Adaptive VoLTE Handover Mode for Network Capability Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VoLTE handover techniques lack optimization based on network capability, leading to suboptimal handover decisions and potential call disruptions when transitioning between LTE and non-LTE networks, such as CS or WiFi networks, due to hard-coded or manually selected handover policies that do not consider the actual network capabilities supporting SRVCC or ePDG functionalities.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive VoLTE handover mode that detects network capability by identifying a preferred mode for handover operations from an LTE network to a non-LTE network, determining if the target network supports the preferred mode, and dynamically adjusting or maintaining the handover mode based on the network's capability, using proactive detection and threshold adjustments to ensure seamless transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-coded or manually selected handover policies are used, then device complexity is reduced, but handover reliability deteriorates due to inability to adapt to actual network capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs capability detection in advance before actual handover occurs. The system proactively determines whether the target network supports SRVCC or ePDG functionalities by checking network capability parameters, and pre-configures the appropriate handover mode (SRVCC mode, ePDG mode, or fallback mode) before the handover event triggers, ensuring reliable handover when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network capability parameters and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust handover decisions. When the UE detects that a target network does not support the preferred handover mode, it receives feedback about the network's actual capabilities and switches to an alternative mode, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to real-time network conditions
2Reliability
If network capability detection is performed, then handover reliability improves, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capability detection is performed proactively in advance of actual handover events, during network registration or when mobility management information is available. By determining network capability support status beforehand and storing this information for later reference, the system eliminates the need for real-time detection during critical handover moments, thus reducing detection time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing and extent of capability detection based on operational context. Rather than performing full capability assessment continuously, the UE performs detection at strategic moments (network registration, handover preparation) and caches the results, making the detection process adaptive to actual needs and reducing overall time loss
3Reliability
If adaptive handover mode is implemented, then voice call quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE is designed with multi-functional handover capability, able to perform SRVCC handover, ePDG handover, and fallback procedures using a unified framework. The same capability detection mechanism and decision logic handle multiple handover scenarios, allowing a single adaptive system to provide optimized voice call quality across different network conditions without requiring separate specialized systems for each handover type
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating user equipment (UE) for detecting network capability. The method comprises identifying a preferred mode for a voice over long-term evolution (VoLTE) call handover operation from an LTE network to a non-LTE network in a first communication network. The preferred mode is associated with the first communication network. The method further comprises initiating a VoLTE call in a second communication network different than the first communication network, determining whether the second communication network is capable of supporting the preferred mode associated with the first communication network, and one of changing and maintaining the preferred mode based on a result of the determination.