Method and apparatus for performing handover between core network entities in a packet-switched network
First Claim
1. A method of performing a handover between Core Networks (CNs) in a packet-switched network having a plurality of Radio Access Networks (RANs) accessible to a User Equipment (UE) and the CNs for connecting the RANs to an external network over an Internet Protocol (IP), the method comprising:
- sending a measurement report message including cell information to an old RAN by a UE connected to an old CN through the old RAN, when the UE moves from the old RAN to a new RAN belonging to a new CN;
determining whether a Layer 3 (L3) handover is to be performed between the CNs by at least one of the old RAN and the new RAN;
establishing a tunnel between the new RAN and the new CN, if the L3 handover is to be performed between the CNs;
performing a handover from the old RAN to the new RAN by the UE, without establishing a tunnel with the old CN by the new RAN, and sending a Layer 2 (L2) handover complete message to the old RAN by the new RAN, as the new RAN detects the movement of the UE; and
acquiring a new IP address for use in the new CN after moving to the new RAN, performing the L3 handover, and communicating with the new CN through the new RAN by the UE.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for performing a L3handover between CNs in a packet-switched network are provided. When a UE moves from an old RAN to a new RAN, the UE sends a measurement report message including cell information to the old RAN. The old or new RAN determines whether to perform a L3 handover. If the L3 handover is required, a tunnel is established between the new RAN and a new CN. The UE performs a handover from the old RAN to the new RAN, without establishing a tunnel between the new RAN and an old CN. Upon detection of the movement of the UE, the new RAN sends a L2 handover complete message to the old RAN. After moving to the new RAN, the UE acquires a new IP address, performs the L3 handover, and communicates with the new CN through the new RAN.
33 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of performing a handover between Core Networks (CNs) in a packet-switched network having a plurality of Radio Access Networks (RANs) accessible to a User Equipment (UE) and the CNs for connecting the RANs to an external network over an Internet Protocol (IP), the method comprising:
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sending a measurement report message including cell information to an old RAN by a UE connected to an old CN through the old RAN, when the UE moves from the old RAN to a new RAN belonging to a new CN;
determining whether a Layer 3 (L3) handover is to be performed between the CNs by at least one of the old RAN and the new RAN;
establishing a tunnel between the new RAN and the new CN, if the L3 handover is to be performed between the CNs;
performing a handover from the old RAN to the new RAN by the UE, without establishing a tunnel with the old CN by the new RAN, and sending a Layer 2 (L2) handover complete message to the old RAN by the new RAN, as the new RAN detects the movement of the UE; and
acquiring a new IP address for use in the new CN after moving to the new RAN, performing the L3 handover, and communicating with the new CN through the new RAN by the UE. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for performing a handover between Core Networks (CNs) in a packet-switched network, comprising:
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an old Radio Access Network (RAN) belonging to an old CN, for receiving a measurement report message requesting a handover from a User Equipment (UE), generating a handover required message in response to the measurement report message, receiving a handover command message for the UE, and forwarding the handover command message to the UE; and
a new RAN belonging to a new CN, for sending the handover command message to the old RAN in response to the handover required message, determining whether a Layer 3 (L3) handover is to be performed between the old CN and the new CN by comparing an Internet protocol (IP) address of the UE with an IP address of the new CN, and establishing a tunnel with the new CN without establishing a tunnel with the old CN, wherein the UE acquires a new IP address for use in the new CN after performing an inter-RAN handover in response to the handover command message, performing the L3 handover using the new IP address, and communicating with the new CN through the new RAN. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. An apparatus for performing a handover between Core Networks (CNs) in a packet-switched network, comprising:
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an old Radio Access Network (RAN) belonging to an old CN, for receiving a measurement report message requesting a handover from a User Equipment (UE), generating a handover required message in response to the measurement report message, receiving a handover command message for the UE, forwarding the handover command message to the UE, and determining whether a Layer 3 (L3) handover is to be performed between the old CN and the new CN by comparing an Internet protocol (IP) address of the UE with an IP address of a new CN; and
a new RAN belonging to the new CN, for sending the handover command message to the old RAN in response to the handover required message, and establishing a tunnel with the new CN without establishing a tunnel with the old CN, according to whether the L3 handover is to be performed, wherein the UE acquires a new IP address for use in the new CN after performing an inter-RAN handover in response to the handover command message, performing the L3 handover using the new IP address, and communicating with the new CN through the new RAN. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification