Network Handover for IMS Voice in 5G Coverage Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communications systems, the high frequency bands used have limited signal coverage, making it difficult for terminal devices to perform Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) voice services, which require larger signal coverage areas.
Innovation Solution
A network handover method is implemented where a terminal device is handed over from a first network to a second network that supports IMS voice services, ensuring the voice service can be performed by setting up a user plane tunnel and managing handover requests between different network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high frequency bands are used in 5G networks, then data transmission speed is improved, but signal coverage area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network handover mechanism as an intermediary solution. When a terminal device experiences poor signal quality in the 5G network (first network), the system automatically hands over the device to a 4G network (second network) that provides better coverage. This mediator mechanism allows the system to switch between networks to maintain both high speed and adequate coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network selection and handover capabilities. The terminal device and network elements continuously monitor signal quality and dynamically switch between 5G and 4G networks based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing coverage requirements while maintaining high data transmission speeds when possible.
2Productivity
If 5G network is deployed without IMS voice service support, then network capacity is improved, but voice service availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the network system universal by enabling it to support both 5G high-capacity operations and 4G voice services. The terminal device can operate in 5G network for data services while automatically falling back to 4G network for voice services. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide both high network capacity and reliable voice service availability through a single integrated solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voice service handover mechanism as an intermediary. When the 5G network (first network) cannot provide IMS voice service, the system automatically hands over the terminal device to the 4G network (second network) that supports voice services. This mediator ensures that voice service availability is maintained even when the primary 5G network lacks this capability.
3Area of stationary object
If handover between networks is implemented, then voice service coverage is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service handover mechanisms where terminal devices autonomously monitor their own signal quality and initiate handover procedures when voice service requirements cannot be met. The network elements also automatically coordinate the handover process without requiring complex manual configuration. This self-service approach extends voice service coverage while minimizing the operational complexity burden on network administrators.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a network handover method and a network device. The method includes: receiving, by a first access network device, first session management information from a session management network element, where the first session management information is for requesting to set up a user plane tunnel for a voice service of a terminal device; and sending, by the first access network device, a handover request to a first mobility management network element based on the first session management information and a first condition, where the handover request is for handing over the terminal device from a first network to a second network, and the first condition includes that the voice service cannot be performed in the first network. This application is applicable to the field of communication technologies.