WO2010054698A1 - Service continuity of ip multimedia subsystem centralized services - Google Patents

Service continuity of ip multimedia subsystem centralized services Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010054698A1
WO2010054698A1 PCT/EP2008/065672 EP2008065672W WO2010054698A1 WO 2010054698 A1 WO2010054698 A1 WO 2010054698A1 EP 2008065672 W EP2008065672 W EP 2008065672W WO 2010054698 A1 WO2010054698 A1 WO 2010054698A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user equipment
multimedia subsystem
session transfer
functionality
session
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2008/065672
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jari Mutikainen
Martin Oettl
Mari Melander
Original Assignee
Nokia Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nokia Corporation filed Critical Nokia Corporation
Priority to PCT/EP2008/065672 priority Critical patent/WO2010054698A1/en
Publication of WO2010054698A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010054698A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/10—Architectures or entities
    • H04L65/1016—IP multimedia subsystem [IMS]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/1066—Session management
    • H04L65/1083—In-session procedures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/1066—Session management
    • H04L65/1083—In-session procedures
    • H04L65/1095—Inter-network session transfer or sharing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00—Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H04W36/0005—Control or signalling for completing the hand-off
    • H04W36/0011—Control or signalling for completing the hand-off for data sessions of end-to-end connection
    • H04W36/0022—Control or signalling for completing the hand-off for data sessions of end-to-end connection for transferring data sessions between adjacent core network technologies
    • H04W36/00224—Control or signalling for completing the hand-off for data sessions of end-to-end connection for transferring data sessions between adjacent core network technologies between packet switched [PS] and circuit switched [CS] network technologies, e.g. circuit switched fallback [CSFB]
    • H04W36/00226—Control or signalling for completing the hand-off for data sessions of end-to-end connection for transferring data sessions between adjacent core network technologies between packet switched [PS] and circuit switched [CS] network technologies, e.g. circuit switched fallback [CSFB] wherein the core network technologies comprise IP multimedia system [IMS], e.g. single radio voice call continuity [SRVCC]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W80/00—Wireless network protocols or protocol adaptations to wireless operation
    • H04W80/08—Upper layer protocols
    • H04W80/10—Upper layer protocols adapted for application session management, e.g. SIP [Session Initiation Protocol]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus, method and computer program product of providing service continuity of IP multimedia subsystem centralized services.
  • the IMS centralized service control provides functionalities for IMS service via circuit switched (CS) access. That is, within the IMS centralized services (ICS) the IMS provides the service engine and the CS domain constitutes an access network towards the IMS.
  • CS circuit switched
  • IMS IP Multimedia Subsystem
  • IMS IP Multimedia Subsystem
  • IMS control of services where the media is transported via the CS network e.g. managing of mid-call services
  • IMS service access is enabled for user equipment (UE) with or without ICS functionality so that the following deployment scenarios are covered:
  • SRVCC single radio voice call continuity
  • UTRAN UMTS terrestrial radio network
  • UMTS universal mobile telecommunications system
  • E-UTRAN evolved UTRAN
  • GSM GSM/EDGE radio access network
  • EDGE global system for mobile telecommunications
  • EDGE enhanced data rates or GSM evolution
  • HSPA high speed packet access
  • the object is achieved by providing an apparatus, comprising: a first processor configured to provide mobile switching functionality; a second processor configured to provide IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality; and a third processor configured to disable the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call.
  • the third processor can be configured to disable the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call in response to an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag.
  • the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag can be set in a memory.
  • the third processor can be configured to disable the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call by disabling a session transfer of user equipment attached to the apparatus, when the apparatus received a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment.
  • the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality can comprise the capability to transfer a session of user equipment attached to the apparatus via circuit switched domain.
  • the object is achieved by providing an apparatus, comprising: a first processor configured to provide service centralization and continuity application server functionality; a controller configured to control a session transfer in response to a domain transfer request; a second processor configured to determine an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and a third processor configured to provide a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment, and to block a session transfer identifier list provision if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined by the second processor.
  • the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment can be determined by the second processor by receipt of an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag.
  • the object is achieved by providing an apparatus, comprising: a first processor configured to provide service centralization and continuity application server functionality; a timer configured to be triggered in response to a domain transfer request; a controller configured to control a session transfer in response to the domain transfer request; a second processor configured to send a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and a third processor configured to identify a session transfer by the user equipment.
  • the second processor can be configured to send a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of user equipment subject to a domain transfer request if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified by the third processor.
  • the second processor can be configured to send the list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of user equipment subject to a domain transfer request to a mobile switching center functionality.
  • the second processor can be configured to immediately send a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request in response to a domain transfer request, and the controller can be configured to wait with execution of the session transfer until the timer expired, and to reject the domain transfer request towards the mobile switching center functionality if a session transfer by the user equipment is identified by the third processor before the timer expired.
  • the controller can be further configured to execute the session transfer if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified by the third processor.
  • the controller can be configured to determine a mobile switching functionality as origin of the domain transfer request.
  • the object is achieved by providing an apparatus, comprising: mobile switching means for providing mobile switching functionality; IP multimedia subsystem centralized service means for providing IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality; and disabling means for disabling the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call.
  • the object is achieved by providing an apparatus, comprising: application server means for providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; controlling means for controlling a session transfer in response to a domain transfer request; determination means for determining an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and provision means for providing a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment, and for blocking a session transfer identifier list provision if IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined by the second processor.
  • the object is achieved by providing an apparatus, comprising: application server means for providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; timer means for triggering in response to a domain transfer request; controller means for controlling a session transfer in response to the domain transfer request; commanding means for sending a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request; and identifier means for identifying a session transfer by the user equipment.
  • the object is achieved by providing a method, comprising: providing mobile switching functionality; and disabling an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call in an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service enhanced entity.
  • Modifications of the seventh aspect can be as follows.
  • the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality can be disabled for one call in response to an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag.
  • the method can further comprise setting the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag in a memory.
  • the method can further comprise disabling the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call by disabling a session transfer of user equipment attached to the mobile switching functionality, when a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment is received.
  • the method can further comprise transferring a session of user equipment attached by the mobile switching functionality via circuit switched domain.
  • the object is achieved by providing a method, comprising: providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; controlling a session transfer in response to a domain transfer request; determining an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and providing a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is not determined, or blocking a session transfer identifier list provision if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined.
  • Modifications of the eighth aspect can be as follows.
  • the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment can be determined by receiving an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag.
  • the object is achieved by providing a method, comprising: providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; triggering a timer in response to a domain transfer request; controlling a session transfer in response to the domain transfer request, and sending of a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and monitoring execution of a session transfer by the user equipment .
  • a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request can be sent if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified.
  • the list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of user equipment subject to a domain transfer request can be sent to a mobile switching center functionality.
  • the list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request can be immediately sent in response to the domain transfer request, execution of the session transfer can be halted until the timer expired, and the domain transfer request can be rejected towards the mobile switching center functionality if a session transfer by the user equipment is identified before the timer expired.
  • the session transfer can be executed if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified.
  • the method can further comprise determining a mobile switching functionality as origin of the domain transfer request.
  • this is achieved by providing a computer program product embodied as a computer readable medium storing instructions which comprise: providing mobile switching functionality; and disabling an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call in an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service enhanced entity.
  • a computer program product embodied as a computer readable medium storing instructions which comprise: providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; controlling a session transfer in response to a domain transfer request; determining an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and providing a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is not determined, or blocking a session transfer identifier list provision if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined.
  • the instructions can further comprise that a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request is sent if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified.
  • the instructions can further comprise that a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request is immediately sent in response to the domain transfer request, execution of the session transfer is halted until the timer expired, and the domain transfer request is rejected towards the mobile switching center functionality if a session transfer by the user equipment is identified before the timer expired.
  • this is achieved by providing a computer program product embodied as a computer readable medium storing instructions which comprise: providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; triggering a timer in response to a domain transfer request; controlling a session transfer in response to the domain transfer request, and sending of a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and monitoring execution of a session transfer by the user equipment.
  • aspects of the present invention can be made suitable for providing service continuity.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a basic situation of coexistence of an MSC server enhanced for ICS and a user equipment enhanced fro ICS;
  • Fig. 2 shows the provision of an ICS-tag by a S-CSCF to MSC server during a registration event
  • Fig. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating certain embodiments according to a first service continuity provision option
  • Fig. 4 shows a flow chart illustrating certain embodiments according to a second service continuity provision option
  • Fig. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating certain embodiments according to a third service continuity provision option
  • Fig. 6 shows a flow chart illustrating certain embodiments according to a fourth service continuity provision option
  • the IMS centralized service control as introduced with release 8 of 3GPP provides IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) service via CS (circuit switched) access, wherein the IMS provides the service engine and the CS domain just acts as an access network towards the IMS.
  • IMS IP Multimedia Subsystem
  • CS circuit switched
  • 3GPP TS 23.292 describes several architectural alternatives.
  • MSC mobile switching center
  • ICS mobile switching center
  • the MSC server acts as an IMS UE towards the IMS on behalf of a user who is attached to this MSC server via CS.
  • ICS mobile switching center
  • the user uses an ICS UE, which also uses the CS domain for the speech bearer, but has additional signaling capabilities via PS (packet switched) and/or the CS domain to control services directly in the IMS.
  • embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanism to disable either the ICS UE or IMSC mid-call continuity procedures so that both are not executed at the same time for the same transfer occurrence.
  • domain transfer may include that user equipment has a call with circuit switched (CS) access which is then transferred to packet switched (PS) access, i.e. a SIP session, or vice versa.
  • CS circuit switched
  • PS packet switched
  • the functionality to transfer remaining calls or sessions that are enabled and/or disabled is particularly useful for situations when there is more than one call/session from the user equipment, although the present invention is not restricted thereto.
  • ICS UE An ICS aware user equipment (ICS UE) is attached to an MSC server via the CS domain (step SIl of Fig. 1) .
  • the MSC server is enhanced for ICS and sends an IMS SIP (session initiation protocol) register message on behalf of the user to a serving call state control function (S-CSCF) within the IMS (step S12 of Fig. 1) .
  • IMS SIP session initiation protocol
  • S-CSCF serving call state control function
  • a service centralization and continuity application server (SCC AS) as defined in specifications TS 23.292 and TS 23.237 maintains a list of all active and held sessions for a subscriber e.g. in a table, containing calling party, called party and further session information as required.
  • SCC AS service centralization and continuity application server
  • the SCC AS transfers the most recently added active speech session first, as specified in TS 23.237.
  • the SCC AS receives a session transfer request via the Gm interface for the UE, then the procedures as already specified in TS 23.237 apply, wherein the Gm interface is the interface between user equipment and call state control function.
  • the SCC AS allocates session transfer identifiers (STI) for each additional active and held session and stores them, e.g. in the above-mentioned table. Then the SCC AS sends this list of STI in the response to the MSC server (step S14 of Fig. 1) including sufficient information such that the MSC server knows which STI relates to which session (e.g. using a session identifier) .
  • STI session transfer identifiers
  • step 4 If the MSC Server receives one or more STI in the response message from step 3, then the MSC server initiates session transfer towards the SCC AS for each additional active or held session.
  • the MSC server/IWF (interworking function) always sends the session transfer request and initiates the procedure as described above in steps 3) and 4) .
  • the UE can be an ICS UE which is able to transfer held calls by its own (In Fig. 1, step S13 is executed between ICS UE and SCC AS) .
  • step S13 is executed between ICS UE and SCC AS
  • the UE may start transferring held calls as well.
  • both the MSC server enhanced for ICS and the ICS UE may transfer held calls (i.e. in Fig. 1, step S31 is executed both between MSC and SCC AS and between ISC UE and SCC AS), and these overlapping procedures may cause severe problems.
  • both the ICS UE and the MSC server enhanced for ICS are performing mid-call handling in case of session transfers between IMS and CS domain. That is, as initially explained these embodiments are particularly useful for MSC server enhanced for ICS which are able to handle mid-call services so that problems of overlapping mid-call handling may occur.
  • the ICS enhanced MSC server receives an ICS-tag from the serving call state control function (S-CSCF), wherein the ICS-tag indicates the ICS capability of the user equipment (UE) .
  • S-CSCF serving call state control function
  • this ICS-tag can be received during a registering event.
  • the ICS-tag would be included in a session initiation protocol (SIP) message.
  • SIP session initiation protocol
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an example where the S-CSCF provides the ICS-tag to the MSC server during a registering event within a SIP message.
  • an ICS aware UE is initially attached to the ICS enhanced MSC server via the CS domain (step S21) .
  • the ICS enhanced MSC server sends an IMS SIP register message to the S-CSCF on behalf of the user (step S22) .
  • the S-CSCF sends the ICS-tag to the ICS enhanced MSC server (step S23) .
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a flow chart for the first option, wherein the above describes steps S21 and S22 are shown as steps S31 and S32, respectively. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, these two steps may also precede the flows depicted in Figs. 4 to 6.
  • a step S33 the flow forks up depending on whether an ICS-tag is received. In case of yes, the flow continues with steps S341 and S342.
  • the ICS enhanced MSC server disables the ICS functionality for this call, after receiving the STI list from the SCC AS (S341), and does not start to transfer held sessions. Instead, the ICS UE does it (S342) . Accordingly, the SCC AS would not receive transfer requests from the ICS enhanced MSC server and the ICS UE in parallel.
  • step S35 the ICS enabled MSC starts the session transfer, after receiving the STI list from the SCC AS.
  • FIG. 4 shows a flow chart related to embodiments where an application server (AS) performing a domain transfer, i.e. the SCC AS, receives the domain transfer request from the IMSC (step S41) and determines whether the UE under the transfer is capable for ICS (step S42) .
  • the ICS-tag can be used for this purpose. If the UE is an ICS UE, the application server does not return the list of STI to the IMSC so that the IMSC is not able to execute the transfers for the remaining held sessions (step S431) . Instead, the ICS UE transfers the held sessions by its own (step S432) .
  • the STI list is returned to the MSC which then starts with the session transfer (step S44) .
  • the Gm interface reference point is not available for the ICS UE in the target access (e.g. GERAN without dual transfer mode), and thus the ICS UE is not able to execute the transfer of the held sessions.
  • the Gm interface reference point is not available for the ICS UE in the target access (e.g. GERAN without dual transfer mode)
  • the ICS UE is not able to execute the transfer of the held sessions.
  • it would be beneficial to enable the ICS procedures in MSC because if the Gm interface is not available in target access and ICS is disabled in the MSC server, the held sessions are dropped by timer expiration in the SCC AS according to an existing procedure defined in specification TS 23.237.
  • certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a third option which makes advantageous use of a timer in accordance with this existing procedure of specification TS 23.237. That is, the SCC AS is assumed to implement a timer which is used to detect the availability of a Gm interface reference point in the target access after the session transfer.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates a flow chart related to certain embodiments within the present third option. Specifically, the SCC AS sets the timer (step S52) upon the receipt of a domain transfer request (step S51) from the MSC server. The ICS UE is able to transfer the held sessions before the timer expires.
  • the SCC AS waits until the timer expires (step S551 - NO) and then returns the STI-list to the MSC server so that the MSC server can transfer the held session (step S552), e.g. since Gm interface was not available in target access.
  • the AS does not return the STI-list (step S54) if the ICS UE transfers the held session before the timer expires (step S53 - YES), e.g. since Gm interface was available in target access.
  • the ICS functionality in the MSC server is disabled in a dynamic manner depending on the availability of e.g. a Gm interface reference point in the target access. That is, if e.g. the Gm interface is not available in target access the ICS functionality is enabled in the MSC server and the held sessions can be transferred by using the IMSC procedures.
  • the related embodiments comprise that the SCC AS immediately, upon reception of a domain transfer request from the MSC server (step 61), returns the STI-list to the MSC server, which then transfers the held session towards the AS (step S62) .
  • the AS again sets a timer (step S63) and does not execute the transfer of the held session until the timer has expired (step S661 - NO) . If the ICS UE transfers the held session before the timer expires (step S64 - YES), the AS rejects the transfer request towards the MSC server (step S65) .
  • step S662 the SCC AS executes the session transfer (step S662) .
  • the ICS functionality in the MSC server is disabled in a dynamic manner depending on the availability of e.g. a Gm interface reference point in the target access. If the Gm interface is not available in target access the ICS is enabled in the MSC server and the held sessions can be transferred by using the IMSC procedures.
  • certain embodiments of the present invention can make advantageous use of a timer defined with release 8 to be present in the application server.
  • the timer is set upon the receipt of the SR-VCC request (for the first active call) from the MSC server.
  • the ICS UE according to release 8 should transfer the held session before the timer expires.
  • the timer expires in the AS and the AS releases the old SIP session over the Gm interface.
  • the AS can wait until the timer expires, and then return the STI-list to the MSC server so that the MSC server can transfer the held session.
  • the AS does not return the STI-list if the ICS UE transfers the held session before the timer expires.
  • the AS can immediately return the STI-list to the MSC server which then transfers the held session towards the AS, but the AS does not execute the transfer until the timer has expired. If the ICS UE transfers the held session before the timer expires, the AS rejects the transfer request towards the MSC.
  • SR-VCC dual radio voice call continuity
  • the ICS UE could use a static STI to transfer a most recent active voice session at first, and transfer the held sessions after that.
  • exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide, from the perspective of a mobile switching center (MSC) and service centralization and continuity application server (SCC AS) , respectively, or a component thereof, a method, apparatus and computer program(s).
  • MSC mobile switching center
  • SCC AS service centralization and continuity application server
  • apparatuses, methods and computer program products capable of supporting service continuity of IP multimedia subsystem centralized services e.g. by enabling and/or disabling the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call/session.
  • Implementations of any of the above described blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques or methods include, as non limiting examples, implementations as hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatuses, methods and computer program products are capable of supporting service continuity of IP multimedia subsystem centralized services e.g. by enabling and/or disabling the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call/session.

Description

Service Continuity of IP Multimedia Subsystem Centralized
Services
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus, method and computer program product of providing service continuity of IP multimedia subsystem centralized services.
Related Background Art
With release 8 (R8) of the specifications of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) the IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) centralized service control has been introduced. The IMS centralized service control provides functionalities for IMS service via circuit switched (CS) access. That is, within the IMS centralized services (ICS) the IMS provides the service engine and the CS domain constitutes an access network towards the IMS.
For example, specification 3GPP TS 23.237 V8.1.0 titled "IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Service Continuity; Stage 2 (Release 8)" describes the architectural requirements and procedures for delivery of IMS service continuity such as PS-CS service continuity using IMS centralized services (see TS 23.292), PS-PS service continuity, PS-PS service continuity in conjunction with PS-CS service continuity, and adding and/or removing media flows to support service, while being restricted to service continuity using IMS procedures.
The specification 3GPP TS 23.292 V8.1.0 titled "IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Centralized Services; Stage 2 (Release 8)" describes the architectural requirements for delivery of consistent IMS services to the user regardless of the attached access type. Specifically, consideration is given to how to access IMS services under the following aspects:
• Session establishment when using CS access for media transmission for an IMS service;
• Support of service continuity as specified in TS 23.237;
• Access domain selection;
• IMS control of services where the media is transported via the CS network (e.g. managing of mid-call services) ; and
• Service data management.
Furthermore, the IMS service access is enabled for user equipment (UE) with or without ICS functionality so that the following deployment scenarios are covered:
• An operator who supports for their subscribers only user equipment that have ICS functionality;
• An operator who supports for their subscribers only user equipment that do not have ICS functionality;
• An operator who supports for their subscribers user equipment which do and do not have ICS functionality
(to different subscribers and the same subscribers) ensuring the coexistence of user equipment that have and do not have ICS functionality; and
• Inbound roaming subscribers on an operator's network that supports either the same or different ICS functionality that the inbound roaming subscriber is using, ensuring the coexistence of user equipment that have and do not have ICS functionality.
Moreover, as a prominent case of service continuity the specification 3GPP TS 23.216 V8.1.0 titled "Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) ; Stage 2" describes the architecture enhancements for single radio voice call continuity (SRVCC) between E-UTRAN access and the legacy circuit switched signaling system of 3GPP2 (3rd generation partnership project 2), and between E-UTRAN access and 3GPP 's UTRAN/GERAN accesses and between UTRAN (HSPA) access and 3GPP 's UTRAN/GERAN accesses, for circuit switched (CS) calls that are anchored in the IMS.
UTRAN: UMTS terrestrial radio network
UMTS: universal mobile telecommunications system E-UTRAN: evolved UTRAN
GERAN: GSM/EDGE radio access network GSM: global system for mobile telecommunications EDGE: enhanced data rates or GSM evolution HSPA: high speed packet access
As the specification work moves on towards release 9 (R9) , new functionalities are provided on the field of service continuity.
However, it is found that the implementation of these functionalities in the overall network including the user equipment brings about further challenges.
Summary of the Invention
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide further support for service continuity.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by providing an apparatus, comprising: a first processor configured to provide mobile switching functionality; a second processor configured to provide IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality; and a third processor configured to disable the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call.
Modifications of the first aspect can be as follows.
The third processor can be configured to disable the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call in response to an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag.
The IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag can be set in a memory.
The third processor can be configured to disable the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call by disabling a session transfer of user equipment attached to the apparatus, when the apparatus received a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment.
The IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality can comprise the capability to transfer a session of user equipment attached to the apparatus via circuit switched domain.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by providing an apparatus, comprising: a first processor configured to provide service centralization and continuity application server functionality; a controller configured to control a session transfer in response to a domain transfer request; a second processor configured to determine an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and a third processor configured to provide a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment, and to block a session transfer identifier list provision if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined by the second processor.
Modifications of the second aspect can be as follows.
The IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment can be determined by the second processor by receipt of an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by providing an apparatus, comprising: a first processor configured to provide service centralization and continuity application server functionality; a timer configured to be triggered in response to a domain transfer request; a controller configured to control a session transfer in response to the domain transfer request; a second processor configured to send a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and a third processor configured to identify a session transfer by the user equipment.
Modifications of the third aspect can be as follows.
The second processor can be configured to send a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of user equipment subject to a domain transfer request if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified by the third processor. The second processor can be configured to send the list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of user equipment subject to a domain transfer request to a mobile switching center functionality.
The second processor can be configured to immediately send a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request in response to a domain transfer request, and the controller can be configured to wait with execution of the session transfer until the timer expired, and to reject the domain transfer request towards the mobile switching center functionality if a session transfer by the user equipment is identified by the third processor before the timer expired.
The controller can be further configured to execute the session transfer if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified by the third processor.
The controller can be configured to determine a mobile switching functionality as origin of the domain transfer request.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by providing an apparatus, comprising: mobile switching means for providing mobile switching functionality; IP multimedia subsystem centralized service means for providing IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality; and disabling means for disabling the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by providing an apparatus, comprising: application server means for providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; controlling means for controlling a session transfer in response to a domain transfer request; determination means for determining an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and provision means for providing a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment, and for blocking a session transfer identifier list provision if IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined by the second processor.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by providing an apparatus, comprising: application server means for providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; timer means for triggering in response to a domain transfer request; controller means for controlling a session transfer in response to the domain transfer request; commanding means for sending a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request; and identifier means for identifying a session transfer by the user equipment.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by providing a method, comprising: providing mobile switching functionality; and disabling an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call in an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service enhanced entity. Modifications of the seventh aspect can be as follows.
The IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality can be disabled for one call in response to an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag.
The method can further comprise setting the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag in a memory.
The method can further comprise disabling the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call by disabling a session transfer of user equipment attached to the mobile switching functionality, when a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment is received.
The method can further comprise transferring a session of user equipment attached by the mobile switching functionality via circuit switched domain.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by providing a method, comprising: providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; controlling a session transfer in response to a domain transfer request; determining an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and providing a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is not determined, or blocking a session transfer identifier list provision if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined. Modifications of the eighth aspect can be as follows.
The IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment can be determined by receiving an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by providing a method, comprising: providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; triggering a timer in response to a domain transfer request; controlling a session transfer in response to the domain transfer request, and sending of a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and monitoring execution of a session transfer by the user equipment .
Modifications of the ninth aspect can be as follows.
A list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request can be sent if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified.
The list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of user equipment subject to a domain transfer request can be sent to a mobile switching center functionality.
The list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request can be immediately sent in response to the domain transfer request, execution of the session transfer can be halted until the timer expired, and the domain transfer request can be rejected towards the mobile switching center functionality if a session transfer by the user equipment is identified before the timer expired.
The session transfer can be executed if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified.
The method can further comprise determining a mobile switching functionality as origin of the domain transfer request.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, this is achieved by providing a computer program product embodied as a computer readable medium storing instructions which comprise: providing mobile switching functionality; and disabling an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call in an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service enhanced entity.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, this is achieved by providing a computer program product embodied as a computer readable medium storing instructions which comprise: providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; controlling a session transfer in response to a domain transfer request; determining an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and providing a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is not determined, or blocking a session transfer identifier list provision if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined.
Modifications of the eleventh aspect can be as follows.
The instructions can further comprise that a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request is sent if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified.
The instructions can further comprise that a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request is immediately sent in response to the domain transfer request, execution of the session transfer is halted until the timer expired, and the domain transfer request is rejected towards the mobile switching center functionality if a session transfer by the user equipment is identified before the timer expired.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, this is achieved by providing a computer program product embodied as a computer readable medium storing instructions which comprise: providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; triggering a timer in response to a domain transfer request; controlling a session transfer in response to the domain transfer request, and sending of a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and monitoring execution of a session transfer by the user equipment.
Thus, aspects of the present invention can be made suitable for providing service continuity.
Brief description of the drawings
Further features, details, advantages and objects of the present invention are described herein below with the description of the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention in conjunction of the attached drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a basic situation of coexistence of an MSC server enhanced for ICS and a user equipment enhanced fro ICS;
Fig. 2 shows the provision of an ICS-tag by a S-CSCF to MSC server during a registration event;
Fig. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating certain embodiments according to a first service continuity provision option;
Fig. 4 shows a flow chart illustrating certain embodiments according to a second service continuity provision option;
Fig. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating certain embodiments according to a third service continuity provision option; and
Fig. 6 shows a flow chart illustrating certain embodiments according to a fourth service continuity provision option;
Detailed description of preferred embodiments
In the following, description will be made to what are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood, however, that the description is given by way of example only, and that the described embodiments are by no means to be understood as limiting the present invention thereto.
For example, for illustration purposes, in the following exemplary embodiments about service continuity between E-UTRAN and legacy 3GPP/3GPP2 UTRAN/GERAN accesses are described. However, it should be appreciated that these exemplary embodiments are not limited for use among these particular types of wireless communication systems, and according to further exemplary embodiments, the present invention can be applied e.g. to WLAN (wireless local area network) and WIMAX (worldwide interoperability for microwave access) techniques and standards as well. Similarly, it should thus be apparent that still further exemplary embodiments are related to service continuity in other wireless communication systems. The following exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide still further support for service continuity with a particular view on the specification work towards release 9 (R9) , where new functionalities are provided on the field of service continuity.
However, the implementation of these functionalities in the overall network including the user equipment is found to bring about some problems. For instance, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the double triggering of a call continuity service is avoided.
Namely, the IMS centralized service control as introduced with release 8 of 3GPP provides IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) service via CS (circuit switched) access, wherein the IMS provides the service engine and the CS domain just acts as an access network towards the IMS.
Specifically, the specification 3GPP TS 23.292 describes several architectural alternatives. One of those is a mobile switching center (MSC) server enhanced for ICS approach, by which the MSC server acts as an IMS UE towards the IMS on behalf of a user who is attached to this MSC server via CS. Another alternative is that the user uses an ICS UE, which also uses the CS domain for the speech bearer, but has additional signaling capabilities via PS (packet switched) and/or the CS domain to control services directly in the IMS.
However, these two alternatives are not exclusive to each other, i.e. the network might provide MSC servers enhanced for ICS and in addition the user is using an ICS UE. As the ICS UE is not aware of the network capabilities and the MSC server enhanced for ICS is not aware of an ICS UE, both entities may trigger the same service continuity procedures. This means that these procedures would be executed twice. This is not a problem in release 8 architecture, because the services provided by ISC enhanced MSC (IMSC) are not triggered when ICS UE is used, i.e. according to release 8 architectures, there are no such procedures that would be performed by both ICS UE and IMSC. On the other hand, with release 9 it is considered that the IMSC should be extended to offer mid-call service continuity. Because also ICS UE offers mid-call service continuity, but with a different set of procedures, embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanism to disable either the ICS UE or IMSC mid-call continuity procedures so that both are not executed at the same time for the same transfer occurrence.
Here, domain transfer may include that user equipment has a call with circuit switched (CS) access which is then transferred to packet switched (PS) access, i.e. a SIP session, or vice versa.
In addition, the functionality to transfer remaining calls or sessions that are enabled and/or disabled is particularly useful for situations when there is more than one call/session from the user equipment, although the present invention is not restricted thereto.
Thus, in the following, there is no particular emphasis intended as to whether one call/session or a plurality thereof is concerned.
The basic situation is shown in Fig. 1. An ICS aware user equipment (ICS UE) is attached to an MSC server via the CS domain (step SIl of Fig. 1) . The MSC server is enhanced for ICS and sends an IMS SIP (session initiation protocol) register message on behalf of the user to a serving call state control function (S-CSCF) within the IMS (step S12 of Fig. 1) .
In this situation the enhancement for the ICS enhanced MSC to support mid-call services during session transfer can be implemented as follows: 1) A service centralization and continuity application server (SCC AS) as defined in specifications TS 23.292 and TS 23.237 maintains a list of all active and held sessions for a subscriber e.g. in a table, containing calling party, called party and further session information as required.
2) When the session transfer request is sent by an MSC server enhanced for ICS towards the SCC AS (step S13 of
Fig. 1), the SCC AS transfers the most recently added active speech session first, as specified in TS 23.237. When the SCC AS receives a session transfer request via the Gm interface for the UE, then the procedures as already specified in TS 23.237 apply, wherein the Gm interface is the interface between user equipment and call state control function.
3) The SCC AS allocates session transfer identifiers (STI) for each additional active and held session and stores them, e.g. in the above-mentioned table. Then the SCC AS sends this list of STI in the response to the MSC server (step S14 of Fig. 1) including sufficient information such that the MSC server knows which STI relates to which session (e.g. using a session identifier) .
4) If the MSC Server receives one or more STI in the response message from step 3, then the MSC server initiates session transfer towards the SCC AS for each additional active or held session.
Accordingly, e.g. for single radio voice continuity control (SR-VCC) , the MSC server/IWF (interworking function) always sends the session transfer request and initiates the procedure as described above in steps 3) and 4) .
Though, the UE can be an ICS UE which is able to transfer held calls by its own (In Fig. 1, step S13 is executed between ICS UE and SCC AS) . As the UE is not aware of the ICS capability of the MSC server, it may start transferring held calls as well. Thus, both the MSC server enhanced for ICS and the ICS UE may transfer held calls (i.e. in Fig. 1, step S31 is executed both between MSC and SCC AS and between ISC UE and SCC AS), and these overlapping procedures may cause severe problems.
According to certain embodiments of the present invention, it is avoided that both the ICS UE and the MSC server enhanced for ICS are performing mid-call handling in case of session transfers between IMS and CS domain. That is, as initially explained these embodiments are particularly useful for MSC server enhanced for ICS which are able to handle mid-call services so that problems of overlapping mid-call handling may occur.
A first option to resolve these problems relates to embodiments where the ICS enhanced MSC server receives an ICS-tag from the serving call state control function (S-CSCF), wherein the ICS-tag indicates the ICS capability of the user equipment (UE) . For example, this ICS-tag can be received during a registering event. The ICS-tag would be included in a session initiation protocol (SIP) message.
Fig. 2 illustrates an example where the S-CSCF provides the ICS-tag to the MSC server during a registering event within a SIP message. Specifically, an ICS aware UE is initially attached to the ICS enhanced MSC server via the CS domain (step S21) . Next, the ICS enhanced MSC server sends an IMS SIP register message to the S-CSCF on behalf of the user (step S22) . In a reply message or a further message, the S-CSCF sends the ICS-tag to the ICS enhanced MSC server (step S23) .
Fig. 3 illustrates a flow chart for the first option, wherein the above describes steps S21 and S22 are shown as steps S31 and S32, respectively. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, these two steps may also precede the flows depicted in Figs. 4 to 6.
Specifically, by referring to Fig. 3, in a step S33 the flow forks up depending on whether an ICS-tag is received. In case of yes, the flow continues with steps S341 and S342.
That is, after receipt of such an ICS-tag with respect to an attached user equipment the ICS enhanced MSC server disables the ICS functionality for this call, after receiving the STI list from the SCC AS (S341), and does not start to transfer held sessions. Instead, the ICS UE does it (S342) . Accordingly, the SCC AS would not receive transfer requests from the ICS enhanced MSC server and the ICS UE in parallel.
On the other hand, in case no ICS-tag is received, the flow continues with step S35 where the ICS enabled MSC starts the session transfer, after receiving the STI list from the SCC AS.
A second option is illustrated in Fig. 4 and shows a flow chart related to embodiments where an application server (AS) performing a domain transfer, i.e. the SCC AS, receives the domain transfer request from the IMSC (step S41) and determines whether the UE under the transfer is capable for ICS (step S42) . Again, the ICS-tag can be used for this purpose. If the UE is an ICS UE, the application server does not return the list of STI to the IMSC so that the IMSC is not able to execute the transfers for the remaining held sessions (step S431) . Instead, the ICS UE transfers the held sessions by its own (step S432) .
On the other hand, if it is determined that the user equipment is not ICS capable, the STI list is returned to the MSC which then starts with the session transfer (step S44) .
It is common to the embodiments related to the above described first and second option that the ICS functionality in MSC is always disabled for the ICS UE.
However, there may be cases where this is not desired. For example, it may be that the Gm interface reference point is not available for the ICS UE in the target access (e.g. GERAN without dual transfer mode), and thus the ICS UE is not able to execute the transfer of the held sessions. In this case it would be beneficial to enable the ICS procedures in MSC, because if the Gm interface is not available in target access and ICS is disabled in the MSC server, the held sessions are dropped by timer expiration in the SCC AS according to an existing procedure defined in specification TS 23.237.
Therefore, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a third option which makes advantageous use of a timer in accordance with this existing procedure of specification TS 23.237. That is, the SCC AS is assumed to implement a timer which is used to detect the availability of a Gm interface reference point in the target access after the session transfer. Fig. 5 illustrates a flow chart related to certain embodiments within the present third option. Specifically, the SCC AS sets the timer (step S52) upon the receipt of a domain transfer request (step S51) from the MSC server. The ICS UE is able to transfer the held sessions before the timer expires. Thus, if the ICS UE is not able to use a Gm interface reference point in the target access (step S53 - NO) the timer expires (step S551 - YES) and the SCC AS releases the held sessions. That is, the SCC AS waits until the timer expires (step S551 - NO) and then returns the STI-list to the MSC server so that the MSC server can transfer the held session (step S552), e.g. since Gm interface was not available in target access. On the other hand, the AS does not return the STI-list (step S54) if the ICS UE transfers the held session before the timer expires (step S53 - YES), e.g. since Gm interface was available in target access.
Accordingly, the ICS functionality in the MSC server is disabled in a dynamic manner depending on the availability of e.g. a Gm interface reference point in the target access. That is, if e.g. the Gm interface is not available in target access the ICS functionality is enabled in the MSC server and the held sessions can be transferred by using the IMSC procedures.
As an alternative to the third option there is a fourth option, which is illustrated by a flow chart shown in
Fig. 6, wherein the related embodiments comprise that the SCC AS immediately, upon reception of a domain transfer request from the MSC server (step 61), returns the STI-list to the MSC server, which then transfers the held session towards the AS (step S62) . However, the AS again sets a timer (step S63) and does not execute the transfer of the held session until the timer has expired (step S661 - NO) . If the ICS UE transfers the held session before the timer expires (step S64 - YES), the AS rejects the transfer request towards the MSC server (step S65) .
On the other hand, if the ICS UE does not transfer the held session (step S64 - NO) before the timer expires (step S661 - YES), the SCC AS executes the session transfer (step S662) .
Also according to this alternative the ICS functionality in the MSC server is disabled in a dynamic manner depending on the availability of e.g. a Gm interface reference point in the target access. If the Gm interface is not available in target access the ICS is enabled in the MSC server and the held sessions can be transferred by using the IMSC procedures.
Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention can make advantageous use of a timer defined with release 8 to be present in the application server. For example, the timer is set upon the receipt of the SR-VCC request (for the first active call) from the MSC server. The ICS UE according to release 8 should transfer the held session before the timer expires.
If the UE does not have a Gm interface available, the timer expires in the AS and the AS releases the old SIP session over the Gm interface.
That is, the AS can wait until the timer expires, and then return the STI-list to the MSC server so that the MSC server can transfer the held session. The AS does not return the STI-list if the ICS UE transfers the held session before the timer expires.
Alternatively, the AS can immediately return the STI-list to the MSC server which then transfers the held session towards the AS, but the AS does not execute the transfer until the timer has expired. If the ICS UE transfers the held session before the timer expires, the AS rejects the transfer request towards the MSC.
Although SR-VCC is used above as an example, certain embodiments of the present invention are related in a similar manner to DR-VCC (dual radio voice call continuity) . For example, the ICS UE could use a static STI to transfer a most recent active voice session at first, and transfer the held sessions after that.
According to the above description, it should be apparent that exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide, from the perspective of a mobile switching center (MSC) and service centralization and continuity application server (SCC AS) , respectively, or a component thereof, a method, apparatus and computer program(s).
For example, described above are apparatuses, methods and computer program products capable of supporting service continuity of IP multimedia subsystem centralized services e.g. by enabling and/or disabling the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call/session.
Implementations of any of the above described blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques or methods include, as non limiting examples, implementations as hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.
What is described above is what is presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, as is apparent to the skilled reader, these are provided for illustrative purposes only and are in no way intended that the present invention is restricted thereto. Rather, it is the intention that all variations and modifications be included which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims :
1. An apparatus, comprising: a first processor configured to provide mobile switching functionality; a second processor configured to provide IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality; and a third processor configured to disable the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third processor is configured to disable the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call in response to an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag is set in a memory.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third processor is configured to disable the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call by disabling a session transfer of user equipment attached to the apparatus, when the apparatus received a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality comprises the capability to transfer a session of user equipment attached to the apparatus via circuit switched domain .
6. An apparatus, comprising: a first processor configured to provide service centralization and continuity application server functionality; a controller configured to control a session transfer in response to a domain transfer request; a second processor configured to determine an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and a third processor configured to provide a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment, and to block a session transfer identifier list provision if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined by the second processor.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined by the second processor by receipt of an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag.
8. An apparatus, comprising: a first processor configured to provide service centralization and continuity application server functionality; a timer configured to be triggered in response to a domain transfer request; a controller configured to control a session transfer in response to the domain transfer request; a second processor configured to send a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and a third processor configured to identify a session transfer by the user equipment.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second processor is configured to send a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of user equipment subject to a domain transfer request if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified by the third processor.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second processor is configured to send the list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of user equipment subject to a domain transfer request to a mobile switching center functionality.
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second processor is configured to immediately send the list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request in response to a domain transfer request, and the controller is configured to wait with execution of the session transfer until the timer expired, and to reject the domain transfer request towards the mobile switching center functionality if a session transfer by the user equipment is identified by the third processor before the timer expired.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to execute the session transfer if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified by the third processor .
13. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to determine a mobile switching functionality as origin of the domain transfer request.
14. An apparatus, comprising: mobile switching means for providing mobile switching functionality;
IP multimedia subsystem centralized service means for providing IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality; and disabling means for disabling the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call.
15. An apparatus, comprising: application server means for providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; controlling means for controlling a session transfer in response to a domain transfer request; determination means for determining an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and provision means for providing a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment, and for blocking a session transfer identifier list provision if IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined by the second processor.
16. An apparatus, comprising: application server means for providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; timer means for triggering in response to a domain transfer request; controller means for controlling a session transfer in response to the domain transfer request; commanding means for sending a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request; and identifier means for identifying a session transfer by the user equipment.
17. A method, comprising: providing mobile switching functionality; and disabling an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call in an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service enhanced entity.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality is disabled for one call in response to an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag.
19. The method apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising setting the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag in a memory.
20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising disabling the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call by disabling a session transfer of user equipment attached to the mobile switching functionality, when a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment is received.
21. The method according to claim 17, further comprising transferring a session of user equipment attached by the mobile switching functionality via circuit switched domain.
22. A method, comprising: providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; controlling a session transfer in response to a domain transfer request; determining an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and providing a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is not determined, or blocking a session transfer identifier list provision if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined by receiving an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service tag.
24. A method, comprising: providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; triggering a timer in response to a domain transfer request; controlling a session transfer in response to the domain transfer request, and sending of a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and monitoring execution of a session transfer by the user equipment .
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request is sent if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified.
26. The method according to claim 25, the list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of user equipment subject to a domain transfer request is sent to a mobile switching center functionality.
27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request is immediately sent in response to the domain transfer request, execution of the session transfer is halted until the timer expired, and the domain transfer request is rejected towards the mobile switching center functionality if a session transfer by the user equipment is identified before the timer expired.
28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the session transfer is executed if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified.
29. The method according to claim 24, further comprising determining a mobile switching functionality as origin of the domain transfer request.
30. A computer program product embodied as a computer readable medium storing instructions which comprise: providing mobile switching functionality; and disabling an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service functionality for one call in an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service enhanced entity.
31. A computer program product embodied as a computer readable medium storing instructions which comprise: providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; controlling a session transfer in response to a domain transfer request; determining an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and providing a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of the user equipment if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is not determined, or blocking a session transfer identifier list provision if an IP multimedia subsystem centralized service capability of the user equipment is determined.
32. The computer program product according to claim 31, wherein the instructions further comprise that a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request is sent if both the timer expired and a session transfer by the user equipment is not identified.
33. The computer program product according to claim 31, wherein the instructions further comprise that a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to a domain transfer request is immediately sent in response to the domain transfer request, execution of the session transfer is halted until the timer expired, and the domain transfer request is rejected towards the mobile switching center functionality if a session transfer by the user equipment is identified before the timer expired.
34. A computer program product embodied as a computer readable medium storing instructions which comprise: providing service centralization and continuity application server functionality; triggering a timer in response to a domain transfer request; controlling a session transfer in response to the domain transfer request, and sending of a list of session transfer identifier for respective active sessions of a user equipment subject to the domain transfer request; and monitoring execution of a session transfer by the user equipment .
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