01FO NAST3107 E01 1LTEand2G3GInteroperability 73P

LTE and 2G/3G
Interoperability
Contents
GUL Interoperability Overview

Idle Interoperability
Connected Interoperability
CSFB
Requirements for Interoperability between LTE
and 2G/3G Systems
As the next-generation mobile communications technology, LTE can
provide higher user rates and more extensive services. However, LTE
network construction will inevitably take a long time, and 2G/3G
rather than LTE network coverage is available in some scenarios.
To ensure good service experience of existing mobile users, the
interoperability between LTE and existing systems is considered to
be a very important feature when LTE standards are formulated.
In case of poor LTE coverage, users need to hand over smoothly to 2G/3G
networks to ensure service continuity.
When both LTE and 2G/3G network coverage is available, LTE networks should be
used to ensure better service experience.
In the areas with insufficient 2G/3G wireless resources, LTE networks are preferred.
ZTE Corporation. All rights reserved

Classification of Interoperability between LTE
and 2G/3G Systems
From the technical perspective, interoperability between LTE and
2G/3G networks can be classified as that between LTE and 3GPP
systems, and between LTE and non-3GPP systems.
3GPP System (GSM/UMTS) Non-3GPP System (CDMA2000)

TS 23.401
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) enhancements
for Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access
Network (E-UTRAN) access
Interoperability standards defined by 3GPP

TS29.060 and TS36.331
Defined by 3GPP
Framework, major processes, and interfaces defined by 3GPP
CDMA-related processes and interfaces defined by 3GPP2

Typical GUL Network Coverage Scenario in Initial
Stage of LTE Deployment

Basic Principles and Positioning of
Interoperability
CSFB and 3G
SRVCC (VoLTE)
3G
2G x
In the initial stage of LTE deployment, interoperability with 3G networks

should be considered, and CSFB is supported for voice services.

GUL Interoperability Suggestion: China Unicom
Idle Mode Active Mode (PS) Active Mode (CS)
LTE
Cell Redirection Handover CSFB

reselection
UMTS
Cell Redirection Handover

reselection
GSM/EDGE
Data service interoperability: focuses on PS domain handover/redirection between 3G UMTS and LTE.
Voice service interoperability
LTE CSFB to the 3G UMTS system is dominant, and LTE CSFB to the 2G GSM system is used if UMTS system
coverage is unavailable.
3G networks support redirection for Fast Return to LTE.

GUL Interoperability System Architecture:
Supporting PS Domain Interoperability
UTRAN
SGSN
GERAN HSS
S3
S1-MME S6a
MME
PCRF
S12 Rx
S11 Gx
S4
LTE-Uu S10
Serving S5 PDN SGi Operator's IP
UE E-UTRAN Gateway Gateway Services
S1-U (e.g. IMS, PSS etc.)
S3 interface: exchanges information between the MME and SGSN, to

support the mobility between GU and LTE networks.
S4 interface: provides control and mobility support between the GPRS
core network and Serving GW.
S12 interface: used for user plane tunneling between the between
UTRAN and Serving GW.

Interoperability Solution: Voice Solution
PSTN/PLMN PSTN/PLMN
IMS
INTRENET MGCF/M INTRENET

GW
CSCF
SCC AS
SGs EPC Sv EPC
SAE-GW SAE-GW
MSCS MME MSCS MME
MSCS MSCS
SGs
C C
MGWSMGW MGWSMGW
Commercial
CSFB network in
RAN/GER eNodeB CSL RAN/GERAN eNodeB
AN
handover
If LTE does not support voice services, the CS domain voice Voice and data services are completed in the LTE
service is provided through CSFB to 2G/3G networks, and the network.
UE returns to LTE networks after the voice service ends. The IMS network needs to be built as a unified control
It is applicable to scenarios where the 2G/3G CS domain platform for voice and multimedia services.
overlaps with LTE networks. LTE voice services can be handed over to the CS domain.
The MSC needs to be upgraded or a new proxy MSC server Independent SRVCC should be built to enhance the MSC,
should be deployed to support the SGs interface and support the Sv and SIP interfaces, and avoid upgrading
complete location updating, paging, SMS, and other functions. all MSCs.
Network structure is simple, and the IMS does not need to be
constructed.

GUL Interoperability System Architecture: EPS System
Architecture Supporting the CSFB Function
Iu-ps SGSN
UTRAN
Gs
Gb
Uu
GERAN
Iu-cs
S3 MSC
Um A Server
SGs
LTE-Uu S1-MME
UE E-UTRAN MME
SGs interface: exists between the MME and the MSC, supports mobility
management and paging between the EPS and CS domain, and uses the
processes on the Gs interface to transmit MO SMS and MT SMS.
S3 Interface: used for concurrent PS handover during the CSFB process.

CSFB to GU Solutions Supporting CS Voice
Target RAT Solutions Release Description
CSFB to UMTS RRC Connection Release with Redirection Rel-8 Does not support concurrent PS handover.
without Sys Info
RRC Connection Release with Redirection with Rel-9 Does not support concurrent PS handover.
Sys Info Supports RIM signaling interaction between
the E-UTRAN and UTRAN, such as the SI.
PS handover with DRB(s) Rel-8 Supports concurrent PS handover.
CSFB to GSM RRC Connection Release with Redirection Rel-8 Does not support CCO.
without Sys Info
RRC Connection Release with Redirection with Rel-9 Does not support CCO.
Sys Info Supports RIM signaling interaction of the
NACC process between the E-UTRAN and
GERAN, such as the SI.
Cell change order without NACC Rel-8 CSFB to GERAN, initiates CS voice services,
with CCO carrying the CS Fallback Indicator.
Cell change order with NACC Rel-8 Supports RIM signaling interaction of the
NACC process between the E-UTRAN and
GERAN, such as the SI.
CCO should carry the SI of the GERAN.
PS handover Rel-8 Supports concurrent PS handover.

Contents

CSFB
Mobility Management in Idle Status
Reselection
Broadcast
parameter
message
configuration
Idle
status
Cell Cell
selection reselection

E-UTRAN: Cell System Messages
The MIB includes the most important and common transmission parameters, and needs to obtain
other information from the cell
The SIB1 includes the scheduling information of other SIBs and access information of other cells.
The System Information (SI) message carries SIB rather than SystemIfnormationBlockType1.
The SIB2 includes common wireless resource configuration information of all UEs.
The SIB3 includes intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and inter-network cell reselection information.
The SIB4 includes neighboring cell information used only for intra-frequency cell reselection, cell
reselection parameters, and blacklist cells.
The SIB5 includes inter-frequency E-UTRA network reselection information.
The SIB6 includes inter-frequency UTRA network reselection information.
The SIB7 includes inter-frequency GERAN (GSM/EDGE) network reselection information.
The SIB8 includes inter-frequency CDMA2000 network reselection information.
The SIB9 includes the names of home eNodeBs.
The SIB10 includes the information of the major ETWS notification.
The SIB11 includes the information of the auxiliary ETWS notification.
The SIB12 includes the information of the auxiliary CMAS notification.

E-UTRAN: Cell Selection/Reselection
In an E-UTRAN cell, the UE may select a cell in many ways or

reselect to inter-system and other neighboring cells.

E-UTRAN: Cell Selection and Reselection Process
Cell Selection and Reselection Process
Cell reselection scope
Provided in SIB, carrying

priority information
Frequency search PLMN search Cell capture Cell access Cell reselection
Idle Idle
Better cell
Release
Medium-priority
Select priority
Connected
SIB
Medium-priority
Lifecycle
1. Delete it after entering connected status
2. Delete it after the validity timer expires
3. Delete it after the PLMN is changed

E-UTRAN: S-Criterion for Cell Selection

E-UTRAN: S-Criterion for Cell Selection
Note:
1. During cell selection, the UE does not use the inter-frequency/RAT priority
provided in system messages or dedicated signaling.
2. During the cell selection or reselection, the UE resides in a cell only when the
target cell satisfies the S-Criterion for cell selection.
3. In addition to the S-Criterion, the UE resides in a cell only when other
parameters in SIB1 meets the following requirements:
PLMN: not belonging to FPLMN
TAC: not belonging to registration barring domains
CELL BARRED: not barred
Cell Reserved For Operator Use: not reserved

Cell Reselection
Purpose
Cell reselection aims to make the UE move to the "best" cell within the selected PLMN or EPLMN.
Reselection Parameter Delivery
Cell reselection parameters are delivered in SIB3-SIB8, wherein serving cell priority and common reselection parameters are
carried in SIB3, the UMTS neighboring cell list and reselection parameters are carried in SIB6, and the GSM neighboring cell
list and reselection parameters are carried in SIB7.
The SIB3 includes intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and inter-network cell reselection information.
The SIB4 includes neighboring cell information used only for intra-frequency cell reselection, cell
reselection parameters, and blacklist cells.
The SIB5 includes inter-frequency E-UTRA network reselection information.
The SIB6 includes inter-frequency UTRA network reselection information.

Priorities
The SIB7 includes inter-frequency GERAN (GSM/EDGE) network reselection information.
in different
The SIB8 includes inter-frequency CDMA2000 network reselection information. systems
cannot be
Cell Reselection Priority Delivery the same.
The absolute priority between different E-UTRAN or IRAT frequencies can be
delivered to the UE in three ways:
1. System information
2. RRC ConnectionRelease message
3. Inheriting from another RAT at inter-RAT cell reselection
E-UTRAN Cell Reselection Measurement
Measurement criteria determine whether the UE measures the target frequency point. The UE
measures the target frequency point if the requirements of the measurement criteria are met.
Target frequencies at different priority levels correspond to different measurement criteria.
SServingCell indicates the value calculated by the serving cell according to the S-Criterion. Parameters related to the S-
Criterion can be configured at the back end, and delivered by SIB3.
SIntraSearch indicates the threshold for triggering inter-frequency measurement. This parameter is configured at the back
end, and delivered by SIB3.
SNonIntraSearch indicates the threshold for triggering inter-frequency or inter-system measurement (applicable to
frequency points at the same or lower priority levels). This parameter is configured at the back end, and delivered by SIB3.

E-UTRAN Cell Reselection
Cell reselection process:

After the measurement criteria are met, the UE checks whether the target
frequency reaches the reselection threshold. If yes, the UE will reselect to the
target frequency according to the reselection criteria, and reads the
broadcast messages to determine whether the cell meets the residence
conditions (S-Criterion).
Note:
The UE reselects to another cell only after it resides in the
serving cell for more than one second.

Cell Reselection Criteria
Intra-frequency and inter-frequency (with the same priority) cell

reselection criterion: cell-Ranking Criterion (R-Criterion)
Parameter Description
Rs Ranking value of the serving cell
Rn Ranking value of a neighboring cell
Qmeas RSRP value measured during cell reselection
Additional delay for reselection, configured at the back end and sent in SIB3 (this parameter will be
Qhyst
scaled in case of high mobility)
Quality offset between neighboring cells during cell reselection

For two intra-frequency cells, if Qoffsets,n is valid, Qoffset = Qoffsets,n. Otherwise, Qoffset = 0.
Qoffset For two inter-frequency cells, if Qoffsets,n is valid, Qoffset = Qoffsets,n + Qoffsetfrequency. Otherwise,
Qoffset = Qoffsetfrequency.
Note: Qoffsets,n and Qoffsetfre quency can be configured at the back end, and delivered through
broadcast messages. Qoffsets,ncan be configured during neighboring cell configuration.
The UE ranks all cells that meet the S-Criterion cell according to the R-
Criterion, and reselects to the best cell during the TreselectionRAT period.

Cell Reselection Criteria
Reselection Criteria for Inter-Frequency or Inter-System Cells at Different Priority
Levels
If the inter-frequency/RAT target cell has higher priority than the serving cell, reselection is triggered if the following
condition is met:
During the TreselectionRAT,
Target cell: SnonServingCell,x > ThreshX, HighP
If the inter-frequency/RAT target cell has lower priority than the serving cell, reselection is triggered if the following
condition is met:
During the TreselectionRAT,
Serving cell: SServingCell < ThreshServ ing, Low P, and
Target cell: SnonServingCell,x > ThreshX, Low P
Cell reselection timer. This parameter can be configured at the back end according to different
TreselectionRAT
frequencies and RATs, and delivered in broadcast messages (CDMA-SIB8).
Indicates the high threshold for the target X frequency when a higher-priority cell is reselected.
Thresh X, HighP
This parameter is configured at the back end, and delivered in broadcast messages (CDMA-SIB8).
Indicates the low threshold for the target X frequency when a lower-priority cell is reselected.
Thresh X, LowP
This parameter is configured at the back end, and delivered in broadcast messages (CDMA-SIB8).
Indicates the low threshold for service frequencies when a lower-priority cell is reselected. This
Thresh Serving, LowP
parameter is configured at the back end, and delivered in SIB3 (CDMA-SIB8).
SnonServingCell,x Indicates the S value of a GERAN, UTRAN, or EUTRAN cell.
SServingCell Indicates the S value of the serving cell.
When the UE is in medium-mobility or high-mobility status, all of the above criteria scaling
criteria should apply to TreselectionRAT in all the above criteria.

Cell Reselection Summary: Neighboring Cell
Measurement
Intra-frequency: Srxlev of the serving cell intra-frequency

measurement threshold SintraSearch
Inter-frequency cells with the same priority: Srxlev of the serving
cell measurement threshold with a low priority SnonintraSearch
The UE measures high-priority cells regardless of the

serving cell quality
Srxlev of the serving cell inter-frequency/inter-system

measurement threshold SNonIntraSearch

Cell Reselection Summary: Reselection Judgment
R-Criterion:
During the TreselEutran period, if the neighboring cell quality
Rn > serving cell quality Rs, intra-frequency cell reselection
with the same priority is triggered.
S-Criterion:
During the Tresel period, if the measured signal quality of an
adjacent cell with higher priority SnonServingCell,x >
ThreshX,High, cell reselection is triggered.
S-Criterion:
During the Tresel period, if the Srxlev of the serving cell < low
threshold of the service carrier frequency ThreshServing, Low, and
the adjacent cell S value > low threshold of low-priority cell
reselection ThreshX, Low, cell reselection is triggered.

Cell Reselection (Mobile Status)
For cell reselection by the UE in mobility status, reelection parameters should be pre-
processed by using the scaling criteria.
Status detection criteria:
Medium-mobility: During the TCRmax period, NCR_H > number of cell reselection times > NCR_M.
High-mobility: During the TCRmax period, number of cell reselection times > NCR_H.
Reselection tim es
During the TCRmaxHyst period,

if neither the high-mobility
nor medium-mobility
No detection after
criterion is satisfied, the UE
the TCRmaxHyst
enters normal-mobility
timer expires
status.
Tim e
TCRmax Indicates the time window for the UE to start Sent in SIB3
medium-/high-mobility judgment
NCR_H Indicates the threshold of cell reselection times for Sent in SIB3
high-mobility judgment
NCR_M Indicates the threshold of cell reselection times for Sent in SIB3
medium-mobility judgment
TCRmaxhyst Indicates the time window for the UE to end Sent in SIB3
medium-/high-mobility judgment

Scaling criteria
UE in normal-mobility status: No scaling criteria are used.
UE in high-mobility status: Qhyst plus scaling factor sf-High as its value; TreselectionRAT multiplied by the
scaling factor sf-High as its value.
UE in medium-mobility status: Qhyst plus scaling factor sf-medium as its value; TreselectionRAT multiplied by
the scaling factor sf-medium as its value.
Acts on
Acts on
Acts on
Parameter Description
Qhyst Additional reselection delay, configured at the back end, and sent in SIB 3. Corresponding field: Qhyst
High-mobility scaling factor, configured at the back end.
The parameters for Qhyst and TreselectionRAT are not the same:
sf-High For Qhyst: carried in SIB3.
For TreselectionRAT: delivered in related broadcast messages (UMTS-SIB6 and GSM-SIB7).
Value range: 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0
Medium-mobility scaling factor, configured at the back end. The parameter delivery method and value
sf-medium
range are the same as those of sf-High.

Note:
In accordance with the protocol, if the UE reselects from a cell to another one,
and reselects back, mobility status judgment criteria are not applicable to this
ping-pong reselection.
If multiple cells with different priority meet the reselection criteria, the cell
with the highest priority is selected.
If multiple cells with the same priority meet the reselection criteria, the best
cell is selected in accordance with the R-Criterion.

Cell Reselection Flow (TD-LTE to UTRAN)
GnGp Serving PDN
UE eNodeB MME RNC HSS 1. The UE is initially connected to an LTE cell.
SGSN GW GW
2. The User Inactivity timer on the control plane expires, and the eNodeB
1.LTE attach procedure
sends RrcConnectionRelease to the UE, which enters IDLE status.
1a.user inactive Adjust the LTE and UMTS cell signals in IDLE status, and the triggering
timer expiry
conditions are met before the Treselection timer expires.
1c..S1AP_UeContextReleaseRequestMsg
3. The UE reads the UMTS system information, and starts the UMTS
1d..S1AP_UeContextReleaseCommandMsg
reselection process.
2.rrcConnectionRelease
1d..S1AP_UeContextReleaseCompleteMsg
4. The UE sends .rrcConnectionRequest to the RNC, and the
2a.Reach the establishmentCause is interRAT-CellReselection. The RNC sends
Reselection criteria
rrcConnectionSetup to the UE, which returns
3.UMTS System Info rrcConnectionSetupComplete to the RNC.
4.rrcConnectionRequest 5. The rrcConnectionSetupComplete sent by the UE carries the RAU
4a.rrcConnectionSetup Request to be sent to the SGSN, and the RAU process is initiated.
4b.rrcConnectionSetupComplete
6. The SGSN sends an SGSN Context Request message to the MME,
5.RAU Request
which returns an SGSN Context Response message carrying MM and
PDP context. The MME starts a timer.
6.SGSN Context Request
7. The SGSN sends Authentication Information Request (IMSI) to the HSS,
6a.SGSN Context Response which returns an Authentication Information Acknowledge message
7.Authentication Information Request
carrying the GPRS security vector.
7a.Authentication Information Acknowledge
8.Authentication / Security
8. The SGSN initiates a secure process between the UE.
9. The SGSN sends an SGSN Context Acknowledge message to the MME.
9.SGSN Context Acknowledge 10. The SGSN sends an Update PDP Context Request message to the PDN
10.Update PDP Context Request GW to update the TEID and IP address. The PDN GW sends an Update
10a.Update PDP Context Response PDP Context Response message to the SGSN, indicating successful
11.Update Location Request updates.
11a..Insert Subscriber Data
11. The SGSN sends an Update Location Request message to the HSS for
position updates, and the HSS sends Insert Subscriber Data to the
11b..Insert Subscriber Data Acknowledge
SGSN to insert the subscription data. The SGSN returns Insert
12.Update Location Acknowledge Subscriber Data Acknowledge to confirm subscription data insertion.
13.RAU Accept 12. The HSS returns Update Location Acknowledge.
13a.RAU Accept 13. The SGSN sends an RAU Accept response to the UE, and assigns a
13b.RAU Complete new PTMSI. The returns an RAU Complete message.
13c.RAU Complete 14. After the timer started by the MME in step 6 expires, the MME sends a
14.Delete Session Request
Delete Session Request message to the Serving GW to delete the
bearer context. The Serving GW returns a Delete Session Response
14a.Delete Session Response message, indicating successful deletion of the bearer.

Air Interface Message Descriptions (1)
Qrxlevmin: the minimum reception required for selecting a cell, unit: dBm.
Qrxlevminoffset: When residing in a visited PLMN (VPLMN), the UE periodically
searches for a high-priority PLMN to assess the Qrxlevmin deviation of signaling
notification for the Srxlev. This parameter is configured at the back end, sent in
SIB 1, and related to the cell. Default: 0.
systemInformationBlockType1:
The actual value is 65 2 = 130 dB
The actual value is 1 2 = 2 dB

Sintrasearch: threshold for enabling intra-frequency measurement. It can be configured at

the back end, and sent in SIB 3.
Snonintrasearch: threshold for enabling inter-frequency measurement (with the same or
different priority. It can be configured at the back end, and sent in SIB 3.
Qhyst: additional reselection delay. It is configured at the back end, and sent in SIB 3.
SIB3:

TreselectionRAT: cell reselection timer. It
can be configured at the back end for
different frequencies/RATs, and delivered
in related broadcast messages (UMTS-
SIB6 and GSM-SIB7).
ThreshServing, LowP: low threshold of
service frequencies for reselecting to a cell
with low priority. It can be configured at
the back end, and sent in SIB 3.
ThreshX, LowP: low threshold of the target
X frequency for reselecting to a cell with
low priority. It can be configured at the
back end, and delivered in related
broadcast messages (UMTS-SIB6 and
GSM-SIB7).
ThreshX, HighP: high threshold of the
target X frequency for reselecting to a cell
with high priority. It can be configured at
the back end, and delivered in related
broadcast messages (UMTS-SIB6 and
GSM-SIB7).

Contents

CSFB
Mobility Management in Connected Status
Parameter
configuration
Redirection
Measurement
Connected
status
Handover CCO

Overall Access Flow
Attach flow
UE ENB MME MME S-GW P-GW HSS
Attach
request
Verify the Attach
request message:
obtain UE context
Authentication and NAS security process
Update position information, and insert subscription data
Establish the default bearer

Attach
accepted
Attach
completed
Bearer information notification HSS
Access flow
During the Attach flow, the eNodeB selects the MME for the UE.
After the Attach flow, the UE obtains the IP address, GUTI, TAList, and
default bearer.
Signaling Flow: Access Flow
After power-on, the UE selects PrembleID selection and sending;

a cell to receive system
information, and initiates the Time frequency resource selection;
Attach process. RA-CRNTI generation;
Resource allocation;
T-CRNTI allocation;
UEID;
Cause for connection
establishment;
Physical resources;
SRB1 establishment;
Contention Resolution ID;

Signaling Flow: MME Selection
UE carrying IDs (UE ID and MME ID)

MME capacity
Link between the eNodeB and MME
MME load
The eNodeB selects the MME for the UE for message routing.
(Including the Attach Request and PDN connectivity request messages)
(Including the Attach Request and PDN connectivity request messages)

Signaling Flow: Default Bearer Establishment
8. Establish the default bearer
(Including the Attach Accept and Activ e default EPS bearer concept request
messages)
(Including the Attach Accept and Active default EPS bearer

concept request messages)


20. Update the bearer

Measurement
Measurement is the prerequisite for mobility.

The following figure shows that the UE can move towards either
the cell edge or the cell center.
Measurement objects: current and neighboring cells

Measurement
Measurement events:
A1 Serving cell quality higher than an absolute threshold (serving > threshold)
event
A2 Serving cell quality lower than an absolute threshold (serving < threshold)
event
A3 Neighboring cell quality a threshold higher than the serving cell quality
event (Neighbor > Serving + OffsetOffset: +/-)
A4 Neighboring cell quality higher than an absolute threshold
event
A5 Serving cell quality lower than absolute threshold 1 (Serving < threshold1), and
event neighboring cell quality higher than absolute threshold 2Neighbor > threshold2
B1 Inter-system neighboring cell quality higher than a threshold
event
B2 Serving cell quality lower than absolute threshold 1 and inter-system neighboring
event
cell quality higher than absolute threshold 2

Measurement
Intra-frequency measurement does not conflict with data reception. The UE is always
receiving the carrier, and measurement can be performed without any adjustment. However,
for inter-frequency and inter-system measurement, if the UE fails to send/receive signals
to/from the serving cell simultaneously due to lack of multiple receivers, the serving cell
needs to provide some gap for measurement to allow the UE make handover preparations.
Call Call Call
Measure Measure Measure

ment ment ment
Gap Index Transmission Gap Length (TGL) Transmission Gap Repetition Period
(ms) (TGRP) (ms)
0 6 40
1 6 80

E-UTRAN and Inter-System Mobility Process:
Overview
E-UTRAN and Inter-System Mobility
RRC redirection is also an interoperability mode

(not identified in the figure)

E-UTRAN and Inter-System Mobility
Implementation
Target Network Target Network Capability and UE Process Triggered

Type Capability
Support PS HO Trigger PS HO
Support CCO
(NACC) Trigger CCO (NACC)
Does not Does not

support PS HO Does not support
support redirection
CCO Support Trigger redirection (carrying
redirection multi-cell system information )
Support PS HO Trigger PS HO
Does not support

redirection
Does not
support PS HO Support Trigger redirection (carrying
redirection multi-cell system information )

E-UTRAN and GERAN/UTRAN Mobility Process:
PS Handover
The MobilityFromEUTRACommand request is sent to initiate
inter-system handover.
UE EUTRAN
MobilityFromEUTRACommand
MobilityFromEUTRACommand
cs-FallbackIndicator
Purpose: handover Purpose: cellChangeOrder
targetRAT-Type INTER t304 (ms) HO cmd sent to HO
RAT successful
targetRAT-MessageContainer PhysCellIdGERAN,
CarrierFreqGERAN,
nas-SecurityParamFromEUTRA UTRAN/ targetRAT-Type networkControlOrder
GERAN
systemInformation(SI-OrPSI-GERA PSHO systemInformation
N)

E-UTRAN-to-GERAN Mobility Process: PS
Handover (1)
Preparation Stage
Source Source Target
UE eNodeB Target BSS Source MME Target SGSN Serving GW Serving GW PDN GW HSS
Uplink and Downlink User Plane PDUs
1. Handover Initiation
2. Handover Required
3. Forward Relocation Request
4. Create Session Request
4a. Create Session Response

5. PS Handover Request
5a. PS Handover Request Acknowledge
6. Create Indirect Data Forwarding Tunnel Request
6a. Create Indirect Data Forwarding Tunnel Response
7. Forward Relocation Response

E-UTRAN-to-GERAN Mobility Process: PS
Handover (2)
Execution Stage
Source Source Target PDN
UE eNodeB Target BSS Source MME Target SGSN Serving GW Serving GW GW HSS

1. Handover Command
2. HO from E-UTRAN Command
4. GERAN A/Gb Access Procedures

5. XID Response
Downlink User Plane PDUs
Only if Direct Forwarding applies

Sending of
uplink data Only if Indirect Forwarding applies
possible
6. PS Handover Complete
7. XID Response
8. Forward Relocation Complete Notification
8a. Forward Relocation Complete Acknowledge
9. Modify Bearer Request
For Serving GW relocation Steps 9, 10 and 11, 10. Modify Bearer Request
and the following User Plane path, will be (A)
handled by Target Serving GW 10a. Modify Bearer Response
11. Modify Bearer Response
12. XID Negotiation for LLC ADM
12a. SABM UA exchange
re-establishment and XID negotiation for LLC ABM)
13. Routeing Area Update procedure
14. Delete Session Request

14b. Release Resource (B)
14a. Delete Session Response
15. Delete Indirect Data Forwarding Tunnel

E-UTRAN-to- UTRAN Mobility Process: PS
Handover (1)
Preparation Stage
UE eNodeB Target RNC Source MME Target SGSN Serving GW Serving GW PDN GW HSS
Uplink and DownlinkUser Plane PDUs
1. Handover Initiation
2. Handover Required 3. Forward Relocation Request
4. Create Session Request
4a. Create Session Response

5. RelocationRequest
5a. Relocation Request Acknowledge

7. Forward Relocation Response


E-UTRAN-to- UTRAN Mobility Process: PS
Handover (2)
Execution Stage
UE eNodeB Target RNC Source MME Target SGSN Serving GW Serving GW PDN GW HSS

1. Handover Command
2. HO from- E-UTRAN Command
3. UTRAN Iu Access Procedures
3a. Handover to UTRAN Complete
Sending of Downlink User Plane PDUs

uplink data
possible If Direct Forwarding applies
Via Target SGSN in case Direct Tunnel is not used If Indirect Forwarding applies.
4. Relocation Complete
5. Forward Relocation Complete Notification

5a. Forward Relocation Complete Acknowledge
6. Modify Bearer Request
For Serving GW relocation Steps 7, 8 and 9, 7. Modify Bearer Request

and the following User Plane path, will be (A)
handled by Target Serving GW 7a. Modify Bearer Response
8. Modify Bearer Response
Uplink and Downlink User Plane PDUs (Via Target SGSN if Direct Tunnel is not used)
9. Routeing Area Update procedure
10. Delete Session Request

10b. Release Resources
(B)
10a. Delete Session Response
11. Delete Indirect Data Forwarding Tunnel

E-UTRAN and GERAN Mobility Process: CCO (NACC)
Cell Change Order (CCO) without Network Assisted Cell Change (NACC):
network control change. The UE sends the measurement report according
to measurement control, and the network sends the handover command
(the same as TD-to-GSM data service interoperability).
CCO delay: 2 s
NACC delay: 300700 ms
CCO with NACC: Similar to the CCO process, the source network adds
the Ran Information Management (RIM) process to obtain the SI/PSI of a
neighboring GSM/GPRS cell, and carry the SI/PSI in the Cell Change
Order From UTRAN/E-UTRAN message, to accelerate handover of the
UE.
NACC is optimized CCO. The major difference between NACC and CCO is
that CCO provides only the frequency and cell ID of the target GERAN cell,
while NACC provides not only the frequency and cell ID but also the system
information of the target GERAN cell, so that the UE can be quickly
connected to the GERAN cell.

E-UTRAN and GERAN Mobility Process: NACC
CCO
RIM Network Architecture
RIM Signaling
eNodeB S1 MME
E-UTRAN Relaying RIM

Signaling S3/Gn
GERAN
Gb/Iu
BSS SGSN
RIM Signaling
E-UTRAN to GERAN NACC basic network architecture

E-UTRAN-to-GERAN/UTRAN Mobility Process:
Redirection
LTE redirection means that the system instructs the UE to connect to a specified
system/frequency after leaving connected status through redirectedCarrierInfo in the
RRCConnectionRelease message. LTE supports intra-system and inter-system redirection.
Cell redirection can be measurement-based and non-measurement-based.
For measurement-based redirection, the eNodeB enables inter-system measurement by
using the A2 event, triggers redirection through the B2 event, and selects the neighboring
cell reported in the B2 event to initiate redirection.
For non-measurement-based redirection, the eNB selects the highest-priority neighboring
cell from the list to initiate non-measurement-based redirection, namely, blind redirection.
The eNB delivers the highest-priority frequency, and initiates redirection to a cell with better
signal quality.
Note: In coverage-based mobility management scenarios, because PS HO and

CCO have better redirection performance than CCO, PS HO or CCO are
preferred as long as they are supported by the UE and network, and
redirection can be used if neither of these options is supported.
This algorithm can be enabled by using Redirect for Coverage, indicating
whether to use redirection for coverage-based mobility management.

Redirection Flow: UMTS to E-UTRAN
UE RNC SGSN eNodeB
attach procedure
MeaseurementReport
Iu_ReleaseRequest
Iu_ReleaseCommand
rrcConnectionRelease (redirectedCarrierInfo)
Iu_ReleaseComplete
rrcConnectionReleaseComplete

Redirection Flow: E-UTRAN to UMTS
UE eNodeB MME UTRAN Key Steps of Redirection
1.LTE attach procedure (TDL-UMTS)
2.MeaseurementReport
3a..S1AP_UeContextReleaseRequestMsg
For blind redirection (non-
3b..S1AP_UeContextReleaseCommandMsg
measurement-based
redirection), the measurement
3c.rrcConnectionRelease (redirectedCarrierInfo) report in step 2 is not available.
3d..S1AP_UeContextReleaseCompleteMsg
RRCconnectionrelease in
step 3 carries redirection
4.UTRAN TDD Cell System Info
information.
5.Detach Request
In step 5, some UEs

5a.Detach Accecpt
6.Attach Request
initiates a Detach process
during initial access to
6a.Attach Accecpt delete expired UE instances.
6c.Attach Complete

Inter-RAT Interoperability Method Comparison
Handover/CCO/Redirection Comparison
InterRAT
Service Positioning
Interoperability Scenario Signaling UE Status Negotiability
Continuity Dimension
Method
Negotiation
EUTRAN/UTRAN/ MobilityFrom
Connected to No service between target and
Handover GERAN in EUTRANComm Target cell
connected interruption source network
connected status and
nodes
MobilityFrom Determined by the

Connected to Service
CCO EUTRAN to GERAN EUTRANComm EUTRAN without Target cell
idle interruption
and negotiation
Determined by the
EUTRAN to RrcConnection Connected to Service Target
Redirection EUTRAN without
GERAN/UTRAN Release idle interruption frequency
negotiation

Handover/Redirection Parameter Configuration
Examples
Measurement Enabling
Method Category Priority Execution Condition
Condition
The A3, A4, or A5 event is selected for handover
Intra-
N/A Measurement according to the configuration (A5 is not used)
frequency
(A4, threshold = 70 to 121 dBm)
Handover and Redirection
Inter-
Measurement enabled by The A3, A4, or A5 event is selected for handover
frequency
N/A the A2 event (threshold = according to the configuration (A5 is not used)
and intra-
110 dBm) (A4, threshold = 70 to 121 dBm)
system
Measurement enabled by
N/A the A2 event (threshold= B1 event handover (threshold = 90 dBm)
110 dBm)
Inter-system
Measurement enabled by B2 event handover (threshold1 = 110 dBm,
N/A the A2 event (threshold = threshold2 = 90 dBm, Ofn = 0 dB, Hysteresis = 0
110 dBm) dB, time to trigger = 0 dB)
The cell with the highest system priority in the
Blind
neighboring cell frequency is selected (Blind
handover System
No measurement handover: Rat priority for Voice service and Rat
and priority
priority for Data service for blind handover. Blind
redirection
redirection: RAT Priority)
A2 event: serving cell lower than the threshold B1 event: inter-RAT neighboring cell higher than
A3 event: neighboring cell better than the serving cell the threshold (applicable to measurement of RAT
A4 event: neighboring cell higher than the threshold cells with higher priority)
A5 event: serving cell lower than the threshold, and B2 event: serving cell lower than threshold 1, and
neighboring cell higher than the threshold inter-RAT neighboring cell higher than threshold 2
(applicable to measurement of RAT cells with the
same or lower priority)

Contents

CSFB
CS Fall Back (CSFB) Overview
In areas with both LTE and 2G/3G network coverage, CSFB is

used by UEs that do not support IMS services to perform voice
services through CS in 2G/3G networks, while maintaining the
continuity of data services.
The CSFB solution needs to support not only CS voice but also
other CS services, such as the SMS and LCS.
IMS voice has higher priority in LTE/SAE, namely, when the
network and UE support IMS voice, the UE prefers IMS voice to
CSFB.

CSFB Overview
The main idea of CSFB is to use a Gs-like mechanism, and

implement mobility management and paging processing
through the SGs interface between the MME and MSC/VLR.
Iu-ps SGSN
UTRAN
Gs
Gb
Uu
GERAN
Iu-cs
S3 MSC
Um A Server
SGs
LTE-Uu S1-MME
UE E-UTRAN MME
The SGs interface, which is between the MME and the MSC Server,
implements mobility management and paging processes between
the EPS and CS domain. The SGs interface can also be used for
transmitting MO and MT SMSs.
Network Architecture and Reconstruction
PS dom ain core netw ork

CS dom ain core netw ork
Existing 2G/TD term inals
Multi-m ode LTE term inals
Service platform
EPC core
network Inter-province
roaming
The SGs interface between the MME and MSC uses the SGsAP protocol, and achieves
interoperability through SGsAP/SCTP/IP protocol stacks.
The SGs interface is carried on dedicated IP bearer networks, to which the MME and MSC are
connected through the CE. The MSC uses the circuit domain CE, and the MME shares the
circuit domain CE. The SGs interface shares the circuit domain softswitch signaling VPN.
CSFB NE Functions
UE Functions
UEs with the CSFB capability can be connected either to the EPC through the E-UTRAN
or to the CS domain through the GERAN/UTRAN, and therefore should support joint
EPS/IMS attach, update, and detach procedures, and CSFB and SMS programs for
using CS domain services.
UEs that support CSFB must support the SMS on the SGs interface. However, UEs that
support the SMS on the SGs interface do not necessarily support CSFB.
UEs working in CSFB or SMS on the SGs interface support Idle mode Signaling
Reduction (ISR). When ISR is valid, a UE can move to different areas without updating
signaling.
E-NodeB Functions
Sends CS-domain paging requests to the UE.
Instructs the UE to connect to a target CS domain cell.
Provides options for CSFB RAT and frequency.

CSFB NE Functions
MME Functions
The MME obtains the VLR number and LAI from the TAI of the current cell, or uses the
default LAI and VLR number.
The MME maintains SGs association for the UE with joint EPS/IMSI attach.
The MME can initiate IMSI detach for EPS detach.
When the MSC pages the UE for CS-domain services, the MME can initiate the paging
process to the eNodeB.
The MME supports CSFB SMS flow.
The MME can CSFB call requests (due to O&M reasons).
MSC Functions
Maintains SGs association for the UE with joint EPS/IMSI attach.
Supports CSFB SMS flow.

Technical Prerequisite for CSFB: SGs Interface
The prerequisite for the CSFB solution is that the MSC in LTE
coverage areas supports the SGs interface (connecting the EPC
and circuit-domain MSC) to implement joint attach and location
updates of CSFB UEs, SMS flow, and called paging.
SGsAP SGsAP The SGs interface, which is

between the MME and the
SCTP SCTP MSC Server, implements
mobility management and
IP IP paging processes between
the EPS and CS domain.
L2 L2 These processes are
implemented by expanding
the existing Gs interface
L1 L1 processes. The SGsAP
protocol is based on the
BSSAP+ protocol.
MME SGs MSC Server

SGs Interface Functions
SGs interface function 1: joint attach/location 2G core network LTE core network
updates
Integrated
The UE initiates the joint attach/location updates HSS/HLR
process in the LTE network.
The MME implements joint attach/location updates
Joint
in the CS network through the SGs interface. MT call attach/location
The power-on status is registered, and the CS updates
network roaming location is updated.
SGs interface function 2: SMS MO and MT
(without UE CSFB)
UE SMS MO: The MME forwards SMS to the 2G
network through the SGs interface.
UE SMS MT: The MSC registered for joint location
updates sends SMS to LTE networks through the SGs
interface.
SGs interface function 3: paging the called
number of voice services
UE CSFB is related to the MSC registered for joint
attach/location updates, the registered 2G MSC
should deliver paging through the SGs interface.
The UE receives paging in the LTE network, and
answers voice calls in the CS network.

SGs Interface: SMS MO/MT Flow
When residing in LTE networks, the UE can implement SMS MO/MT through the SGs interface without CSFB.
SMS MO: The SMS is forwarded to the MSC for joint location updates and the SMSC through the SGs
interface.
SMS MT: Similar to the existing 2G/3G networks, the SMSC obtains the MSC registered by the UE by querying
the HLR, sends the SMS to the MSC for joint location updates, and delivers the SMS from the LTE network
through the SGs interface.
MO Flow
The UE sends an SMS in the LTE network.
The MME forwards the SMS to the MSC for joint
location updates through the SGs interface.
2G/3G The MSC forwards the SMS to the home SMSC
core of the caller.
network
MT Flow
The SMSC queries route from the home HLR of the called
number.
The SMS is forwarded to the MSC for joint location
updates.
2G/3G
The MSC pages the UE in LTE networks through the SGs
core interface.
network The MME sends the SMS through the SGs interface.

CSFB Implementation
A CSFB UE residing in the LTE network is connected to a 2G/3G circuit

domain through CSFB with the assistance of networks, and implements
voice services through the 2G/3G circuit domain. After the service ends,
the UE returns to the LTE network.
Joint attach (UE registered on the MME and MSC)
LTE MME
Hang up, and MO CSFB

UE SGs interface
return to the LTE
network.
UE 2G/3G MSC
CSFB, and 2G/3G voice service
Network selection upon power-on: UE power-on > joint registration in LTE and 2G/3G circuit domains >
residence in LTE.
No service: The MME implements mobility management of the CS domain through the SGs interface (between the
MME and MSC).
Voice service: provided directly in LTE networks. If the voice service is initiated during data transmission, CSFB causes
data service interruption.
SMS service: provided directly in LTE networks. SMS messages are sent to the UE through the SGs interface and LTE
channels, and the UE does not need to reselect to 2G/3G networks.

CSFB Methods
Three methods for CSFB to a GERAN cell are available:

PS HO
CCO
Redirection
The following methods for CSFB to an UTRAN (including TD and

UMTS) cell are available:
PS HO
Redirection

CSFB Implementation
CSFB Application Scenario
Target CSFB Triggering Mobility
Call Management Process
Network Target Network Capacity and UE Capacity
Type
Type
Supports PS HO Triggering PS HO process
Triggering C C O ( N AC C )
Supports CCO (NACC)
process
Triggering redirection
GERAN Does not Supports redirection
process
support Does not Triggering redirection
PS HO support
Redirection (multi- process
CCO
system information) (carrying multi-system
MO/MT
information)
Supports PS HO Triggering PS HO process
Triggering redirection
Supports redirection
process
UTRAN Does not Triggering redirection
support
Redirection (multi-system process
PS HO
information) (carrying multi-system
information)

CSFB Method 1: PS Handover
After receiving a CSFB service request, the network instructs the UE to perform 2G/3G system measurement in the LTE
network and report the measured results. The network selects the target CSFB cell according to the measurement
report, the MME and SGSN make handover preparations, and the SGSN and BSC (RNC) reserve resources. The eNodeB
sends a handover command to the UE, and the UE is handed over to the 2G/3G network.
UE eNodeB BSC/RNC MME SGSN P-GW MSC
1 CSFB call request

2 CSFB instruction
3 2G system
measurement 4 Handover Handover
preparations preparations
5 5 SGSN reserved resources
BSC reserved resources
6 Handover preparation Handover
response preparation
7 Handover command Handover command response
8 Handover to 2G 8 Handover to 2G
9 Routing 9 Routing area update

10 Call area Call
request update 10
request
Due to the measurement, handover preparations, and other operations before CSFB, the delay for voice call
establishment will be increased by 24 seconds.
The delay for inter-system measurement by the UE in LTE connected status is relatively large.
The PS handover process is complicated, involving reconstruction of the eNodeB, MME, SGSN, BSC, and RNC in LTE
coverage areas and on the edge.

CSFB Method 2: R8 Redirection
When the UE residing in the LTE network has voice service, the
network initiates an RRC Connection release message (carrying
the frequency information of the target cell) to make the UE fall
back to 2G/3G networks. The UE reads the broadcast parameters
of the 2G/3G networks to establish the voice service.
Initiate a
R8 redirection carrying Measure and Read broadcast Reside in the
neighboring 2G/3G synchronize with the messages of the cell and
CSFB call frequency target cell establish a call
2G/3G cell for CSFB
CSFB to 2G Networks for Voice Services
1. The wireless devices in existing 2G/3G networks do not need to be upgraded.

2. The RRC Connection Release signaling only carries the frequency information of
neighboring 2G/3G cells.

CSFB Method 2: R9 Redirection
After receiving a CSFB service request, the eNodeB sends an RRC Connection Release message to the UE. The
UE performs 2G/3G system measurement in offline status, selects an appropriate cell and frequency, and
sends a request for connecting to the 2G/3G network. If the RIM flow is enabled, the RRC Release message
carries 2G/3G frequency and broadcast messages.
RRC Connection Release with SIBs
UE eNodeB BSC/RNC MME (shorten delay through the RIM
1 CSFB call request flow)
2 CSFB instruction
The LTE network obtains broadcast
3 2G system measurement messages from the target 2G cell in
advance through the RIM process,
4 RRC Release (neighboring The RIM process is used to and sends 2G/3G network broadcast
cell information) save the time for reading
messages in the RRC Release
2G broadcast messages
message, saving the time for the UE
5 Cell synchronization
Reads 2G broadcast to read 2G/3G broadcast messages.
messages
6 Access 2G networks
After the RIM flow is used, the delay is shortened to 500600 ms.
The delay is short if the UE performs inter-system measurement in offline status.
For CSFB to 2G networks involving the RIM flow, SGSN, BSC, and RNC reconstruction should be
conducted in LTE coverage areas and on the edge.

CSFB Method 3: CCO (with NACC)
After receiving a CSFB service request, the network instructs the UE to perform 2G system
measurement in the LTE network and report the measured results. The eNodeB selects a cell
according to the measurement report, and sends a CCO carrying the 2G cell information to
the UE. After receiving the CCO, the UE synchronizes with the 2G cell, reads system broadcast
messages (or without reading the messages if the RIM flow is enabled), and is connected to
the 2G network. UE eNodeB BSC MME
1 CSFB call request
2 CSFB instruction
3 2G system measurement
CCO from LTE to 2G

4 (neighboring cell information) The RIM process is
introduced to save the
5 Cell synchronization time for reading 2G
Reads 2G broadcast broadcast messages
messages
Access 2G networks
6
1. In CCO handover mode, the delay for voice call establishment is increased by 3-4 seconds.
2. The delay for inter-system measurement by the UE in LTE connected status is relatively large.
3. The CCO flow supports CSFB to 2G networks only, and does not need reconstruction of the existing networks.

CSFB Method 3: CCO (with NACC)
The major difference between NACC and non-NACC is that NACC provides not
only the frequency and cell ID but also the system information of the target
GERAN cell, so that the UE can be quickly connected to the GERAN cell.
The LTE network obtains broadcast messages from the target 2G cell in advance
through the RIM process, and sends 2G network broadcast messages in the CCO
message, saving the time (1.83 seconds) for the UE to read 2G broadcast messages.

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LTE and 2G/3G

GUL Interoperability Overview

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3GPP System (GSM/UMTS) Non-3GPP System (CDMA2000)

Interoperability standards defined by 3GPP

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In the initial stage of LTE deployment, interoperability with 3G networks

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Cell Redirection Handover CSFB

Cell Redirection Handover

Voice service interoperability

3G networks support redirection for Fast Return to LTE.

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S3 interface: exchanges information between the MME and SGSN, to

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INTRENET MGCF/M INTRENET

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GUL Interoperability Overview

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The SIB6 includes inter-frequency UTRA network reselection information.

The SIB7 includes inter-frequency GERAN (GSM/EDGE) network reselection information.

The SIB8 includes inter-frequency CDMA2000 network reselection information.

The SIB9 includes the names of home eNodeBs.

The SIB10 includes the information of the major ETWS notification.

The SIB11 includes the information of the auxiliary ETWS notification.

The SIB12 includes the information of the auxiliary CMAS notification.

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In an E-UTRAN cell, the UE may select a cell in many ways or

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Cell Selection and Reselection Process

Cell reselection scope

Provided in SIB, carrying

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The SIB6 includes inter-frequency UTRA network reselection information.

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Cell reselection process:

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Intra-frequency and inter-frequency (with the same priority) cell

Quality offset between neighboring cells during cell reselection

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Intra-frequency: Srxlev of the serving cell intra-frequency

The UE measures high-priority cells regardless of the

Srxlev of the serving cell inter-frequency/inter-system

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During the TCRmaxHyst period,

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The actual value is 65 2 = 130 dB

The actual value is 1 2 = 2 dB

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Sintrasearch: threshold for enabling intra-frequency measurement. It can be configured at

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GUL Interoperability Overview

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