Single radio voice call continuity for 5GC
11277775 · 2022-03-15
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
H04W36/0027
ELECTRICITY
H04W36/0022
ELECTRICITY
International classification
Abstract
A Network Function service provider in a 5GC, for managing SRVCC handover for a UE having a voice session anchored in an IMS in a PS domain in the 5GC is provided. The SRVCC handover moves the voice session to a CS domain in a legacy network. The NF service provider receives an SRVCC handover required message from an NF service consumer, comprising information about a target ID of the legacy network and a target transparent RAN container. The NF service provider obtains, based on the information received in the handover required message, a legacy target transparent RAN container comprising information required for the target RAN node in the legacy radio access network to accept the handover, an identifier related to the voice session, an STN-SR and legacy CS domain security information. The NF service provider initiates handover by transmitting the obtained information to the legacy CN over Sv-interface.
Claims
1. A method performed by a Network Function, NF, service provider in a 5G core network, for managing Single Radio Voice Call Continuity, SRVCC, handover for a User Equipment, UE, having a voice session anchored in an IP-Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, in a packet switched, PS, domain in the 5G core network and in a 5G radio access network, wherein the SRVCC handover moves the voice session to a circuit switched, CS, domain in a legacy core network and a radio access network, wherein the NF Service provider is a SRVCC Function, SRVCCF, located in the 5G Core network, the method comprising: receiving an SRVCC handover required message from an NF service consumer, wherein the NF service consumer is an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, located in the 5G Core network, wherein the SRVCC handover required message comprises: a) an indication that a SRVCC handover is to be performed b) information about a target ID of the legacy core network, wherein the target ID indicates where the handover should be routed to within the legacy core network and the radio access network, c) a target transparent Radio Access Network, RAN, container comprising information required for a target radio access network node in a legacy radio access network to accept the handover, d) security information for a voice session derived by the NF service consumer, and e) an identifier related to the voice session and a session transfer number for SRVCC, STN-SR, obtaining, based on the information received in the SRVCC handover required message, a legacy target transparent RAN container comprising (i) information required for the target radio access network node in the legacy radio access network to accept the handover, (ii) an identifier related to the voice session, (iii) the STN-SR, and (iv) legacy CS domain security information; and initiating the handover by transmitting the obtained information to the legacy core network over an Sv-interface.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of obtaining the legacy target transparent RAN container comprises: receiving the legacy target transparent RAN container from the NF service consumer, which container has been generated by a radio access network node in the 5G radio access network.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of obtaining the legacy target transparent RAN container comprises: receiving, from an NF service consumer, a 4G or 5G target transparent RAN container, and converting the 4G or 5G target transparent RAN container to the legacy target transparent RAN container.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of obtaining the legacy CS domain security information comprises: receiving the legacy CS domain security information from the NF service consumer, which legacy CS domain security information has been derived by the NF service consumer based on PS domain security information related to the voice session.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of obtaining the legacy CS domain security information comprises: receiving, from the NF service consumer, PS domain security information related to the voice session, and deriving the legacy CS domain security information based on the PS domain security information received from the NF service consumer.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of obtaining the identifier related to the voice session and the session transfer number, STN-SR, comprises: receiving a permanent subscription identifier for the UE from the NF service consumer, sending a request for the identifier related to the voice session and the session transfer number, STN-SR, to a subscriber data management, wherein the request comprises the permanent subscription identifier, and receiving the requested identifier related to the voice session and the STN-SR from the subscriber data management.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the target ID of the legacy core network is received from the NF service consumer in the target transparent RAN container or as an information element in the handover required message.
8. A method performed by a Network Function, NF, service consumer, in a 5G core network, for managing Single Radio Voice Call Continuity, SRVCC, handover for a User Equipment, UE, having a voice session anchored in an IP-Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, in a packet switched, PS, domain in the 5G core network and in a 5G radio access network, wherein the NF Service consumer is an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, located in the 5G Core network, wherein the SRVCC handover moves the voice session to a circuit switched, CS, domain in a legacy core network and a radio access network, wherein the method comprises: obtaining, from a node in the 5G radio access network, a handover required message comprising (a) an indication that SRVCC handover is to be prepared for the UE, (b) information about a target ID of the legacy core network, wherein the target ID indicates where the handover should be routed to and within the legacy core network and the radio access network, and (c) a target transparent Radio Access Network, RAN, container comprising information required for a target radio access network node in a legacy radio access network to accept the handover, determining, based on the obtained handover required message, that no bearer splitting is to be performed since the handover is performed towards a CS domain in the legacy radio access network and the legacy core network, and transmitting an SRVCC handover required message to an NF service provider, wherein the NF service provider is a SRVCC Function, SRVCCF, located in the 5G Core network, which message comprises: a) an indication that a SRVCC handover is to be prepared for the UE, b) the obtained target transparent RAN container, c) the obtained information about a target ID of the legacy core network, d) security information for the voice session derived by the NF service consumer, and e) an identifier related to the voice session and a session transfer number for SRVCC, STN-SR.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the step of determining further comprises: identifying, prior to transmitting the handover required message to the NF service provider and based on the information received in the handover required message, that only a transfer of voice service to the CS domain is required and that no initiating of a packet switched, PS, handover has to be performed.
10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the method further comprises: determining a target NF service provider for handling the SRVCC handover, and transmitting the handover required message to the determined NF service provider.
11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the derived security information is packet switched, PS, domain security information.
12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the derived security information is a legacy CS security information for the voice session to be used by a target cell of the legacy radio access network, wherein the legacy CS security information has been derived based on PS domain security information.
13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the obtained transparent RAN container is a 4G or 5G target transparent RAN container or a legacy target transparent RAN container.
14. The method according to claim 8, wherein the target ID of the legacy core network is transmitted to the NF service provider in the obtained transparent RAN container or as an information element in the handover required message.
15. The method according to claim 8, wherein the method further comprises: triggering a release of network resources, that are not related to the voice session, for the UE once an indication has been received that the SRVCC handover has been successfully performed.
16. A Network Function, NF, service provider in a 5G core network, for performing a method for managing Single Radio Voice Call Continuity, SRVCC, handover for a User Equipment, UE, having a voice session anchored in an IP-Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, in a packet switched, PS, domain in the 5G core network and in a 5G radio access network, wherein the NF Service provider is a SRVCC Function, SRVCCF, located in the 5G Core network, wherein the SRVCC handover moves the voice session to a circuit switched, CS, domain in a legacy core network and a radio access network, wherein the NF service provider is configured to: receive an SRVCC handover required message from an NF service consumer, wherein the NF Service consumer is an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, located in the 5G Core network, which message comprises: a) an indication that a SRVCC handover is to be performed, b) information about a target ID of the legacy core network, wherein the target ID indicates where the handover should be routed to and within the legacy core network and radio access, c) a target transparent Radio Access Network, RAN, container comprising information required for a target radio access network node in a legacy radio access network to accept the handover, d) security information for a voice session derived by the NF service consumer, and e) an identifier related to the voice session and a session transfer number for SRVCC, STN-SR, obtain, based on the information received in the handover required message, a legacy target transparent RAN container comprising information required for a target radio access network node in the legacy radio access network to accept the handover, an identifier related to the voice session, the STN-SR, and legacy CS domain security information, and initiate the handover by transmitting the obtained information to the legacy core network over an Sv-interface.
17. The NF service provider according to claim 16, wherein the NF service provider, in order to obtain the legacy target transparent RAN container, is configured to: receive the legacy target transparent RAN container from the NF service consumer, which container has been generated by a radio access network node in the 5G radio access network.
18. The NF service provider according to claim 17, wherein the NF service provider, in order to obtain the legacy target transparent RAN container, is configured to: receive, from a NF service consumer, a 4G or 5G target transparent RAN container, and convert the 4G or 5G target transparent RAN container to the legacy target transparent RAN container.
19. The NF service provider according to claim 16, wherein the NF service provider, in order to obtain the legacy CS domain security information, is configured to: receive the legacy CS domain security information from the NF service consumer, which legacy CS domain security information has been derived by the NF service consumer based on PS domain security information related to the voice session.
20. The NF service provider according to claim 16, wherein the NF service provider, in order to obtain the legacy CS domain security information, is configured to: receive, from the NF service consumer, PS domain security information related to the voice session, and derive the legacy CS domain security information based on the PS domain security information received from the NF service consumer.
21. The NF service provider according to claim 16, wherein the NF service provider, in order to obtain the identifier related to the voice session and the STN-SR is configured to: receive a permanent subscription identifier for the UE from the NF service consumer, send a request for the identifier related to the voice session and the session transfer number, STN-SR, to a subscriber data management, wherein the request comprises the permanent subscription identifier, and receive the requested identifier related to the voice session and the STN-SR from the subscriber data management.
22. The NF service provider according to claim 16, wherein the NF service provider is configured to receive the target ID of the legacy core network in the target transparent RAN container or as an information element in the handover required message.
23. A Network Function, NF, service consumer, for performing a method for managing Single Radio Voice Call Continuity, SRVCC, handover for a User Equipment, UE, having a voice session anchored in an IP-Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, in a packet switched, PS, domain in a 5G core and radio access network, wherein the NF Service consumer is an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, located in the 5G Core network, wherein the SRVCC handover moves the voice session to a circuit switched, CS, domain in a legacy core network and a radio access network, wherein the NF service consumer is configured to: obtain, from a node in the 5G radio access network, a handover required message comprising: a) an indication that SRVCC handover is to be prepared for the UE, b) information about a target ID of the legacy core network, wherein the target ID indicates where the handover should be routed to and within the legacy core network and radio access network, c) a target transparent Radio Access Network, RAN, container comprising information required for a target radio access network node in a legacy radio access network to accept the handover, and d) an identifier related to the voice session and a session transfer number for SRVCC, STN-SR, determine, based on the obtained information, that no bearer splitting is to be performed since the handover is performed towards a CS domain in the legacy radio access network and the legacy core network, and transmit an SRVCC handover required message to an NF service provider, wherein the NF Service provider is a SRVCC Function, SRVCCF, located in the 5G Core network, which message comprises an indication that a SRVCC handover is to be prepared for the UE, the obtained transparent RAN container, the obtained information about a target ID of the legacy core network and security information for the voice session derived by the NF service consumer.
24. The NF service consumer according to claim 23, wherein the NF service consumer is further configured to: identify, prior to transmitting the handover required message to the NF service provider and based on the information received in the handover required message, that only a transfer of voice service to the CS domain is required and that no initiating of a packet switched, PS, handover has to be performed.
25. The NF service consumer according to claim 23, wherein the NF service consumer is further configured to: determine a target NF service provider for handling the SRVCC handover, and transmit the handover required message to the determined NF service provider.
26. The NF service consumer according to claim 23, wherein the NF service consumer is configured to derive the security information as PS domain security information.
27. The NF service consumer according to claim 23, wherein the derived security information is a legacy CS security information for the voice session to be used by a target cell of the legacy radio access network and the NF service consumer further is configured to: derive said legacy CS security information based on PS domain security information.
28. The NF service consumer according to claim 23, wherein the obtained transparent RAN container is a 4G or 5G target transparent RAN container or a legacy target transparent RAN container.
29. The NF Service consumer according to claim 23, wherein the NF service consumer is further configured to: trigger a release of network resources, that are not related to the voice session, for the UE once an indication has been received that the SRVCC handover has been successfully performed.
30. A Network Function, NF, service provider in a Fifth Generation, 5G, core network, for managing Single Radio Voice Call Continuity, SRVCC, handover for a User Equipment, UE, having a voice session anchored in an IP-Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, in a packet switched, PS, domain in the 5G core network and in a 5G radio access network, wherein the SRVCC handover moves the voice session to a circuit switched, CS, domain in a legacy core network and radio access network, wherein the NF Service provider is a SRVCC Function, SRVCCF, located in the 5G Core network, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program product including instructions to cause at least one processor of the network function service provider to: (a) receive an SRVCC handover required message from an NF service consumer, wherein the NF service consumer is an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, located in the 5G Core network, which message comprises: (i) an indication that a SRVCC handover is to be performed, (ii) information about a target ID of the legacy network, wherein the target ID indicates where the handover should be routed to within the legacy core network and radio access network, (iii) a target transparent Radio Access Network, RAN, container comprising information required for a target radio access network node in a legacy radio access network to accept the handover, (iv) security information for a voice session derived by the NF service consumer, and an identifier related to the voice session and a session transfer number for SRVCC, STN-SR, (b) obtain, based on the information received in the SRVCC handover required message, a legacy target transparent RAN container comprising information required for the target radio access network node in the legacy radio access network to accept the handover, an identifier related to the voice session, the STN-SR, and legacy CS domain security information; and (c) initiate the handover by transmitting the obtained information to the legacy core network over an Sv-interface.
31. A Network Function, NF, service consumer, in a Fifth Generation, 5G, core network, for managing Single Radio Voice Call Continuity, SRVCC, handover for a User Equipment, UE, having a voice session anchored in an IP-Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, in a packet switched, PS, domain in the 5G core network and in a 5G radio access network, wherein the NF Service consumer is an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, located in the 5G Core network, wherein the SRVCC handover moves the voice session to a circuit switched, CS, domain in a legacy core network a radio access network, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program product including instructions to cause at least one processor of the network function consumer to: (a) obtain, from a node in the 5G radio access network, a handover required message comprising an indication that SRVCC handover is to be prepared for the UE, information about a target ID of the legacy network, wherein the target ID indicates where the handover should be routed to and within the legacy core network and the radio access network, and a target transparent Radio Access Network, RAN, container comprising information required for a target radio access network node in a legacy radio access network to accept the handover; (b) determine, based on the obtained information, that no bearer splitting is to be performed since the handover is performed towards a CS domain in the legacy radio access network and the legacy core network; and (c) transmit an SRVCC handover required message to an NF service provider, wherein the NF service provider is a SRVCC Function, SRVCCF, located in the 5G Core network, which message comprises: (i) an indication that a SRVCC handover is to be prepared for the UE, (ii) the obtained target transparent RAN container, (iii) the obtained information about a target ID of the legacy network, (iv) security information for the voice session derived by the NF service consumer, and (v) an identifier related to the voice session and a session transfer number for SRVCC, STN-SR.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) Embodiments will now be described in more detail in relation to the enclosed drawings, in which:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(8) The embodiments described herein provide support for SRVCC handover (HO) from 5G, i.e. from the 5G core network (5GC) and the 5G radio access network (NG-RAN), towards legacy radio accesses, such as e.g. 2G/3G, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN) and/or UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) radio accesses, having a circuit switched (CS) domain.
(9) When performing SRVCC from EPS to 2G/3G, GBR bearers have to be split from the remaining bearers, because the GBR bearers cannot be handed over or resumed on 2G/3G PS. The GBR bearers are released as part of this procedure. However, if not indicated to a Packet Gateway (PGW) and to PCC as a special SRVCC case, the release of the GBR bearers may lead the voice call being cleared by an IMS, since the release of the GBR bearers may be seen as a loss of bearer, which may imply loss of radio connectivity. In order to stop the voice call from being charged although the voice call has been lost, the IMS is configured to clear the voice session. The split of GBR bearers implies that the GBR bearer for voice must be re-established if the SRVCC cannot be completed, e.g. if the UE, after receiving the handover command, cannot camp on the target radio access and returns to EPS.
(10) The embodiments herein however, provide a solution for performing SRVCC for 5GC without having to perform bearer splitting as in EPS. The embodiments herein provide a dedicated SRVCC function in the 5GC for performing an SRVCC handover, which interacts with a legacy core network via a Sv interface.
(11) Embodiments herein relate to a communication network in general.
(12) In the communication network 100, wireless devices e.g. a User Equipment (UE) 110 such as a mobile station, a non-access point (non-AP) STA, a STA, a wireless device and/or a wireless terminal, communicate via an Access Network (AN), e.g. a RAN, with the CN. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that an UE is a non-limiting term which means any terminal, wireless communication terminal, user equipment, Machine Type Communication (MTC) device, Device to Device (D2D) terminal, or node e.g. smart phone, laptop, mobile phone, sensor, relay, mobile tablets or even a base station communicating within a cell.
(13) The communication network 100 comprises a set of radio network nodes, such as radio network nodes 140, 160 each providing radio coverage over one or more geographical areas of a radio access technology (RAT), such as 5G New Radio (NR), LTE, UMTS, GSM, Wi-Fi or similar. The radio network node 140, 160 may be a radio access network node such as a radio network controller or an access point such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point or an Access Point Station (AP STA), an access controller, a base station, e.g. a radio base station such as a NodeB, an evolved Node B (eNB, eNodeB), a 5G nodeB (gNB), a base transceiver station, Access Point Base Station, base station router, a transmission arrangement of a radio base station, a stand-alone access point or any other network unit capable of serving a wireless device within the cell, which may also be referred to as a service area, served by the radio network node 140, 160 depending e.g. on the first radio access technology and terminology used. The radio network nodes 140, 160 are comprised in the radio access network (RAN).
(14) The radio network node 140 is a gNB operating in a packet switched (PS) domain of the communications network 100 and the radio network node 160 is a legacy RAN node operating in a circuit switched (CS) domain of the communications network 100.
(15) The overall architecture for the embodiments described herein is shown in
(16) The SRVCC from the NG-RAN enables service continuity for voice and emergency calls from NG-RAN to 2G/3G. The existing SRVCC capabilities comprise: Support of all voice call states, such as e.g. alerting, pre-alerting, held, and conference calls. Video media of an HD Video call being dropped during SRVCC. Hence, there is no support of video SRVCC. No Inter RAT (I RAT) PS handover to 2G/3G required. Rich Communication Suite (RCS) and other non-real-time services may resume on 2G/3G PS access, depending on access capabilities and operator preferences, after reestablishing network connectivity. Short Message Service (SMS) over Non-Access Stratum (NAS) or SMS over IP is used for SMS. Hence there is no need for combined attach on NG-RAN. No need for Circuit Switched Fallback (CSFB) for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), as is the case in LTE, when using USSI (USSD over IMS), or when using no USSD at all
(17) The improved SRVCC Function according to the embodiments disclosed herein provides the following functionality: Interaction with MSS via the Sv-Interface May build or map transparent container to the legacy CS domain, if required and not provided by NG-RAN. May perform security context mapping, if not performed by the Access and Mobility Function (AMF). Obtain a SRVCC Session Transfer Number (STN-SR) and an identifier for identifying the voice session, such as a Correlation Mobile Station ISDN (C-MSISDN) number, from the AMF. The AMF may obtain both from a User Data Management/Home Subscriber Service (UDM/HSS) 180 and may use them as input for the decision whether SRVCC is possible for the specific subscriber and/or UE 110. The AMF does not need to split the Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR) Quality of Service (QoS) flows from the non-GBR flows.
(18) An Access Transfer Control Function (ATCF) which is located in the IMS, may when receiving the session transfer request from the MSC, release the source access leg via 5GS, i.e. 5GC and NG-RAN, and thereby all bearers on the PDU session to the IMS Access Point Name (APN) may be released. In 5G the APN may also be referred to as a Data Network Name (DNN).
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(20) The following steps take place in
(21) The above steps describe the basic embodiment, additional embodiments will be described in the following:
(22) 2.1 Handling of the Legacy Target Transparent RAN Container
(23) In a first embodiment such as in the basic scenario disclosed in
(24) In another embodiment the NG-RAN, such as e.g. the gNB or the eNB, may build a 5G target transparent RAN container that is then forwarded to the NF service provider 120 by the NF service consumer 130. In this case the NF service provider 120 performs the conversion needed from the 5G RAN transparent container to the legacy target transparent RAN container and then uses the legacy target transparent RAN container towards the MSS 170.
(25) In still another embodiment the NG-RAN, such as e.g. the gNB or the eNB, may build a 4G target transparent RAN container that is then forwarded to the NF service provider 120 by the NF service consumer 130. In this case the NF service provider 120 performs the conversion needed from 4G transparent RAN container to legacy transparent RAN container and then uses the legacy transparent RAN container towards the MSS 170.
(26) Examples of the legacy RAN target transparent containers may e.g. be a “Source RNC to Target RNC Transparent Container” IE as defined in 3GPP Rel-14 TS 25.413 v14.1.0 or “Old BSS to New BSS information elements” field of the Old BSS to New BSS information IE as defined in 3GPP Rel-14 TS 48.008 v14.2.0.
(27) 2.2 Handling of CS Security Information
(28) In the first embodiment, such as in the basic scenario disclosed in
(29) In another embodiment the NF service consumer 130 sends the 5GS security information to the NF service provider 120. In this case the NF service provider 120 derives the CS security information based on the received 5GS security information and then uses the derived CS security information towards MSS 170.
(30) In still another embodiment the NF service consumer 130 derives 4G security information based on 5GS security information and forwards the 4G security information to the NF service provider 120. In this case the NF service provider 120 derives the CS security information based on the received 4G security information and then uses the derived CS security information towards MSS.
(31) 2.3 C-MSISDN and STN-SR Handling
(32) In the first embodiment, such as in the basic scenario disclosed in
(33) 2.4 NF Service Provider, Such as SRVCCF, Selection by the NF Service Consumer, Such as the AMF, and MSS Selection by the NF Service Provider
(34) In a first embodiment, such as in the basic scenario disclosed in
(35) In another embodiment the NF service consumer 130 may instead use 4G or 5G Tracking Area Identity (TAI) information to select a specific NF service provider 120. In this case, the NG-RAN may use the 4G/5G TAI information as the Target ID, while still indicating the real target legacy cell information, such as 2G/3G cell information, in e.g. the target transparent RAN container. The NG-RAN may select the 4G/5G TAI based on 4G/5G measurements received from the UE 110 or other local configuration. The NF service consumer 130 may then select an NF service provider 120 based on the received 4G/5G TAI. The NF service provider 120, such as the SRVCCF, may also need to be able to select a specific MSS. In this embodiment, this selection may be performed based on the real target legacy cell information, such as 2G/3G cell information, in e.g. the target transparent RAN container.
(36) 2.5 Handling of Non-IMS PDU Sessions and Bearers
(37) The basic scenario shown in
(38) In one embodiment, either the NF service consumer 130 or the NG-RAN 140 may release other non-IMS PDU session related resources after a successful SRVCC handover. This variant may also be an option for the IMS PDU sessions, instead of being triggered by the ATCF in the IMS 150.
(39) In another embodiment, either the PCF 190 or the SMF 200 can trigger the release of non-IMS PDU session related resources after successful SRVCC handover. This may require that the ATCF informs the PCF 190 that the deletion of resources is due to a successful SRVCC handover. The PCF 190 may then use this as an indication to release all PDU sessions for the UE 110 in the different SMFs 200. The PCF 190 may also forward the indication about the successful SRVCC Handover to all SMFs 200 serving the UE 110 and then these SMFs may perform the deletion. The IMS Access Point Name (APN), or DNN, Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session may be controlled by the NF service consumer 130, such as the AMF. Hence the NF service consumer 130 may detect that other PDU sessions not related to the voice session, such as e.g. non-IMS PDU sessions, can be released, e.g. once the SRVCC handover is successful. In some embodiments the NF service consumer 130, such as the AMF, may thus trigger the release of the non-IMS PDU session in the 5GC.
(40) The method actions performed by the NF service provider 120 for managing SRVCC handover for a UE 110 according to embodiments herein will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted in
(41) Action 3010: The NF service provider 120 receives an SRVCC handover required message from an NF service consumer 130. The message comprises an indication that a SRVCC handover is to be performed and information about a target ID of the legacy network. The target ID indicates where the handover should be routed to and within the legacy core network 170 and radio access network 160. To and within shall herein be interpreted as both indicating the legacy core node to which the request for the handover is transmitted and the legacy RAN node and/or cell to which the voice session is handed over within the legacy network. The message further comprises a target transparent RAN container comprising information required for a target radio access network node in the legacy radio access network 160 to accept the handover.
(42) The target ID of the legacy network may be received from the NF service consumer 130 in the target transparent RAN container or as an information element in the handover required message.
(43) This action 3010 is similar to the action 5 described in relation to
(44) Action 3020: The NF service provider 120 obtains, based on the information received in the SRVCC handover required message, a legacy target transparent RAN container comprising information required for the target radio access network node in the legacy radio access network 160 to accept the handover, an identifier related to the voice session, such as e.g. a C-MSISDN, a session transfer number for SRVCC (STN-SR) and a legacy CS domain security information.
(45) In some embodiments the legacy target transparent RAN container may be obtained by the NF service provider 120 by receiving the legacy target transparent RAN container from the NF service consumer 130. The legacy transparent RAN container may in this case have been generated by a radio access network node in the 5G radio access network 140. In some further embodiments the legacy target transparent RAN container may be obtained by the NF service provider 120 by receiving a 4G or 5G target transparent RAN container from the NF service consumer 130 and converting the 4G or 5G target transparent RAN container to the legacy target transparent RAN container. The obtaining of the legacy transparent RAN container is further described in section 2.1 above.
(46) The legacy CS domain security information may be obtained by the NF service provider 120 by receiving the legacy CS domain security information from the NF service consumer 130. The legacy CS domain security information may in this case have been derived by the NF service consumer 130 based on PS domain security information related to the voice session of the UE 110. In some embodiments the legacy CS domain security information may be obtained by the NF service provider 120 by receiving PS domain security information related to the voice session from the NF service consumer 130. The legacy CS domain security information may then be derived by the NF service provider 120 based on the PS domain security information received from the NF service consumer 130. The obtaining of the legacy CS domain security information is further described in section 2.2 above.
(47) The NF service provider 120 may obtain the identifier related to the voice session and the STN-SR, by receiving the identifier related to the voice session and/or the STN-SR from the NF service consumer 130. In some embodiments the NF service provider 120 may obtain the identifier related to the voice session and STN-SR by receiving a permanent subscription identifier for the UE from the NF service consumer 130. The NF service provider 120 sends a request for the identifier related to the voice session and/or the STN-SR to a subscriber data management, which request comprises the permanent subscription identifier. The NF service provider 120 then receives the requested identifier related to the voice session and the STN-SR from the subscriber data management. The obtaining of the identifier related to the voice session and the STN-SR is further described in section 2.3 above.
(48) This action 3020 is similar to the action 6 described in relation to
(49) Action 3030: The NF service provider 120 initiates the SRVCC handover by transmitting the obtained information to the legacy core network over an Sv-interface. Initiating the handover may further comprise selecting a specific legacy core network node 170, such as a specific MSS to transmit the information regarding the SRVCC handover to, in accordance with section 2.4 above. This action 3030 is similar to the action 7 described in relation to
(50) The method actions performed by the NF service consumer 130 for managing SRVCC handover for a UE 110 according to embodiments herein will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted in
(51) Action 4010: The NF service consumer 130 obtains, from a node in the 5G radio access network 140, a handover required message comprising an indication that SRVCC handover is to be prepared for the UE 110, information about a target ID of the legacy network, wherein the target ID indicates where the handover should be routed to and within the legacy core network and radio access network, and a target transparent RAN container comprising information required for a target radio access network node in the legacy radio access 160 to accept the handover. The obtained transparent RAN container may e.g. be a 4G or a 5G target transparent RAN container or a legacy target transparent RAN container. The obtaining of the transparent RAN container is further described in section 2.1 above. This action 4010 is similar to the action 3 described in relation to
(52) Action 4020: The NF service consumer 130 determines, based on the obtained information, that no bearer splitting is to be performed, since the handover is only performed towards a CS domain in the legacy radio access and core network. The NF service consumer 130 may identify, prior to transmitting an SRVCC handover required message to the NF service provider 120 and based on the information received in the handover required message from the 5G RAN (NG-RAN) 140, that only a transfer of voice service from the PS domain to the CS domain is required for the UE session and thus that no initiating of a PS handover has to be performed for non-IMS PDU session related resources of the UE session. This action 4020 is similar to action 4 described in relation to
(53) Action 4030: In some embodiments, when there are several NF service providers 120 available, the NF service consumer 130 may determine a target NF service provider 120 for handling the SRVCC handover to the target legacy RAN node in the legacy RAN 160. The determining of the target NF service provider is further described in section 2.4 above.
(54) Action 4040: In some embodiments, the NF service consumer 130 may receive an identifier related to the voice session and/or a session transfer number (STN-SR) from a subscriber data management 180, such as e.g. the UDM/HSS. The receiving of the identifier related to the voice session and/or the STN-SR is further described in section 2.3 above.
(55) Action 4050: The NF service consumer 130 transmits an SRVCC handover required message to an NF service provider 120. The message comprises an indication that an SRVCC handover is to be prepared for the UE 110. The message further comprises the obtained transparent RAN container, the obtained information about a target ID of the legacy network and security information for the voice session derived by the NF service consumer 130.
(56) When the NF service consumer 130 has determined a target NF service provider 120, the NF service consumer 130 may transmit the SRVCC handover required message to the determined NF service provider 120.
(57) The security information derived by the NF service consumer 130 may be a PS domain security information, which may also be referred to as 5G or 4G security information.
(58) In some embodiments the derived security information may be a legacy CS security information for the voice session to be used by the target cell of the legacy radio access. The legacy CS security information may have been derived by the NF service consumer 130 based on PS domain security information.
(59) In some embodiments, the transmitted handover required message may further comprise the identifier related to the voice session, such as e.g. the C-MSISDN, and the STN-SR received from the subscriber data management 180.
(60) The target ID of the legacy network may be transmitted to the NF service provider 120 in the obtained transparent RAN container or as an information element in the handover required message.
(61) This action is similar to the action 5 described in relation to
(62) Action 4060: In some embodiments, the NF service consumer 130 may trigger a release of network resources, which are not related to the voice session, for the UE 110. The triggering may be performed once an indication has been received that the SRVCC handover has been successfully performed. The receiving of the identifier related to the voice session and/or the STN-SR is further described in section 2.3 above.
(63)
(64) The NF service provider 120, the receiving unit 502 and/or the processing unit 501 is configured to, receive an SRVCC handover required message from the NF service consumer 130. The handover required message comprises an indication that a SRVCC handover is to be performed for the UE 110 and information about a target ID of the legacy network. The target ID indicates where the handover should be routed to and within the legacy core network and radio access. The handover required message further comprises a target transparent RAN container comprising information required for the target radio access network node in the legacy radio access to accept the handover.
(65) The NF service provider 120, the obtaining unit 503 and/or the processing unit 501 is further configured to obtain, based on the information received in the handover required message, a legacy target transparent RAN container comprising information required for the target radio access network node in the legacy radio access 140 to accept the handover, the identifier related to the voice session, the STN-SR and legacy CS domain security information.
(66) The NF service provider 120, the initiating unit 504 and/or the processing unit 501 is further configured to initiate the handover by transmitting the obtained information to the legacy core network over an Sv-interface.
(67) The NF service provider 120, the receiving unit 502 and/or the processing unit 501 may further be configured to, receive the legacy target transparent RAN container from the NF service consumer 130, which container has been generated by a radio access network node in the 5G RAN 140, in order to obtain the legacy target transparent RAN container.
(68) In order to obtain the legacy target transparent RAN container, the NF service provider 120, the receiving unit 502 and/or the processing unit 501 may further be configured to receive a 4G or 5G target transparent RAN container from the NF service consumer 130. The NF service provider 120, the converting unit 502 and/or the processing unit 501 may further be configured to convert the 4G or 5G target transparent RAN container to the legacy target transparent RAN container.
(69) The NF service provider 120, the receiving unit 502 and/or the processing unit 501 may further be configured to, in order to obtain the legacy CS domain security information, receive the legacy CS domain security information from the NF service consumer 130, which legacy CS domain security information has been derived by the NF service consumer 130 based on PS domain security information related to the voice session.
(70) In order to obtain the legacy CS domain security information, the NF service provider 120, the receiving unit 502 and/or the processing unit 501 may further be configured to receive PS domain security information related to the voice session from the NF service consumer 130. The NF service provider 120, the deriving unit 502 and/or the processing unit 501 may further be configured to derive the legacy CS domain security information based on the PS domain security information received from the NF service consumer 130.
(71) The NF service provider 120, the receiving unit 502 and/or the processing unit 501 may further be configured to receive the identifier related to the voice session and/or the STN-SR from the NF service consumer 130, in order to obtain the identifier related to the voice session and the STN-SR.
(72) In order to obtain the identifier related to the voice session and the STN-SR, the NF service provider 120, the receiving unit 502 and/or the processing unit 501 may further be configured to receive a permanent subscription identifier for the UE 110 from the NF service consumer 130. The NF service provider 120, the sending unit 507 and/or the processing unit 501 may further be configured to send a request for the identifier related to the voice session and the STN-SR to a subscriber data management. The request may comprise the permanent subscription identifier. The NF service provider 120, the receiving unit 502 and/or the processing unit 501 may further be configured to receive the requested identifier related to the voice session and the STN-SR from the subscriber data management.
(73) The NF service provider 120, the receiving unit 502 and/or the processing unit 501 may further be configured to receive the target ID of the legacy network in the target transparent RAN container or as an information element in the handover required message.
(74) The embodiments herein may be implemented through a respective processor or one or more processors, such as the processor 501 of a processing circuitry in the NF service provider 120 depicted in
(75) The NF service provider 120 may further comprise a memory 508. The memory 508 comprises one or more memory units to be used to store data on, such as system information, configurations and/or applications to perform the methods disclosed herein when being executed, and similar.
(76) The methods according to the embodiments described herein for the NF service provider are respectively implemented by means of e.g. a computer program 509 or a computer program product, comprising instructions, i.e., software code portions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the NF service provider. The computer program 509 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium 510, e.g. a disc or similar. The computer-readable storage medium 510, having stored thereon the computer program, may comprise instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the NF service provider. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.
(77)
(78) The NF service consumer 130, the obtaining unit 602 and/or the processing unit 601 is configured to obtain, from a node in the 5G radio access network 140, a handover required message comprising an indication that SRVCC handover is to be prepared for the UE 110. The handover required message further comprises information about a target ID of the legacy network, The information about the target ID indicates where the handover should be routed to and within the legacy core network and radio access network, The handover required message further comprises a target transparent RAN container comprising information required for the target radio access network node in the legacy radio access 160 to accept the handover.
(79) The NF service consumer 130, the determining unit 603 and/or the processing unit 601 is further configured to determine, based on the obtained information, that no bearer splitting is to performed, since the handover is performed towards a CS domain in the legacy radio access and core network.
(80) The NF service consumer 130, the transmitting unit 604 and/or the processing unit 601 is further configured to transmit an SRVCC handover required message to the NF service provider 120. The SRVCC handover required message comprises an indication that a SRVCC handover is to be prepared for the UE 110, the obtained transparent RAN container, the obtained information about the target ID of the legacy network and security information for the voice session derived by the NF service consumer 130.
(81) The NF service consumer 130, the identifying unit 605 and/or the processing unit 601 may further be configured to identify, prior to transmitting the handover required message to the NF service provider 120 and based on the information received in the handover required message, that only a transfer of a voice service of the UE 110 to the CS domain is required and that no initiating of a PS handover has to be performed.
(82) The NF service consumer 130, the determining unit 603 and/or the processing unit 601 may further be configured to determine a target NF service provider 120 for handling the SRVCC handover, and the NF service consumer 130, the transmitting unit 604 and/or the processing unit 601 may further be configured to transmit the handover required message to the determined NF service provider 120.
(83) The NF service consumer 130, the deriving unit 606 and/or the processing unit 601 may further be configured to derive the security information as a PS domain security information.
(84) The NF service consumer 130, the deriving unit 606 and/or the processing unit 601 may further be configured to derive the security information as a legacy CS security information for the voice session to be used by the target cell of the legacy radio access and the NF service consumer 130, the deriving unit 606 and/or the processing unit 601 may further be configured to derive said legacy CS security information based on PS domain security information.
(85) The NF service consumer 130, the obtaining unit 602 and/or the processing unit 601 may further be configured to obtain the transparent RAN container as a 4G or 5G target transparent RAN container or a legacy target transparent RAN container.
(86) The NF service consumer 130, the transmitting unit 604 and/or the processing unit 601 may further be configured to transmit the SRVCC handover required message comprising an identifier related to the voice session and an STN-SR and the NF service consumer 130, the receiving unit 607 and/or the processing unit 601 may further be configured to receive the identifier related to the voice session and/or the STN-SR from a subscriber data management.
(87) The NF service consumer 130, the triggering unit 608 and/or the processing unit 601 may further be configured to trigger a release of network resources, which are not related to the voice session, for the UE 110. The once an indication has been received that the SRVCC handover has been successfully performed.
(88) The embodiments herein may be implemented through a respective processor or one or more processors, such as the processor 601 of a processing circuitry in the NF service consumer 130 depicted in
(89) The NF service consumer 130 may further comprise a memory 608. The memory 608 comprises one or more memory units to be used to store data on, such as system information, configurations and/or applications to perform the methods disclosed herein when being executed, and similar.
(90) The methods according to the embodiments described herein for the NF service provider are respectively implemented by means of e.g. a computer program 609 or a computer program product, comprising instructions, i.e., software code portions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the NF service consumer. The computer program 609 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium 610, e.g. a disc or similar. The computer-readable storage medium 610, having stored thereon the computer program, may comprise instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the NF service consumer. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.
(91) As will be readily understood by those familiar with communications design, that functions means or units may be implemented using digital logic and/or one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other digital hardware. In some embodiments, several or all of the various functions may be implemented together, such as in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or in two or more separate devices with appropriate hardware and/or software interfaces between them. Several of the functions may be implemented on a processor shared with other functional components of a network node, for example.
(92) Alternatively, several of the functional elements of the processing means discussed may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware, while others are provided with hardware for executing software, in association with the appropriate software or firmware. Thus, the term “processor” or “controller” as used herein does not exclusively refer to hardware capable of executing software and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random-access memory for storing software and/or program or application data, and non-volatile memory. Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included. Designers of network nodes will appreciate the cost, performance, and maintenance trade-offs inherent in these design choices.
(93) When using the word “comprise” or “comprising” it shall be interpreted as non-limiting, i.e. meaning “consist at least of”. When using the word “set” herein, it shall be interpreted as meaning “one or more”.
(94) It will be appreciated that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings represent non-limiting examples of the methods and apparatus taught herein. As such, the apparatus and techniques taught herein are not limited by the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Instead, the embodiments herein are limited only by the following claims and their legal equivalents.