MSC Resource Seizing for TDM to IP Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP handover procedures in radio communication networks face inefficiencies when migrating from TDM to IP bearer technologies, as they require additional signaling and resource management, leading to extended handover times and potential speech quality degradation due to transcoding.
Innovation Solution
The method involves seizing both TDM and IP resources before sending a handover request, allowing the BSC to select the appropriate bearer type for the terrestrial interface, with the MSC automatically detecting BSC capability to support IP and releasing unused resources, thereby optimizing the handover process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the MSC requests channel assignment from the target BSC during handover, then the handover procedure can be executed, but the MSC does not know if the BSC can establish the terrestrial interface using IP as bearer type, requiring the BSC to make the final decision which may lead to rejection and additional signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The MSC performs preliminary actions by seizing both TDM and IP bearer resources before sending the handover request to the BSC. This allows the BSC to select the appropriate bearer type without requiring additional signaling or time for resource allocation decisions during the handover execution phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of resource availability by pre-allocating both TDM and IP bearers, transforming the situation from one where the BSC must decide bearer type during handover to one where both options are already available and the BSC can freely select based on capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the MSC repeats the BSSMAP Handover Request message using IP bearer for the terrestrial interface when TDM is rejected, then IP bearer can be established, but additional signaling is required and handover time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The MSC performs preliminary action by seizing both TDM and IP bearers before the handover request, eliminating the need for repeated handover requests with different bearer types. This reduces signaling complexity while maintaining adaptability to BSC capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If the BSC always accepts the bearer type offered from MSC in the handover request, then the procedure is simplified, but transcoder resources are required in the BSC and speech quality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of bearer availability by pre-seizing both TDM and IP resources, allowing the BSC to select the appropriate bearer type based on its capabilities and the specific call requirements. This eliminates the need for transcoding while maintaining procedural simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If transcoder resources are inserted in the BSC to handle bearer type mismatches, then compatibility is improved, but speech quality is reduced and delay in the speech path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MSC performs preliminary action by seizing both TDM and IP bearers before handover, allowing the BSC to select the appropriate bearer type without requiring transcoding. This eliminates speech path delay while maintaining bearer type compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods related to performing an assignment and a handover in a radio communication network are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method performed by a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) of a radio communication network may include seizing resources for a Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) bearer and an Internet Protocol (IP) bearer for use on a terrestrial A-interface of the radio communication network for an activity to be performed by a target Base Station Controller (BSC) of the radio communication network. Further, the method may include sending, to the target BSC, an indication that requests the activity be performed by the target BSC and that also identifies the seized resources for the TDM bearer and the IP bearer for use on the terrestrial A-interface for the activity.