Coordinating CS and PS Registrations in Multi-Operator Core Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-operator core networks, non-supporting UEs often face inconsistent registrations in the CS and PS domains due to lack of coordinated registration mechanisms, leading to potential malfunctions, and the proposed Gs interface is costly and complex to implement.
Innovation Solution
A method for coordinating terminal registrations in CS and PS domains using a global permanent identity, such as IMEI or IMSI, to select and send registration messages to the appropriate core network via existing interfaces like Iu, eliminating the need for the Gs interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Gs interface is implemented to coordinate CS and PS registrations, then registration consistency is improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordination message mechanism as an intermediary between CS and PS registration procedures. The MSC/VLR sends a coordination message to the SGSN (or vice versa) to inform about ongoing or pending registrations, enabling the other domain to wait or coordinate accordingly. This mediator approach achieves registration consistency without requiring a permanent dedicated interface like Gs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the coordination function from a dedicated permanent interface (Gs) and implements it as a temporary message exchange between existing network elements. By taking out the coordination requirement from the structural interface level and implementing it at the message level, the solution reduces device complexity while maintaining registration consistency.
2Reliability
If the Gs interface is implemented to coordinate CS and PS registrations, then registration consistency is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temporary coordination messages instead of a permanent dedicated interface. These messages are short-lived and disposed of after serving their coordination purpose, unlike the Gs interface which would require permanent implementation infrastructure. This approach significantly reduces implementation cost while achieving the same coordination goal.
3Speed
If the RAN selects CN based on NRI from non-permanent identity, then registration speed is improved, but registration consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary coordination actions by sending notification messages between CS and PS domains before final registration completion. The MSC/VLR notifies the SGSN (or vice versa) about upcoming registrations, allowing the system to prepare and ensure consistent CN selection before the actual registration takes place, thus maintaining both speed and consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for coordinating the registration of a terminal (UE) in circuit-switched (CS) and packet-switched (PS) domains of a multi-operator core network (MOCN) with multiple core networks (CN) is described. According to a method approach, a notification message indicating the necessity of coordinated CS and PS registrations for a terminal (UE) is received from a first core network (CN). In a next step, and based on a global permanent identity (IMSI) associated with the terminal (UE), a second core network (CN) responsible for CS and PS registrations is determined. A registration message for coordinated CS and PS registrations is then sent to the second core network (CN) that has been determined based on the global permanent identity (IMSI).