MME Voice Transmission Selection Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
LTE deployments may not support voice communication in all service areas, primarily designed as high-speed packet switched networks, whereas previous generation systems like UMTS support circuit switched voice services, leading to a need for selecting appropriate voice transmission technology for calls.
Innovation Solution
A method for selecting voice transmission technology in wireless networks by setting an indicator based on the capability of service areas to support packet switched or circuit switched technologies, reducing signaling traffic and delays, and optimizing information retrieval from network elements like HSS and MME/SGSN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If LTE network is deployed as high-speed packet switched network, then data throughput is improved, but voice service support is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The service area is segmented into multiple zones based on voice service capability (packet switched supported zones and circuit switched supported zones). The network divides the coverage area into distinct regions with different voice transmission capabilities, allowing LTE to provide high-speed data in supported zones while maintaining voice service through circuit switched fallback in non-supported zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the voice transmission parameter (packet switched or circuit switched) based on the user equipment's location and the network's capability in that area. When a UE moves between zones with different voice capabilities, the network switches the transmission mode accordingly, optimizing both data throughput and voice service support.
2Device complexity
If voice technology selection is made without indicator, then device complexity is reduced, but call termination reliability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-configures and maintains an indicator that reflects the voice service capability status before any call attempt. This indicator is updated in advance based on network conditions and service area capabilities, allowing the UE to make informed voice technology selection decisions without complex real-time analysis, thereby improving call termination reliability while keeping device complexity low.
3Area of stationary object
If packet switched voice technology is used in non-supported areas, then service coverage is improved, but service reliability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator acts as an intermediary between the UE's packet switched capability and the network's actual service support. The UE queries this indicator to determine whether to use packet switched or circuit switched voice technology. This intermediary mechanism ensures that packet switched voice is only used in areas where the network actually supports it, maintaining service reliability while allowing broad coverage through appropriate technology selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of transmitting a signal by an MME(Mobility Management Entity) in a wireless network, the method comprising: receiving a tracking area update message from an UE(User Equipment); transmitting, on reception the tracking area update message, an Update Location message comprising an IMS voice over PS(Packet Switched) session supported indication to an HSS(Home Subscriber Server), wherein the IMS voice over PS session supported indication indicates whether or not an IMS Voice over PS Session is supported homogeneously in all tracking areas in the serving MME.