Simultaneous Voice and IP Media Session Management Across RATs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Generic Access Network (GAN) systems do not support simultaneous access across different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) like GSM Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) Radio Access Network (GERAN) and GAN, preventing selective offloading of IP media data streams while maintaining ongoing voice calls.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow a network entity to establish simultaneous connections with user equipment (UE) using different access technologies, enabling selective offloading of IP media sessions to a GAN cell while maintaining voice calls on the GERAN/UTRAN cell by transmitting configuration information and signals for establishing and managing these connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UE attaches to the GAN cell when a GAN cell is detected, then IP media sessions can be transferred to the GAN, but simultaneous access across different RATs like GERAN and GAN is not supported, preventing selective offloading while maintaining ongoing voice calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication sessions by separating voice calls and IP media sessions, allowing them to be handled by different radio access technologies simultaneously. The network entity maintains a first connection for voice calls on GERAN/UTRAN while establishing a second connection for IP media sessions on GAN, enabling selective offloading without requiring full simultaneous multi-RAT support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic connection management where the network entity can establish, maintain, and release multiple concurrent connections with the UE across different RATs. The system dynamically selects which connection to use for which type of traffic based on current network conditions and session requirements, allowing flexible adaptation between single-RAT and multi-RAT operation modes.
2Ease of operation
If the UE migrates from GERAN to GAN network, then IP media sessions are transferred to GAN, but ongoing voice calls on GERAN/UTRAN cannot be maintained simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the UE's GERAN and GAN connections. It receives capability information from the UE, transmits configuration information for the second connection, and manages the simultaneous operation of both connections, ensuring that voice calls on GERAN/UTRAN remain stable while IP media sessions are transferred to GAN.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the UE by enabling simultaneous active states for multiple RATs. The network entity transmits configuration information that modifies the UE's connection parameters, allowing it to maintain a first connection on GERAN/UTRAN for voice calls while simultaneously establishing a second connection on GAN for IP media sessions, rather than forcing a complete migration.
Data Source
AI summary
A network entity and an operating method thereof in a communication system are provided. The method includes establishing a first connection with a user equipment (UE) using a first access technology; receiving, from the UE, via the first connection, capability information on communication with a second cell using a second access technology different from the first access technology; transmitting a first signal to the UE via the first connection; and transmitting, to the UE, via the first connection, configuration information related to the second cell for establishing a second connection between the UE and the second cell. The first cell and the second cell are simultaneously active for the UE.