Dynamic Call Anchoring in Multimedia Subsystems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current call control systems face inefficiencies due to always anchoring call signaling in a multimedia subsystem, leading to routing complications and increased costs, especially when user elements are far from the anchoring point or served by different communication technologies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic anchoring system that determines whether call control should be anchored in a multimedia subsystem or a circuit-switched subsystem based on the user element's location, using a continuity control function to manage call signaling and bearer paths, and employing Third Party Call Control for circuit-switched calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If call signaling is always anchored in the multimedia subsystem (MS), then call control and mobility management are simplified, but routing inefficiencies and increased costs occur when user elements are far from the MS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic call anchoring where the anchoring location (MS or CS) changes based on real-time conditions such as user element location and network state. The continuity control function determines the optimal anchoring point dynamically, allowing the system to adapt between always-MS-anchoring and direct-routing modes, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified control and routing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different anchoring strategies to different user elements based on their specific conditions. User elements within a certain distance or coverage area of the MS receive MS anchoring for simplified control, while those farther away receive direct routing through the circuit-switched subsystem. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each case individually rather than applying a uniform approach
2Adaptability or versatility
If call signaling is always anchored in the multimedia subsystem (MS), then unified call control across circuit-switched and packet subsystems is achieved, but routing distance and delays increase for remote user elements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between MS anchoring and direct routing based on real-time conditions. When user elements are remote or in CS-only coverage, the system switches to direct routing through the circuit-switched subsystem, bypassing the MS anchoring path and thus reducing call setup time while maintaining unified control capabilities when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The continuity control function acts as an intermediary that intelligently routes call signaling either through the MS or directly through the CS based on current conditions. This mediator resolves the contradiction by selecting the optimal path dynamically - using MS as intermediary when it provides benefit (unified control for nearby users) and bypassing it when it causes delay (for remote users)
3Adaptability or versatility
If call signaling is always anchored in the multimedia subsystem (MS), then mobility across circuit-switched and packet subsystems is enabled, but routing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic anchoring where the system transitions between MS-anchored routing and direct CS routing based on user element location and network conditions. When mobility between CS and MS is required, the system uses MS anchoring temporarily and switches to direct routing when stable, thus enabling mobility support while reducing overall routing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mobility management function from the mandatory anchoring requirement. Instead of always routing through the MS for mobility support, the system extracts only the necessary mobility control functions and implements them selectively - using MS anchoring only when mobility between subsystems is actually needed, and using direct routing when not needed, thus reducing routing complexity while preserving mobility capability
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention dynamically determines whether call control for a call from a user element should be anchored in a multimedia subsystem (MS) or in a circuit-switched subsystem (CS) based on the location of the user element. Calls may be anchored in the MS regardless of whether the user element is currently served by a cellular network of the CS or a WLAN of the MS. In particular, the anchoring decision is based on whether the user element is within an MS anchoring zone, which defines an area or areas where calls for the user element should be anchored in the MS. Accordingly, when the user element is outside of the MS anchoring zone, calls for the user element are not anchored in the MS. When the user element is within the MS anchoring zone, calls for the user element are anchored in the MS.