Method and apparatus for handover management - Patents.com

Abstract

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for handover management. The method performed by a first mobility management function of a first system includes obtaining a mobility management context of a single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC). The method further includes sending a forward relocation request to a second mobility management function of the second system during a handover from the first system to the second system. The forward relocation request includes the mobility management context of the SRVCC.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD Non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of communications, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for handover management. [Background technology]

[0002] This section introduces aspects that may be helpful in improving the understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, the statements in this section should be read in this light and not understood as admissions about what is or is not in the prior art.

[0003] In a communication network, such as New Radio (NR) defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a handover (HO) procedure may be used to handover a terminal device, such as a user equipment (UE), from one communication network to another. Section 4.11 of 3GPP TS23.502 V17.0.0, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes various handover procedures, such as a handover from a fifth generation system (5GS) to an evolved packet system (EPS) using an N26 interface, etc. 3GPP® TS 23.401 V17.0.0, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes various handover procedures such as E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network) to UTRAN (Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network) Iu mode inter-RAT (Radio Access Technology) handover, E-UTRAN to GERAN (GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) EDGE (Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution) radio access technology) A / Gb mode inter-RAT handover, etc.

[0004] 3GPP TS 23.216V16.4.0, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC). SRVCC describes voice call continuity between an IMS (Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem) over a PS (Packet Switched) access and an IMS-anchored CS (Circuit Switched) access when a UE (User Equipment) can send and receive voice calls over only one of the PS and CS access access networks. SRVCC provides an interim solution for handover of VoLTE (Voice over LTE) to 2G / 3G (Second Generation / Third Generation) networks and requires supporting UE subscription, UE capabilities and network capabilities. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. It is understood that this Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0006] In the case of a handover from 5G to 4G and then from 4G to 2G / 3G SRVCC, several issues may arise.

[0007] 3GPP TS 29.274 V17.1.1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, introduced an IE (information element) "SRVCC Additional MM (Mobility Management) Context" containing a mobile station classmark and a supported codec list to facilitate an immediate SRVCC HO after a PS HO while a UE moves from a first MME (Mobility Management Entity) to a second MME and subsequently from the second MME to a target SGSN / MSC (Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node / Mobile Switching Center). In summary, the IE "SRVCC Additional MM Context" enables the MME / SGSN to correctly construct the SRVCC PS to CS request message before the TAU (Tracking Area Update) procedure in the second MME. Thus, the IE "SRVCC additional MM context" is useful to pass SRVCC capability between source and target nodes in several cases such as 4G (fourth generation) to 4G handover and subsequent 4G to 2G / 3G SRVCC and 4G to 2G / 3G SRVCC cases.

[0008] With the deployment of 5G (5th Generation), 3GPP TS 29.274 V17.1.1 is updated to specify the extensions of SRVCC, in particular the 5G to 2G SRVCC direct case and the 5G to 3G SRVCC direct case, where the MME acts as a control plane relay between the AMF (Access Mobility Management Function) and the MSC, i.e. MME_SRVCC.

[0009] As described in 3GPP TS 29.274 V17.1.1, clause 2.1, the case of 4G to 4G handover and then 4G to 2G / 3G SRVCC is already considered. However, the similar case of 5G to 4G handover and then 4G to 2G / 3G SRVCC is not mentioned or considered in the SRVCC procedure described in 3GPP TS 23.216 V16.4.0. As a result, the entire SRVCC procedure is not completed across 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G, which causes problems with 5G to 4G handover and then 4G to 2G / 3G SRVCC handover, and also causes confusion in implementations.

[0010] In 3GPP TS23.216 V16.4.0 5G SRVCC, a new "MME_SRVCC" is defined, which plays the role of a pure control plane relay between the MSC and the AMF, and the UE is not aware of the presence of the MME during the 5G to 2G / 3G SRVCC direct procedure. However, to support the above 5G to 4G handover and 4G to 2G / 3G SRVCC cases, it is not sufficient for the MME to act as a control plane relay.

[0011] In 3GPP (registered trademark) TS23.216 V16.4.0, it is described that the UE includes only the mobile station class mark 2 and the supported codec IE in the registration request to the AMF. However, there is no mention of the mobile station class mark 3. If the case of the mobile station class mark 3 and the supported codec list is excluded, problems may occur in the handover from 5G to 4G and the subsequent 4G to 2G / 3G SRVCC.

[0012] In 3GPP® TS 29.503 V17.2.0, section 6.1.6, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, the Session Transfer Number or Correlation Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (C-MSISDN) for SRVCC (STN-SR) is included only if the UE subscribes to 5G SRVCC, which creates problems with handovers from 5G to 4G and then from 4G to 2G / 3G SRVCC and also creates confusion in vendor implementations.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of a handover from 5GS to EPS in single registration mode over the N26 interface, which is the same as FIG. 4.11.1.2.1-1 of 3GPP TS 23.502 V17.0.0, the disclosure content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0014] In step 3 of FIG. 1, the AMF sends a Forward Relocation Request (FRR) similar to step 3 of section 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal) of 3GPP TS 23.401 V17.0.0, with the following modifications and explanations: The parameter "reversion preference" may be included. Reversion preference is an optional indication by the MME of the preferred reversion of the UE to the 5GS PLMN upon a subsequent access change to the 5GS shared network. The MME may use this information as specified in 3GPP TS 23.501 V17.0.0. -The serving gateway (SGW) address and TEID (tunnel endpoint identifier) ​​of both the control plane or EPS bearer in the message allow the target MME to select a new SGW. The AMF determines a direct forward flag that informs the target MME whether direct data forwarding is applicable based on the configuration and availability of a direct forward path. -The AMF includes a mapped SM (Session Management) EPS UE context for PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions, regardless of whether there is an active UP (User Plane) connection. -If the secondary RAT access restriction conditions are the same for EPS and 5GS, the AMF may set the EPS secondary RAT access restriction conditions based on the UE's subscription data according to the operator policy.

[0015] In step 3 of Figure 1, since the AMF does not include the "SRFVCC additional MM context" in the FRR, the MME does not know whether the UE is SRVCC capable or not, and the MME cannot send a handover request including an SRVCC capable indication to the E-UTRAN in step 6 of Figure 1.

[0016] In step 18 of FIG. 1, the UE initiates a Tracking Area Update (TAU) procedure as specified in step 18 of clause 5.5.1.2.2 (S1 based handover, normal) of 3GPP TS 23.401 V17.0.0.

[0017] According to 3GPP TS23.502 V17.0.0 clause 4.11.1.2.1, SRVCC is not triggered until step 18. SRVCC can be triggered after the MME receives the MS network capability in the TAU request message and the MME sends a SRVCC operational indication to the E-UTRAN. Therefore, in single registration mode using the N26 interface, SRVCC HO cannot be triggered immediately after handover from 5GS to EPS.

[0018] To overcome or mitigate at least one of the above-mentioned problems or other problems, embodiments of the present disclosure propose improved solutions for handover management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided that is performed by a first mobility management function of a first system. The method includes obtaining a Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) mobility management context. The method further includes sending a forward relocation request to a second mobility management function of the second system during handover from the first system to the second system. The forward relocation request includes the SRVCC mobility management context.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first system is a Fifth Generation System (5GS) and the second system is an Evolved Packet System (EPS).

[0021] In one embodiment, the handover from the first system to the second system is a handover from 5GS to EPS using the N26 interface.

[0022] In one embodiment, the forward relocation request further includes at least one of a SRVCC Session Transfer Number (STN-SR) and a Corresponding Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (C-MSISDN).

[0023] In one embodiment, if the user equipment involved in the handover subscribes to SRVCC in the second system, the forward relocation request further includes at least one of a Session Transfer Number (STN-SR) of the SRVCC and a Correlation Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (C-MSISDN).

[0024] In one embodiment, the SRVCC mobility management context includes information required for the second mobility management function to perform SRVCC.

[0025] In one embodiment, this information includes at least one mobile station classmark and / or a codec list supported by the user equipment involved in the handover.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first mobility management function includes an access and mobility function (AMF), and the second mobility management function includes a mobility management entity (MME).

[0027] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided that is performed by a second mobility management function of a second system. The method includes receiving a forward relocation request from a first mobility management function of the first system during a handover from the first system to the second system. The forward relocation request includes a single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC) mobility management context. The method further includes determining an SRVCC enabled indication indicating whether both the user equipment and the second mobility management function are SRVCC capable based at least in part on the SRVCC mobility management context. The method further includes transmitting a handover request message including the SRVCC enabled indication to an access network node of the second system.

[0028] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided that is performed by an access network node of a second system. The method includes receiving a handover request message from a second mobility management function during a handover from the first system to the second system, the handover request message including a SRVCC enabled indication indicating whether both the user equipment and a second mobility management function of the second system are Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) enabled. The method further includes triggering SRVCC from the second system to a third system after the handover from the first system to the second system based on the SRVCC enabled indication.

[0029] In one embodiment, triggering SRVCC from the second system to the third system after a handover from the first system to the second system based on the SRVCC operational indication includes immediately triggering SRVCC from the second system to the third system after a handover from the first system to the second system based on the SRVCC operational indication.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first system is a fifth generation system (5GS), the second system is an evolved packet system (EPS), and the third system is a second generation system or a third generation system.

[0031] In one embodiment, the second mobility management function includes a mobility management entity (MME).

[0032] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a first mobility management function of a first system is provided. The first mobility management function includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory includes instructions executable by the processor. The first mobility management function of the first system is operative to obtain a Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) mobility management context. The first mobility management function is further operative to send a forward relocation request to a second mobility management function of the second system during handover from the first system to the second system. The forward relocation request includes the SRVCC mobility management context.

[0033] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a second mobility management function of a second system is provided. The second mobility management function includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory includes instructions executable by the processor. The second mobility management function is operative to receive a forward relocation request from the first mobility management function of the first system during a handover from the first system to the second system. The forward relocation request includes a single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC) mobility management context. The second mobility management function is further operative to determine an SRVCC enabled indication indicating whether both the user equipment and the second mobility management function are SRVCC capable based at least in part on the SRVCC mobility management context. The second mobility management function is further operative to transmit a handover request message including the SRVCC enabled indication to an access network node of the second system.

[0034] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, an access network node of a second system is provided. The access network node includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory includes instructions executable by the processor. The access network node is operative to receive, during a handover from the first system to the second system, a handover request message including a SRVCC enabled indication from the second mobility management function indicating whether both the user equipment and the second mobility management function of the second system are Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) capable. The access network node is further operative to trigger SRVCC from the second system to a third system after the handover from the first system to the second system based on the SRVCC enabled indication.

[0035] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a first mobility management function of a first system is provided, the first mobility management function comprising an acquisition module configured to acquire a Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) mobility management context. The first mobility management function further comprises a sending module configured to send a forward relocation request to a second mobility management function of the second system during handover from the first system to the second system. The forward relocation request includes the SRVCC mobility management context.

[0036] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a second mobility management function of a second system is provided. The second mobility management function comprises a receiving module configured to receive a forward relocation request from the first mobility management function of the first system during a handover from the first system to the second system. The forward relocation request includes a single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC) mobility management context. The second mobility management function further comprises a determining module configured to determine an SRVCC enabled indication indicating whether both the user equipment and the second mobility management function are SRVCC capable based at least in part on the SRVCC mobility management context. The second mobility management function further comprises a transmitting module configured to transmit a handover request message including the SRVCC enabled indication to an access network node of the second system.

[0037] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, an access network node of a second system is provided. As shown, the access network node comprises a receiving module configured to receive a handover request message from a second mobility management function during a handover from the first system to the second system, the handover request message including a SRVCC enabled indication indicating whether both the user equipment and the second mobility management function of the second system are Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) capable. The access network node further comprises a triggering module configured to trigger SRVCC from the second system to a third system after the handover from the first system to the second system based on the SRVCC enabled indication.

[0038] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method according to any of the first, second and third aspects.

[0039] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method according to any of the first, second and third aspects.

[0040] The embodiments herein may provide many advantages, a non-exhaustive list of examples of which is given below: In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a solution is proposed for the case of 5G to 4G handover followed by 4G to 2G / 3G SRVCC. This user case is not included in 3GPP TS 23.216 V16.4.0. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, new IEs "4gStnSr" and "4gcMsisdn" are added to the data model in section 6.1.6 of 3GPP TS 29.503 V17.2.0 that may be used for the proposed solution. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, MS classmark 3 and supported codec list are sent from the AMF to the MME in the FRR, indicating that GERAN access is supported by the UE, which may be used in some SRVCC cases. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the proposed solution extends the user case of SRVCC where the UE moves to: 5G->4G (Handover)->2G / 3G (SRVCC). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the proposed solution can save SRVCC procedure time because the SRVCC procedure can be performed immediately after the handover is completed. The embodiments herein are not limited to the preferred features and advantages described above. Those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description.

[0041] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, by way of example, like or equivalent elements are designated with like reference numerals or characters, and in which: The drawings are presented to facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] Flowchart of handover from 5GS to EPS in single registration mode on N26 interface. [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a high-level architecture in a fifth generation network, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a high-level architecture in a fourth generation network, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a home routing roaming architecture for interworking between 5GS and EPC / E-UTRAN. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flow chart of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 4 is a flow chart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 4 is a flow chart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a flow chart of a handover from 5GS to EPS using an N26 interface with SRVCC extensions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus suitable for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a first mobility management function of a first system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a second mobility management function of a second system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an access network node of a second system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and therefore practice the present disclosure, rather than implying limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Throughout this specification, references to features, advantages, or similar language do not imply that all features and advantages that may be realized in the present disclosure should or are in any single embodiment of the present disclosure. Rather, language referring to features and advantages is understood to mean that a particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the present disclosure can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in a particular embodiment that are not present in all embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] As used herein, the term "network" refers to a network conforming to any suitable communications standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), and other wireless networks. A CDMA network may implement a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA). UTRA includes WCDMA and other variants of CDMA. A TDMA network may implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA network may implement a wireless technology such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDMA, ad-hoc networks, wireless sensor networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "network" and "system" may be used interchangeably. Furthermore, communication between two devices in a network may be performed according to any suitable communication protocol, including, but not limited to, communication protocols defined by a standards organization such as 3GPP. For example, the communication protocol may include first generation (1G), 2G, 3G, 4G, 4.5G, 5G communication protocols, and / or other protocols now known or developed in the future.

[0045] The term "network device", "network node" or "network function (NF)" refers to any suitable network entity that may be implemented in a network entity (physical or virtual) of a communication network. For example, a network function may be implemented as a network element on dedicated hardware, as a software instance running on dedicated hardware, or as a virtualized function instantiated on a suitable platform, such as a cloud infrastructure. For example, a 5G system (5GS) may comprise multiple NFs, such as AMF (Access and Mobility Function), SMF (Session Management Function), AUSF (Authentication Service Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), PCF (Policy Control Function), AF (Application Function), NEF (Network Publishing Function), UPF (User Plane Function), NRF (Network Repository Function), RAN (Radio Access Network), SCP (Service Communication Proxy), NWDAF (Network Data Analysis Function), NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function), NSSAAF (Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function), etc. For example, a 4G system (such as LTE) may include an MME (Mobility Management Entity), an HSS (Home Subscriber Server), a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW or PG-W), a PGW Control Plane (PGW-C), a PGW User Plane (PGW-U), a Serving Gateway (SGW), an SGW Control Plane (SGW-C), an SGW User Plane (SGW-U), an E-UTRAN Node B (eNB), etc. In other embodiments, the network functions may include different types of NFs, depending, for example, on the particular network.

[0046] The term "terminal device" refers to any end device that can access a communications network to receive services. By way of non-limiting example, a terminal device may refer to a mobile terminal, a user equipment (UE), or other suitable device. A UE may be, for example, a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT). A terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a portable computer, an image capture terminal device such as a digital camera, a gaming terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet, a wearable device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, a wearable terminal device, a vehicle mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded equipment (LEE), a laptop mounted equipment (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), and the like. In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably. As an example, a terminal device may represent a UE configured to communicate according to one or more communications standards promulgated by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project), such as the LTE or NR standards of 3GPP. As used herein, "user equipment" or "UE" does not necessarily have a "user" in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the associated device. In some embodiments, a terminal device may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, a terminal device may be designed to transmit information to a network on a predefined schedule, upon request from a communications network, when triggered by an internal or external event. Instead, a UE may represent a device intended for sale to or operation by a human user, but not initially associated with a particular human user.

[0047] As yet another example, in an Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, a terminal device may represent an appliance or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements and transmits results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another terminal device and / or network equipment. In this case, the terminal device is a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which may be referred to in the 3GPP context as a machine-type communication (MTC) device. As a particular example, the terminal device may be a UE implementing the 3GPP Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) standard. Particular examples of such appliances or devices are metering devices such as sensors, power meters, industrial machines, or household appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, personal wearables such as watches. In other scenarios, the terminal device may represent a vehicle or other appliance that can monitor and / or report its operating state or other functions related to its operation.

[0048] References herein to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments is presented as being within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art, whether or not explicitly stated.

[0049] As used herein, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various elements, but it should be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the example embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0050] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A and B" or "at least one of A or B" should be understood to mean "A only, B only, or both A and B." The phrase "A and / or B" should be understood to mean "A only, B only, or both A and B."

[0051] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. The singular forms are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms "including," "having," "comprising," and the like specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0052] Please note that these terms used in this document are only used for ease of description and to distinguish between nodes, devices, or networks, etc. As technology develops, other terms with similar / same meanings may also be used.

[0053] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0054] Although the subject matter described herein may be implemented in any suitable type of system using any suitable components, the embodiments disclosed herein are described with respect to a communication system conforming to the exemplary system architecture shown in Figures 2-4. For simplicity, the system architectures of Figures 2-4 show only a few exemplary elements. In practice, the communication system may further include any additional elements suitable for supporting communications between terminal devices, or between a wireless device and another communication device, such as a landline telephone, a service provider, or any other network node or terminal device. The communication system may provide communications and various types of services to one or more terminal devices to facilitate the terminal device's access to and / or use of services provided by or through the communication system.

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a high-level architecture in a fifth generation network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the fifth generation network may be a 5GS. The architecture in FIG. 2 is the same as FIG. 4.2.3-1 described in 3GPP TS23.501 V17.0.0, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The system architecture in FIG. 2 may include several exemplary elements, such as AUSF, AMF, DN (Data Network), NEF, NRF, NSSF, PCF, SMF, UDM, UPF, AF, UE, (R)AN, SCP (Service Communication Proxy), NSSAAF (Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function), and NSACF (Network Slice Admission Control Function). PSS stands for Packet Switched Streaming Service.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the UE can establish a signaling connection with the AMF via reference point N1. This signaling connection enables NAS (Non-Access Stratum) signaling exchange between the UE and the core network, and includes a signaling connection between the UE and the (R)AN and an N2 connection for this UE between the (R)AN and the AMF. The (R)AN can communicate with the UPF via reference point N3. The UE can establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session to a DN (data network, e.g., an operator network or the Internet) through the UPF via reference point N6.

[0057] As further shown in Figure 2, the exemplary system architecture also includes service-based interfaces, such as Nnrf, Nnef, Nausf, Nudm, Npcf, Namf, Nnsacf, Nsmf, etc., provided by NFs, such as NRF, NEF, AUSF, UDM, PCF, AMF, NSACF, and SMF. Furthermore, Figure 2 also shows several reference points, such as N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, and N9, that can support interactions between NF services within the NFs. For example, these reference points can be realized by specifying several NF service consumers and providers and their interactions to perform specific system procedures via corresponding NF service-based interfaces.

[0058] The various NFs shown in Figure 2 may be responsible for functions such as session management, mobility management, authentication, security, etc. The AUSF, AMF, DN, NEF, NRF, NSSF, PCF, SMF, UDM, UPF, AF, UE, (R)AN, SCP, and NSACF may include functions defined, for example, in section 6.2 of 3GPP TS23.501 V17.0.0.

[0059] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a high-level architecture in a fourth generation network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is the same as Figure 4.2.1-1 of 3GPP TS23.401 V17.0.0. The system architecture in Figure 3 may include several example elements, such as UTRAN, GERAN, SGSN, MME, HSS (Home Subscriber Server), E-UTRAN, Serving Gateway, PDN (Packet Data Network) Gateway, PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function), etc.

[0060] There are several reference points, as shown in Figure 3.

[0061] S1-MME: Reference point for control plane protocols between E-UTRAN and MME.

[0062] S1-U: Reference point between E-UTRAN and Serving GW (Gateway) for bearer user plane tunnels and inter-eNodeB path switching during handover. S1-U does not apply to control plane CIoT (Cellular Internet of Things) EPS optimization.

[0063] S3: This allows user and bearer information exchange for 3GPP inter-access network mobility in idle and / or active states. This reference point can be used intra-PLMN or inter-PLMN (e.g. in case of inter-PLMN (public land mobile network) HO).

[0064] S4: Provides associated control and mobility support between the GPRS Core and the 3GPP Anchor function of the Serving GW, and also provides user plane tunneling if a direct tunnel is not established.

[0065] S5: It provides user plane tunneling and tunnel management between the Serving GW and the PDN GW. This is used in case of Serving GW relocation due to UE mobility or when the Serving GW needs to connect to a non-co-located PDN GW for the required PDN connectivity.

[0066] S6a: This enables the transfer of subscription and authentication data between the MME and the HSS for authenticating / authorizing user access to evolved systems (AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Charging) interface).

[0067] Gx: It provides the transfer of (QoS) policy and charging rules from the PCRF to the Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) of the PDN GW.

[0068] S11: A reference point that provides a control plane between the MME and the Serving GW. Additionally, to support control plane CIoT EPS optimization, the S11-U reference point provides a user plane between the MME and the Serving GW.

[0069] S12: Reference point between UTRAN and Serving GW for user plane tunneling when a direct tunnel is established. It is based on the Iu-u / Gn-u reference point using the GTP-U (User Plane GPRS Tunneling Protocol) protocol defined between SGSN and UTRAN or between SGSN and GGSN respectively. The use of S12 is an operator configuration option.

[0070] SGi: This is the reference point between the PDN GW and the packet data network. The packet data network can be a public or private packet data network external to the operator, or a packet data network within the operator, for example a packet data network for the provision of IMS services. This reference point corresponds to Gi of the 3GPP access.

[0071] Rx: The Rx reference point is between the AF (Application Function) and the PCRF.

[0072] The network elements and references shown in FIG. 3 may be the same as the corresponding network elements and reference points described in 3GPP TS23.401 V17.0.0.

[0073] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a home routed roaming architecture for interworking between 5GS and EPC (Evolved Packet Core) / E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network), which is the same as Figure 4.3.2-2 of 3GPP TS23.501 V17.0.0. The system architecture of Figure 4 may include several example elements such as HSS (Home Subscriber Server)+UDM (HSS combined with UDM), h-PCF (Home PCF), SMF+PGW-C (SMF combined with PGW-C), UPF+PGW-U (PGW User Plane) (UPF combined with PGW-U), SGW, v-SMF (Visited SMF), v-PCF (Visited PCF), UPF, MME, AMF, E-UTRAN, NG-RAN, UE, etc. The network elements and reference points shown in FIG. 4 may be the same as the corresponding network elements and reference points described in 3GPP TS23.501 V17.0.0.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be performed in an apparatus implementing a first mobility management function of the first system, or in the first mobility management function, or by an apparatus communicatively connected to the first mobility management function of the first system. Thus, the apparatus may provide means or modules for accomplishing various parts of the method 500 and means or modules for accomplishing other processes together with other components. The first mobility management function may be any suitable network device, node, entity, or function capable of providing mobility management functionality. For example, the first mobility management function may be an AMF of 5GS. The first system may be any suitable communication system, such as 5GS.

[0075] In block 502, the first mobility management function may obtain a single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC) mobility management context. The SRVCC mobility management context may be a SRVCC mobility management context for a UE that is or has been handed over from the first system to the second system. In one embodiment, the SRVCC mobility management context may be an SRVCC additional MM context as described in 3GPP TS29.274 V17.1.1. The first mobility management function may obtain the SRVCC mobility management context in various ways. For example, if the first mobility management function stores the SRVCC mobility management context, the first mobility management function may obtain the SRVCC mobility management context locally. If the SRVCC mobility management context is stored in another network function (such as UE registration and subscription data in UDM), the first mobility management function may obtain the SRVCC mobility management context by obtaining the SRVCC mobility management context from the other network function. The first mobility management function may obtain the SRVCC mobility management context from another network function (such as another mobility management function) when the other network function sends the SRVCC mobility management context to the first mobility management function.

[0076] In one embodiment, when the first mobility management function receives a handover request message from an access network node of the first system and determines, for example from a target access network node identifier included in the handover request message, that the type of handover is a handover to the second system, the first mobility management function may obtain a mobility management context of the SRVCC.

[0077] In block 504, the first mobility management function may send a forward relocation request to a second mobility management function of the second system during handover from the first system to the second system. The forward relocation request includes a mobility management context of the SRVCC. The second mobility management function may be any suitable network device, node, entity, or function capable of providing mobility management functionality. For example, the second mobility management function may be an MME of the EPS. The second system may be any suitable communication system, such as an EPS.

[0078] In one embodiment, if a mobility management context for SRVCC (e.g., an additional MM context for SRVCC) is available in a first mobility management function, such as a source AMF, it is sent by the first mobility management function, such as a source AMF, to a second mobility management function, such as a target MME_SRVCC, over the N26 interface.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first system is a Fifth Generation System (5GS) and the second system is an Evolved Packet System (EPS).

[0080] In one embodiment, the handover from the first system to the second system is a 5GS to EPS handover using the N26 interface as described in 3GPP TS23.502 V17.0.0.

[0081] In one embodiment, the forward relocation request may include any suitable information required for a handover from the first system to the second system and any suitable information required by the second mobility management function to perform SRVCC.

[0082] In one embodiment, the forward relocation request further includes at least one of a Session Transfer Number (STN-SR) of SRVCC and a Correlation Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (C-MSISDN). For example, if the STN-SR is available in the first mobility management function or if the UE subscribes to SRVCC, the STN-SR exists. If it exists, it indicates the STN-SR of the UE. The first mobility management function, such as the AMF, can inform the second mobility management function, such as the MME, that the UE has SRVCC capability via the FRR. For example, if the C-MSISDN is available in the first mobility management function or if the UE subscribes to SRVCC, the C-MSISDN exists. If it exists, it indicates the C-MSISDN of the UE. The first mobility management function, such as the AMF, can inform the second mobility management function, such as the MME, that the UE has SRVCC capability via the FRR.

[0083] In one embodiment, the forward relocation request further includes at least one of a Session Transfer Number (STN-SR) of SRVCC and a Correlation Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (C-MSISDN) if the user equipment related to the handover subscribes to the second system SRVCC. For example, the STN-SR exists if the UE subscribes to the second system SRVCC. If it exists, it indicates the STN-SR of the UE. The first mobility management function, such as the AMF, can inform the second mobility management function, such as the MME, that the UE has the second system SRVCC capability via the FRR. For example, the C-MSISDN exists if the UE subscribes to the second system SRVCC. If it exists, it indicates the C-MSISDN of the UE. The first mobility management function, such as the AMF, can inform the second mobility management function, such as the MME, that the UE has the second system SRVCC capability via the FRR.

[0084] In one embodiment, the SRVCC mobility management context includes information required by the second mobility management function to perform SRVCC.

[0085] In one embodiment, the information required for the second mobility management function to perform SRVCC includes at least one mobile station classmark and / or a codec list supported by the user equipment involved in the handover. For example, the mobile station classmark and / or the supported codec list may be the same as the mobile station classmark and / or the supported codec list described in 3GPP TS24.008 V17.2.0, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. For example, if GERAN access is supported, then GERAN MS classmark 3 may be included. If GERAN and / or UTRAN access are supported, then MS classmark 2 may be included.

[0086] In one embodiment, a mobility management context for SRVCC, such as an additional MM context for SRVCC, is sent by a first mobility management function, such as a source AMF, to a second mobility management function, such as a target MME_SRVCC, over the N26 interface if MS classmark 2 / 3 and supported codecs are available in the first mobility management function, such as a source AMF.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first mobility management function includes an access and mobility function (AMF), and the second mobility management function includes a mobility management entity (MME).

[0088] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be performed in an apparatus implementing a second mobility management function of a second system, or in a second mobility management function, or by an apparatus communicatively connected to a second mobility management function of a second system. Thus, the apparatus may provide means or modules for accomplishing various parts of the method 600 and means or modules for accomplishing other processes together with other components. The second mobility management function may be any suitable network device, node, entity, or function capable of providing a mobility management function. For example, the second mobility management function may be an MME of an EPS. The second system may be any suitable communication system, such as an EPS. For some parts described in the above embodiments, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here for brevity.

[0089] In block 602, the second mobility management function may receive a forward relocation request from the first mobility management function of the first system during handover from the first system to the second system. The forward relocation request includes a single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC) mobility management context. For example, the first mobility management function may send a forward relocation request to the second mobility management function during handover from the first system to the second system in block 504 of FIG. 5, and the second mobility management function may then receive the forward relocation request from the first mobility management function.

[0090] In block 604, the second mobility management function may determine an SRVCC capable indication indicating whether both the user equipment and the second mobility management function are SRVCC capable based at least in part on the SRVCC mobility management context. The second mobility management function may know whether the user equipment is SRVCC capable based on the SRVCC mobility management context. For example, the second mobility management function, such as an MME, may determine whether the user equipment is SRVCC capable based on the MS classmark and supported codec information from the additional MM context for SRVCC in the FRR.

[0091] At block 606, the second mobility management function may send a handover request message including an SRVCC operational indication to an access network node of the second system.

[0092] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be executed in an apparatus implemented in an access network node of a second system, or in an access network node, or by an apparatus communicatively connected to the access network node. Thus, the apparatus may provide means or modules for accomplishing various parts of the method 700 and means or modules for accomplishing other processes together with other components. The access network node may be any suitable network device, node, entity, or function capable of providing mobility management functionality. For example, the access network node may be an E-UTRAN of an EPS. The second system may be any suitable communication system, such as an EPS. For some parts described in the above embodiments, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here for brevity.

[0093] In block 702, the access network node may receive a handover request message from the second mobility management function including a single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC) enabled indication indicating whether both the user equipment and the second mobility management function of the second system are single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC) enabled during handover from the first system to the second system. For example, the second mobility management function may send a handover request message including the SRVCC enabled indication to the access network node of the second system in block 606 of FIG. 6, and the access network node may then receive a handover request message including the SRVCC enabled indication from the second mobility management function.

[0094] At block 704, the access network node may trigger SRVCC from the second system to the third system after handover from the first system to the second system based on the SRVCC enabled indication. The third system may be any suitable system such as GERAN, UTRAN, or 3GPP2 1xCS.

[0095] In one embodiment, the access network node may immediately trigger SRVCC from the second system to the third system after handover from the first system to the second system based on the SRVCC operational indication.

[0096] In one embodiment, the first system is a fifth generation system (5GS), the second system is an evolved packet system (EPS), and the third system is a second generation system or a third generation system.

[0097] As mentioned above, it is not enough for the MME to play the role of a pure control plane relay in a complete SRVCC scenario across 2G / 3G, 4G, and 5G. In the above SRVCC case according to various embodiments, based on the source AMF input from the UE registration and subscription data from the UDM, the MME can include the SRVCC enabled IE to the eNB during handover from 5GS to EPS using the N26 interface. As a result, SRVCC can be triggered immediately after handover from 5GS to EPS using the N26 interface. In other words, SRVCC can be triggered before the subsequent TAU ​​procedure.

[0098] In one embodiment, Table 7.3.1-1 of 3GPP TS 29.274 V17.1.1 may be modified as follows: In one embodiment, "MME_SRVCC" may be renamed to "MME" since the MME is no longer transparent. The modified Table 7.3.1-1 may extend the description of the additional MM contexts of SRVCC from S3 / S10 / S16 to N26 of FRR.

[0099] [Table 1]

[0100] In one embodiment, table 6.1.6.2.4-11 of 3GPP TS 29.503 V17.2.0 may be modified as follows: for example, in addition to STN-SR and C-MSISDN defined for 5G SRVCC, table 6.1.6.2.4-1 also introduces new "4gstnSr" and "4gcMsisdn". Thus, the AMF is aware of the UE's 4G SRVCC subscription data. This may be very important, for example, for operators who treat 5G SRVCC as a value-added service.

[0101] [Table 2]

[0102] Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart of handover from 5GS to EPS using N26 interface with SRVCC extensions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Assume that the UE supports SRVCC features such as MS classmark and supported codec list. The network supports SRVCC capability, e.g., there is no local restriction of AMF and MME. The UE has subscribed to 4G SRVCC service, and the AMF has already obtained STN-SR and C-MSISDN from UDM in the previous registration procedure.

[0103] Since the AMF has already obtained the UE capabilities and its SRVCC subscription from the UDM before step 3 in Figure 8, the AMF can include the appropriate MS classmark 2 / 3 (if GERAN or UTRAN access or both are supported) and supported codec information in the IE additional MM context of the SRVCC in the FRR. Note that either MS classmark 2 or classmark 3 is explicitly listed in the information element of Table 7.3.1-1 of the FRR in 3GPP TS 29.274 V17.1.1.

[0104] In step 3 of Figure 8, the AMF sends a Forward Relocation Request (FRR) similar to step 3 of section 5.5.1.2.2 (S1-based handover, normal) of 3GPP TS23.401 V17.0.0, with the following modifications and explanations: The parameter "return preference" may be included. Return preference is an optional indication by the MME of the preferred return of the UE to the 5GS PLMN upon a subsequent access change to the 5GS shared network. The MME may use this information as specified in 3GPP TS 23.501 V17.0.0. The serving gateway (SGW) address and TEID (tunnel endpoint identifier) ​​for both the control plane or EPS bearer in the message are for the target MME to select a new SGW. The AMF determines a direct forwarding flag that informs the target MME whether direct data forwarding is applicable based on the configuration and availability of a direct forwarding path. -The AMF includes a mapped SM (Session Management) EPS UE context for PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions, regardless of whether there is an active UP (User Plane) connection. -If the secondary RAT access restriction conditions are the same for EPS and 5GS, the AMF may set the EPS secondary RAT access restriction conditions based on the UE's subscription data according to the operator policy. -AMF includes additional MM context for SRVCC in FRR so that MME can determine whether UE is SRVCC capable. STN-SR, C-MSISDN, MS class mark 2 / 3 may be included in non-emergency situations.

[0105] In step 3 of FIG. 8, the AMF includes the additional MM context for SRFVCC in the FRR, so that the MME can know whether the UE is SRVCC capable based on the additional MM context for SRFVCC. For example, based on the MS classmark and supported codec information from the additional MM context for SRVCC in step 3 of FIG. 8, the MME determines and sends an SRVCC capable indication to the E-UTRAN. Thus, the MME can send a handover request including the SRVCC capable indication to the E-UTRAN during the handover procedure in step 6 of FIG. 8. After step 6 of FIG. 8, SRVCC to 2G / 3G can be triggered immediately after the handover procedure while the UE is still in connected mode, and there is no need to wait for the TAU in step 19 of FIG. 8.

[0106] The embodiments herein may provide many advantages, a non-exhaustive list of examples of which is given below: In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a solution is proposed for the case of 5G to 4G handover followed by 4G to 2G / 3G SRVCC. This user case is not included in 3GPP TS 23.216 V16.4.0. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, new IEs "4gStnSr" and "4gcMsisdn" are added to the data model in section 6.1.6 of 3GPP TS 29.503 V17.2.0 that may be used for the proposed solution. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, MS classmark 3 and supported codec list, indicating that GERAN access is supported by the UE, are sent from the AMF to the MME in the FRR, which may be used in some SRVCC cases. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the proposed solution extends the user case of SRVCC where the UE moves to: 5G->4G (Handover)->2G / 3G (SRVCC). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the proposed solution can save SRVCC procedure time because the SRVCC procedure can be performed immediately after the handover is completed. The embodiments herein are not limited to the preferred features and advantages described above. Those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description.

[0107] 9 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus suitable for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, any one of the first mobility management function, the second mobility management function, or the access network node described above may be implemented as or via the apparatus 900.

[0108] The apparatus 900 comprises at least one processor 921, such as a digital processor (DP), and at least one memory (MEM) 922 coupled to the processor 921. The apparatus 900 may further comprise a transmitter TX and receiver RX 723 coupled to the processor 921. The MEM 922 stores a program (PROG) 924. The PROG 924 may include instructions that, when executed on the associated processor 921, enable the apparatus 900 to operate according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The combination of the at least one processor 921 and the at least one MEM 922 may form a processing means 925 adapted to perform various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0109] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by computer programs executable by one or more of the processor 921, software, firmware, hardware, or combinations thereof.

[0110] MEM922 may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as, by way of non-limiting example, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed and removable memory.

[0111] The processor 921 may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may include, by way of non-limiting examples, one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture.

[0112] In an embodiment in which the apparatus is implemented as or with a first mobility management function, the memory 922 includes instructions executable by the processor 921 to cause the first mobility management function to operate according to any of the methods associated with the first mobility management function described above.

[0113] In an embodiment in which the device is implemented as or with a second mobility management function, the memory 922 includes instructions executable by the processor 921 to cause the second mobility management function to operate according to any of the methods associated with the second mobility management function described above.

[0114] In an embodiment in which the apparatus is implemented as or in an access network node, the memory 922 includes instructions executable by the processor 921 to cause the access network node to operate according to any of the methods associated with the access network node described above.

[0115] 10 is a block diagram illustrating a first mobility management function of a first system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the first mobility management function 1000 includes an acquisition module 1001 configured to acquire a mobility management context for Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC). The first mobility management function 1000 further includes a sending module 1002 configured to send a forward relocation request to a second mobility management function of the second system during a handover from the first system to the second system. The forward relocation request includes the mobility management context for SRVCC.

[0116] 11 is a block diagram illustrating a second mobility management function of a second system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the second mobility management function 1100 comprises a receiving module 1101 configured to receive a forward relocation request from a first mobility management function of the first system during a handover from the first system to the second system. The forward relocation request includes a single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC) mobility management context. The second mobility management function 1100 further comprises a determining module 1102 configured to determine an SRVCC enabled indication indicating whether both the user equipment and the second mobility management function are SRVCC capable based at least in part on the SRVCC mobility management context. The second mobility management function 1100 further comprises a transmitting module 1103 configured to transmit a handover request message including the SRVCC enabled indication to an access network node of the second system.

[0117] 12 is a block diagram illustrating an access network node of a second system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the access network node comprises a receiving module 1201 configured to receive a handover request message from a second mobility management function during handover from the first system to the second system, the handover request message including a SRVCC enabled indication indicating whether both the user equipment and the second mobility management function of the second system are Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) capable. The access network node 1200 further comprises a triggering module 1202 configured to trigger SRVCC from the second system to the third system after handover from the first system to the second system based on the SRVCC enabled indication.

[0118] The term unit has its conventional meaning in the art of electrical, electrical, and / or electronic devices and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits, devices, modules, processors, memories, logical solid state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions described herein for performing respective tasks, procedures, computations, output, and / or display functions, etc.

[0119] The functional unit allows the first mobility management function, the second mobility management function, or the access network node to have no fixed processor or memory, and any computing resource and storage node can be located from the first mobility management function, the second mobility management function, or the access network node in the communication system. The introduction of virtualization technology and network computing technology can improve the utilization efficiency of network resources and the flexibility of the network.

[0120] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions tangibly stored on a computer-readable storage medium and that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform any of the methods set forth above.

[0121] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform any of the methods set forth above.

[0122] The present disclosure further provides a carrier comprising the computer program as described above, the carrier being one of an electrical signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer-readable storage medium, which may be, for example, an optical compact disc, or an electronic memory device such as a RAM (random access memory), a ROM (read only memory), a flash memory, a magnetic tape, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, etc.

[0123] The techniques described herein may be implemented by various means, and an apparatus implementing one or more functions of the corresponding apparatus described in the embodiments may have not only conventional means, but also means for implementing one or more functions of the corresponding apparatus described in the embodiments, which may include separate means for each separate function, or means that may be configured to perform one or more functions. For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or a combination thereof. In the case of firmware or software, the implementation may be performed by modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described herein.

[0124] Exemplary embodiments herein have been described above with reference to block diagrams and flow charts of methods and apparatus. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flow chart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in each of the block diagrams and flow chart diagrams, can be implemented by various means including computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be loaded into a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to generate a machine such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the function specified in the flowchart block or block.

[0125] Additionally, although acts have been described in a particular order, there is no requirement that they be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, and all described acts may be performed to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although the above description includes certain implementation details, they are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and the description of features may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0126] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the implementation or claimed subject matter, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of a particular implementation. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in a particular combination, and may even be initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to subcombinations or variations of the subcombination.

[0127] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that as technology advances, the concept of the present invention can be implemented in various ways. The above-mentioned embodiments are given to illustrate, not to limit, the present disclosure, and it should be understood that modifications and variations can be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as easily understood by those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. The scope of protection of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method (500) performed by a first mobility management function of a first system, comprising: Obtaining (502) a Single Wireless Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) mobility management context; sending (504) a forward relocation request to a second mobility management function of the second system during handover from the first system to a second system; Including, the forward relocation request includes a mobility management context of the SRVCC that includes information necessary for the second mobility management function to perform the SRVCC; the first system is a fifth generation system (5GS); The second system is an Evolved Packet System (EPS).

2. 2. The method of claim 1 , The method, wherein the handover from the first system to the second system is a handover from 5GS to EPS using an N26 interface.

3. 2. The method of claim 1 , The forward relocation request further includes at least one of a SRVCC Session Transfer Number (STN-SR) and a Correlation Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (C-MSISDN).

4. 2. The method of claim 1 , If the user equipment involved in the handover is subscribed to a second system SRVCC, the forward relocation request further includes at least one of a Session Transfer Number (STN-SR) of the SRVCC and a Corresponding Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (C-MSISDN).

5. 2. The method of claim 1 , The method, wherein the information includes at least one mobile station classmark and / or a codec list supported by user equipment involved in the handover.

6. 2. The method of claim 1 , The first mobility management function includes an Access and Mobility Function (AMF); The method, wherein the second mobility management function includes a mobility management entity (MME).

7. A method (600) performed by a second mobility management function of a second system, comprising: receiving (602) a forward relocation request from a first mobility management function of the first system during a handover from a first system to the second system, the forward relocation request including a Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) mobility management context; determining (604) an SRVCC capable indication indicating whether both the user equipment and the second mobility management function are SRVCC capable based at least in part on the mobility management context for SRVCC; sending (606) a handover request message including the SRVCC operational indication to an access network node of the second system; The method includes:

8. 8. The method of claim 7, If the user equipment involved in the handover is subscribed to a second system SRVCC, the forward relocation request further includes at least one of a Session Transfer Number (STN-SR) of the SRVCC and a Corresponding Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (C-MSISDN).

9. 8. The method of claim 7, The mobility management context of the SRVCC includes information necessary for the second mobility management function to execute SRVCC.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, The method, wherein the information includes at least one mobile station classmark and / or a codec list supported by user equipment involved in the handover.

11. A method (700) performed by an access network node of a second system, comprising: receiving (702) a handover request message from a second mobility management function of the second system, the handover request message including a single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC) capable indication indicating whether both the user equipment and a second mobility management function of the second system are SRVCC capable during a handover from a first system to the second system; triggering (704) SRVCC from the second system to a third system after the handover from the first system to the second system based on the SRVCC enabled indication; The method includes:

12. 12. The method of claim 11, triggering SRVCC from the second system to a third system after the handover from the first system to the second system based on the SRVCC enabled indication, immediately triggering SRVCC from the second system to the third system after the handover from the first system to the second system based on the SRVCC enabled indication.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, The first system is a fifth generation system (5GS); the second system is an Evolved Packet System (EPS); The method, wherein the third system is a second generation system or a third generation system.

14. A first mobility management function (900) of a first system, comprising: A processor (921); A memory (922) coupled to the processor (921); Equipped with The memory (922) includes instructions executable by the processor (921) such that the first mobility management function (900) Obtaining a Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) mobility management context; sending a forward relocation request to a second mobility management function of the second system during handover from the first system to a second system; It operates as if the forward relocation request includes a mobility management context of the SRVCC that includes information necessary for the second mobility management function to perform the SRVCC; the first system is a fifth generation system (5GS); The second system is an Evolved Packet System (EPS), a first mobility management function.

15. A first mobility management function according to claim 14, further comprising: The first mobility management function, further operable to perform a method according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

16. A second mobility management function (900) of a second system, A processor (921); A memory (922) coupled to the processor (921); Equipped with The memory (922) includes instructions executable by the processor (921) such that the second mobility management function (900) receiving a forward relocation request from a first mobility management function of the first system during a handover from a first system to the second system, the forward relocation request including a Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) mobility management context; determining an SRVCC capable indication indicating whether both user equipment and the second mobility management function are SRVCC capable based at least in part on the mobility management context for SRVCC; sending a handover request message including the SRVCC operational indication to an access network node of the second system; A second mobility management function that operates to perform the above.

17. A second mobility management function as claimed in claim 16, further comprising: The second mobility management function, further operable to perform a method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

18. An access network node (900) of a second system, A processor (921); A memory (922) coupled to the processor (921); Equipped with The memory (922) includes instructions executable by the processor (921) to cause the access network node (900) to: receiving, during a handover from a first system to the second system, a handover request message from a second mobility management function of the second system, the handover request message including a single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC) capable indication indicating whether both a user equipment and a second mobility management function of the second system are SRVCC capable; triggering SRVCC from the second system to a third system after the handover from the first system to the second system based on the SRVCC enabled indication; An access network node that operates to perform the above steps.

19. 20. An access network node as claimed in claim 18, comprising: The access network node is further operative to perform the method according to claim 12 or 13.

20. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause said at least one processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

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