GLR for LTE/4G CSFB via Prestored 3G Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Global Location Register (GLR) is not standardized for LTE/4G networks, which use different protocols than 3G networks, leading to incompatibility issues when managing voice calls that require circuit switch fallback (CSFB) between 3G and 4G protocols, resulting in the inability to perform its task of reducing international signaling traffic and preventing roaming steering.
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining and prestoring 3G information during a 4G registration, allowing for phantom 3G registrations to obtain profile data, which is then used for subsequent 3G registrations without notifying the home network, and includes a Diameter-MAP translation unit for signaling compatibility between 3G and 4G protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a GLR is implemented in LTE/4G network to reduce international signaling traffic, then signaling traffic reduction is achieved, but protocol incompatibility between 3G and 4G prevents the GLR from performing its task
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Diameter-MAP translation unit as an intermediary component that translates between Diameter protocol (used in 4G LTE) and MAP protocol (used in 3G). This translation unit acts as a mediator that enables the GLR to communicate with both 4G and 3G networks, resolving the protocol incompatibility issue and allowing the GLR to perform its function of reducing international signaling traffic in CSFB scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The GLR is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as a 4G location register using Diameter protocol, simultaneously functions as a 3G location register using MAP protocol, and provides CSFB support. This multi-functionality allows a single GLR component to handle both 3G and 4G registrations and manage voice calls across protocol boundaries
2Adaptability or versatility
If CSFB is implemented to enable voice calls in 4G network, then voice call capability is achieved, but the mobile handset must re-register in 3G which requires home network notification
Solution Approach 1:
The GLR provides self-service functionality by storing profile data locally and using it to automatically fulfill subsequent 3G registration requests during CSFB without needing to contact the home network. The system serves itself by having the visited network's GLR maintain and provide the necessary profile information, eliminating the need for home network involvement in routine CSFB registrations
3Loss of information
If the mobile network uses phantom 3G registrations to obtain profile data, then profile data is obtained and stored, but additional registration steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by obtaining and storing 3G profile data during the initial 4G registration process through phantom registrations. This advance preparation ensures that when CSFB is later initiated, the profile data is already available in the GLR, eliminating the need for additional home network contact and enabling immediate 3G registration
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing voice calls in LTE/4G telephony for a mobile handset roaming outside of its home network in a network where voice calls use 3G technology, using a Global Location Register (GLR) which is designed to manage registrations without informing the home network. The method involves registering the mobile handset in 4G at the roaming network, obtaining and prestoring 3G information for the mobile handset from the home network while the mobile handset is registered in 4G, obtaining a voice call request for the mobile handset; and reregistering the mobile handset in 3G at the roaming network to use circuit switch fallback for the voice call, the reregistering comprising using the prestored 3G information so that the home network does not have to be contacted.