Understanding CS Fallback in LTE

LTE technology supports packet based services only however 3GPP does specifies fallback for circuit switched services as well. To achieve this LTE architecture and network nodes require additional functionality, this blog is an attempt to provide overview for same.

In LTE architecture, the circuit switched (CS) fallback in EPS enables the provisioning of voice and traditional CS-domain services (e.g. CS UDI video/ SMS/ LCS/ USSD). To provide these services LTE reuses CS infrastructure when the UE is served by E UTRAN.

A CS fallback enabled terminal, connected to E UTRAN may use GERAN or UTRAN to connect to the CS domain. This function is only available in case E UTRAN coverage is overlapped by either GERAN coverage or UTRAN coverage.

The figure above provides architecture for CS fallback in EPS.

CS Fallback and IMS based services can co-exist in the same operator’s network. Although its not very straight forward to support CS fallback, all participating elements i.e UE, MME, MSC & E-UTRAN needs to support additional functionalities.

The support CS fallback in EPS a new interface SGs is added in LTE architecture. SGs interface is the reference point between the MME and MSC server. SGs interface is used for the mobility management and paging procedures between EPS and CS domain, and is based on the Gs interface procedures.

The SGs reference point is also used for the delivery of both mobile originating and mobile terminating SMS.

The CS fallback enabled network elements need to support the following additional functions:

UE

• supports access to E-UTRAN/EPC as well as access to the CS domain over GERAN and/or UTRAN.
• Combined procedures for EPS/IMSI attach, update and detach.
• CS fallback and SMS procedures for using CS domain services.

MME

• Deriving a VLR number and LAI from the GUTI received from the UE or from a default LAI.
• Maintaining of SGs association towards MSC/VLR for EPS/IMSI attached UE.
• Initiating IMSI detach at EPS detach.
• Initiating paging procedure towards eNodeB when MSC pages the UE for CS services.
• Support of SMS procedures
• Rejecting CS Fallback call request (e.g. due to O&M reasons)
• Use of the LAI and a hash value from the IMSI to determine the VLR number when multiple MSC/VLRs serve the same LAI.

MSC

• Maintaining SGs association towards MME for EPS/IMSI attached UE.
• Support of SMS procedures as provided in 3GPP specification

E-UTRAN

• Forwarding paging request and SMS to the UE.
• Directing the UE to the target CS capable cell.

At MME - MSC Server interface a new protcol SGsAP is being added to support CS fallback. SGsAP protocol is based on the BSSAP+. Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) is used to transport SGsAP signaling messages.

A CS Fallback and IMS capable UE would follow the procedures for domain selection for UE originating session/calls according to 3GPP specification 23.221.

If a UE is configured to use SMS over IP services and it is registered to IMS then it would send SMS over IMS, even if it is EPS/IMSI attached.

The home operator has option to activate/deactivate the UE configuration to use SMS over IP by means of device management in order to allow alignment with HPLMN support of SMS over IP.

When UE is performing CS fallback procedure for Mobile Originating Call for the purpose of emergency call, it needs to indicate to the MME that this CS fallback request is for emergency purpose. MME also indicates to the E-UTRAN via the appropriate S1-AP message that this CS fallback procedure is for emergency purpose.

Contents of this blog are mostly derived from 3GPP specification 23.272, for better and detailed understanding same should be referred.

Although there had been talks about another approach for CS Fallback by VoLGA which does not require any enhancement in existing CS elements like MSC but for VoLGA another set of additional nodes are needed. to know more about VoLGA refer one of our earlier blog LTE needs VoLGA.

LTE : The Global Opportunity

The UMTS Forum has came out with a report - LTE Mobile Broadband Ecosystem: the Global Opportunity. This is available for free download.

The report considers relationship in between LTE & othe mobile technologies; the new services, devices and applications which will drive LTE. Report presents a positive picture of LTE’s transformation of the global market for mobile broadband.

According to report, it is based on over 30 interviews by Ovum with operators, vendors, regulators and standards bodies, plus end user research with 550 respondents in the US, Korea, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, the UK and Spain. It considers both consumer and enterprise market segments, as well as vertical markets that will benefit from the deployment of LTE.

Report further suggests that Offering major enhancements in speed, capacity and support for new services, LTE will dominate the global market for mobile broadband over the next few years. Designed for all-IP traffic, LTE supports a flatter, more efficient network architecture that allows operators to reduce their long term capex and opex. In parallel with this, LTE allows operators to deliver a more compelling, service-rich mobile broadband user experience for consumers and business customers alike.

LTE will enhance many existing services while enabling new ones. In this new environment, non-voice mobile services – including real-time video, P2P content sharing and social networking – will be increasingly important. This evolution from a ‘traditional’ mobile ecosystem to embrace new internet-based applications, devices and content delivery mechanisms will see the emergence of a broader ecosystem than for any previous mobile technology.