Title of Invention

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALL HANDOFF BETWEEN CIRCUIT SWITCHED AND PACKET SWITCHED DATA WIRELESS NETWORKS

Abstract The hybrid mobile terminal is engaged in an existing call through a serving one of a circuit switched or packet data wireless networks. The mobile terminal places a new call through the target one of the wireless networks, the new call having a predetermined called party identifier. In response to the called party identifier, the call is converted to a loop-back call directed to the mobile terminal through the serving wireless network, establishing a call path through the target wireless network. The mobile terminal accepts the loop-back call, and directs the existing call to connect to the call path through the target wireless network. The existing call through the original network is then dropped, effecting an inter-system handoff from the serving to the target wireless network.
Full Text RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/643,625 filed
January 13,2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to the field of communication networks and in
particular to a system and method for handing off a call between circuit switched and packet
data wireless networks.
The emerging technology for core networks in wireless communication systems is a packet-
based, all-IP network. For example, the IP Multimedia System (IMS) is a open industry
standard architecture for telecom operators to provide voice and multimedia communication
services. The IMS network runs over the standard Internet Protocol (IP), providing both Voice
over IP (VoIP) and data services, including audio and video broadcast or streaming,
videoconferencing, games, filesharing, e-mail, and the like. The IMS network supports both
packet data wireless networks, such as CDMA lx EV-DO, WLAN (WiFi), WiMAX,
WCDMA, HSPDA, and the like, as well as circuit switched wireless networks, such as
CDMA lx, GSM, and WCDMA.
While the migration toward packet data networks is expected to continue, circuit switched
wireless communication networks are widely deployed and heavily used. A heterogeneous
mix of a circuit switched and packet data wireless networks will exist in the field for years to
come.
Mobility management is a key aspect of wireless communication systems, necessary to
maintain communications with mobile terminals as users move throughout different
geographic areas. Mobile Assisted Hand-Off (MAHO) is a well-known element of mobility
management. In MAHO, mobile terminals report channel conditions, desired data rates, pilot
strengths signals from neighboring radio base stations, and the like to a serving base station,
which, using this information as well as the relative loading among neighboring base stations,
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determines if, when, and to which base station to hand off a mobile terminal. Intra-system
handoff is a fundamental operational aspect of any wireless communication system.
Inter-system handoff, however, may be problematic for several reasons. First, mobile
terminals must be developed and deployed to that are capable of engaging in communications
with both circuit switched and packet data wireless networks. Additionally, in most
deployments, circuit switched and packet data wireless networks operate in different
frequency bands. Hybrid mobile terminals exist which can operate in both frequency bands
simultaneously; however soft inter-system handoff is impossible due to the different radio
technologies used. Additionally, network protocols in the circuit switched and packet data
systems do not directly support inter- system handoff.
SUMMARY
In one or more embodiments, the present invention relates to handing off a hybrid mobile
terminal between packet data and circuit switched wireless networks. The hybrid mobile
terminal is engaged in an existing call through a serving one of the wireless networks. The
mobile terminal places a new call through the target one of the wireless networks, the new call
having a predetermined called party identifier. In response to the called party identifier, the
call is converted to a loop-back call directed to the mobile terminal through the serving
wireless network, establishing a call path through the target wireless network. The mobile
terminal accepts the loop-back call, and directs the existing call to connect to the call path
through the target wireless network. The existing call through the original network is then
dropped.
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of hand off from a serving one
of a packet data or circuit switched wireless network to a target one of the networks, for a
hybrid mobile terminal capable of communications through both networks and engaged in an
existing call through the serving wireless networks. A new call is received from the mobile
terminal through the target wireless network, the new call having a predetermined called party
identifier. In response to the called party identifier, the new call is routed back to the mobile
terminal through the serving wireless network. The existing call is connected to the mobile
terminal through the target wireless network.
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In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of handing off a hybrid
mobile terminal, operative to communicate through both packet data and circuit switched
wireless networks, from a serving one of such networks initially carrying an existing call to a
target one of such networks. A new call, having a predetermined called party identifier, is
generated through the target wireless network. A loop-back call is accepted through the
serving wireless network. In response to the loop-back call, the existing call is continued
through the target wireless.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a circuit switched wireless
network, including a subscriber database maintaining a plurality of subscriber profiles and at
least one fictitious subscriber profile having a predetermined Mobile Directory Number
(MDN) and identifying a call directed to the predetermined MDN as a handoff loop-back call.
The circuit switched wireless network also includes a network node operative to redirect a
handoff loop-back call to the mobile terminal that originated the call.
In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a packet data wireless network,
including a Public Service Identifier Application Server (PSI-AS) operative to redirect a
handoff loop-back call to the mobile terminal that originated the call. The packet data wireless
network also includes a network node operative to receive a Initial Address Message (IAM)
from a circuit switched wireless network, the IAM having a predetermined MDN as the called
party identifier, and further operative to convert the called party identifier from the
predetermined MDN to the sip:uri address of the PSI-AS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 A is a network diagram of an existing call through a packet data wireless network.
Figure 1 B is a network diagram of the existing caii and a ioop-back call through a circuit
switched wireless network.
Figure 1 C is a network diagram following handoff of the existing call from the packet data to
the circuit switched wireless network.
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Figures 2A-2B are a signaling diagram of the inter-system handoff of Figures 1 A-l C.
Figure 3A-3C are a flow diagram of the inter-system handoff of Figures 1 A-l C.
Figure 4A is a network diagram of an existing call through a circuit switched wireless
network.
Figure 4B is a network diagram of the existing call and a loop-back call through a packet data
wireless network.
Figure 4C is a network diagram following handoff of the existing call from the circuit
switched to the packet data wireless network.
Figure 5 is a signaling diagram of the inter-system handoff of Figures 4A-4C.
Figures 6A-6B are a flow diagram of the inter-system handoff of Figures 4A-4C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In one or more embodiments, the present invention relates to a system and method of handing
off a hybrid mobile terminal between packet data and circuit switched wireless networks. As
used herein, a hybrid mobile terminal refers to a mobile device having the radio transceivers,
functionality, and if necessary the authorization, to engage in voice and/or data
communications with both a packet data wireless network and a circuit switched wireless
network. Due to different operating frequencies and a lack of protocols between the networks
themselves, it is not currently possible to hand off an existing call from one network to the
other, such as may become necessary if the hybrid mobile terminal moves from a geographic
area served by one network into an area served by the other.
Any new handoff method should work equally well in either direction. That is, it must provide
for handoff from a packet data wireless network to a circuit switched wireless network, as
well as from the circuit switched to the packet data wireless network. In the following
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discussion, the "serving" wireless network is the network through which an existing call is
routed to the hybrid mobile terminal, and may be either a packet data or a circuit switched
wireless network. The "target" wireless network is the other network, through which the call
will be connected following the handoff procedure.
One way to establish a call path through the target wireless network is for the corresponding
functionality in the mobile terminal to place a call through the target wireless network to its
functionality corresponding to the serving network. The existing call may subsequently be
connected to the newly established call path. That is, the packet data side of the hybrid mobile
terminal places a call to the circuit switched side of the same hybrid mobile terminal, or vice
versa. Such a call is referred to herein as a loop-back call.
However, most existing networks interpret a call to the originator - that is, a call where the
Calling Party Number (CgPN) and the Called Party Number (CdPN) are the same - as a call to
access the user's voicemail box. Thus, to work within existing networks, the CgPN and the
CdPN must be different. In circuit switched wireless networks, the Mobile Directory Number
(MDN) of the hybrid mobile terminal is inserted into the Initial Address Message (IAM) as
the CgPN (also referred to as the A-Number) by the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) serving
the mobile terminal, as part of the Line Identification functionality. Accordingly, altering the
CgPN is not an option.
According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a loop-back call is
established by a hybrid mobile terminal placing a call having a Transfer Routing Number
(TRN) as the CdPN. A unique TRN is defined for each network: TRNpd for the packet data
wireless network and TRNcs for the circuit switched wireless network. When a (target)
network receives a call request from a hybrid mobile terminal where the CdPN is the TRN for
that network (and the CgPN = MDN), the network recognizes the call as a loop-back call, and
routes the call back to the hybrid mobile terminal through the other (serving) wireless
network. This may be accomplished, for example, by swapping the called and calling party
identifiers (i.e., CgPN = TRN and CdPN = MDN), and routing the call to the serving wireless
network.
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The call arrives at the hybrid mobile terminal through the serving wireless network. The
hybrid mobile terminal recognizes the loop-back call by virtue of the TRN and/or MDN. The
hybrid mobile terminal accepts the call, and transfers the existing call to its functionality
associated with the target wireless network. The serving wireless network (or the hybrid
mobile terminal) may then connect the existing call to the call path established through the
target wireless network, and drop the leg of the existing call through the serving wireless
network, effectively handing off the call from the serving to the target wireless network.
Packet Data Network to Circuit Switched Network Handoff
Figure 1 depicts a hybrid mobile terminal 10, comprising both packet data wireless network
Access Terminal (AT) and circuit switched wireless network Mobile Station (MS)
functionality. The hybrid AT/MS 10 is in a Roaming Area 12, in which a circuit switched
wireless network 20 and a packet data wireless network 30 are operative.
The circuit switched wireless network 20 comprises a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 22,
connected to one or more circuit switched Base Station Controllers (CS BSC) 24 providing
communication services to one or more mobile stations (not shown). The MSC 22 routes
voice and data over circuit switched network connections between the CS BSC 24 and
numerous other network nodes (not shown). The CS BSC 24 includes or controls one or more
radio base stations or base station transceivers (not shown) that include the transceiver
resources necessary to support radio communication with mobile stations, such as
modulators/demodulators, baseband processors, radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers,
antennas, and the like.
The packet data wireless network 30 comprises a Packet Data Switching Node (PDSN) 32
connected to one or more packet data Base Station Controllers (PD BSC) 34 providing packet
data communication services to one or more access terminals, such as the AT side of hybrid
AT/MS 10. The PDSN 32 routes data packets between the PD BSC 34 and other packet data
networks, such as an IP Media System (IMS) network 40. The PD BSC 34 includes or
controls one or more radio base stations similar to the CS BSC 24, but provides packet data
communications on shared, high-bandwidth channels to ATs.
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Both wireless networks 20, 30 are connected to an IMS network 40. The IMS is a general-
purpose, open industry standard for voice and multimedia communications over packet- based
IP networks 40. The IMS network 40 includes one or more Application Servers (AS) 42
providing various services (audio and video broadcast or streaming, push-to-talk,
videoconferencing, games, filesharing, e-mail, and the like). In particular, a Telephony AS
(TAS) 50 provides telephonic communications services, as described in more detail herein.
Another AS within the IMS 40 is a Public Service Identifier (PSI) AS 46. The PSI AS 48 is a
generic AS that handles session transfer between IP connectivity points for a specific
terminal. The PSI AS 46 handles inter-system handoffs within a system.
Communications between nodes within the IMS network 40 utilize the Session Initiation
Protocol (SIP). SIP is a signaling protocol for Internet conferencing, telephony, presence,
events notification, instant messaging, and the like. SIP uses a long-term stable identifier, the
SIP Universal Resource Indicator (URI).
The PSI-AS 48 and TAS 50 are connected to a Serving-Call Session Control Function (S-
CSCF) 44. The S-CSCF 44 initiates, manages, and terminates multimedia sessions between
IMS 40 terminals. The S-CSCF 44 may be connected to an optional Interrogating- CSCF (I-
CSCF) 48. The I-CSCF 48 is a SIP proxy located at the edge of an administrative domain.
The I-CSCF (or S-CSCF if a I-CSCF is not present) is connected to a Proxy-CSCF (P- CSCF)
52. The P-CSCF 52 is a SIP proxy that is the first point of contact to the IMS 40.
Both the PSDN 32 of the packet data wireless network 30 and a Media Gateway Control
Function (MGFC2) 54 maintain SIP connections to the P-CSCF 52. The MGCF2 54 controls a
media gateway (MGw2) 56, connected to the MSC 22 of the circuit switched wireless network
20 via a dedicated handoff trunk. The MGCF2 54 maintains a ISUP connection to the MSC
22.
Figure 1 A depicts the hybrid AT/MS 10 engaged in a voice call with a party in the Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 62. The PSTN 62 is connected to the IMS network 40
by a PSTN interface 60 including a MGCF1 66 controlling a MGw1 64. The MGw1 64 is
connected to the PSTN 62 over a time division multiplexed (TDM) link. The MGw1 64
translates coded voice packets or circuit switched 64-kbps Pulse Code Modulated (PCM)
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voice signals from the PTSN 62 to coded voice packets, such as for example Enhanced
Variable Rate CODEC (EVRC) packets, which are then transmitted via Real-time Transport
Protocol (RTP) or Internet Protocol (IP) to other nodes in the IMS network 40.
The call depicted in Figure 1 A was set up by, and is maintained by, the TAS 50. The TAS 50
serves as a Back-to-Back User Agent (B2BUA). A B2BUA is a SIP based logical entity that
can receive and process SIP INVITE messages as a SIP User Agent Server (UAS). The
B2BUA also acts as a SIP User Agent Client (UAC) that determines how the request should
be answered and how to initiate outbound calls. Unlike a SIP proxy server, the B2BUA
maintains complete call state and participates in all call requests. In particular, for the call of
Figure 1 A, the B2BUA controls two SIP dialogs: a first dialog between the MGCF1 66 and
the TAS 50; and a second dialog between the TAS 50 and the AT (IMS client) side of the
hybrid AT/MS 10. In the media plane or user plane, coded voice packets are transmitted from
the MGw1 64 to the PDSN 32, and transmitted from the PD BSC 34 over the air interface to
the hybrid AT/MS 10. Voice packets in the opposite direction follow the reverse path.
As the hybrid AT/MS 10 moves physically further from the radio transceiver resources of the
PD BSC 34, the hybrid AT/MS 10 indicates poor channel conditions to the PD BSC 34, such
as by requesting a lower data rate via a Data Rate Control (DRC) index. When the hybrid
AT/MS 10 reports sufficiently poor channel conditions, the PD BSC 34 determines it must
hand off the hybrid AT/MS 10 to another wireless network base station.
If the packet data wireless network 30 is of limited geographic extent, and the hybrid AT/MS
10 is at the edge of its service area, it is likely that the hybrid AT/MS 10 may be served by a
circuit switched wireless network 20, which are more widely deployed. However, the packet
data wireless network 30 and the circuit switched wireless network 20 may not implement
protocols for inter-system handoff.
According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the handoff of a hybrid
AT/MS 10 from the packet data wireless network 30 to the circuit switched wireless network
20 is facilitated by having the hybrid AT/MS 10 place a call from its MS side, through the
circuit switched wireless network 20, to its AT side - referred to herein as a loop-back call.
The loop- back call establishes a third communication dialog between the TAS 50 and the MS
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side of the hybrid AT/MS 10 - through the circuit switched wireless network 20 - to which the
first dialog (MGw1 - TAS) of the existing call may be connected, to effect an inter-system
handoff. The second dialog (TAS - AT) may then be dropped. This process is described with
reference to the signal flow diagram of Figure 2, and the flow diagram of Figure 3, wherein
the numbering of method steps and network events is consistent.
As discussed above, the AT/MS 10 is initially engaged in an existing voice call. The TAS 50
is a B2BUA, maintaining a first dialog between the MGw1 64 and the TAS 50, and a second
dialog between the TAS 50 and of the AT side of the AT/MS 10 (block 100). If necessary, the
MS functionality within the AT/MS 10 registers with the circuit switched wireless network
20, according to standard procedures well known in the art (block 102). The MS side of the
AT/MS 10 then initiates a call through the circuit switched wireless network 20, with the
CdPN = TRNpd (block 104). This identifies the call to the network 40 as a loop-back call
used to initiate a handoff.
The MSC 22 places the MDN of the AT/MS 10 in the CgPN field of an Initial Address
Message (IAM) and the sends the IAM to the MGCF2 54 (block 106). The MGCF254
performs an ENUM conversion on the TRNpd to generate a sip:uri PSI AS (block 108).
ENUM is a protocol that converts fully qualified PSTN telephone numbers to fully qualified
IMS URIs. The predetermined value of TRNpd is a reserved telephone number that identifies
a call placed to it as a loop-back call used to effect inter-system handoff. The MGCF2 54
places the sip:uri PSI AS in the R-URI (To) field of a SIP INVITE message, and places the
information from the CgPN field of the IAM (i.e., the MDN) in the P-Asserted ID (verified
From) field of the SIP INVITE message.
The MGCF2 54 sends the SIP INVITE message to the IMS network 40, where it is routed to
the PSI AS 48 (block 110). The PSI AS 48 swaps of the values of the R-URI and P-Asserted
ID fields - that is, the called and calling party identifiers - thus redirecting the call back to the
originating AT/MS 10 (block 112). The PSI AS 48 additionally performs an ENUM
conversion on the MDN, so that the call back to the AT/MS 10 is routed through the packet
data wireless network 30. The PSI AS 48 forwards the modified SIP INVITE message to the
S-CSCF 44 (block 114). A trigger in the S-CSCF 44 causes the SIP INVITE message to be
routed to the TAS 50 (block 116).
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In response to the calling party identifier, that is, the P-Asserted ID header being the PSI AS
48, the TAS 50 recognizes the loop-back call, and creates a third dialog: between the TAS 50
and the MGCF2 54. The TAS 50 sends a SIP 200 OK message containing the Session
Description Protocol (SDP) information for MGw1 66 to the S-CSCF 44 (block 120), which
forwards it to the MGCF2 54 (block 122). The MGCF2 sends a ANswer Message (ANM) to
the MSC 22 (block 124). This establishes the third dialog, through the circuit switched
wireless network 20 (block 126). The MGCF2 54 sends an acknowledge message confirming
the third dialog establishment to the S-CSCF 44 (block 128), which forwards it to the TAS 50
(block 130). The existing call through the packet data wireless network 30 and the loop-back
call through the circuit switched wireless network 20 are depicted in Figure 1 B.
Upon receiving the acknowledgment of the third dialog, the TAS 50 changes the first dialog
(MGw1 - TAS) by sending a SIP UPDATE message that informs the MGCF1 66 to direct the
MGw1 64 to send/receive media from MGw2 54. This SIP UPDATE message is sent to the S-
CSCF 44 (block 132), which forwards it to the MGCF1 66(block 134).
At the same time, the TAS 50 releases the second dialogue (TAS - AT) by routing a BYE
message to the IMS client (the AT side of the AT/MS 10). The TAS 50 sends the BYE
message to the S-CSCF 44 (block 136), which forwards it to the AT/MS 10 (block 138).
Upon receiving the BYE message, the AT side of the AT/MS 10 transfers voice for the
existing call to its MS functionality, transmitting and receiving voice signals through the
circuit switched wireless network 20.
Meanwhile, the MGCF1 66 confirms the update to the existing call by sending a SIP 200 OK
message to the S-CSCF 44 (block 142), which is routed to the TAS 50 (block 144). At this
moment voice is connected between the MGw1 64 and the MGw2 56.
Finally, the IMS client (the AT side of the AT/MS 10), confirms the release of the second
dialogue (TAS - AT) by sending a SIP 200 OK message to the S-CSCF 44 (block 146), which
forwards it to the TAS 50 (block 148). The inter-system handoff is complete, and the AT/MS
10 continues the existing call through the circuit switched wireless network 20, using its MS
functionality. The media plane for the handed off call is depicted in Figure 1 C. Voice signals
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from the PSTN 62 are translated into coded voice packets by the MGwl 64, and travel over
RTP or IP to the MGw2 50. The MGw2 50 translates the coded voice packets to the 64-kbps
PCM format of the circuit switched wireless network 20 backhaul, and transmits the signals to
the MSC 22. The MSC 22 transmits the voice signals to the CS BSC 24, which transmits
them over a dedicated channel to the AT/MS 10. Voice signals in the opposite direction
follow the reverse path.
Circuit Switched Network to Packet Data Network Handoff
Figure 4A depicts a hybrid AT/MS 10 engaged in an existing call with a party in the PSTN 62
through a circuit switched wireless network 20 in a roaming area 12. The circuit switched
wireless network 20 comprises a Visiting MSC (VMSC) 22 and a CS BSC 24. Also within
the roaming area 12 is a packet data wireless network 30 comprising a PDSN 32 and a PD
BSC 34. The packet data wireless network 30 is connected to an IMS network 40 via a P-
CSCF 52. The IMS network 40 includes one or more AS 42, a S-CSCF 44, a I-CSCF 46, a
TAS 50, and a MGCF 54 controlling a MGw 56. All of the IMS network 40 components are
described above.
The MGCF 54 maintains a ISUP signaling connection to a Gateway MSC (GMSC) 58, which
is in the home area of the circuit switched wireless network 20. The GMSC 58 is connected to
a Home Location Register (HLR) 60 and a Service Control Point (SCP) 61. The GMSC 58
additionally maintains connections to other network nodes, such as the PSTN 62.
As depicted in Figure 4A, and depicted in the signal diagram of Figure 5 and the flow
diagram of Figure 6 (wherein method steps and network signaling are numbered consistently),
the AT/MS 10 is engaged in an existing call, utilizing its MS functionality, through the circuit
switched wireless network 20 (block 150). Voice signals travel from a telephone in the PSTN
62, through the GMSC 58 in the home area, through the MSC 22 in the roaming area, and are
transmitted to the AT/MS 10 on a dedicated channel over the circuit-switched air interface by
the CS BSC 24. Voice signals in the opposite direction followed the reverse path.
As the AT/MS 10 moves physically further from the radio transceivers of the CS BSC 24, a
handoff to the packet data wireless network 30 may become necessary. According to one or
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more embodiments of the present invention, such a handoff may be facilitated by the hybrid
AT/MS 10 placing a loop-back call from its AT functionality, through the packet data
wireless network 30, to its MS functionality. This establishes a call dialogue through the
packet data wireless network 30, to which the existing call may be connected. By then
disconnecting the call through the circuit-switched wireless network 20, the AT/MS 10 will
have defected and inter- system handoff.
If necessary, the AT side of the AT/MS 10 registers with the IMS network 40 through the
packet data wireless network 30 (block 152). The AT and initiates a call through the packet
data wireless network 30 by issuing a SIP INVITE message to the S-CSCF 44, with CgPN =
MDN and CdPN = TRNcs (block 154). In response to a trigger, the S-CSCF 44 forwards the
SIP INVITE message to the TAS 50 (block 156).
In response to recognizing the TRNcs, the TAS 50 identifies the call request as a loop- back
call for a inter-system handoff. The TAS 50 thus knows to route the call through the circuit-
switched wireless network 20 (block 158). The TAS 50 generates a SIP INVITE message
with CgPN = MDN, CdPN = TRNcs, and ROUTE = MGCF and sends the SIP INVITE
message to the S-CSCF 44 (block 160), which forwards it to the MGCF 54 (block 162). The
MGCF 54 generates an Initial Address Message (IAM) with the appropriate called and calling
party identifiers, and sends the IAM to the GMSC 58 (block 164).
According to normal circuit switched network roaming procedures, the GMSC 58 accesses
the HLR 42 ascertained the location of the called party (TRNcs). A fictitious subscriber entry
in the HLR 40, having the MDN = TRNcs, includes Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN) data
specified in such a way that it directs of the GMSC 58 to a particular Service Control Point
(SCP) 61. When the GMSC 58 accesses the SCP 61, the SCP 61 identifies the loop-back call
as part of an inter-system handoff by recognizing the TRNcs as the called party identifier. The
SCP 61 swaps the called and calling party identifiers, thus routing the loop-back call to the
originating AT/MS 10. The SCP 61 then directs the GMSC 58 to continue with the call setup.
The GMSC 58 notes that the CdPN has changed, interprets this as a "forwarded call," and re-
accesses the HLR 60 to ascertain the location of the called party (now the MDN) (block 166).
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The GMSC 58 locates the AT/MS 10, and sends an IAM signal to the VMSC 22 (block 168).
The VMSC 22, aware that the AT/MS 10 is engaged in the existing voice call, sends a Call
Waiting signal to the AT/MS 10 (block 170). The AT/MS 10 recognizes the loop-back call
(by inspection of the CgPN = TRNcs), suppresses any Call Waiting alert that would normally
be issued to the user, and accepts the call (block 172). At this point, the loop-back call from
the AT side through the packet data wireless network 32 the MS side of the AT/MS 10 is
established (block 174), as depicted in Figure 4B.
The AT/MS 10 sends a JOIN command through the circuit switched wireless network 20,
directing the existing call to connect to the loop-back call through the packet data wireless
network 30 (block 176). The leg of the loop-back call to the circuit-switched wireless network
20 is disconnected, effecting an inter-system handoff of the AT/MS 10 from the circuit
switched wireless network 20 to the packet data wireless network 30, as depicted in Figure
4C. Voice signals travel from a telephone in the PSTN 62 to the MGw 56. The MGw 56
converts the voice into coded voice packets which are transmitted over RTP or IP to the
PDSN 32. The PD BSC 34 then transmits voice packets over a shared channel to the AT side
of the AT/MS 10. Voice in the opposite direction follow the reverse path.
Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to particular features,
aspects and embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that numerous variations, modifications,
and other embodiments are possible within the broad scope of the present invention, and
accordingly, all variations, modifications and embodiments are to be regarded as being within
the scope of the invention. The present embodiments are therefore to be construed in all
aspects as illustrative and not restrictive and all changes coming within the meaning and
equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.
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WE CLAIM:
1. A method of hand off from a serving one of a packet data or circuit switched wireless
network to a target one of the networks, for a hybrid mobile terminal capable of
communications through both networks and engaged in an existing call through the serving
wireless networks, comprising :
receiving a new call from the mobile terminal through the target wireless network, the
new call having a predetermined called party identifier;
in response to the called party identifier, routing the new call back to the mobile terminal
through the serving wireless network; and
connecting the existing call to the mobile terminal through the target wireless network.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising terminating the existing call through the serving
wireless network.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the predetermined called party identifier is a Transfer
Routing Number reserved for handoffs in the target wireless network.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the Transfer Routing Number is a fictitious subscriber
profile operative to direct the new call to a predetermined node in the target network for
handoff processing.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein routing the new call back to the mobile terminal comprises
swapping the called and calling party identifiers.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the mobile terminal automatically accepts the new call in
response to detecting the predetermined called party identifier as the calling party identifier.
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7. The method of claim 6 wherein the mobile terminal suppresses any indication to the user of
receiving the new call.
8. A method of handing off a hybrid mobile terminal, operative to communicate through both
packet data and circuit switched wireless networks, from a serving one of such networks
initially carrying an existing call to a target one of such networks, comprising:
generating a new call, having a predetermined called party identifier, through the target
wireless network;
accepting a loop-back call through the serving wireless network; and
in response to the loop-back call, continuing the existing call through the target wireless.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein accepting a loop-back call through the serving wireless
network comprises accepting the loop-back call in response to the calling party identifier of
the loop-back call.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the calling party identifier of the loop-back call is the
predetermined called party identifier of the new call.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein the predetermined called party identifier is a Transfer
Routing Number unique to handoff functionality in the target wireless network.
12. The method of claim 8 further comprising terminating the existing call through the serving
wireless network.
13. A circuit switched wireless network, comprising :
a subscriber database maintaining a plurality of subscriber profiles and at least one fictitious
subscriber profile having a predetermined Mobile Directory Number (MDN) and identifying a
call directed to the predetermined MDN as a handoff loop-back call; and
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a network node operative to redirect a handoff loop-back call to the mobile terminal that
originated the call.
14. The network of claim 13, wherein the network node redirects handoff loop-back calls to
the originating mobile terminal by swapping the called and calling party identifiers.
15. The network of claim 13 wherein the network node is a Service Control Point (SCP).
16. The network of claim 15 further comprising a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) receiving
an Initial Address Message (IAM) from a hybrid mobile terminal via a packet data wireless
network, the IAM having as a calling party identifier the MDN of the hybrid mobile terminal,
and having as a called party identifier the predetermined MDN.
17. The network of claim 16 wherein the MSC is operative to route the IAM to the SCP in
response to the fictitious subscriber profile in the subscriber database.
18. The network of claim 17 wherein the SCP is operative to place the MDN of the hybrid
mobile terminal in the called party identifier, places the predetermined MDN in the calling
party identifier, and to return the modified IAM to the MSC.
19. The network of claim 18 wherein the MSC is operative to route the modified IAM to the
hybrid mobile terminal through the circuit switched wireless network.
20. The network of claim 13 wherein the predetermined MDN is a Transfer Routing Number
(TRN) unique to the circuit switched wireless network.
21. A packet data wireless network, comprising :
a Public Service Identifier Application Server (PSI-AS) operative to redirect a handoff loop-
back call to the mobile terminal that originated the call;
a network node operative to receive a Initial Address Message (IAM) from a circuit switched
wireless network, the IAM having a predetermined Mobile Directory Number (MDN) as the
17

called party identifier, and further operative to convert the called party identifier from the
predetermined MDN to the sip:uri address of the PSI-AS.
22. The network of claim 21 wherein the PSI-AS redirects a handoff loop-back call to the
originating mobile terminal by swapping the called and calling party identifiers.
23. The network of claim 22 wherein the PSI-AS places the sip:uri address of the PSI-AS in a
P-Asserted ID field of a SIP INVITE message, places an ENUM conversion of the originating
mobile terminal MDN in a R-URI field of the SIP INVITE message, and propagates the SIP
INVITE message through the packet data wireless network.
24. The network of claim 23 further comprising a Telephony Application Server (TAS)
operative to receive the SIP INVITE message from the PSI-AS and, in response to the sipruri
address of the PSI-AS in a P-Asserted ID field, to establish a dialogue with the originating
mobile terminal through the circuit switched wireless network.
Dated this 9th day of August 2007.


WO 2006/076421 PCT/US2006/000960
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALL HANDOFF BETWEEN CIRCUIT SWITCHED AND PACKET
SWITCHED DATA WIRELESS NETWORKS
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/643,625 filed
January 13, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to the field of communication networks and in
particular to a system and method for handing off a call between circuit switched and packet
data wireless networks.
The emerging technology for core networks in wireless communication systems is a
packet-based, all-IP network. For example, the IP Multimedia System (IMS) is a open industry
standard architecture for telecom operators to provide voice and multimedia communication
services. The IMS network runs over the standard Internet Protocol (IP), providing both Voice
over IP (VoIP) and data services, including audio and video broadcast or streaming,
videoconferencing, games, filesharing, e-mail, and the like. The IMS network supports both
packet data wireless networks, such as CDMA 1x EV-DO, WLAN (WiFi), WiMAX, WCDMA,
HSPDA, and the like, as well as circuit switched wireless networks, such as CDMA 1x, GSM,
and WCDMA.
While the migration toward packet data networks is expected to continue, circuit
switched wireless communication networks are widely deployed and heavily used. A
heterogeneous mix of a circuit switched and packet data wireless networks will exist in the field
for years to come.
Mobility management is a key aspect of wireless communication systems, necessary to
maintain communications with mobile terminals as users move throughout different geographic
areas. Mobile Assisted Hand-Off (MAHO) is a well-known element of mobility management. In
MAHO, mobile terminals report channel conditions, desired data rates, pilot strengths signals
from neighboring radio base stations, and the like to a serving base station, which, using this
information as well as the relative loading among neighboring base stations, determines if,
when, and to which base station to hand off a mobile terminal. Intra-system handoff is a
fundamental operational aspect of any wireless communication system.
Inter-system handoff, however, may be problematic for several reasons. First, mobile
terminals must be developed and deployed to that are capable of engaging in communications
with both circuit switched and packet data wireless networks. Additionally, in most deployments,
circuit switched and packet data wireless networks operate in different frequency bands. Hybrid
mobile terminals exist which can operate in both frequency bands simultaneously; however soft
inter-system handoff is impossible due to the different radio technologies used. Additionally,
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network protocols in the circuit switched and packet data systems do not directly support inter-
system handoff.
SUMMARY
In one or more embodiments, the present invention relates to handing off a hybrid
mobile terminal between packet data and circuit switched wireless networks. The hybrid mobile
terminal is engaged in an existing call through a serving one of the wireless networks. The
mobile terminal places a new call through the target one of the wireless networks, the new call
having a predetermined called party identifier. In response to the called party identifier, the call
Is converted to a loop-back call directed to the mobile terminal through the serving wireless
network, establishing a call path through the target wireless network. The mobile terminal
accepts the loop-back call, and directs the existing call to connect to the call path through the
target wireless network. The existing call through the original network is then dropped.
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of hand off from a serving
one of a packet data or circuit switched wireless network to a target one of the networks, for a
hybrid mobile terminal capable of communications through both networks and engaged in an
existing call through the serving wireless networks. A new call is received from the mobile
terminal through the target wireless network, the new call having a predetermined called party
identifier. In response to the called party identifier, the new call is routed back to the mobile
terminal through the serving wireless network. The existing call is connected to the mobile
terminal through the target wireless network.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of handing off a hybrid
mobile terminal, operative to communicate through both packet data and circuit switched
wireless networks, from a serving one of such networks initially carrying an existing call to a
target one of such networks. A new call, having a predetermined called party identifier, is
generated through the target wireless network. A loop-back call is accepted through the serving
wireless network. In response to the loop-back call, the existing call is continued through the
target wireless.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a circuit switched wireless
network, including a subscriber database maintaining a plurality of subscriber profiles and at
least one fictitious subscriber profile having a predetermined Mobile Directory Number (MDN)
and identifying a call directed to the predetermined MDN as a handoff loop-back call. The
circuit switched wireless network also includes a network node operative to redirect a handoff
loop-back call to the mobile terminal that originated the call.
In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a packet data wireless
network, including a Public Service Identifier Application Server (PSI-AS) operative to redirect a
handoff loop-back call to the mobile terminal that originated the call. The packet data wireless
network also includes a network node operative to receive a Initial Address Message (IAM) from
a circuit switched wireless network, the IAM having a predetermined MDN as the called party
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identifier, and further operative to convert the called party identifier from the predetermined
MDN to the sip:uri address of the PSI-AS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1A is a network diagram of an existing call through a packet data wireless
network.
Figure 1B is a network diagram of the existing call and a loop-back call through a circuit
switched wireless network.
Figure 1C is a network diagram following handoff of the existing call from the packet
data to the circuit switched wireless network.
Figures 2A-2B are a signaling diagram of the inter-system handoff of Figures 1A-1C.
Figure 3A-3C are a flow diagram of the inter-system handoff of Figures 1A-1C.
Figure 4A is a network diagram of an existing call through a circuit switched wireless
network.
Figure 4B is a network diagram of the existing call and a loop-back call through a packet
data wireless network.
Figure 4C is a network diagram following handoff of the existing call from the circuit
switched to the packet data wireless network.
Figure 5 is a signaling diagram of the inter-system handoff of Figures 4A-4C.
Figures 6A-6B are a flow diagram of the inter-system handoff of Figures 4A-4C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In one or more embodiments, the present invention relates to a system and method of
handing off a hybrid mobile terminal between packet data and circuit switched wireless
networks. As used herein, a hybrid mobile terminal refers to a mobile device having the radio
transceivers, functionality, and if necessary the authorization, to engage in voice and/or data
communications with both a packet data wireless network and a circuit switched wireless
network. Due to different operating frequencies and a lack of protocols between the networks
themselves, it is not currently possible to hand off an existing call from one network to the other,
such as may become necessary if the hybrid mobile terminal moves from a geographic area
served by one network into an area served by the other.
Any new handoff method should work equally well in either direction. That is, it must
provide for handoff from a packet data wireless network to a circuit switched wireless network,
as well as from the circuit switched to the packet data wireless network. In the following
discussion, the "serving" wireless network is the network through which an existing call is routed
to the hybrid mobile terminal, and may be either a packet data or a circuit switched wireless
network. The "target" wireless network is the other network, through which the call will be
connected following the handoff procedure.
One way to establish a call path through the target wireless network is for the
corresponding functionality in the mobile terminal to place a call through the target wireless
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network to its functionality corresponding to the serving network. The existing call may
subsequently be connected to the newly established call path. That is, the packet data side of
the hybrid mobile terminal places a call to the circuit switched side of the same hybrid mobile
terminal, or vice versa. Such a call is referred to herein as a loop-back call.
However, most existing networks interpret a call to the originator - that is, a call where
the Calling Party Number (CgPN) and the Called Party Number (CdPN) are the same - as a call
to access the user's voicemail box. Thus, to work within existing networks, the CgPN and the
CdPN must be different. In circuit switched wireless networks, the Mobile Directory Number
(MDN) of the hybrid mobile terminal is inserted into the Initial Address Message (IAM) as the
CgPN (also referred to as the A-Number) by the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) serving the
mobile terminal, as part of the Line Identification functionality. Accordingly, altering the CgPN is
not an option.
According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a loop-back call is
established by a hybrid mobile terminal placing a call having a Transfer Routing Number (TRN)
as the CdPN. A unique TRN is defined for each network: TRNpd for the packet data wireless
network and TRNcs for the circuit switched wireless network. When a (target) network receives
a call request from a hybrid mobile terminal where the CdPN is the TRN for that network (and
the CgPN = MDN), the network recognizes the call as a loop-back call, and routes the call back
to the hybrid mobile terminal through the other (serving) wireless network. This may be
accomplished, for example, by swapping the called and calling party identifiers (i.e., CgPN =
TRN and CdPN = MDN), and routing the calf to the serving wireless network.
The call arrives at the hybrid mobile terminal through the serving wireless network. The
hybrid mobile terminal recognizes the loop-back call by virtue of the TRN and/or MDN. The
hybrid mobile terminal accepts the call, and transfers the existing call to its functionality
associated with the target wireless network. The serving wireless network (or the hybrid mobile
terminal) may then connect the existing call to the call path established through the target
wireless network, and drop the leg of the existing call through the serving wireless network,
effectively handing off the call from the serving to the target wireless network.
Packet Data Network to Circuit Switched Network Handoff
Figure 1 depicts a hybrid mobile terminal 10, comprising both packet data wireless
network Access Terminal (AT) and circuit switched wireless network Mobile Station (MS)
functionality. The hybrid AT/MS 10 is in a Roaming Area 12, in which a circuit switched wireless
network 20 and a packet data wireless network 30 are operative.
The circuit switched wireless network 20 comprises a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)
22, connected to one or more circuit switched Base Station Controllers (CS BSC) 24 providing
communication services to one or more mobile stations (not shown). The MSC 22 routes voice
and data over circuit switched network connections between the CS BSC 24 and numerous
other network nodes (not shown). The CS BSC 24 includes or controls one or more radio base
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stations or base station transceivers (not shown) that include the transceiver resources
necessary to support radio communication with mobile stations, such as
modulators/demodulators, baseband processors, radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers,
antennas, and the like.
The packet data wireless network 30 comprises a Packet Data Switching Node (PDSN)
32 connected to one or more packet data Base Station Controllers (PD BSC) 34 providing
packet data communication services to one or more access terminals, such as the AT side of
hybrid AT/MS 10. The PDSN 32 routes data packets between the PD BSC 34 and other packet
data networks, such as an IP Media System (IMS) network 40. The PD BSC 34 includes or
controls one or more radio base stations similar to the CS BSC 24, but provides packet data
communications on shared, high-bandwidth channels to ATs.
Both wireless networks 20,30 are connected to an IMS network 40. The IMS is a
general-purpose, open industry standard for voice and multimedia communications over packet-
based IP networks 40. The IMS network 40 includes one or more Application Servers (AS) 42
providing various services (audio and video broadcast or streaming, push-to-talk,
videoconferencing, games, filesharing, e-mail, and the like). In particular, a Telephony AS
(TAS) 50 provides telephonic communications services, as described in more detail herein.
Another AS within the IMS 40 is a Public Service Identifier (PSI) AS 46. The PSI AS 48 is a
generic AS that handles session transfer between IP connectivity points for a specific terminal.
The PSI AS 46 handles inter-system handoffs within a system.
Communications between nodes within the IMS network 40 utilize the Session Initiation
Protocol (SIP). SIP is a signaling protocol for Internet conferencing, telephony, presence,
events notification, instant messaging, and the like. SIP uses a long-term stable identifier, the
SIP Universal Resource Indicator (URI).
The PSI-AS 48 and TAS 50 are connected to a Serving-Call Session Control Function
(S-CSCF) 44. The S-CSCF 44 initiates, manages, and terminates multimedia sessions
between IMS 40 terminals. The S-CSCF 44 may be connected to an optional Interrogating-
CSCF (I-CSCF) 48. The I-CSCF 48 is a SIP proxy located at the edge of an administrative
domain. The I-CSCF (or S-CSCF if a I-CSCF is not present) is connected to a Proxy-CSCF (P-
CSCF) 52. The P-CSCF 52 is a SIP proxy that is the first point of contact to the IMS 40.
Both the PSDN 32 of the packet data wireless network 30 and a Media Gateway Control
Function (MGFC2) 54 maintain SIP connections to the P-CSCF 52. The MGCF2 54 controls a
media gateway (MGw2) 56, connected to the MSC 22 of the circuit switched wireless network 20
via a dedicated handoff trunk. The MGCF2 54 maintains a ISUP connection to the MSC 22.
Figure 1A depicts the hybrid AT/MS 10 engaged in a voice call with a party in the Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 62. The PSTN 62 is connected to the IMS network 40 by
a PSTN interface 60 including a MGCF1 66 controlling a MGw1 64. The MGw1 64 is connected
to the PSTN 62 over a time division multiplexed (TDM) link. The MGw1 64 translates coded
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voice packets or circuit switched 64-kbps Pulse Code Modulated (PCM) voice signals from the
PTSN 62 to coded voice packets, such as for example Enhanced Variable Rate CODEC
(EVRC) packets, which are then transmitted via Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) or Internet
Protocol (IP) to other nodes in the IMS network 40.
The call depicted in Figure 1A was set up by, and is maintained by, the TAS 50. The
TAS 50 serves as a Back-to-Back User Agent (B2BUA). A B2BUA is a SIP based logical entity
that can receive and process SIP INVITE messages as a SIP User Agent Server (UAS). The
B2BUA also acts as a SIP User Agent Client (UAC) that determines how the request should be
answered and how to initiate outbound calls. Unlike a SIP proxy server, the B2BUA maintains
complete call state and participates in all call requests. In particular, for the call of Figure 1 A,
the B2BUA controls two SIP dialogs: a first dialog between the MGCF1 66 and the TAS 50; and
a second dialog between the TAS 50 and the AT (IMS client) side of the hybrid AT/MS 10. In
the media plane or user plane, coded voice packets are transmitted from the MGw1 64 to the
PDSN 32, and transmitted from the PD BSC 34 over the air interface to the hybrid AT/MS 10.
Voice packets in the opposite direction follow the reverse path.
As the hybrid AT/MS 10 moves physically further from the radio transceiver resources of
the PD BSC 34, the hybrid AT/MS 10 indicates poor channel conditions to the PD BSC 34, such
as by requesting a lower data rate via a Data Rate Control (DRC) index. When the hybrid
AT/MS 10 reports sufficiently poor channel conditions, the PD BSC 34 determines it must hand
off the hybrid AT/MS 10 to another wireless network base station.
If the packet data wireless network 30 is of limited geographic extent, and the hybrid
AT/MS 10 is at the edge of its service area, it is likely that the hybrid AT/MS 10 may be served
by a circuit switched wireless network 20, which are more widely deployed. However, the
packet data wireless network 30 and the circuit switched wireless network 20 may not
implement protocols for inter-system handoff;
According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the handoff of a hybrid
AT/MS 10 from the packet data wireless network 30 to the circuit switched wireless network 20
is facilitated by having the hybrid AT/MS 10 place a call from its MS side, through the circuit
switched wireless network 20, to its AT side - referred to herein as a loop-back call. The loop-
back call establishes a third communication dialog between the TAS 50 and the MS side of the
hybrid AT/MS 10 -through the circuit switched wireless network 20 -to which the first dialog
(MGw1 - TAS) of the existing call may be connected, to effect an inter-system handoff. The
second dialog (TAS -AT) may then be dropped. This process is described with reference to
the signal flow diagram of Figure 2, and the flow diagram of Figure 3, wherein the numbering of
method steps and network events is consistent.
As discussed above, the AT/MS 10 is initially engaged in an existing voice call. The
TAS 50 is a B2BUA, maintaining a first dialog between the MGw1 64 and the TAS 50, and a
second dialog between the TAS 50 and of the AT side of the AT/MS 10 (block 100). If
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necessary, the MS functionality within the AT/MS 10 registers with the circuit switched wireless
network 20, according to standard procedures well known in the art (block 102). The MS side of
the AT/MS 10 then initiates a call through the circuit switched wireless network 20, with the
CdPN = TRNpd (block 104). This identifies the call to the network 40 as a loop-back call used
to initiate a handoff.
The MSC 22 places the MDN of the AT/MS 10 in the CgPN field of an Initial Address
Message (IAM) and the sends the IAM to the MGCF2 54 (block 106). The MGCF2 54 performs
an ENUM conversion on the TRNpd to generate a sip:uri PSI AS (block 108). ENUM is a
protocol that converts fully qualified PSTN telephone numbers to fully qualified IMS URIs. The
predetermined value of TRNpd is a reserved telephone number that identifies a call placed to it
as a loop-back call used to effect inter-system handoff. The MGCF2 54 places the sip:uri PSI
AS in the R-URI (To) field of a SIP INVITE message, and places the information from the CgPN
field of the IAM (i.e., the MDN) in the P-Asserted ID (verified From) field of the SIP INVITE
message.
The MGCF2 54 sends the SIP INVITE message to the IMS network 40, where it is routed
to the PSI AS 48 (block 110). The PSI AS 48 swaps of the values of the R-URI and P-Asserted
ID fields - that is, the called and calling party identifiers - thus redirecting the call back to the
originating AT/MS 10 (block 112). The PSI AS 48 additionally performs an ENUM conversion
on the MDN, so that the call back to the AT/MS 10 is routed through the packet data wireless
network 30. The PSI AS 48 forwards the modified SIP INVITE message to the S-CSCF 44
(block 114). A trigger in the S-CSCF 44 causes the SIP INVITE message to be routed to the
TAS 50 (block 116).
In response to the calling party identifier, that is, the P-Asserted ID header being the PSI
AS 48, the TAS 50 recognizes the loop-back call, and creates a third dialog: between the TAS
50 and the MGCF2 54. The TAS 50 sends a SIP 200 OK message containing the Session
Description Protocol (SDP) information for MGw1 66 to the S-CSCF 44 (block 120), which
forwards it to the MGCF2 54 (block 122). The MGCF2 sends a ANswer Message (ANM) to the
MSC 22 (block 124). This establishes the third dialog, through the circuit switched wireless
network 20 (block 126). The MGCF2 54 sends an acknowledge message confirming the third
dialog establishment to the S-CSCF 44 (block 128), which forwards it to the TAS 50 (block 130).
The existing call through the packet data wireless network 30 and the loop-back call through the
circuit switched wireless network 20 are depicted in Figure 1B.
Upon receiving the acknowledgment of the third dialog, the TAS 50 changes the first
dialog (MGw1 - TAS) by sending a SIP UPDATE message that informs the MGCF1 66 to direct
the MGW1 64 to send/receive media from MGw2 54. This SIP UPDATE message is sent to the
S-CSCF 44 (block 132), which forwards it to the MGC1 66(block 134).
At the same time, the TAS 50 releases the second dialogue (TAS - AT) by routing a BYE
message to the IMS client (the AT side of the AT/MS 10). The TAS 50 sends the BYE message
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to the S-CSCF 44 (block 136), which forwards it to the AT/MS 10 (block 138). Upon receiving
the BYE message, the AT side of the AT/MS 10 transfers voice for the existing call to its MS
functionality, transmitting and receiving voice signals through the circuit switched wireless
network 20.
Meanwhile, the MGCF1 66 confirms the update to the existing call by sending a SIP 200
OK message to the S-CSCF 44 (block 142), which is routed to the TAS 50 (block 144). At this
moment voice is connected between the MGw1 64 and the MGw2 56.
Finally, the IMS client (the AT side of the AT/MS 10), confirms the release of the second
dialogue (TAS - AT) by sending a SIP 200 OK message to the S-CSCF 44 (block 146), which
forwards it to the TAS 50 (block 148). The inter-system handoff is complete, and the AT/MS 10
continues the existing call through the circuit switched wireless network 20, using its MS
functionality. The media plane for the handed off call is depicted in Figure 1C. Voice signals
from the PSTN 62 are translated into coded voice packets by the MGw1 64, and travel over
RTP or IP to the MGw2 50. The MGw2 50 translates the coded voice packets to the 64-kbps
PCM format of the circuit switched wireless network 20 backhaul, and transmits the signals to
the MSC 22. The MSC 22 transmits the voice signals to the CS BSC 24, which transmits them
over a dedicated channel to the AT/MS 10. Voice signals in the opposite direction follow the
reverse path.
Circuit Switched Network to Packet Data Network Handoff
Figure 4A depicts a hybrid AT/MS 10 engaged in an existing call with a party in the
PSTN 62 through a circuit switched wireless network 20 in a roaming area 12. The circuit
switched wireless network 20 comprises a Visiting MSC (VMSC) 22 and a CS BSC 24. Also
within the roaming area 12 is a packet data wireless network 30 comprising a PDSN 32 and a
PD BSC 34. The packet data wireless network 30 is connected to an IMS network 40 via a P-
CSCF 52. The IMS network 40 includes one or more AS 42, a S-CSCF 44, a I-CSCF 46, a TAS
50, and a MGCF 54 controlling a MGw 56. All of the IMS network 40 components are described
above.
The MGCF 54 maintains a ISUP signaling connection to a Gateway MSC (GMSC) 58,
which is in the home area of the circuit switched wireless network 20. The GMSC 58 is
connected to a Home Location Register (HLR) 60 and a Service Control Point (SCP) 61. The
GMSC 58 additionally maintains connections to other network nodes, such as the PSTN 62.
As depicted in Figure 4A, and depicted in the signal diagram of Figure 5 and the flow
diagram of Figure 6 (wherein method steps and network signaling are numbered consistently),
the AT/MS 10 is engaged in an existing call, utilizing its MS functionality, through the circuit
switched wireless network 20 (block 150). Voice signals travel from a telephone in the PSTN
62, through the GMSC 58 in the home area, through the MSC 22 in the roaming area, and are
transmitted to the AT/MS 10 on a dedicated channel over the circuit-switched air interface by
the CS BSC 24. Voice signals in the opposite direction followed the reverse path.
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As the AT/MS 10 moves physically further from the radio transceivers of the CS BSC 24,
a handoff to the packet data wireless network 30 may become necessary. According to one or
more embodiments of the present invention, such a handoff may be facilitated by the hybrid
AT/MS 10 placing a loop-back call from its AT functionality, through the packet data wireless
network 30, to its MS functionality. This establishes a call dialogue through the packet data
wireless network 30, to which the existing call may be connected. By then disconnecting the
call through the circuit-switched wireless network 20, the AT/MS 10 will have defected and inter-
system handoff.
If necessary, the AT side of the AT/MS 10 registers with the IMS network 40 through the
packet data wireless network 30 (block 152). The AT and initiates a call through the packet
data wireless network 30 by issuing a SIP INVITE message to the S-CSCF 44, with CgPN =
MDN and CdPN = TRNcs (block 154). In response to a trigger, the S-CSCF 44 forwards the
SIP INVITE message to the TAS 50 (block 156).
In response to recognizing the TRNcs, the TAS 50 identifies the call request as a loop-
back call for a inter-system handoff. The TAS 50 thus knows to route the call through the
circuit-switched wireless network 20 (block 158). The TAS 50 generates a SIP INVITE
message with CgPN = MDN, CdPN = TRNcs, and ROUTE = MGCF and sends the SIP INVITE
message to the S-CSCF 44 (block 160), which forwards it to the MGCF 54 (block 162). The
MGCF 54 generates an Initial Address Message (IAM) with the appropriate called and calling
party identifiers, and sends the IAM to the GMSC 58 (block 164).
According to normal circuit switched network roaming procedures, the GMSC 58
accesses the HLR 42 ascertained the location of the called party (TRNcs). A fictitious
subscriber entry in the HLR 40, having the MDN = TRNcs, Includes Wireless Intelligent Network
(WIN) data specified in such a way that it directs of the GMSC 58 to a particular Service Control
Point (SCP) 61. When the GMSC 58 accesses the SCP 61, the SCP 61 identifies the loop-back
call as part of an inter-system handoff by recognizing the TRNcs as the called party identifier.
The SCP 61 swaps the called and calling party identifiers, thus routing the loop-back call to the
originating AT/MS 10. The SCP 61 then directs the GMSC 58 to continue with the call setup.
The GMSC 58 notes that the CdPN has changed, interprets this as a "forwarded call," and re-
accesses the HLR 60 to ascertain the location of the called party (now the MDN) (block 166).
The GMSC 58 locates the AT/MS 10, and sends an IAM signal to the VMSC 22 (block
168). The VMSC 22, aware that the AT/MS 10 is engaged in the existing voice call, sends a
Call Waiting signal to the AT/MS 10 (block 170). The AT/MS 10 recognizes the loop-back call
(by inspection of the CgPN = TRNcs), suppresses any Call Waiting alert that would normally be
issued to the user, and accepts the call (block 172). At this point, the loop-back call from the AT
side through the packet data wireless network 32 the MS side of the AT/MS 10 is established
(block 174), as depicted in Figure 4B.
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The AT/MS 10 sends a JOIN command through the circuit switched wireless network 20,
directing the existing call to connect to the loop-back call through the packet data wireless
network 30 (block 176). The leg of the loop-back call to the circuit-switched wireless network 20
is disconnected, effecting an inter-system handoff of the AT/MS 10 from the circuit switched
wireless network 20 to the packet data wireless network 30, as depicted in Figure 4C. Voice
signals travel from a telephone in the PSTN 62 to the MGw 56. The MGw 56 converts the voice
into coded voice packets which are transmitted over RTP or IP to the PDSN 32. The PD BSC
34 then transmits voice packets over a shared channel to the AT side of the AT/MS 10. Voice in
the opposite direction follow the reverse path.
Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to particular
features, aspects and embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that numerous variations,
modifications, and other embodiments are possible within the broad scope of the present
invention, and accordingly, all variations, modifications and embodiments are to be regarded as
being within the scope of the invention. The present embodiments are therefore to be
construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive and all changes coming within the
meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.
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CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. A method of hand off from a serving one of a packet data or circuit switched wireless
network to a target one of the networks, for a hybrid mobile terminal capable of communications
through both networks and engaged in an existing call through the serving wireless networks,
comprising:
receiving a new call from the mobile terminal through the target wireless network,
the new call having a predetermined called party identifier;
in response to the called party identifier, routing the new call back to the mobile
terminal through the serving wireless network; and
connecting the existing call to the mobile terminal through the target wireless
network.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising terminating the existing call through the
serving wireless network.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the predetermined called party identifier is a Transfer
Routing Number reserved for handoffs in the target wireless network.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the Transfer Routing Number is a fictitious subscriber
profile operative to direct the new call to a predetermined node in the target network for handoff
processing.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein routing the new call back to the mobile terminal
comprises swapping the called and calling party identifiers.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the mobile terminal automatically accepts the new call in
response to detecting the predetermined called party identifier as the calling party identifier.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the mobile terminal suppresses any indication to the user
of receiving the new call.
11

WO 2006/076421 PCT/US2006/000960
8. A mothod of handing off a hybrid mobile terminal, operative to communicate through
both packet data and circuit switched wireless networks, from a serving one of such networks
initially carrying an existing call to a target one of such networks, comprising:
generating a new call, having a predetermined called party identifier, through the
target wireless network;
accepting a loop-back call through the serving wireless network; and
in response to the loop-back call, continuing the existing call through the target
wireless.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein accepting a loop-back call through the serving wireless
network comprises accepting the loop-back call in response to the calling party identifier of the
loop-back call.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the calling party identifier of the loop-back call is the
predetermined called party identifier of the new call.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein the predetermined called party identifier is a Transfer
Routing Number unique to handoff functionality in the target wireless network.
12. The method of claim 8 further comprising terminating the existing call through the
serving wireless network.
13. A circuit switched wireless network, comprising:
a subscriber database maintaining a plurality of subscriber profiles and at least
one fictitious subscriber profile having a predetermined Mobile Directory Number (MDN)
and identifying a call directed to the predetermined MDN as a handoff loop-back call;
and
a network node operative to redirect a handoff loop-back call to the mobile
terminal that originated the call.
14. The network of claim 13, wherein the network node redirects handoff loop-back calls to
the originating mobile terminal by swapping the called and calling party identifiers.
15. The network of claim 13 wherein the network node is a Service Control Point (SCP).
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WO 2006/076421 PCT/US2006/000960
16. The network of claim 15 further comprising a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) receiving
an Initial Address Message (IAM) from a hybrid mobile terminal via a packet data wireless
network, the IAM having as a calling party identifier the MDN of the hybrid mobile terminal, and
having as a called party identifier the predetermined MDN.
17. The network of claim 16 wherein the MSC is operative to route the IAM to the SCP in
response to the fictitious subscriber profile in the subscriber database.
18. The network of claim 17 wherein the SCP is operative to place the MDN of the hybrid
mobile terminal in the called party identifier, places the predetermined MDN in the calling party
identifier, and to return the modified IAM to the MSC.
19. The network of claim 18 wherein the MSC is operative to route the modified IAM to the
hybrid mobile terminal through the circuit switched wireless network.
20. The network of claim 13 wherein the predetermined MDN is a Transfer Routing Number
(TRN) unique to the circuit switched wireless network.
21. A packet data wireless network, comprising:
a Public Service Identifier Application Server (PSI-AS) operative to redirect a
handoff loop-back call to the mobile terminal that originated the call;
a network node operative to receive a Initial Address Message (IAM) from a
circuit switched wireless network, the IAM having a predetermined Mobile Directory
Number (MDN) as the called party identifier, and further operative to convert the called
party identifier from the predetermined MDN to the sip:uri address of the PSI-AS.
22. The network of claim 21 wherein the PSI-AS redirects a handoff loop-back call to the
originating mobile terminal by swapping the called and calling party identifiers.
23. The network of claim 22 wherein the PSI-AS places the sip.uri address of the PSI-AS in
a P-Asserted ID field of a SIP INVITE message, places an ENUM conversion of the originating
mobile terminal MDN in a R-URI field of the SIP INVITE message, and propagates the SIP
INVITE message through the packet data wireless network.
24. The network of claim 23 further comprising a Telephony Application Server (TAS)
operative to receive the SIP INVITE message from the PSI-AS and, in response to the sip:uri
address of the PSI-AS in a P-Asserted ID field, to establish a dialogue with the originating
mobile terminal through the circuit switched wireless network.
13

The hybrid mobile terminal is engaged in an existing call through a serving one of a circuit
switched or packet data wireless networks. The mobile terminal places a new call through the
target one of the wireless networks, the new call having a predetermined called party
identifier. In response to the called party identifier, the call is converted to a loop-back call
directed to the mobile terminal through the serving wireless network, establishing a call path
through the target wireless network. The mobile terminal accepts the loop-back call, and
directs the existing call to connect to the call path through the target wireless network. The
existing call through the original network is then dropped, effecting an inter-system handoff
from the serving to the target wireless network.

Documents:

02918-kolnp-2007-correspondence 1.2.pdf

02918-kolnp-2007-correspondence others 1.1.pdf

02918-kolnp-2007-international preliminary report.pdf

02918-kolnp-2007-international search authority report-1.1.pdf

02918-kolnp-2007-others.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(03-06-2013)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(03-06-2013)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(05-05-2014)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(05-05-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(09-10-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(09-10-2014)-OTHERS.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(10-04-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(13-01-2014)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(13-01-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(13-01-2014)-OTHERS.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(14-07-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(14-07-2014)-OTHERS.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(17-06-2014)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(17-06-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(18-11-2013)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(18-11-2013)-FORM-3.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(19-08-2014)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(19-08-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(19-08-2014)-OTHERS.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(25-06-2014)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(25-06-2014)-CLAIMS.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(25-06-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(25-06-2014)-OTHERS.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(29-10-2013)-ABSTRACT.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(29-10-2013)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(29-10-2013)-CLAIMS.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(29-10-2013)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(29-10-2013)-OTHERS.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-(29-10-2013)-PA.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-abstract.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-claims.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE 1.3.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE 1.4.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-correspondence others.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE-1.5.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE-1.6.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE-1.7.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE-1.8.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-description complete.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-drawings.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-form 1.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-form 18.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-form 2.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-FORM 3 1.1.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-FORM 3-1.2.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-form 3.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-gpa.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION-COMPLETE.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-international publication.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT-1.2.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-international search report.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-OTHER DOCUMENT 1.1.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-OTHERS-1.2.pdf

2918-KOLNP-2007-OTHERS.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-pct request form.pdf

2918-kolnp-2007-priority document.pdf

abstract-02918-kolnp-2007.jpg


Patent Number 263957
Indian Patent Application Number 2918/KOLNP/2007
PG Journal Number 49/2014
Publication Date 05-Dec-2014
Grant Date 27-Nov-2014
Date of Filing 09-Aug-2007
Name of Patentee TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
Applicant Address PATENT UNIT, S-164 83 STOCKHOLM
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 SVENSSON, SVEN, ANDERS, BORJE 8244 STATION VILLAGE LANE, #2002, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
2 SURDILA, SORIN-ARTHUR 418 DE SAINT-SERVAN, LAVAL, QUEBEC H7X 4B4
3 FOTI, GEORGE 163 MOZART, DOLLARD DES ORMEAUX, QUEBEC, H9G 2Z8
4 REICHELT, MARTIN 11026 APPLE VALLEY DRIVE, FRISCO, TX 75034
PCT International Classification Number H04Q 7/38,H04L 12/56,H04Q7/00
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2006/000960
PCT International Filing date 2006-01-12
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 11/312,674 2005-12-20 U.S.A.
2 60/643,625 2005-01-13 U.S.A.