Inter-PLMN Handover Indicator for 5G Session Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network processing systems lack the ability to differentiate between seamless and non-seamless inter-public land mobile network (PLMN) call handovers based on configuration parameters, hindering differential handling and billing in 3GPP networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an inter-PLMN handover indicator in the user subscription database to determine whether a seamless handover is allowed, enabling network functions to selectively perform seamless or non-seamless handovers between the home and visited PLMNs, maintaining or disrupting data session continuity accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional network processing is used, then handover processing is simple, but differentiation between seamless and non-seamless inter-PLMN handovers is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The handover processing is segmented into two distinct types: seamless handover and non-seamless handover. Each type has its own processing path and configuration parameters. The network function checks the handover type indicator and routes the handover request accordingly, allowing differentiated handling without requiring complete redesign of the handover mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The handover type indicator is pre-configured in the user subscription database before handover occurs. When a handover request is received, the network function immediately queries this pre-stored indicator to determine the appropriate processing path, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making and reducing processing complexity.
2Reliability
If seamless handover is always performed, then data session continuity is maintained, but differential billing and handling are not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The handover processing mode is made dynamic and configurable rather than fixed. The network function can adaptively switch between seamless and non-seamless processing based on the handover type indicator, allowing operators to optimize for either continuity or differential handling depending on service requirements and billing models.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a configurable handover type indicator parameter that changes the processing behavior. By modifying this parameter in the user subscription database, operators can control whether seamless or non-seamless handover is performed, enabling flexible adaptation to different billing and service requirements without changing the underlying network architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration parameters are added to differentiate handovers, then differential billing is enabled, but network function complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handover type indicator is extracted as a separate, dedicated configuration parameter from the complex set of handover parameters. This single indicator parameter carries the essential differentiation information, simplifying the configuration management while enabling differential billing and handling capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises: at source network functions of a source public land mobile network (PLMN) (source PLMN): executing an attach procedure by which user equipment attaches to the source PLMN and establishes a data session with a data network; upon detecting a roam of the user equipment from the source PLMN to a target PLMN, accessing an inter-PLMN handover indicator that indicates whether a seamless inter-PLMN handover is allowed or is not allowed for the data network; and selectively performing the seamless inter-PLMN handover of the data session from the source PLMN to the target PLMN as directed by the inter-PLMN handover indicator.