Handover support for converged inter-RAT networks

Abstract

The inherent design for Converged Next Generation Networks (NGNs) accommodates Packet Switched (PS) services. IEEE 802.16e, 802.16m, 3GPP LTE/LTE-Adv are converged IP-based Next Generation Networks (NGNs) that endorse IP Multimedia Services (IMS) support in the Core Network. Converged NGNs are mainly intended to be deployed in urban areas with wide-area coverage provided by existing 3G networks in the initial deployment. The main revenue driver for 3G operators is still Circuit Switched (CS) Voice and CS data, like SMS. Hence, there is a battle for CS Voice services support over these PS-based 4G Networks by contenders such as Voice over LTE Generic Access (VoLGA), IMS-VoIP, Media Independent Handover and CS-Fallback solutions. This paper addresses the Inter- Radio Access Technology (RAT) handover solutions in IEEE 802.16m and IMT-Advanced networks. We propose a novel solution to support backward Inter-System Handover (HO) to CS-voice from PS-Networks using VoLGA Access Network Controller (VANC) and CS Inter-Working Control to maintain CS-service growth until Next Generation Networks are deployed throughout the nation.