EPS Fallback Signaling for Voice Bearer Continuity Across Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The interruption of voice and video services during EPS fallback in 5G networks due to the deletion of PDU sessions or PDN connections when a user equipment moves across network areas.

Innovation Solution

A communication method and apparatus that involves core network devices exchanging information to maintain dedicated bearers during EPS fallback, ensuring that audio/video services are not interrupted by preventing the deletion of IMS PDN connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the PDU session or PDN connection is deleted when the UE crosses an area, then the IP address management complies with operator stipulations, but the voice call procedure is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidservice interruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by having the core network device send indication information to the target network device before the UE completes the area crossing, explicitly requesting that the PDN connection not be deleted. This preemptive measure prevents the service interruption that would otherwise occur when the UE crosses into a new area and the target device would normally delete the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by establishing the indication information exchange mechanism in advance, so that when the UE triggers EPS fallback and crosses areas, the target network device is already instructed to preserve the PDN connection. This ensures service continuity without requiring reactive measures after the interruption occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the PDU session is deleted to comply with area-based IP address management, then the IP address specification is followed, but the audio/video service is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea-based IP address managementVSAvoidaudio/video service continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of PDN connections based on local conditions - specifically, whether EPS fallback is triggered. When EPS fallback occurs, the indication information is sent to preserve the PDN connection for audio/video services. This allows area-based IP address management to function normally in regular scenarios while providing exceptional protection for critical services during fallback events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the PDN connection deletion behavior conditional rather than static. The target network device dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the received indication information - deleting the connection in normal area crossings but preserving it when EPS fallback is detected. This dynamic approach reconciles area management requirements with service continuity needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12532229B2Communication method, apparatus, and system
Publication Date: 2026.01.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US12532229B2 patent drawing
  • US12532229B2 patent drawing
  • US12532229B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication method is applied to a scenario in which a terminal moves from a first preset area of a first network to a second preset area of a second network. The method includes that a first core network device in the first network determines that Evolved Packet System (EPS) fallback of the terminal is triggered, and sends first information to a second core network device in the second network. The first information includes a first identifier or first indication information. The first identifier identifies a first dedicated bearer corresponding to the terminal. The first dedicated bearer includes a voice dedicated bearer or a video dedicated bearer. The first indication information indicates that the terminal falls back to the second network using an EPS fallback procedure.