Method of packet switched handover
View Patent ↗A method of packet switched handover in a mobile communication system comprising a terminal, a source node and a destination node comprises negotiating protocol parameters for the destination node on behalf of a new network entity, by communicating with an old network entity whilst the terminal is still connected to the source node; and completing the packet switched handover, such that service interruption on handover is reduced.
1. A method for a packet switched handover in a mobile communication system, for a terminal to switch communication from a source node to a destination node, the source node being associated with an old network entity and the destination node being associated with a new network entity, the method comprising:
while the terminal is communicating with the source node:
sending a PS Handover Request from the new network entity to the destination node, the PS Handover Request containing exchange identification (XID) information;
packing an XID command in a container that is transparent to the source node and the destination node, the XID command containing the XID information, the XID command being packed at the destination node;
passing the XID command to the old network entity and the source node through messages;
unpacking the XID command at the source node; and
sending the XID command to the terminal in a PS Handover command; and
switching communication of the terminal from the source node to the destination node.