LTE Position Transformation for Circuit Switched Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE/SAE networks do not fully support Circuit Switched (CS) services, limiting the ability of User Equipment (UE) to access CS services while connected to these networks, particularly in scenarios requiring mobility and service continuity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system architecture that transform UE position information from LTE format to CS format, enabling registration and access to CS services by integrating LTE/SAE networks with existing CS networks, such as GSM or WCDMA, through a Mobile Managing Entity (MME) and Mobile Service Switching Centre (MSC)/Visitor Location Register (VLR), allowing for incoming and outgoing CS calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If LTE/SAE networks are designed as packet-only systems without circuit-switched domain, then network complexity is reduced and deployment costs are lowered, but the ability to provide CS services and ensure service continuity during mobility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that enables CS service access through the PS domain. The UE establishes a PS bearer for CS service data transmission, and the network uses IP routing and gateway functions to interwork with external CS networks (GSM/UMTS), allowing CS services to be accessed without a native CS domain in LTE/SAE.
Solution Approach 2:
The packet-switched domain in LTE/SAE is designed to perform multiple functions, including both general data transmission and CS service support. The PS bearer can carry both packet data and CS service traffic, and the network architecture provides universal access to both PS and CS services through a unified interface.
2Productivity
If LTE networks use new radio connections with OFDM optimized for data traffic, then bandwidth capacity is increased to multi-megabit speeds, but support for traditional voice services and CS protocols is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the PS domain and gateway functions as intermediaries to bridge the gap between LTE's OFDM-based data-optimized radio and traditional CS voice services. The IP routing and gateway convert between packet-switched LTE traffic and circuit-switched external network protocols, enabling service compatibility without compromising bandwidth capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the radio interface by using PS bearers with appropriate QoS parameters to carry CS service traffic. The network dynamically adjusts bearer parameters to accommodate both high-speed data and CS service requirements, maintaining service compatibility while utilizing the full bandwidth capacity of the LTE radio.
3Ease of operation
If the network is designed without a separate circuit-switched voice network, then network simplicity is improved and operational costs are reduced, but the ability to handle mobility for VoIP connections and provide service continuity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network-side intermediaries (gateway, IP routing functions) that monitor and manage CS service traffic flow. These intermediaries detect when CS services are being used and can trigger appropriate actions to maintain service continuity during mobility events, such as coordinating with external CS networks or switching to alternative delivery mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors the usage of CS services over the PS domain and adjusts resource allocation and routing accordingly. When CS services are detected, the network can activate appropriate protocols and procedures to ensure service continuity, providing feedback-driven reliability without compromising operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements in mobile radio telecommunications for enabling access to Circuit Switched (CS) services for a user equipment (UE) that is connected to a LTE/SAE (Long Term Evolution/System Architecture Evolution) network. The UE's current position is stored in a LTE position format in the LTE network or in the SAE network. The invention provides steps and means for transforming the UE's position in LTE format to position information in CS format for the UE, steps and means for registering the UE in the CS network using said transformed position information, and steps and means for establishing access to CS services provided by said CS network.