CN105027660B

CN105027660B - PS service recovery method, MSC/VLR and MME

Info

Publication number: CN105027660B
Application number: CN201380002371.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 舒林; 吴晓波
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: HEZE SHUANGLONG METALLURG MACHINERY Co.,Ltd.
Priority date: 2013-12-12
Filing date: 2013-12-12
Publication date: 2019-12-17
Anticipated expiration: 2033-12-12
Also published as: CN105027660A; WO2015085545A1

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of communication, in particular to a Packet Switching (PS) service recovery method and a device, which are used for solving the technical problem of downlink PS service failure caused by hanging of User Equipment (UE) in the prior art; in the embodiment of the invention, when the source MSC/VLR determines that the circuit switching message sent by the UE from the circuit switching domain of the fallback after initiating the circuit switching fallback CSFB request is not received, the source MSC/VLR indicates the MME to recover the PS service of the suspended UE and the suspended state of the UE, thereby ensuring the smooth proceeding of the uplink and downlink PS service and the CS service and improving the user experience.

Description

PS service recovery method, MSC/VLR and MME

Technical Field

the present invention relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to a PS service recovery method, an MSC/VLR and an MME.

Background

The Evolved Packet System (EPS) is introduced by The third Generation Partnership Project (3 rd Generation Partnership Project, 3 GPP) on The basis of The Second Generation (2G) Mobile Communication network GSM/EDGE (Global System of Mobile Communication/Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution) and The third Generation (3G) Mobile Communication network UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System ). The EPS Network includes an Evolved Universal Mobile telecommunications System terrestrial Radio access Network (E-UTRAN) and an Evolved Packet Core Network (EPC).

Based on the SGs (interface) interface function between the Mobile Switching Center/visitor Location Register (MSC/VLR) and the Mobility Management Entity (MME) in the existing 2G/3G network, 3GPP proposes a "circuit switched Fallback" (CSFB) technology and an SGs Short Message transmission technology (SMS over SGs). The CSFB technology enables User Equipment (UE) under E-UTRAN coverage to return to a CS domain of a 2G/3G network through the E-UTRAN to complete service processing when Circuit Switched (CS) voice service needs to be processed, and the SMSover SGs technology enables the UE residing in the E-UTRAN to reuse the existing CS domain Equipment to achieve CS short message transmission.

Consider a typical CSFB scenario as follows:

(1) UE initiates a CSFB Request to MME at E-UTRAN, namely initiates an Extended Service Request (Extended Service Request) message to the current Service MME;

(2) If the UE or the network side does not support PS (Packet Switched) handover, and the serving Evolved Node B (eNodeB) of the UE cannot perform the PS handover procedure to drop the UE back to the 2G/3G network, trying to drop the UE back to the 2G/3G network by performing other procedures, such as a redirection procedure or a Cell Change Order (CCO) procedure;

(3) If the serving eNodeB selects a GERAN (GSM EDGE Radio Access network) cell which does not support Dual Transfer Mode (DTM) for the UE, or the UE does not support DTM in a target GERAN cell, the serving eNodeB of the UE indicates the serving MME, and the PS service is unavailable in the target cell;

(4) The serving MME deactivates all Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR) bearers, suspends all non-GBR bearers simultaneously, and sets the context of the UE to a suspended state;

(5) The UE can not successfully fall back to the 2G/3G network, or the UE can not select a proper 2G/3G cell after falling back to the CS domain of the 2G/3G network, or the UE receives a request for canceling the CSFB service sent by an upper layer when deciding to fall back to the 2G/3G network, so that the CSFB process fails, and the UE can not send an uplink signaling to the MSC/VLR in the CS domain of the 2G/3G network;

(6) The UE performs the existing cell selection/reselection procedure back to the E-UTRAN and to one TA in a Tracking Area List (TA List) maintained by the UE.

After step (6), the UE returns to the TA in the TA list, so that no Tracking Area Update (TAU) request is initiated after returning to the E-UTRAN, and the MME does not know that the UE has returned to the E-UTRAN. After step (4), the MME has put the context of the UE in the suspended state, which may cause the following problems:

The network side discards the downlink PS service because the UE is in the suspended state, which results in that the downlink PS service cannot be performed. Meanwhile, the network side may also discard the downlink CS service paging because the UE is in the suspended state, which may result in that the downlink CS service cannot be performed.

These problems directly cause the failure of the downlink PS service and the CS service, which is not solved in the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

the embodiment of the invention provides a PS service recovery method, MSC/VLR and MME, which are used for solving the technical problem of downlink PS service failure caused by UE suspension in the prior art.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a method for recovering a packet switched PS service is provided, including:

A source mobile switching center/visitor location register (MSC/VLR) learns that User Equipment (UE) initiates a circuit switching fallback request from an evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN);

The source MSC/VLR determines that the circuit switching message sent by the UE is not received, wherein the circuit switching message is the message sent by the UE from a fallback circuit switching domain after initiating the circuit switching fallback request;

And the source MSC/VLR sends indication information to a mobile management entity MME, and the indication information is used for indicating the MME to recover the suspended PS service of the UE according to the indication information.

With reference to the first aspect, in a first possible implementation manner, the knowing, by the source MSC/VLR, that the UE initiates a circuit-switched fallback request from the E-UTRAN network includes: and the source MSC/VLR receives the SGs interface message which is sent by the MME and contains the UE identity information.

With reference to the first aspect or the first possible implementation, in a second possible implementation, the determining, by the source MSC/VLR, that a circuit-switched message sent by the UE is not received includes:

After receiving the SGs interface message, the source MSC/VLR starts a timer; when the timer is overtime, the message sent by the UE from the fallback circuit switched domain after initiating the circuit switched fallback request is not received; or

After receiving the SGs interface message, the source MSC/VLR starts the timer; when the timer is overtime, setting a flag bit; the flag bit is used for indicating that the message sent by the UE from the fallback circuit switched domain after the circuit switched fallback request is initiated is not received; or

After receiving the SGs interface message, the source MSC/VLR records the system time; and within the set time length after the recorded system time, not receiving the message sent by the UE from the fallback circuit switched domain after initiating the circuit switched fallback request.

With reference to the second possible implementation manner, in a third possible implementation manner, the method further includes:

Before the timer is overtime, if the source MSC/VLR receives a sending certification message sent by the target MSC/VLR, the running timer is stopped; or before the timer is overtime, if the source MSC/VLR receives the SGs paging rejection message sent by the MME, stopping the running timer.

With reference to the second possible implementation manner, in a fourth possible implementation manner, the method further includes:

Within the set duration, if the source MSC/VLR receives a sending certification message sent by the target MSC/VLR, deleting the recorded system time; or

And within the set duration, if the source MSC/VLR receives an SGs paging rejection message sent by the MME, deleting the recorded system time.

With reference to the first possible implementation manner or the second possible implementation manner, in a fifth possible implementation manner, the SGs interface message is: SGs service request message, or SGs uplink circuit switched fallback indication message.

With reference to the first aspect or any one of the first possible implementation manner to the fifth possible implementation manner, in a sixth possible implementation manner, if the circuit-switched fallback request is a downlink circuit-switched fallback request, the circuit-switched message is a paging response message or a location update message that is sent by the UE from a fallback circuit-switched domain after the downlink circuit-switched fallback request is initiated; or, if the circuit-switched fallback request is an uplink circuit-switched fallback request, the circuit-switched message is a service request message or a location update message sent from a fallback circuit-switched domain after the UE initiates the uplink circuit-switched fallback request.

In a second aspect of the present invention, a method for recovering a packet switched PS service is provided, including:

A mobile management entity MME suspends a PS service of user equipment UE in a circuit switching fallback flow initiated by the UE;

The MME receives indication information sent by a source mobile switching center/a visitor location register (MSC/VLR);

And the MME recovers the suspended PS service of the UE according to the indication information.

With reference to the second aspect, in a first possible implementation manner, before the MME suspends the PS service of the UE in a circuit switched fallback procedure initiated by the UE, the method further includes: and the MME receives indication information sent by a base station in the circuit switching fallback flow initiated by the UE, wherein the indication information is used for indicating that PS (packet switched) service is unavailable in the circuit switching fallback target cell.

With reference to the second aspect or the first possible implementation, in a second possible implementation, the suspending, by the MME, the PS service of the UE in a circuit switched fallback procedure initiated by a user equipment UE includes: the MME marks the context of the UE as a suspended state.

With reference to the second aspect, the first possible implementation manner, or the second possible implementation manner, in a third possible implementation manner, the resuming, by the MME, the PS service of the suspended UE according to the indication information includes: the MME clearing the suspended state of the context of the UE.

In a third aspect of the present invention, a method for recovering a packet switched PS service is provided, including:

A mobile management entity MME suspends a packet switching PS service of user equipment UE in a circuit switching fallback flow initiated by the UE;

The MME keeps the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in a first time interval;

And the MME resumes the suspended PS service of the UE at the end of the first time interval.

With reference to the third aspect, in a first possible implementation manner, before the MME suspends the PS service of the UE in a circuit switched fallback procedure initiated by the UE, the method further includes: and the MME receives indication information sent by a base station in the circuit switching fallback flow, wherein the indication information is used for indicating that the PS service is unavailable in the target cell of the circuit switching fallback.

With reference to the third aspect or the first possible implementation, in a second possible implementation, the suspending, by the MME, the PS service of the UE in a circuit switched fallback procedure initiated by the UE includes: the MME marks the context of the UE as a suspended state.

With reference to the third aspect, the first possible implementation manner, or the second possible implementation manner, in a third possible implementation manner, the maintaining, by the MME, the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in a first time interval includes:

the MME starts a suspension timer when suspending the PS service of the UE;

And keeping the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in the running interval of the suspension timer.

with reference to the third possible implementation manner, in a fourth possible implementation manner, in the operation interval of the suspend timer, the method further includes:

When receiving an uplink signaling message sent by the UE, the MME stops the running suspension timer; or

Upon receiving a suspend request message sent by a target serving GPRS support node, SGSN, the MME stops the pending timer that is running.

with reference to the third possible implementation manner or the fourth possible implementation manner, in a fifth possible implementation manner, the resuming, by the MME, the PS service of the suspended UE when the first time interval ends includes: the MME clearing the suspended state of the context of the UE when the suspended timer times out.

With reference to the third aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first possible implementation manner to the second possible implementation manner, in a sixth possible implementation manner, the maintaining, by the MME, the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in a first time interval includes:

When the MME suspends the PS service of the UE, recording system time;

and keeping the PS service of the UE in a suspended state within a set time length after the system time is recorded.

With reference to the sixth possible implementation manner, in a seventh possible implementation manner, within a set time duration after the system time is recorded, the method further includes:

When receiving an uplink signaling message sent by the UE, deleting the recorded system time by the MME; or

And when a suspension request message sent by a target Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) is received, the MME deletes the recorded system time.

With reference to the sixth possible implementation manner or the seventh possible implementation manner, in an eighth possible implementation manner, the resuming, by the MME, the PS service of the suspended UE at the end of the first time interval includes: and the MME clears the suspension state of the context of the UE when the recorded set duration after the system time is reached.

in a fourth aspect of the present invention, a mobile switching center/visitor location register MSC/VLR is provided, comprising:

A learning module, configured to learn that a UE initiates a circuit switched fallback request from an evolved universal mobile telecommunications system terrestrial radio access network E-UTRAN network;

a determining module, configured to determine that a circuit switched message sent by the UE is not received, where the circuit switched message is a message sent by the UE from a fallback circuit switched domain after initiating the circuit switched fallback request;

a sending module, configured to send indication information to a mobility management entity MME, to indicate the MME to resume the packet switched PS service of the suspended UE according to the indication information.

With reference to the fourth aspect, in a first possible implementation manner, the learning module is specifically configured to: and receiving the SGs interface message which is sent by the MME and contains the UE identity information.

With reference to the fourth aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in a second possible implementation manner, the determining module is specifically configured to:

After receiving the SGs interface message, starting a timer; when the timer is overtime, the message sent by the UE from the fallback circuit switched domain after initiating the circuit switched fallback request is not received; or

After the SGs interface message is received, starting the timer; when the timer is overtime, setting a flag bit; the flag bit is used for indicating that the message sent by the UE from the fallback circuit switched domain after the circuit switched fallback request is initiated is not received; or

After receiving the SGs interface message, recording system time; and within the set duration after the system time is recorded, not receiving the message sent by the UE from the fallback circuit switched domain after the UE initiates the circuit switched fallback request.

with reference to the second possible implementation manner, in a third possible implementation manner, the apparatus further includes a first operation module, configured to: before the timer is overtime, if a sending certification message sent by a target MSC/VLR is received, the running timer is stopped; or before the timer is overtime, if an SGs paging rejection message sent by the MME is received, stopping the running timer.

With reference to the second possible implementation manner, in a fourth possible implementation manner, the apparatus further includes a first operation module, configured to: within the set duration, if receiving a sending certification message sent by the target MSC/VLR, deleting the recorded system time; or, within the set duration, if an SGs paging rejection message sent by the MME is received, deleting the recorded system time.

with reference to the third aspect or any one possible implementation manner of the first possible implementation manner to the fifth possible implementation manner, in a sixth possible implementation manner, if the circuit-switched fallback request is a downlink circuit-switched fallback request, the circuit-switched message is a paging response message or a location update message that is sent by the UE from a fallback circuit-switched domain after the downlink circuit-switched fallback request is initiated; or

If the circuit switched fallback request is an uplink circuit switched fallback request, the circuit switched message is a service request message or a location update message sent from a fallback circuit switched domain after the UE initiates the uplink circuit switched fallback request.

in a fifth aspect of the present invention, a mobility management entity MME is provided, including:

A first suspension module, configured to suspend a packet switched PS service of a user equipment UE in a circuit switched fallback procedure initiated by the UE;

the first receiving module is used for receiving the indication information sent by the source mobile switching center/the visitor location register MSC/VLR;

A first resuming module, configured to resume the suspended PS service of the UE according to the indication information.

With reference to the fifth aspect, in a first possible implementation manner, the first receiving module is further configured to: and in the circuit switching fallback procedure initiated by the UE, receiving indication information sent by a base station, where the indication information is used to indicate that a PS service is unavailable in the circuit switching fallback target cell.

With reference to the fifth aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in a second possible implementation manner, the first suspending module is specifically configured to: marking a context of the UE as a suspended state.

With reference to the fifth aspect or the implementation manner of the first possible implementation manner or the second possible implementation manner, in a third possible implementation manner, the first recovery module is specifically configured to: clearing the suspended state of context of the UE.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobility management entity MME, including:

a second suspension module, configured to suspend, in a circuit switched fallback procedure initiated by a user equipment UE, a packet switched PS service of the UE;

a holding module, configured to hold a PS service of the UE in a suspended state in a first time interval;

A second resuming module, configured to resume the suspended PS service of the UE when the first time interval ends.

with reference to the sixth aspect, in a first possible implementation manner, the apparatus further includes a second receiving module, configured to: and in the circuit switching fallback flow, receiving indication information sent by a base station, wherein the indication information is used for indicating that the PS service is unavailable in the target cell of the circuit switching fallback.

With reference to the sixth aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in a second possible implementation manner, the second suspending module is specifically configured to: marking a context of the UE as a suspended state.

With reference to the sixth aspect, the first possible implementation manner, or the second possible implementation manner, in a third possible implementation manner, the holding module is specifically configured to: starting a suspension timer when the PS service of the UE is suspended; and keeping the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in the running interval of the suspension timer.

With reference to the third possible implementation manner, in a fourth possible implementation manner, the MME further includes a second operation module, configured to: stopping the running suspension timer when receiving an uplink signaling message sent by the UE; or, when receiving a suspension request message sent by a target serving GPRS support node SGSN, stopping the running suspension timer.

With reference to the third possible implementation manner or the fourth possible implementation manner, in a fifth possible implementation manner, the second recovery module is specifically configured to: clearing the suspended state of the context of the UE when the suspend timer times out.

With reference to the third aspect, the first possible implementation manner, or the second possible implementation manner, in a sixth possible implementation manner, the holding module is specifically configured to: recording system time when the PS service of the UE is hung up; and keeping the PS service of the UE in a suspended state within a set time length after the system time is recorded.

with reference to the sixth possible implementation manner, in a seventh possible implementation manner, the MME further includes a second operation module, configured to: deleting the recorded system time when receiving an uplink signaling message sent by the UE; or deleting the recorded system time when receiving a suspension request message sent by a target Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN).

with reference to the sixth possible implementation manner or the seventh possible implementation manner, in an eighth possible implementation manner, the second recovery module is specifically configured to: and when the recorded set duration after the system time is reached, clearing the suspension state of the context of the UE.

A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a mobile switching center/visitor location register MSC/VLR, comprising:

a first memory to store instructions;

A first interface, configured to learn that a UE initiates a circuit switched fallback request from an E-UTRAN network, and send indication information to a mobility management entity MME, where the indication information is used to indicate the MME to resume a packet switched PS service of the UE that is suspended according to the indication information;

A first processor, configured to execute the instruction to determine that a circuit switched message sent by the UE is not received, where the circuit switched message is a message sent by the UE from a fallback circuit switched domain after initiating the circuit switched fallback request.

With reference to the seventh aspect, in a first possible implementation manner, the first interface is specifically configured to: and receiving the SGs interface message which is sent by the MME and contains the UE identity information.

With reference to the seventh aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in a second possible implementation manner, the first processor is specifically configured to:

Executing the instruction, and starting a timer after receiving the SGs interface message; when the timer is overtime, the message sent by the UE from the fallback circuit switched domain after initiating the circuit switched fallback request is not received; or

executing the instruction, and starting the timer after receiving the SGs interface message; when the timer is overtime, setting a flag bit; the flag bit is used for indicating that the message sent by the UE from the fallback circuit switched domain after the circuit switched fallback request is initiated is not received; or

executing the instruction, and recording the system time after receiving the SGs interface message; and within the set duration after the system time is recorded, not receiving the message sent by the UE from the fallback circuit switched domain after the UE initiates the circuit switched fallback request.

With reference to the second possible implementation manner, in a third possible implementation manner, the first processor is further configured to: executing the instruction, and stopping the running timer if receiving a sending certification message sent by the target MSC/VLR before the timer is overtime; or executing the instruction, and stopping the running timer if receiving an SGs paging rejection message sent by the MME before the timer expires.

With reference to the second possible implementation manner, in a fourth possible implementation manner, the first processor is further configured to: executing the instruction, and deleting the recorded system time if receiving a sending certification message sent by the target MSC/VLR within the set time length; or, executing the instruction, and deleting the recorded system time if receiving the SGs paging rejection message sent by the MME within the set time length.

With reference to the second possible implementation manner or the third possible implementation manner, in a fifth possible implementation manner, the SGs interface message is: SGs service request message, or SGs uplink circuit switched fallback indication message.

with reference to the seventh aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first possible implementation manner to the fifth possible implementation manner, in a sixth possible implementation manner, if the circuit-switched fallback request is a downlink circuit-switched fallback request, the circuit-switched message is a paging response message or a location update message that is sent by the UE from a fallback circuit-switched domain after the downlink circuit-switched fallback request is initiated; or, if the circuit-switched fallback request is an uplink circuit-switched fallback request, the circuit-switched message is a service request message or a location update message sent from a fallback circuit-switched domain after the UE initiates the uplink circuit-switched fallback request.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobility management entity MME, including:

a second memory for storing instructions;

A second processor, configured to execute the instruction to suspend a packet switched PS service of the UE in a circuit switched fallback procedure initiated by a user equipment UE, and resume the suspended PS service of the UE according to indication information;

And the second interface is used for receiving the indication information sent by the source mobile switching center/visitor location register (MSC/VLR).

with reference to the eighth aspect, in a first possible implementation manner, the second interface is further configured to: and in the circuit switching fallback procedure initiated by the UE, receiving indication information sent by a base station, where the indication information is used to indicate that a PS service is unavailable in the circuit switching fallback target cell.

With reference to the eighth aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in a second possible implementation manner, the second processor is specifically configured to: executing the instructions marks a context of the UE as a suspended state.

With reference to the eighth aspect, the first possible implementation manner, or the second possible implementation manner, in a third possible implementation manner, the second processor is specifically configured to: executing the instructions to clear the suspended state of the context of the UE.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobility management entity MME, comprising:

A third memory for storing instructions;

A third processor, configured to execute the instruction, suspend a packet switched PS service of the UE in a circuit switched fallback procedure initiated by a user equipment UE, keep the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in a first time interval, and resume the suspended PS service of the UE when the first time interval ends.

With reference to the ninth aspect, in a first possible implementation manner, the apparatus further includes a third interface, configured to receive, in the circuit-switched fallback procedure, indication information sent by a base station, where the indication information is used to indicate that a PS service is unavailable in a target cell of the circuit-switched fallback.

With reference to the ninth aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in a second possible implementation manner, the third processor is further configured to: executing the instructions marks a context of the UE as a suspended state.

With reference to the ninth aspect, the first possible implementation manner, or the second possible implementation manner, in a third possible implementation manner, the third processor is further configured to: executing the instruction, and starting a suspension timer when the PS service of the UE is suspended; and keeping the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in the running interval of the suspension timer.

With reference to the third possible implementation manner, in a fourth possible implementation manner, the third processor is further configured to: executing the instruction, and stopping the running suspension timer when receiving an uplink signaling message sent by the UE; or executing the instruction, and stopping the running suspension timer when receiving a suspension request message sent by a target Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN).

With reference to the third possible implementation manner or the fourth possible implementation manner, in a fifth possible implementation manner, the third processor is further configured to: executing the instruction, and clearing the suspended state of the context of the UE when the suspended timer is timed out.

With reference to the ninth aspect, the first possible implementation manner, or the second possible implementation manner, in a sixth possible implementation manner, the third processor is further configured to: executing the instruction, and recording the system time when the PS service of the UE is suspended; and keeping the PS service of the UE in a suspended state within a set time length after the system time is recorded.

With reference to the sixth possible implementation manner, in a seventh possible implementation manner, the third processor is further configured to: executing the instruction, and deleting the recorded system time when receiving an uplink signaling message sent by the UE; or, executing the instruction, and deleting the recorded system time when receiving a suspension request message sent by a target serving GPRS support node SGSN.

With reference to the sixth possible implementation manner or the seventh possible implementation manner, in an eighth possible implementation manner, the third processor is further configured to: and executing the instruction, and clearing the suspension state of the context of the UE when the recorded set duration after the system time is reached.

in the embodiment of the present invention, after learning the circuit-switched fallback request, if it is determined that the circuit-switched message sent by the UE is not received, the source MSC/VLR may instruct the MME to resume the PS service of the suspended UE, thereby ensuring normal operation of subsequent PS services. Therefore, the technical problem that the downlink PS service fails due to the fact that the UE is suspended in the prior art is solved. Moreover, the PS service recovery method in the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to UEs of various versions, and is not limited in use and has a wide application range.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a main flowchart of a PS service recovery method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an interaction flowchart of a PS service recovery method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a main flowchart of a PS service recovery method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a main flowchart of a PS service recovery method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is an interaction flowchart of a PS service recovery method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an MSC/VLR according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an MME according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an MME according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of an MSC/VLR according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of an MME according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of an MME according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The PS service recovery method in the embodiment of the invention comprises the following steps: a source mobile switching center/visitor location register (MSC/VLR) learns that User Equipment (UE) initiates a circuit switching fallback request from an evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN); the source MSC/VLR determines that the circuit switching message sent by the UE is not received, wherein the circuit switching message is the message sent by the UE from a fallback circuit switching domain after initiating the circuit switching fallback request; and the source MSC/VLR sends indication information to a mobile management entity MME, and the indication information is used for indicating the MME to recover the suspended PS service of the UE according to the indication information.

In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention, and it is obvious that the described embodiments are some, but not all, embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments, which can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the embodiments given herein without making any creative effort, shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

the techniques described herein may be used in various communication systems, such as current 2G, 3G communication systems and next generation communication systems, such as Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Long Term-Division Multiple Access (Long Term-Multiple Access), single carrier-FDMA (SC-FDMA), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE, Long Term Evolution), and other types of communication systems. The LTE System described herein is an Evolved Universal mobile telecommunications System terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN).

Various aspects are described herein in connection with a user-side device and/or a network-side device.

The user side device may be a wireless terminal or a wired terminal, and the wireless terminal may be a device providing voice and/or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device having a wireless connection function, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. Wireless terminals, which may be mobile terminals such as mobile telephones (or "cellular" telephones) and computers having mobile terminals, such as portable, pocket, hand-held, computer-included, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices, may communicate with one or more core networks via a Radio Access Network (e.g., RAN). For example, Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and the like. A wireless Terminal may also be referred to as a system, a Subscriber Unit (Subscriber Unit), a Subscriber Station (Subscriber Station), a Mobile Station (Mobile), a Remote Station (Remote Station), an Access point (Access point), a Remote Terminal (Remote Terminal), an Access Terminal (Access Terminal), a User Terminal (User Terminal), a User Agent (User Agent), or a User Equipment (UE). For convenience of description, the term "user equipment, abbreviated UE" is used herein.

the network side device may be, for example, a base station, or may also be a relay device, or may be an MSC/VLR (mobile switching center/visitor location register), or may be an MME (mobility management entity), or may be an SGSN (Serving General Packet Radio Service support node), or may also be another network side device, where the MSC and the VLR are generally combined into the same network element, which is called an MSC/VLR, or is simply referred to as a VLR, or is simply referred to as an MSC. A base station (e.g., access point) can refer to a device in an access network that communicates over the air-interface, through one or more sectors, with wireless terminals. The base station may be configured to interconvert received air frames and IP packets as a router between the wireless terminal and the rest of the access network, which may include an Internet Protocol (IP) network. The base station may also coordinate management of attributes for the air interface. For example, the Base Station may be a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) in GSM or CDMA, a Base Station (NodeB) in WCDMA, or an evolved Node B (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB) in LTE, which is not limited in this application.

because the LTE network only supports PS data services, when the UE performs data services in the LTE network or is in an idle state, if the UE wants to initiate or receive circuit domain services (including voice call, supplementary services, location services, or the like), a circuit switched fallback CSFB procedure is required to be performed to drop the UE from the LTE network to the 2G/3G network, so that the UE completes the circuit domain services in the 2G/3G network. After the circuit domain service is finished (the fact that the UE releases the underlying link established by the CSFB service in the 2G/3G network means that the circuit domain service is finished), the terminal needs to return to the LTE network to continue to perform the data service in the LTE network. In the embodiment of the present invention, a CSFB service, specifically, a CS service executed after a CSFB procedure falls back to a 2G/3G network is initiated by a UE residing in an LTE network because the UE needs to execute a circuit domain CS service, where the CSFB service includes an uplink CSFB service and a downlink CSFB service, for example, a downlink CSFB service triggered by a voice call paging or an uplink CSFB service triggered by an active voice call received by the UE in the LTE network. In the embodiment of the invention, the source MSC/VLR is the MSC/VLR successfully registered by the UE in the combined registration process, namely the serving MSC/VLR when the UE resides in the LTE network after the combined registration is successful, which is also called as the registered MSC/VLR. The serving MSC/VLR initiates a CSFB flow for the UE to fall back to the 2G/3G network, and then executes the MSC/VLR provided with the service provided by the CS service, which is also called as a target MSC/VLR.

Additionally, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein. The term "and/or" herein is merely an association describing an associated object, meaning that three relationships may exist, e.g., a and/or B, may mean: a exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character "/" herein generally indicates that the former and latter related objects are in an "or" relationship.

The embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the drawings attached hereto.

example one

Referring to fig. 1, an embodiment of the present invention provides a PS service recovery method, which mainly includes the following steps:

Step 101: the source MSC/VLR learns that the UE initiates a circuit switched fallback request from the E-UTRAN network.

generally, an interaction flowchart of the PS service recovery method according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig. 2.

Preferably, in the CSFB and SMS over SGs mechanism, a UE that resides in E-UTRAN and supports CSFB and/or SMS over SGs needs to initiate a joint registration procedure to enable simultaneous registration to the EPC network PS domain and the 2G/3G network CS domain. After the successful implementation of the joint registration, the uplink and downlink CSFB services and the uplink and downlink short message services can be initiated normally.

therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, before step 101, that is, before step 1a in fig. 2, the user equipment (hereinafter referred to as UE) has successfully performed the joint registration to the MME and the MSC/VLR. The MSC/VLR may be referred to herein as a source MSC/VLR.

The CSFB flow can be divided into an uplink (MO-CSFB) flow and a downlink (MT-CSFB) flow, which are shown separately in FIG. 2. It should be noted that these are two independent flows, and fig. 2 is drawn into one drawing for convenience of description. Which are described separately below.

First, a UE-initiated uplink (MO) CSFB procedure is shown in a portion of a dashed box 1 in fig. 2.

The UE has successfully been co-registered with the MME and the source MSC/VLR. The UE actively sends an extended service request message to the MME at E-UTRAN, as in step 1a of fig. 2. After receiving the extended service request message, the MME sends an SGs interface message to the source MSC/VLR, that is, the source MSC/VLR learns that the UE initiates a circuit switched fallback request from an E-UTRAN network, which may specifically mean that the MSC/VLR receives an SGs interface message including the UE identity information sent by the MME, at this time, the SGs interface message may specifically mean an SGs uplink circuit switched fallback indication message, as in step 1b in fig. 2. It should be noted that, at this time, the SGs interface message may specifically be an SGs service request message. The SGs uplink circuit switched fallback indication message and the SGs service request message are intended to inform the source MSC/VLR, and the UE initiates a MO-CSFB service request.

And secondly, a network-side initiated MT-CSFB flow is shown as a part in a solid line box 2 in FIG. 2.

The UE has successfully been co-registered with the MME and the source MSC/VLR. After receiving the downlink CS service request, the source MSC/VLR sends an SGs paging request to the MME, as shown in step 2a in fig. 2. After receiving the SGs paging request, the MME executes different actions according to the current connection state of the UE: if the UE is currently in the idle state, the MME first executes a paging procedure to change the UE from the idle state to the connected state, as in steps 2b and 2c in fig. 2, where the UE sends the extended service request message to the MME, and the MME sends an SGs service request message to the source MSC/VLR after receiving the extended service request message, as in step 2d in fig. 2; if the UE is currently in the connected state, the MME sends a CS notification message to the UE, the UE replies the extended service request message to the MME, and then the MME sends the SGs service request message to the source MSC/VLR, as in step 2d in fig. 2.

That is, the source MSC/VLR learns that the UE initiates a circuit switched fallback request from the E-UTRAN network, which may specifically refer to that the MSC/VLR receives an SGs interface message containing the UE identity information sent by the MME, where the SGs interface message may specifically refer to the SGs service request message.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the SGs interface message may specifically be the SGs service request message, or may be an SGs uplink circuit switched fallback indication message.

Step 102: and the source MSC/VLR determines that the circuit switching message sent by the UE is not received, wherein the circuit switching message is a message sent by the UE from a fallback circuit switching domain after initiating the circuit switching fallback request.

Preferably, the determining, by the source MSC/VLR, that the circuit-switched message sent by the UE is not received may specifically be: the source MSC/VLR starts a timer after receiving the SGs interface message, and does not receive a message sent by the UE from a fallback circuit-switched domain after initiating the circuit-switched fallback request when the timer times out; or, after receiving the SGs interface message, the source MSC/VLR starts the timer; when the timer is overtime, setting a flag bit, wherein the flag bit is used for indicating that the message sent by the UE from the fallback circuit switched domain after the circuit switched fallback request is initiated is not received; or, after receiving the SGs interface message, the source MSC/VLR records the system time, and does not receive the message sent by the UE from the fallback circuit-switched domain after initiating the circuit-switched fallback request within the set duration after recording the system time.

for example, the source MSC/VLR may start the timer to monitor whether the UE can successfully access the CS domain of the 2G/3G network, as shown in step 3 of fig. 2. Monitoring whether the UE can be successfully accessed in a CS domain of a 2G/3G network, specifically comprising: for MT-CSFB, the source MSC/VLR starts the timer to monitor whether the UE can send paging response message or location update message in the CS domain of the 2G/3G network; for MO-CSFB, the source MSC/VLR starts the timer to monitor whether the UE can send a service request message or a location update message in a CS domain of a 2G/3G network, specifically, the service request message may be a Connection Management (CM) service request message. Wherein the paging response message or the connection management service request message is a message sent by the UE from a fallback circuit switched domain.

wherein, if the source MSC/VLR starts the timer, for MT-CSFB, if the UE can send a paging response message in a 2G/3G network CS domain, that is, if the source MSC/VLR can receive the paging response message or the location update message, it indicates that the UE has successfully fallen back to the 2G/3G network, and the source MSC/VLR may close the timer. And if the source MSC/VLR does not receive the paging response message and the location updating message, the source MSC/VLR keeps the timer to keep timing until the time is out.

Wherein, if the source MSC/VLR starts the timer, for MO-CSFB, if the UE can send the service request message or the location update message in a 2G/3G network CS domain, that is, if the source MSC/VLR can receive the service request message or the location update message, it indicates that the UE has successfully fallen back to the 2G/3G network, and the source MSC/VLR may close the timer. And if the source MSC/VLR does not receive the service request message and the location updating message, the source MSC/VLR keeps the timer to keep timing until the time is out.

preferably, the embodiment of the present invention may further include: and the MME receives indication information sent by a base station in a circuit switching fallback flow initiated by the UE, wherein the indication information is used for indicating that a PS service is unavailable in a target cell of the circuit switching fallback, and the MME sets the PS service of the UE to be in a suspended state according to the indication information.

Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, after receiving the extended service request message sent by the UE, the MME continues to execute the procedures required by other MT/MO-CSFBs, which includes: and sending the CSFB indication information to the eNodeB through different messages according to the connection state of the UE when the CSFB is initiated. After receiving the CSFB indication information of the MME, if the UE or the network side does not support PS handover, the selected target cell is a GERAN cell, and the UE or the target cell does not support DTM, the eNodeB sends the indication information to the MME to indicate that the MME and the PS service are not available in the target cell.

At this time, the MME initiates a procedure of deactivating all GBR bearers, and a procedure of reserving and suspending all non-GBR bearers according to the indication information, and sets the context of the UE to be in a suspended state, that is, the PS service of the UE is suspended, as in step 4 in fig. 2.

Preferably, in this embodiment of the present invention, after starting the timer, the source MSC/VLR may further include: before the timer is overtime, the source MSC/VLR receives a first message, wherein the first message is used for indicating that the UE falls back to a 2G/3G network, or the first message is used for indicating that a user refuses to accept a CSFB flow; and the source MSC/VLR closes the timer according to the first message.

Specifically, after the timer is started and before the timer is not timed out, if the source MSC/VLR receives a Send Identification (Send Identification) message sent by the target MSC/VLR, as in step 5a in fig. 2, or the source MSC/VLR receives an SGs paging reject message from the MME, as in step 5b in fig. 2, the source MSC/VLR stops the running timer, that is, closes the timer, as in step 5c in fig. 2.

Preferably, in this embodiment of the present invention, if the source MSC/VLR does not start the timer, only the system time is recorded after receiving the SGs interface message, and after recording the system time, the method may further include: and within the set duration, the source MSC/VLR receives the first message, wherein the first message is used for indicating that the UE falls back to the 2G/3G network, or the first message is used for indicating that a user refuses to accept a CSFB process, and the source MSC/VLR deletes the record according to the first message, namely deletes the recorded system time.

it should be noted that, after the target MSC/VLR provides the actual service to the UE after the UE falls back to the 2G/3G network, the source MSC/VLR can receive the sending certification message sent by the target MSC/VLR, which indicates that the UE has successfully accessed in the CS domain of the 2G/3G network, and only changes the serving MSC/VLR, which indicates that the UE has successfully fallen back to the 2G/3G network, so the source MSC/VLR can close the timer or delete the record.

Similarly, if the source MSC/VLR is able to receive the SGs paging reject message sent by the MME and the reject reason is that the user rejects to accept the MT-CSFB, it indicates that the user has rejected the MT-CSFB and the MT-CSFB procedure has been terminated, and the source MSC/VLR may close the timer or delete the record.

specifically, the first message may refer to the sending certification message, or may also refer to the SGs paging rejection message.

Step 103: and the source MSC/VLR sends indication information to MME, and the indication information is used for indicating the MME to recover the suspended PS service of the UE according to the indication information.

When the source MSC/VLR determines that the circuit switched message sent by the UE is not received, the source MSC/VLR sends the indication information to the MME for indicating the MME, and in the CSFB procedure of this time, the source MSC/VLR fails to receive the message sent by the UE from the target circuit switched CS domain, as in step 6 in fig. 2, the MME initiates a PS service recovery procedure for the UE according to the indication information, and clears the identifier where the UE is suspended, as in step 7 in fig. 2.

That is, if the timer is overtime or the source MSC/VLR deletes the record, the source MSC/VLR sends the indication information to the MME, where the indication information is used to indicate the MME, and in the CSFB procedure of this time, the source MSC/VLR fails to receive a message sent by the UE from a target CS domain (i.e., a 2G/3G network CS domain), which specifically includes: for MT-CSFB, the source MSC/VLR fails to receive the paging response message sent by the UE in the CS domain of the 2G/3G network; for MO-CSFB, the source MSC/VLR fails to receive the service request message sent by the UE in the CS domain of the 2G/3G network.

it should be noted that, if the serving MSC/VLR is replaced in the process of dropping back to the 2G/3G network, the source MSC/VLR indirectly determines whether the UE has sent a message from the target CS domain according to a sending certification message sent by the target MSC/VLR. That is, if the source MSC/VLR receives the transmission confirmation message sent by the target MSC/VLR, the source MSC/VLR determines that the message sent by the UE from the target CS domain is received, and if the source MSC/VLR does not receive the transmission confirmation message sent by the target MSC/VLR, the source MSC/VLR determines that the message sent by the UE from the target CS domain is not received.

If the MME receives the indication information, the MME initiates a PS service recovery process aiming at the UE according to the indication information, clears the mark that the UE is suspended, and then processes the MT CS service and the MT PS service related to the UE as usual, thereby ensuring that the subsequent CS service and the PS service are normally carried out.

in the embodiment of the invention, the source MSC/VLR monitors the UE, and if the circuit switching message sent by the UE is not received, the source MSC/VLR determines to recover the suspended PS service of the UE, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the subsequent PS service and the CS service. And if receiving the message indicating that the UE has successfully accessed in the 2G/3G, forbidding to recover the suspended PS service of the UE, and ensuring the normal communication of the UE. And if the UE is successfully accessed to the 2G/3G network, the circuit switching message is sent to the source MSC/VLR, the source MSC/VLR can directly judge whether the UE is successfully accessed according to whether the circuit switching message is received, if the UE is not successfully accessed, the suspended PS service of the UE is recovered, the processing process is simple and quick, and the transfer of the message is not needed.

example two

referring to fig. 3, based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention continuously provides a PS service recovery method, where the method mainly includes the following steps:

step 301: and the MME suspends the PS service of the UE in a circuit switching fallback flow initiated by the UE.

specifically, in this embodiment of the present invention, before the MME suspends the PS service of the UE in the circuit switched fallback procedure initiated by the UE, the method may further include: and the MME receives indication information sent by a base station in the circuit switching fallback flow, wherein the indication information is used for indicating that the PS service is unavailable in the target cell of the circuit switching fallback. The indication information here is indication information that the eNodeB sends to the MME in the first embodiment.

Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the suspending, by the MME, the PS service of the UE in the circuit switched fallback procedure initiated by the UE includes: the MME marks the context of the UE as a suspended state.

At this time, the MME initiates a procedure of deactivating all GBR bearers, and a procedure of reserving and suspending all non-GBR bearers according to the indication information sent by the eNodeB, and sets the context of the UE to be in a suspended state, that is, the PS service of the UE is suspended, as in step 4 in fig. 2.

Step 302: and the MME receives the indication information sent by the source MSC/VLR.

When the source MSC/VLR determines that the circuit switched message sent by the UE is not received, the source MSC/VLR sends the indication information to the MME to indicate the MME, and in the CSFB procedure of this time, the source MSC/VLR fails to receive the message sent by the UE from the target circuit switched CS domain, as in step 6 in fig. 2.

Step 303: and the MME recovers the suspended PS service of the UE according to the indication information.

Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the resuming, by the MME, the PS service of the suspended UE according to the indication information includes: the MME clearing the suspended state of the context of the UE.

The MME initiates a PS service resumption procedure for the UE according to the indication information, and clears the identifier where the UE is suspended, as in step 7 in fig. 2.

EXAMPLE III

Referring to fig. 4, based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention provides a PS service recovery method, which mainly includes the following steps:

step 401: and the MME suspends the PS service of the UE in a circuit switching fallback flow initiated by the UE.

Generally, an interaction flowchart of the PS service recovery method according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig. 5.

The CSFB flow can be divided into an uplink (MO-CSFB) flow and a downlink (MT-CSFB) flow, which are shown separately in FIG. 5. It should be noted that these are two independent flows, and fig. 5 is drawn in one drawing for convenience of description. Which are described separately below.

First, a UE-initiated uplink (MO) CSFB procedure is shown in a portion of a dashed box 1 in fig. 5.

the UE has successfully been co-registered with the MME and the source MSC/VLR. The UE actively sends an extended service request message to the MME in E-UTRAN, as in step 1a in fig. 5. After receiving the extended service request message, the MME sends an SGs interface message to the source MSC/VLR, that is, the source MSC/VLR learns that the UE initiates a circuit switched fallback request from an E-UTRAN network, which may specifically mean that the MSC/VLR receives an SGs interface message that includes the UE identity information and is sent by the MME, at this time, the SGs interface message may specifically mean an SGs uplink circuit switched fallback indication message, as in step 1b in fig. 5. It should be noted that, at this time, the SGs interface message may specifically be an SGs service request message. The SGs uplink circuit switched fallback indication message and the SGs service request message are intended to inform the source MSC/VLR, and the UE initiates a MO-CSFB service request.

second, the MT-CSFB procedure initiated by the network side is shown in the portion of the solid line box 2 in fig. 5.

The UE has successfully been co-registered with the MME and the source MSC/VLR. After receiving the downlink CS service request, the source MSC/VLR sends an SGs paging request to the MME, as shown in step 2a in fig. 5. After receiving the SGs paging request, the MME executes different actions according to the current connection state of the UE: if the UE is currently in the idle state, the MME first executes a paging procedure to change the UE from the idle state to the connected state, as in steps 2b and 2c in fig. 5, where the UE sends the extended service request message to the MME, and the MME sends an SGs service request message to the source MSC/VLR after receiving the extended service request message, as in step 2d in fig. 5; if the UE is currently in the connected state, the MME sends a CS notification message to the UE, the UE replies the extended service request message to the MME, and then the MME sends the SGs service request message to the source MSC/VLR, as in step 2d in fig. 5.

At this time, the MME initiates procedures of deactivating all GBR bearers, and procedures of reserving and suspending all non-GBR bearers according to the indication information sent by the eNodeB, and sets the context of the UE to be in a suspended state, that is, the PS service of the UE is suspended, as in step 4 in fig. 5.

Step 402: the MME keeps the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in a first time interval.

Preferably, in the embodiment of the present invention, the MME keeps the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in the first time interval, which may specifically be: the MME starts a suspension timer when suspending the PS service of the UE; and keeping the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in the operation interval of the suspension timer, as shown in step 4 in FIG. 5.

preferably, in the embodiment of the present invention, after the starting of the suspend timer and before the time-out of the suspend timer, that is, in the running interval of the suspend timer, the method may further include: before the timer expires, the MME receives a second message, where the second message may be an uplink signaling message sent by the UE, and is used to indicate that the UE has returned to the LTE network after the CSFB service ends, or the second message may be a Suspend Request (Suspend Request) message, and is used to indicate that the UE initiates a PS Suspend procedure to a target SGSN after falling back to a 2G/3G network, and then the MME closes the Suspend timer according to the second message.

Specifically, in the operation interval of the suspension timer, when receiving an uplink signaling message sent by the UE, the MME stops the suspension timer that is operating, or when receiving a suspension request message sent by a target serving GPRS support node SGSN, the MME stops the suspension timer that is operating.

Specifically, before the timer expires, if the MME receives an uplink signaling message (e.g., a TAU Request message, a service Request message, etc.) sent by the UE, as in step 5a in fig. 5, or the MME receives a Suspend Request (Suspend Request) message from the target SGSN, as in step 5b in fig. 5, the MME stops the running Suspend timer, that is, closes the Suspend timer, as in step 5c in fig. 5.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the second message may refer to the uplink signaling message sent by the UE, or the second message may refer to the suspend request message.

preferably, in the embodiment of the present invention, the MME keeps the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in the first time interval, which may specifically be: when the MME suspends the PS service of the UE, recording system time; and keeping the PS service of the UE in a suspended state within a set time length after the system time is recorded.

Preferably, in the embodiment of the present invention, within a set time length after the system time is recorded, that is, when the last time endpoint of the first time interval has not yet arrived, the method may further include: before the first time interval is ended, the MME receives a second message, where the second message may be an uplink signaling message sent by the UE, and is used to indicate that the UE has returned to the LTE network after the CSFB service is ended, or the second message may be a suspend request (SuspendRequest) message, and is used to indicate that the UE initiates a PS suspend procedure to a target SGSN after falling back to a 2G/3G network, and then the MME deletes the recorded system time according to the second message.

Specifically, within a set duration after the system time is recorded, when receiving an uplink signaling message sent by the UE, the MME deletes the recorded system time, or when receiving a suspension request message sent by a target serving GPRS support node SGSN, the MME deletes the recorded system time.

in this embodiment of the present invention, the second message may also refer to the uplink signaling message sent by the UE, or the second message may refer to the suspend request message.

It should be noted that the target SGSN is an SGSN that provides actual service for the UE after the UE falls back to the 2G/3G network. The MME can receive the suspension request message sent by the target SGSN and indicate that the UE has successfully accessed in the PS domain of the 2G/3G network, so that under normal conditions, the UE also has successfully accessed in the CS domain of the 2G/3G network, namely the UE has successfully fallen back to the 2G/3G network.

Step 403: and the MME resumes the suspended PS service of the UE at the end of the first time interval.

Specifically, in this embodiment of the present invention, when the MME ends the first time interval, resuming the PS service of the suspended UE includes: the MME clearing the suspended state of the context of the UE at the end of the first time interval.

preferably, if the MME starts the suspend timer, the MME resumes the PS service of the suspended UE at the end of the first time interval, including: the MME clearing the suspended state of the context of the UE when the suspended timer times out.

Preferably, if the MME records the system time, the MME resumes the suspended PS service of the UE at the end of the first time interval, including: and the MME clears the suspension state of the context of the UE when the recorded set duration after the system time is reached.

Preferably, if the MME starts the suspend timer, when the suspend timer is overtime, the MME initiates a PS service recovery procedure for the UE and clears the identifier that the UE is suspended, as in step 4 in fig. 5.

in the embodiment of the present invention, the MME monitors the UE, and if the uplink signaling message sent by the UE is not received in the first time interval or the suspension request message sent by the target SGSN, the MME resumes the suspended PS service of the UE, so as to ensure normal operation of subsequent PS service and CS service. And if receiving the message indicating that the UE has successfully accessed in the 2G/3G, forbidding to recover the suspended PS service of the UE, and ensuring the normal communication of the UE.

The operations of suspending and recovering the PS service of the UE are completed by the MME, and the MME directly monitors the UE, so that the PS service of the UE can be directly suspended or recovered according to different conditions without indicating other equipment to operate, and the processing process is simple and quick.

Example four

Referring to fig. 6, based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention provides an MSC/VLR, which may include a learning module 601, a determining module 602, and a sending module 603. Preferably, the MSC/VLR in embodiment four and the source MSC/VLR in embodiments one-three may be the same device.

The learning module 601 may be used to learn that the UE initiated a circuit switched fallback request from the E-UTRAN network.

The determining module 602 may be configured to determine that a circuit-switched message sent by the UE is not received, where the circuit-switched message is a message sent by the UE from a fallback circuit-switched domain after initiating the circuit-switched fallback request.

The sending module 603 may be configured to send, to an MME, indication information for instructing the MME to resume the PS service of the suspended UE according to the indication information.

Preferably, the learning module 601 is specifically configured to: and receiving the SGs interface message which is sent by the MME and contains the UE identity information.

preferably, the determining module 602 is specifically configured to:

After the SGs interface message is received, starting the timer; when the timer is overtime, the message sent by the UE from the fallback circuit switched domain after initiating the circuit switched fallback request is not received; or

Preferably, the MSC/VLR may further comprise a first operation module, configured to:

Before the timer is overtime, if a sending certification message sent by a target MSC/VLR is received, the running timer is stopped; or before the timer is overtime, if an SGs paging rejection message sent by the MME is received, stopping the running timer.

The first operational module may be further operable to:

within the set duration, if receiving a sending certification message sent by the target MSC/VLR, deleting the recorded system time; or, within the set duration, if an SGs paging rejection message sent by the MME is received, deleting the recorded system time.

Preferably, the SGs interface message is: SGs service request message, or SGs uplink circuit switched fallback indication message.

Preferably, if the circuit-switched fallback request is a downlink circuit-switched fallback request, the circuit-switched message is a paging response message or a location update message sent from a fallback circuit-switched domain after the UE initiates the downlink circuit-switched fallback request; or

EXAMPLE five

referring to fig. 7, based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention provides an MME, which may include a first suspend module 701, a first receive module 702, and a first resume module 703. Preferably, the apparatus of the fifth embodiment and the MME of the first to fourth embodiments may be the same apparatus.

The first suspension module 701 may be configured to suspend PS traffic of the UE in a UE-initiated circuit-switched fallback procedure.

the first receiving module 702 can be used to receive the indication information sent by the source MSC/VLR.

The first resuming module 703 may be configured to resume PS traffic of the suspended UE according to the indication information.

Preferably, the first receiving module 702 is further configured to receive, in the circuit-switched fallback procedure, indication information sent by a base station, where the indication information is used to indicate that a PS service is not available in a target cell of the circuit-switched fallback.

Preferably, the first suspend module 701 may be specifically configured to: marking a context of the UE as a suspended state.

Preferably, the first recovery module 703 may be specifically configured to: clearing the suspended state of context of the UE.

EXAMPLE six

Referring to fig. 8, an embodiment of the present invention provides an MME, which may include a second suspend module 801, a hold module 802, and a second resume module 803. Preferably, the MME and the MME of embodiments one to five may be the same device.

The second suspending module 801 may be configured to suspend PS traffic of the UE in a UE-initiated circuit switched fallback procedure.

the maintaining module 802 may be configured to maintain PS traffic of the UE in a suspended state for a first time interval.

a second resuming module 803 may be configured to resume PS traffic of the suspended UE at the end of the first time interval.

Preferably, the MME may further include a second receiving module, configured to: and in the circuit switching fallback procedure initiated by the UE, receiving indication information sent by a base station, where the indication information is used to indicate that a PS service is unavailable in the circuit switching fallback target cell.

Preferably, the second suspend module 801 may be specifically configured to: marking a context of the UE as a suspended state.

Preferably, the holding module 802 is specifically configured to: starting a suspension timer when the PS service of the UE is suspended; and keeping the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in the running interval of the suspension timer.

Preferably, the MME may further include a second operation module configured to: stopping the running suspension timer when receiving an uplink signaling message sent by the UE; or, when receiving a suspension request message sent by a target serving GPRS support node SGSN, stopping the running suspension timer.

Preferably, the second recovery module 803 is specifically configured to: clearing the suspended state of the context of the UE when the suspend timer times out.

preferably, the holding module 802 is specifically configured to: recording system time when the PS service of the UE is hung up; and keeping the PS service of the UE in a suspended state within a set time length after the system time is recorded.

Preferably, the second operation module is further configured to: deleting the recorded system time when receiving an uplink signaling message sent by the UE; or deleting the recorded system time when receiving a suspension request message sent by a target Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN).

Preferably, the second recovery module 803 is specifically configured to: and when the recorded set duration after the system time is reached, clearing the suspension state of the context of the UE.

EXAMPLE seven

Referring to fig. 9, based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention provides an MSC/VLR900, where the MSC/VLR900 may be the same device as the source MSC/VLR in embodiments one to three, five and six, and the MSC/VLR in embodiment four.

The MSC/VLR900 includes: a bus 940, and a first processor 910, a first memory 920 and a first interface 930 connected to the bus 940, wherein the first memory 920 is used for storing instructions, and the first interface 930 is used for learning that the UE initiates a circuit switched fallback request from the E-UTRAN network, and sending indication information to the MME for indicating the MME to resume the suspended PS service of the UE according to the indication information. The first processor 910 is configured to execute the instruction to determine that a circuit switched message sent by the UE is not received, where the circuit switched message is a message sent by the UE from a fallback circuit switched domain after initiating the circuit switched fallback request.

In this embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the first interface 930 is specifically configured to: and receiving the SGs interface message which is sent by the MME and contains the UE identity information.

In this embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the first processor 910 is specifically configured to:

Executing the instruction, and starting the timer after receiving the SGs interface message; when the timer is overtime, the message sent by the UE from the fallback circuit switched domain after initiating the circuit switched fallback request is not received; or

In this embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the first processor 910 is further configured to: executing the instruction, and stopping the running timer if receiving a sending certification message sent by the target MSC/VLR before the timer is overtime; or executing the instruction, and stopping the running timer if receiving an SGs paging rejection message sent by the MME before the timer expires.

in this embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the first processor 910 is further configured to: executing the instruction, and deleting the recorded system time if receiving a sending certification message sent by the target MSC/VLR within the set time length; or, executing the instruction, and deleting the recorded system time if receiving the SGs paging rejection message sent by the MME within the set time length.

In this embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the SGs interface message is: SGs service request message, or SGs uplink circuit switched fallback indication message.

In this embodiment of the present invention, optionally, if the circuit-switched fallback request is a downlink circuit-switched fallback request, the circuit-switched message is a paging response message or a location update message that is sent from a fallback circuit-switched domain after the UE initiates the downlink circuit-switched fallback request; or, if the circuit-switched fallback request is an uplink circuit-switched fallback request, the circuit-switched message is a service request message or a location update message sent from a fallback circuit-switched domain after the UE initiates the uplink circuit-switched fallback request.

Example eight

Referring to fig. 10, based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention provides an MME1000, where the MME1000 may be the same as the MME in embodiments one to seven.

The MME1000 comprises: a bus 1040, and a second processor 1010, a second memory 1020, and a second interface 1030 coupled to the bus 1040, wherein the second memory 1020 is configured to store instructions. The second processor 1010 is configured to execute the instruction to suspend the PS service of the UE in a circuit switched fallback procedure initiated by the UE, and to resume the suspended PS service of the UE according to the indication information. The second interface 1030 is configured to receive the indication information sent by the source MSC/VLR.

In this embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the second interface 1030 is further configured to receive, in the circuit-switched fallback procedure initiated by the UE, indication information sent by a base station, where the indication information is used to indicate that a PS service is unavailable in a target cell of the circuit-switched fallback.

In this embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the second processor 1010 is specifically configured to execute the instruction to mark the context of the UE as a suspended state.

In this embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the second processor 1010 is specifically configured to execute the instruction to clear the pending state of the context of the UE.

example nine

referring to fig. 11, based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention provides an MME1100, where the MME1100 may be the same device as the MME in embodiments one to eight.

The MME1100 includes: a bus 1140, and a third processor 1110 and a third memory 1120 coupled to the bus 1140, wherein the third memory 1120 is configured to store instructions. The third processor 1110 is configured to execute the instruction, suspend the PS service of the UE in a circuit-switched fallback procedure initiated by the UE, maintain the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in a first time interval, and resume the suspended PS service of the UE when the first time interval is ended.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may further include a third interface connected to the bus, and configured to receive, in the circuit-switched fallback procedure, indication information sent by the base station, where the indication information is used to indicate that the PS service is not available in the target cell of the circuit-switched fallback.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present invention, the third processor 1110 is further configured to execute the instruction to mark the context of the UE as a suspended state.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present invention, the third processor 1110 is further configured to: executing the instruction, and starting a suspension timer when the PS service of the UE is suspended; and keeping the PS service of the UE in a suspended state in the running interval of the suspension timer.

optionally, in this embodiment of the present invention, the third processor 1110 is further configured to: executing the instruction, and stopping the running suspension timer when receiving an uplink signaling message sent by the UE; or executing the instruction, and stopping the running suspension timer when receiving a suspension request message sent by a target Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN).

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present invention, the third processor 1110 is further configured to: executing the instruction, and clearing the suspended state of the context of the UE when the suspended timer is timed out.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present invention, the third processor 1110 is further configured to: executing the instruction, and recording the system time when the PS service of the UE is suspended; and keeping the PS service of the UE in a suspended state within a set time length after the system time is recorded.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present invention, the third processor 1110 is further configured to: executing the instruction, and deleting the recorded system time when receiving an uplink signaling message sent by the UE; or, executing the instruction, and deleting the recorded system time when receiving a suspension request message sent by a target serving GPRS support node SGSN.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present invention, the third processor 1110 is further configured to: and executing the instruction, and clearing the suspension state of the context of the UE when the recorded set duration after the system time is reached.

The PS service recovery method provided by the invention enables the UE, including the UE before the 3GPP protocol version 12, to timely initiate the PS service recovery process and recover the suspended state of the UE when the UE fails to successfully fall back to the 2G/3G network CS domain and returns to the E-UTRAN network, thereby avoiding the problem that the suspended state of the UE can only be recovered after the uplink signaling message sent by the UE is waited by the network side, ensuring the smooth proceeding of the uplink and downlink PS services and the CS services, reducing the data loss rate, ensuring the continuity of the uplink and downlink PS services and the CS services, and improving the user experience.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that, for convenience and simplicity of description, the foregoing division of the functional modules is merely used as an example, and in practical applications, the above function distribution may be performed by different functional modules according to needs, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to perform all or part of the above described functions. For the specific working processes of the system, the apparatus and the unit described above, reference may be made to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and details are not described here again.

in the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, apparatus and method may be implemented in other manners. For example, the above-described apparatus embodiments are merely illustrative, and for example, the division of the modules or units is only one logical division, and there may be other divisions when actually implemented, for example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or may be integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted, or not executed. In addition, the shown or discussed mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection may be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, and may be in an electrical, mechanical or other form.

the units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts displayed as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one place, or may be distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of the embodiment.

in addition, functional units in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist alone physically, or two or more units are integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be realized in a form of hardware, and can also be realized in a form of a software functional unit.

The integrated unit, if implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as a stand-alone product, may be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solution of the present application may be substantially implemented or contributed by the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution may be embodied in a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, a network device, or the like) or a processor (processor) to execute all or part of the steps of the method according to the embodiments of the present application. And the aforementioned storage medium includes: a U-disk, a removable hard disk, a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and other various media capable of storing program codes.

The above embodiments are only used to describe the technical solutions of the present application in detail, but the above embodiments are only used to help understanding the method and the core idea of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also appreciate that they can easily conceive of various changes and substitutions within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for recovering Packet Switched (PS) service, comprising:

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the source MSC/VLR learning that the UE initiated a circuit switched fallback request from the E-UTRAN network comprises: and the source MSC/VLR receives the SGs interface message which is sent by the MME and contains the UE identity information.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the source MSC/VLR determining that the circuit-switched message sent by the UE is not received comprises:

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

6. A method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the SGs interface messages are: SGs service request message, or SGs uplink circuit switched fallback indication message.

7. The method of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein:

If the circuit switched fallback request is a downlink circuit switched fallback request, the circuit switched message is a paging response message or a location update message sent by the UE from a fallback circuit switched domain after initiating the downlink circuit switched fallback request; or

8. a method for recovering Packet Switched (PS) service, comprising:

The MME receives indication information sent by a source mobile switching center/visitor location register (MSC/VLR), wherein the indication information is used for indicating the MME, and in the current circuit switching fallback CSFB process, the source MSC/VLR cannot receive a message sent by the UE from a target Circuit Switching (CS) domain;

9. The method of claim 8, wherein prior to the MME suspending PS traffic for the UE in a UE-initiated circuit-switched fallback procedure, further comprising: and the MME receives indication information sent by a base station in the circuit switching fallback flow initiated by the UE, wherein the indication information is used for indicating that PS (packet switched) service is unavailable in the circuit switching fallback target cell.

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the MME suspending PS traffic for a user equipment, UE, in a UE-initiated circuit switched fallback procedure, comprises: the MME marks the context of the UE as a suspended state.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the MME resuming PS traffic of the UE that is suspended according to the indication information comprises: the MME clearing the suspended state of the context of the UE.

12. A mobile switching center/visitor location register, MSC/VLR, comprising:

13. The MSC/VLR of claim 12 wherein the learning module is specifically configured to: and receiving the SGs interface message which is sent by the MME and contains the UE identity information.

14. The MSC/VLR of claim 13 wherein the determining module is specifically configured to:

15. The MSC/VLR of claim 14 further comprising a first operation module for: before the timer is overtime, if a sending certification message sent by a target MSC/VLR is received, the running timer is stopped; or before the timer is overtime, if an SGs paging rejection message sent by the MME is received, stopping the running timer.

16. The MSC/VLR of claim 14 further comprising a first operation module for: within the set duration, if receiving a sending certification message sent by the target MSC/VLR, deleting the recorded system time; or, within the set duration, if an SGs paging rejection message sent by the MME is received, deleting the recorded system time.

17. the MSC/VLR according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the SGs interface message is: SGs service request message, or SGs uplink circuit switched fallback indication message.

18. the MSC/VLR according to any one of claims 12-16, wherein:

19. A Mobility Management Entity (MME), comprising:

a first receiving module, configured to receive indication information sent by a source mobile switching center/visitor location register MSC/VLR, where the indication information is used to indicate the MME, and in the current circuit-switched fallback CSFB procedure, the source MSC/VLR fails to receive a message sent by the UE from a target circuit-switched CS domain;

20. The MME of claim 19, wherein the first receiving module is further to: and in the circuit switching fallback procedure initiated by the UE, receiving indication information sent by a base station, where the indication information is used to indicate that a PS service is unavailable in the circuit switching fallback target cell.

21. The MME of claim 19 or 20, wherein the first suspension module is specifically configured to: marking a context of the UE as a suspended state.

22. The MME of claim 21, wherein the first recovery module is specifically configured to: clearing the suspended state of context of the UE.