EPS Fallback Connection Retention for Faster IMS Media Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods in next-generation mobile communication systems face inefficiencies in providing media services, particularly in transitioning user equipment between 5G and 4G networks, leading to unnecessary release of radio resource control connections during tracking area updates, which prolongs call setup times.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where user equipment and mobility management entities maintain a connection indicator during tracking area updates, even in the absence of user data, to prevent premature release of radio resource control connections, allowing seamless handovers between 5G and 4G networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the UE releases the radio resource control connection after tracking area update in EPS fallback, then network resources are freed for other users, but call setup time increases due to connection re-establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains the radio resource control connection in a suspended state during tracking area update procedures in EPS fallback scenarios. By keeping the connection alive rather than releasing it, the system performs a preliminary action that prevents the need for time-consuming connection re-establishment during subsequent voice service setup, thus reducing call setup time while still allowing network resources to be efficiently managed.
2Loss of time
If the UE maintains connection during tracking area update, then call setup time is reduced, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically manages the radio resource control connection state based on the specific network scenario. In EPS fallback cases, the connection is maintained in a suspended state during tracking area updates, while in other scenarios it may be released. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between connection availability and resource consumption based on actual service requirements and network conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes receiving, from a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN), by the UE registered in a 5th generation system (5GS) and an internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), a signal indicating evolved packet system (EPS) fallback, based on the signal indicating the EPS fallback, transmitting, to a mobility management entity (MME), a tracking area update (TAU) request including an identifier indicating that a connected state needs to be maintained, and based on the TAU request, receiving, from the MME, a TAU accept message.