Core Network Operator Coordination in CS/PS Domains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communications networks face challenges in ensuring coordinated registration of wireless devices in both Circuit Switched (CS) and Packet Switched (PS) domains, particularly in Multi-Operator Radio Access Networks (MORANs) and Multiple Operator Core Network (MOCN) scenarios, leading to CS/PS coordination failures.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where the Core Network (CN) node sets up a connection with the Radio Access Network (RAN) node to provide an indication of support for operator coordinated areas (OCA) and queries, enabling the RAN node to select the same operator for wireless devices in both CS and PS domains, ensuring concurrent support across both domains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If network sharing is implemented in MORAN/MOCN scenarios, then infrastructure utilization is improved, but CS/PS coordination reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure utilizationVSAvoidCS/PS coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the RAN node store capability indications from CN nodes in advance (before mobility events occur). This allows the RAN node to quickly determine appropriate serving operator selection procedures without real-time delays, ensuring reliable CS/PS coordination while maintaining efficient network sharing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If indirect mobility selection is used for non-supporting UEs, then compatibility is improved, but coordination accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE compatibilityVSAvoidserving operator selection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having CN nodes provide capability indications to the RAN node about their support for direct mobility selection procedures. The RAN node uses this feedback information to adapt its behavior - selecting UEs for direct procedure when both RAN and CN support it, and using indirect procedure when CN does not support direct selection, thereby achieving both compatibility and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If direct mobility selection is enabled for supporting UEs, then coordination efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordination efficiencyVSAvoidRAN node complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by having the RAN node automatically store and use capability indications from CN nodes without requiring external configuration or manual intervention. The system self-adapts by using the stored capability information to determine the appropriate mobility selection procedure, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high coordination efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10602561B2Support capability in communications networks for CS/PS coordination

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

There is provided a method for providing support capability of a core network (CN) node. The method is performed by the CN node. The method comprises setting up a connection to a radio access network (RAN) node. The method comprises, in response thereto, providing an indication regarding whether the CN node supports at least one of operator coordinated area (OCA) and query to the RAN node, according to which indication the CN node provides information to be used by the RAN node for selecting a serving operator such that the same operator is selected for the wireless device in both Circuit Switched (CS) domain and in Packet Switch (PS) domain.