SRVCC Handover Signaling Optimization via Capability Forwarding

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the context of SRVCC handovers, the target radio access network element fails to correctly learn whether the user is allowed to use SRVCC, leading to incorrect triggering of handovers, resulting in failures and interruptions of voice services due to excessive signaling waste.

Innovation Solution

A method where the source mobility management network element sends a forward relocation request message with SRVCC capability information to the target mobility management network element, enabling it to notify the target radio access network element about the user's SRVCC capability and support, ensuring correct SRVCC handover operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the target mobility management network element does not receive SRVCC capability information from the source, then the signaling exchange is simplified, but the SRVCC handover fails because the target radio access network element cannot correctly learn whether SRVCC operation may be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSRVCC handover success rateVSAvoidSRVCC capability information transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The source mobility management network element performs preliminary action by including SRVCC capability information in the forward relocation request message before the handover execution. This ensures that the target mobility management network element and subsequently the target radio access network element have the necessary information to correctly perform SRVCC operations, preventing handover failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The forward relocation request message serves as an intermediary carrier that transfers SRVCC capability information from the source mobility management network element to the target mobility management network element. This intermediary mechanism ensures accurate information transmission without requiring direct communication between all network elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the target radio access network element incorrectly triggers SRVCC handover without proper capability information, then the handover can be initiated, but this results in SRVCC handover failure and interruption of voice service

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover initiation speedVSAvoidvoice service continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The target mobility management network element uses the received SRVCC capability information as feedback to determine whether to allow SRVCC operations. This feedback mechanism prevents incorrect triggering of SRVCC handover by ensuring that the target radio access network element only performs SRVCC operations when the user is confirmed to be allowed to use SRVCC, thereby maintaining voice service continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The SRVCC capability information is provided in advance through the forward relocation request message, enabling the target radio access network element to make informed decisions about handover initiation. This preliminary information prevents incorrect triggering while maintaining efficient handover execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If SRVCC capability information is transmitted through the forward relocation request message, then correct SRVCC handover execution is ensured, but the signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSRVCC operation accuracyVSAvoidsignaling message size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The SRVCC capability information is merged into the existing forward relocation request message rather than being transmitted as a separate message. This combining approach ensures that the necessary information is included for accurate SRVCC operation while minimizing additional signaling overhead by utilizing an already-required message structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3627894B1Handover method, computer readable storage medium, hardware apparatus, system and communication system
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3627894B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3627894B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3627894B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The embodiments of the present invention disclose a handover method and a mobility management network element. The method includes: a target mobility management network element receives a forward relocation request message sent by a source mobility management network element, where the forward relocation request message includes single radio voice call continuity SRVCC capability information; and the target mobility management network element sends, to an target access network element, a first request message that carries information of SRVCC operation possible. The present invention also provides a corresponding mobility management network element. The embodiments of the present invention provide a handover method and a mobility management network element. The source mobility management network element indicates whether the target mobility management network element is SRVCC capable through the forward relocation request, which enables the target mobility management network element to correctly indicate that the target radio access network network element is SRVCC capable, and enables the target radio access network network element to correctly trigger an SRVCC handover, and saves network's signaling exchanges, and ensures correct usage of a user's voice service.