Mobile Station Handoff via Generic Transfer Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network protocols face challenges in maintaining seamless communication sessions as users roam between cellular and enterprise networks, often resulting in dropped calls due to the need for complex inter-networking hardware and software solutions, as well as revenue diversion concerns among service providers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a generic transfer function within mobile stations, such as blind call transfer (BCT) or explicated call transfer (ECT), enables seamless handoffs between circuit-switched cellular and packet-switched wireless networks without requiring additional inter-working hardware or software, leveraging existing features of public wireless phone networks and office phone systems like VoIP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex inter-networking hardware and software solutions are implemented to maintain seamless communication sessions during roaming, then connectivity reliability is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile station autonomously initiates call legs and invokes transfer functions without requiring complex network-side inter-working hardware or software. The device itself performs the handoff coordination, eliminating the need for specialized infrastructure while maintaining seamless connectivity during roaming between cellular and enterprise networks
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses generic transfer functions (blind call transfer or explicated call transfer) that are already inherent in mobile devices and phone systems. These universal functions can handle handoffs between different network types without requiring network-specific customizations or additional inter-working equipment
2Reliability
If additional inter-working handover hardware or software is deployed to enable seamless handoff, then handoff reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and deployment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile station autonomously manages the handoff process by initiating call legs and invoking transfer functions without requiring additional network infrastructure. This self-service approach eliminates manufacturing costs for specialized inter-working hardware while maintaining reliable handoffs between cellular and enterprise networks
Solution Approach 2:
The solution leverages existing transfer functions that are already implemented in mobile devices and phone systems. By copying and reusing these generic functions rather than creating new specialized hardware or software, the invention achieves reliable handoffs without additional manufacturing costs
3Reliability
If special agreements between service providers are required for inter-network handoff, then connectivity reliability is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile station independently coordinates the handoff by autonomously initiating call legs and invoking transfer functions without requiring service provider agreements or network coordination. This eliminates operational complexity related to inter-provider relationships while maintaining reliable connectivity during network transitions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a handoff in a network environment is provided that includes a mobile station operable to conduct a call. The mobile station is further operable to initiate a call leg autonomously such that a generic transfer function is invoked. The mobile station leverages the generic transfer function in order to execute a handoff for the mobile station.