Media Gateway Allocation for SRVCC Path Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile communication systems, resources of the Media Gateway (MGW) are wasted when the enhanced SRVCC system cannot be used, such as when a UE does not support the SRVCC system, leading to inefficient resource allocation during voice communication path switching.

Innovation Solution

A mobile communication method and system that determines whether to allocate a Media Gateway based on the capability of the UE, only allocating it when the enhanced SRVCC system can be used, by sending a session start request signal including the UE's capability to a session control node and determining whether to send an allocation request signal for the MGW, thereby preventing unnecessary resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the MGW is allocated in all voice communication paths regardless of UE capability, then the path switching can be performed for all UEs, but the MGW resources are wasted when the UE does not support the enhanced SRVCC system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath switching capabilityVSAvoidMGW resource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of UE enhanced SRVCC capability during the session establishment phase (before actual path switching occurs). The P-CSCF/VATF checks whether the UE supports enhanced SRVCC by examining capability information in the INVITE message, and only then proceeds to allocate an MGW. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary MGW allocation for UEs that cannot utilize the enhanced SRVCC functionality, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining universal path switching capability and avoiding resource waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of substance

If the MGW is allocated only when the UE supports enhanced SRVCC, then the MGW resources are optimized, but the system cannot perform path switching for UEs that do not support the enhanced SRVCC system

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMGW resource efficiencyVSAvoidpath switching coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different path switching strategies based on local UE capability characteristics. For UEs that support enhanced SRVCC, the system allocates an MGW and enables the enhanced path switching mechanism. For UEs that do not support enhanced SRVCC, the system refrains from MGW allocation and allows these UEs to use conventional path switching methods. This localized differentiation based on UE capability ensures that MGW resources are efficiently utilized while maintaining path switching functionality for all UE types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2963973B1Mobile communication method and mobile communication system for media anchoring of esrvcc communications
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 NEC CORP
  • EP2963973B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2963973B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2963973B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes the steps of: sending "INVITE" from a UE#1 to a P-CSCF/VATF in a visited network of the UE#1; sending "INVITE" from the P-CSCF/VATF to an IMS; and allocating, by the P-CSCF/VATF, an MGW#1 to the path for voice communications.