of the radio communication network, a
message that identifies a seized first resource and a seized second
resource for use on a terrestrial A-interface of the radio
communication network for an activity to be performed by the BSS;
selecting one of the first and second resources for use on the
terrestrial A-interface for the activity; and allocating a radio
channel of the radio communication network that is associated with
the activity.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the activity is one of a
handover and an assignment.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the message includes a circuit
identifier code (CIC) of a selected TDM circuit associated with the
first resource.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the message includes a
transport address of a media gateway (MGw) that will terminate an
IP connection associated with the second resource.
20. A Base Station System (BSS) of a radio communication network,
comprising: a processing circuit configured to: receive, from a
Mobile Switching Center (MSC) of the radio communication network, a
message that identifies a seized first resource and a seized second
resource for use on a terrestrial A-interface of the radio
communication network for an activity to be performed by the BSS;
select one of the first and second resources for use on the
terrestrial A-interface for the activity; and allocate a radio
channel of the radio communication network that is associated with
the activity.
21. The BSS of claim 20, further comprising: a network interface
circuit operationally coupled to the processing circuit and through
which the message is received.
22. The BSS of claim 20, wherein the activity is one of a handover
and an assignment.
23. The BSS of claim 20, wherein the message includes a circuit
identifier code (CIC) of a selected TDM circuit associated with the
first resource.
24. The BSS of claim 20, wherein the indication includes a
transport address of a media gateway (MGw) that will terminate an
IP connection associated with the second resource.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent
Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/044143 filed
Jul. 24, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/223,011, filed Jul. 29, 2016, which issued as U.S. Pat.
No. 10,075,884, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/809,477, filed Oct. 11, 2010, which issued as U.S. Pat.
No. 9,439,109 on Sep. 6, 2016, and is the National Stage of
International Application No. PCT/162008/003566, filed Dec. 19,
2008, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/015,294, filed Dec. 20, 2007, all of which are hereby
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is related to assignment and handover
in a radio communication network. (As used herein, references to
the "present invention" or "invention" relate to exemplary
embodiments and not necessarily to every embodiment encompassed by
the appended claims.) More specifically, the present invention is
related to assignment and handover in a radio communication network
where a first resource indicator and a second resource indicator
are offered together in a message for selection.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various
aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the
present invention. The following discussion is intended to provide
information to facilitate a better understanding of the present
invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that statements in
the following discussion are to be read in this light, and not as
admissions of prior art.
[0004] The A-interface is defined in 3GPP as the terrestrial
interface between the MSC node and the BSS radio network. Today TDM
is the only defined bearer technology for user plane connection
defined in the A-interface. The A-interface is defined in 3GPP
technical specification 48.001 (3GPP TS 48.001 Base Station
System-Mobile-services Switching Centre (BSS-MSC) interface;
General aspects) and the references specified therein.
[0005] Handover procedures are defined in 3GPP technical
specification 23.009 (3GPP TS 23.009 Handover Procedures). The
technical specification assumes an A-interface as defined in the
3GPP standard (3GPP TS 48.001 Base Station System-Mobile-services
Switching Centre (BSS-MSC) interface; General aspects).
[0006] FIG. 1 shows the procedure for an intra MSC, inter BSC, GSM
to GSM handover procedure taken from 3GPP TS 23.009 Handover
Procedures. This procedure is chosen as an example because it is
used below to describe the concept of the new invention.
[0007] In regard to problems with existing solutions, currently the
effort is taken to enhance the current standardized A-interface and
to support the A-interface as well for IP used as bearer for the
user plane. Although in the further disclosed, reference is made to
IP technology as a further supported technology; the invention is
not limited thereto but encompasses any differing bearer
technology. It is assumed that during a network migration from the
currently standardized A-interface (AoTDM) to the enhanced
A-interface (AoIP) the two bearer technologies defined for the user
plane are used in parallel. This may not be needed in all migration
scenarios but it is seen as a likely scenario for many
operators.
[0008] Applying the current 3GPP handover procedure (3GPP TS 23.009
Handover Procedures) in such a scenario--parallel use of TDM and IP
as user plane bearer--results in the following issue: When the MSC
request channel assignment from the target BSC then the MSC does
not know if this BSC can establish the terrestrial interface using
IP as bearer type. The BSC has the final decision on the bearer
type because of the following rules:
[0009] In the BSC the decision for a specific bearer on the
terrestrial interface may depend on the selected speech coder
version for the A-interface.
[0010] The BSC has always the final decision regarding the radio
codec and the same codec should be used on the terrestrial
interface as on the radio link to avoid additional transcoding.
[0011] The MSC has to seize bearer resources for the A-interface
user plane (terrestrial interface) before it sends BSSMAP Handover
Request message to the target BSC. If the target BSC cannot support
TDM bearer for the terrestrial interface then BSC has to reject the
call. MSC could repeat the BSSMAP Handover Request message using in
the new request IP bearer for the terrestrial interface. This
handling would require additional signaling on the A-interface and
would extend the handover time.
[0012] One simple solution to avoid the repetition of the handover
request message would be to provide some configuration in MSC about
the BSC capability. However, this solution has the following
disadvantages:
[0013] It is static and cannot provide BSC capability for a
specific call.
[0014] It is error-prone due to manual interaction.
[0015] Another sub-optimal solution would be that the BSC always
accepts the bearer type offered from MSC in the handover request.
If it cannot use the codec selected on the radio link on the
terrestrial interface, then BSC should use another offered codec
type. This solution has the following disadvantages:
[0016] The operator has to provide transcoder resources in the BSC
to cover the described scenario.
[0017] Inserting a transcoder in the BSC and using compressed
speech codec on the terrestrial interface reduces speech quality
and increases the delay in the speech path.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention pertains to a method for using a
network entity of a radio communication network. The method
comprises the steps of seizing a first resource and a second
resource for a terrestrial interface of the network, where the
first resource is distinct and different from the second resource.
There is the step of sending a handover request message identifying
the first resource and the second resource.
[0019] The present invention pertains to a network entity for a
radio communication network. The entity comprises a processing unit
which causes a first resource and a second resource for a
terrestrial interface of the radio network to be seized, where the
first resource is distinct and different from the second resource.
The entity comprises a network interface through which a handover
request message identifying the first and the second resource is
sent.
[0020] The present invention pertains to a method for using a
network entity of a radio communication network. The method
comprises the steps of seizing a first resource and a second
resource for a terrestrial interface of the network, where the
first resource is distinct and different from the second resource.
There is the step of sending an assignment request message
identifying the first resource and the second resource.
[0021] The present invention pertains to a network entity for a
radio communication network. The entity comprises a processing unit
which causes a first resource and a second resource for a
terrestrial interface of the radio network to be seized, where the
first resource is distinct and different from the second resource.
The entity comprises a network interface through which an
assignment request message identifying the first and the second
resource is sent.
[0022] The present invention pertains to a network entity for a
radio communication network. The entity comprises a network
interface which receives a handover request message identifying a
first resource and a second resource, the first resource distinct
and different from the second resource. The entity comprises a
processing unit that selects one of the first and second resources,
allocates a radio channel associated with the handover, selects a
bearer for a terrestrial interface and seizes resources for the
interface.
[0023] The present invention pertains to a method for a network
entity of a radio communication network. The method comprises the
steps of receiving a handover request message identifying a first
resource and a second resource, the first resource distinct and
different from the second resource. There is the step of selecting
one of the first and second resources. There is the step of
allocating a radio channel associated with the handover. There is
the step of selecting a bearer for a terrestrial interface. There
is the step of seizing resources for the interface.
[0024] The present invention pertains to a network entity for a
radio communication network. The entity comprises a network
interface which receives an assignment request message identifying
a first resource and a second resource, the first resource distinct
and different from the second resource. The entity comprises a
processing unit that selects one of the first and second resources,
allocates a radio channel associated with the assignment, selects a
bearer for a terrestrial interface and seizes resources for the
interface.
[0025] The present invention pertains to a method for a network
entity of a radio communication network. Any method comprises the
steps of receiving an assignment request message identifying a
first resource and a second resource, the first resource distinct
and different from the second resource. There is the step of
selecting one of the first and second resources. There is the step
of allocating a radio channel associated with the assignment. There
is the step of selecting a bearer for a terrestrial interface.
There is the step of seizing resources for the interface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] In the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment of
the invention and preferred methods of practicing the invention are
illustrated in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 shows an intra MSC, inter BSC, GSM to GSM handover
procedure.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows inter BSC handover using AoTDM and AoIP of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows improved inter BSC HO; BSC selects IP bearer
for the terrestrial interface of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows improved inter BSC HO; BSC selects TDM bearer
for the terrestrial interface of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows the selection of the IP bearer at call setup of
the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows the selection of the TDM bearer at call setup
of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a network entity of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference
numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several
views, and more specifically to FIGS. 2 and 7 thereof, there is
shown a network entity 10, such as an MSC, for a radio
communication network. The entity comprises a processing unit 12
which causes a first resource and a second resource for a
terrestrial interface of the radio network to be seized, where the
first resource is distinct and different from the second resource.
The entity comprises a network interface 14 through which a
handover request message identifying the first and the second
resource is sent.
[0035] Preferably, the network interface 14 receives an
acknowledgment of the handover. The processing unit 12 preferably
detects that one of the first and second resources is selected for
a bearer. Preferably, the processing unit 12 causes an unselected
one of the first and second resources to be released.
[0036] The network interface 14 preferably sends the handover
request message with a circuit identifier code of a selected time
division multiplexing (TDM) circuit with respect to a TDM bearer,
and with a transport address of a media gateway (MGw) that will
terminate an IP connection with respect to an IP bearer.
[0037] The present invention pertains to a method for using a
network entity 10, such as an MSC, of a radio communication
network. The method comprises the steps of seizing a first resource
and a second resource for a terrestrial interface of the network,
where the first resource is distinct and different from the second
resource. There is the step of sending a handover request message
identifying the first resource and the second resource.
[0038] Preferably, there is the step of receiving an acknowledgment
of the handover. There is preferably the step of detecting that one
of the first and second resources is selected for a bearer.
Preferably, there is the step of releasing an unselected one of the
first and second resources.
[0039] The sending step preferably includes the step of sending the
handover request message with a circuit identifier code of a
selected time division multiplexing (TDM) circuit with respect to a
TDM bearer, and with a transport address of a media gateway (MGw)
that will terminate an internet protocol (IP) connection with
respect to an IP bearer. The transport address can include an IP
address and a port number.
[0040] The present invention pertains to a method for using a
network entity 10, such as an MSC, of a radio communication
network. The method comprises the steps of seizing a first resource
and a second resource for a terrestrial interface of the network,
where the first resource is distinct and different from the second
resource. There is the step of sending an assignment request
message identifying the first resource and the second resource.
[0041] Preferably, there is the step of receiving an assignment
complete message that indicates a bearer shall be used on an
A-interface user plane connection.
[0042] The present invention pertains to a network entity 10 for a
radio communication network. The entity comprises a processing unit
12 which causes a first resource and a second resource for a
terrestrial interface of the radio network to be seized, where the
first resource is distinct and different from the second resource.
The entity comprises a network interface 14 through which an
assignment request message identifying the first and the second
resource is sent.
[0043] The present invention pertains to a network entity 10, such
as a BSC, for a radio communication network. The entity comprises a
network interface 14 which receives a handover request message
identifying a first resource and a second resource, the first
resource distinct and different from the second resource. The
entity comprises a processing unit 12 that selects one of the first
and second resources, allocates a radio channel associated with the
handover, selects a bearer for a terrestrial interface and seizes
resources for the interface.
[0044] Preferably, the network interface 14 sends an acknowledgment
of the handover request. The acknowledgment request preferably
includes information that identifies which bearer is used on the
terrestrial interface.
[0045] Preferably, the handover request message is a BSSMAP
handover request with a circuit identifier code of a selected time
division multiplexing (TDM) circuit with respect to a TDM bearer,
and with a transport address of a media gateway (MGw) that will
terminate an IP connection with respect to an IP bearer.
[0046] The present invention pertains to a method for a network
entity 10, such as a BSC, of a radio communication network. The
method comprises the steps of receiving a handover request message
identifying a first resource and a second resource, the first
resource distinct and different from the second resource. There is
the step of selecting one of the first and second resources. There
is the step of allocating a radio channel associated with the
handover. There is the step of selecting a bearer for a terrestrial
interface. There is the step of seizing resources for the
interface.
[0047] Preferably, there is the step of sending an acknowledgment
of the handover request. The acknowledgment preferably includes
information that identifies which bearer is used on the terrestrial
interface.
[0048] Preferably, the receiving step includes the step of
receiving a BSSMAP handover request with a circuit identifier code
of a selected time division multiplexing (TDM) circuit with respect
to a TDM bearer, and with a transport address of a media gateway
(MGw) that will terminate an IP connection with respect to an IP
bearer.
[0049] The present invention pertains to a network entity 10, such
as a BSC, for a radio communication network. The entity comprises a
network interface 14 which receives an assignment request message
identifying a first resource and a second resource, the first
resource distinct and different from the second resource. The
entity comprises a processing unit 12 that selects one of the first
and second resources, allocates a radio channel associated with the
assignment, selects a bearer for a terrestrial interface and seizes
resources for the interface.
[0050] The present invention pertains to a method for a network
entity 10, such as a BSC, of a radio communication network. The
method comprises the steps of receiving an assignment request
message identifying a first resource and a second resource, the
first resource distinct and different from the second resource.
There is the step of selecting one of the first and second
resources. There is the step of allocating a radio channel
associated with the assignment. There is the step of selecting a
bearer for a terrestrial interface. There is the step of seizing
resources for the interface.
[0051] There is preferably the step of selecting the bearer to be
used on an A-interface user plane connection. Preferably, there is
the step of sending an assignment complete message indicating the
selected bearer.
[0052] Although this invention is explained with reference to 3GPP
herein, the invention is not limited to 3GPP compliant networks but
may encompass also other networks like the (W)iDEN compatible
networks.
[0053] In the operation of the invention, to improve the inter BSC
handover procedure for intra MSC or inter MSC handover scenarios,
the handover can be either GSM to GSM handover or WCDMA to GSM
handover or any other HO from any radio technology to GSM such as
LTE to GSM.
[0054] MSC automatically detects if BSC can support IP on the
terrestrial interface. Therefore, MSC monitors mobile originating
and mobile terminating calls. As soon as BSC uses AoIP for any of
those calls MSC marks the BSC as capable to support IP bearer. The
call set-up procedure for AoIP supports that MSC and BSC are
negotiating which bearer to use.
[0055] MSC seizes resources for the TDM bearer and the IP bearer
before the handover request message is sent to BSC. Then BSC can
choose any of the bearer types. In the BSSMAP Handover Request
Acknowledge message the BSC informs the MSC about the selected
bearer type. Finally MSC can release the seized resources from the
not selected bearer type.
[0056] FIG. 2 shows the concept of the improved handover procedure.
The numbers in the figure indicate the sequence of actions.
[0057] In a first step 1, a BSC (source BSC) detects a handover
condition and indicates in a second step 2 towards a MSC that a
Handover is required. In a next step 3, the MSC seizes TDM
resources and resources for other bearer(s), e.g. IP for the
terrestrial interface. Thereafter, in step 4, a handover request is
sent towards a further BSC (target BSC) including an indication
about the seized resources. The further BSC (target BSC) selects a
bearer for the terrestrial interface and sends an acknowledgement
of said handover request in a further step 6 towards the MSC.
Either within the acknowledgement or within any other appropriate
message information which bearer is used on the terrestrial
interface is provided towards the MSC. Finally, the MSC uses the
provided information which bearer is used on the terrestrial
interface in a step 7 to continue handover procedure, e.g. as
defined in 3GPP. In addition, the MSC may also use provided
information which bearer is used on the terrestrial interface to
release the unused but seized resources for the other bearers.
[0058] The improvement for the inter BSC handover procedure is
based on the following scenario:
[0059] Target BSC can support AoTDM and AoIP.
[0060] Note: the MSC sending the handover request to the target MSC
does not know in advance, which bearer BSC will select.
[0061] GSM to GSM or WCDMA to GSM handover is performed.
[0062] MSC monitors the call set-up procedures for mobile
originating and mobile terminating calls. Once BSC uses AoIP for
any of those calls the MSC marks that BSC is capable using IP on
the user plane.
[0063] The information whether a BSC supports AoIP may also be
provided towards the MSC in a different manner, e.g. it might be
administered via an O&M (Operations & Maintenance)
tool.
[0064] During handover procedure, one MSC sends the BSSMAP Handover
Request to the target BSC. This can be either the anchor MSC (intra
MSC HO procedure or sub-sequent inter MSC HO back to anchor MSC),
or in the non-anchor MSC (intra MSC in non-anchor MSC, inter MSC
handover or sub-sequent inter MSC handover to another non-anchor
MSC).
[0065] FIG. 3 shows a possible message flow that can be used for
the proposed handover procedure. In this example the BSC selects IP
bearer for the terrestrial interface.
[0066] The following steps are shown in FIG. 3: [0067] First the
MSC detects a condition to request channel assignment from source
BSC (step 1). This could be for example the reception of BSSMAP
Handover Required message from BSC (intra MSC HO) or the reception
of MAP Prepare Handover Request message (inter MSC HO). [0068] Then
MSC seizes a TDM circuit and IP resources for the terrestrial
interface towards the target BSC. This involves MSC internal
processes and in case of layered network architecture the MSC-S has
to request MGw to seize a TDM termination and an IP termination
(steps 2-5). [0069] Then MSC sends the BSSMAP Handover Request
message to the target BSC (step 6). This message includes the
circuit identify code (CIC)--in case MSC allocates the CIC--and a
container (AoIP Container) used to transport IP address information
from the MGW to the BSC. [0070] BSC allocates the radio channel,
selects the bearer for the terrestrial interface and seizes
resources for this interface (step 7). Here, the BSC decides to use
IP bearer. [0071] In the acknowledgment message the BSC provides
its user plane address information within the AoIP Container (step
8). MSC identifies that IP is selected for the bearer because it
receives the AoIP Container. [0072] MSC is passing the contents of
the AoIP Container to the MGW (steps 9, 10). [0073] MSC releases
the seized TDM resources. In layered architecture MSC request MGW
to release the TDM termination (steps 11, 12).
[0074] FIG. 5 shows the selection of the IP bearer at call setup
(assignment).
[0075] FIG. 4 shows a second example for a possible message flow
that can be used for the proposed handover procedure. In this
example the BSC selects TDM as bearer for the terrestrial
interface.
[0076] The steps 1-6 are equal to the case before, where BSC
selected IP bearer for the terrestrial interface. The following
steps are different: [0077] BSC allocates the radio channel,
selects the bearer for the terrestrial interface and seizes
resources for this interface (step 7). In opposite to the previous
example, here, the BSC decides to use TDM bearer. [0078] BSC sends
the acknowledgement message as defined in 3GPP for AoTDM (step 8).
MSC identifies that TDM is selected for the bearer because it does
not receive the AoIP Container. [0079] MSC releases the seized IP
resources. In layered architecture MSC request MGW to release the
IP termination (steps 9, 10).
[0080] Note, that in case BSC is responsible to allocate the CIC
the following changes have to be applied to the examples above:
[0081] MSC does not provide a CIC in the Handover Request message
(both examples). [0082] If BSC select TDM bearer for the
terrestrial interface it provides a CIC in the Handover Request
Acknowledge message (first example).
[0083] FIG. 6 shows the selection of the TDM bearer at call setup
(assignment).
[0084] Handover (HO) and assignment request are two independent
functions. Assignment request is at call setup. It is mandatory to
establish the radio connection (mobile terminal to antenna and
further to the BSC node) and to connect that part with the core
network.
[0085] Handover is a process that is performed during the call when
the terminal is moving around. Different handover types can be
distinguished: while moving the terminal may reach the area of a
new antenna, a new radio coverage cell, an area that is controlled
by another BSC or even an area that is controlled by another MSC.
Further intersystem handover is possible, that means a calling
subscriber starts a call in the 2G network and changes to the 3G
network.
[0086] With respect to the invention herein, the relevant handover
process is the inter BSC intra MSC (the BSC is changed, and both
BSC nodes are controlled by the one MSC).
[0087] Not shown (but still possible) is inter BSC inter MSC HO. In
this case BSC and MSC are changed. Not shown but still possible is
the inter system handover where the target system is a GSM system.
The source system can be any technology for example WCDMA or
LTE.
[0088] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the following are the steps
for Assignment.
[0089] 1. MSC detects a condition to perform call setup.
[0090] 2. MSC seizes a TDM termination to be used in case BSC
selects the TDM bearer for the A-interface user plane connection
later. In the ADD Request MSC specifies the TDM termination
identifier to be seized (not shown). The TDM termination identifier
can be mapped uniquely to the CIC used in this call.
[0091] 3. MGw replies on the ADD Request.
[0092] 4. MSC seizes an IP termination to be used in case BSC
selects the IP bearer for the A-interface user plane connection
later.
[0093] 5. MGw replies on the ADD Request.
[0094] 6. MSC sends BSSMAP Assignment Request message to trigger
the channel assignment in the target BSC. MSC provides the CIC and
the AoIP Container, where one of them is to be used for the
call.
[0095] 7. BSC establishes the radio channel. Further BSC selects
the bearer to be used on the A-interface user plane connection. In
this example (FIG. 5) BSC decided to use the TDM bearer.
[0096] 8. BSC sends Assignment Complete message back to MSC as
specified in standard.
[0097] 9. From the received Assignment Complete message MSC deducts
that TDM bearer (see FIG. 6), shall be used on A-interface user
plane connection. MSC requests MGw to remove the previously seized
IP termination.
[0098] 10. MGw confirms the SUB Request.
[0099] The present invention includes, but is not limited to, the
following inventive steps:
[0100] MSC detects BSS capability to support IP on the terrestrial
interface.
[0101] MSC seizes a TDM and IP bearer before it requests channel
assignment from the target BSC.
[0102] MSC releases unused resources after BSC selected a bearer
and informed MSC about the decision.
[0103] The invention has the following advantages:
[0104] MSC automatically detects if BSC is capable to support IP
bearer for the terrestrial interface.
[0105] The BSSMAP message defined for the 3GPP handover procedure
and assignment procedure can be reused.
[0106] BSC has full freedom to select the bearer for the
terrestrial interface.
[0107] No configuration in MSC or BSC is required.
[0108] The procedure is only applicable for the case that AoIP and
AoTDM are used in parallel. The procedure can be removed and does
not have any additional impact in case BSC supports on AoIP
(proposed target solution for future networks).
[0109] The procedure supports CIC selection in MSC and CIC
selection in BSC (for AoTDM).
ABBREVIATIONS
[0110] (W)iDEN (Wideband) Integrated Digital Enhanced Network
[0111] 3GPP 3.sup.rd generation Partnership Project
[0112] AoIP A-Interface (user plane) over IP
[0113] AoTDM A-Interface (user plane) over TDM
[0114] BSC Base Station Controller
[0115] BSS Base Station Subsystem
[0116] BSSMAP Base Station System Management Application Part
[0117] CIC Circuit Identity Code
[0118] GSM Global System for Mobile communications
[0119] HO Handover
[0120] iDEN Integrated Digital Enhanced Network
[0121] IP Internet Protocol
[0122] LTE Long Term Evolution
[0123] MGw Media Gateway
[0124] MSC Mobile Switching Center
[0125] MSC-S Mobile Switching Center Server
[0126] TDM Time-division Multiplexing
[0127] WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access
[0128] Although the invention has been described in detail in the
foregoing embodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be
understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that
variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope of the invention except as it may be
described by the following claims.
* * * * *