PS CS Interworking for Seamless Handoff
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between packet switched (PS) and circuit switched (CS) networks, especially when CS-type services are requested on a PS-only network, as they lack the ability to determine when to hand-off to a CS network and provide necessary information for using CS services not supported by the PS network.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable user equipment (UE) to register for CS services through a PS + CS network, allowing it to hand-off to a CS network when needed, by transmitting registration information and using PS + CS interworking functionality to inform the UE and other network components about CS service availability and redirecting it to the appropriate network during call setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a PS-only network is used to provide CS services, then network efficiency and service speed are improved, but the ability to support all CS services is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a PS+CS interworking functionality as an intermediary component that enables a PS-only network to support CS services. This intermediary translates CS service requests into appropriate PS network actions, allowing the PS network to handle CS services indirectly while maintaining its core PS architecture and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The PS+CS interworking functionality provides multi-functionality by enabling the PS network to handle both PS services natively and CS services through translation and redirection mechanisms. This allows a single network infrastructure to serve multiple service types without requiring separate dedicated networks for each service type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a PS+CS hybrid network is used to support both PS and CS services, then service coverage and compatibility are improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the CS service support functionality from the core PS network architecture and implements it as a separate, modular PS+CS interworking functionality. This extraction allows the PS network to maintain its simple, efficient architecture while adding CS service capability through a distinct, manageable component that handles the complexity of CS service translation and redirection.
3Ease of operation
If the UE manually selects the appropriate network for CS services, then network selection flexibility is improved, but service setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the network proactively determine and direct the UE to the appropriate network for CS services during the call setup process. Instead of waiting for manual user selection, the network performs the network selection decision in advance and guides the UE accordingly, significantly reducing the time required for service setup while maintaining flexibility.
4Reliability
If the UE hand-offs from PS to CS network for CS services, then service reliability is improved, but service continuity may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The PS+CS interworking functionality serves as a mediator that manages the handoff process between PS and CS networks. It coordinates the transition, ensures proper service context transfer, and maintains service continuity by overseeing the entire handoff sequence, thereby preserving both service reliability during handoff and service continuity across network boundaries.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Method and system for optimization of a handoff of a user equipment between packet switched and circuit switched networks in response to a request for circuit switched network services on the user equipment while the user equipment is resident on a packet switched only network. The system includes a mobile device, a first network, and a second network. The first network includes a third network and an interworking unit. The second network communicates with the first network. The mobile device sends registration information to the first network. The third network sends the registration information to the interworking unit. The interworking unit sends the registration information to the second network to provide a communication link between the mobile device and the second network.