GB2513915A

GB2513915A - Methods, apparatus and computer programs for controlling radio access network and user equipment

Info

Publication number: GB2513915A
Application number: GB1308459.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keiichi Kubota; Brian Alexander Martin; Himanshu Kumar
Original assignee: Broadcom Corp
Current assignee: Broadcom International Ltd; Broadcom Corp
Priority date: 2013-05-10
Filing date: 2013-05-10
Publication date: 2014-11-12
Also published as: GB201308459D0

Abstract

A controller of a radio access network (RNC) (24) determines that a user equipment (UE) (20) having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain is subject to a radio network subsystem (SRNS) relocation. The controller (24) then signals (2A) the UE (20) a) to release a signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and b) to prohibit the UE (20) from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time. Then the controller/RNC (24) participates in the SRNS relocation for the UE (20) in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains. In one embodiment, that signalling comprises an information element disposed in a Radio Bearer Release message or a Signalling Connection Release message.

Description

METHODS, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAMS FOR

CONTROLLING RADIO ACCESS NETWORK AND USER EOUIPMENT

Technical Field

S The present invention relates to a method, apparatus and computer program for operating a controller of a radio access network and to a method, apparatus and computer program for operating a user equipment. The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of this invention relate generally to wireless communication systems, methods, devices and computer programs. Specific examples relate to radio network subsystem relocation procedures when a mobile user equipment (UE) changes from one radio subnetwork/subsystem to another, and provides for bearer establishment prohibition indication.

Background

Much research is on-going into deploying new types of radio dcvices that arc dedicated for specific purposes, such as reporting electrical usage information from smart meters deployed at electrical transmission poles for example. The nature of the data being transmitted differs from traditional voice calling which was the paradigm under which many conventional control signalling regimens were developed, and so the data transferred to and from these new types of devices are commonly referred to as machine-type communications (MTC). In the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP there is on-going research into developing a more efficient method to transfer small amounts of data, reducing power consumption and signalling overhead concerning these MTC communications in both and Evolved IJTRANs (E-IJTRAN5).

Technical report 3GPP TR 23.887 Y0.9.0 (2013-04) summarises some of the discussions in this area.

Regardless of any new solutions concerning new radio resource control (RRC) signalling procedures that may be optimised for small data transmission or new RRC states for efficiently enabling the small data transmissions of MTC devices, still the network does not know whether the incoming data is a small data transmission or a more traditional wireless communication from a non-MTC IJE. There is no solution yet proposed in 3GPP to resolve this issue.

In the specifications for UTRAN specification there is a measurement event 4a S which triggers the UE to send a measurement report to the network when the UE's data buffer is filled up to a threshold amount of data where the threshold level is configured by the network. But this measurement event can be used only when the UE is in the connected mode, because when the UE is in the idle mode it will not have any radio bearer established by which to measure the buffer occupancy. Additionally, MTC data reports are often periodic and the measurement 4a event does not account for any periodicity.

Modern smartphones sometimes have simultaneous voice and non-voice data connections. At least in the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) radio technology, which includes General System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) and High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), often the voice connection will be in the circuit switched (CS) domain and the non-voice data connection, such as for Internet browsing and background applications like monitoring email and social networks, will be in the packet switched (PS) domain. These two different domains arc handled by different nodes in the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) core network. When a user equipment (UE) needs to change its serving radio network subsystem (SRNS) from a source radio network controller (RNC) to a target RNC, both CS and PS connections need to be transferred over simultaneously or very nearly so. But the SRNS relocation procedures were originally developed before it was practical for user equipment (UE5) to have such dual connections in different domains.

The result is that the legacy SRNS procedures are ill suited for simultaneous transfer of both CS and PS connections to a new radio network subsystem. To accomplish such a dual transfer using legacy SRNS procedures, the currently serving radio network controller (RNC) sends a RANAP: Relocation Required message to both the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN, which is the PS domain node in the GPRS core network) and to the mobile switching centre (MSC, the CS domain node in the core network). Thereafter these different core network CN) nodes and the serving/target RNCs perform the related SRNS relocation procedures for the different S core network domains (CS and PS) separately.

A problem arises if one of the involved RNCs does not support simultaneous PS and CS relocation. For example, if the target RNC does not support simultaneous dual domain relocation, then the source RNC nccds to release one of the cstablishcd radio access bearers (RABs) before the SRNS relocation. However when the RAB is released, in some eases the UE will keep attempting to establish the released RAB repeatedly in the source system despite the network not wanting the liE to establish any RAB for the CN domain to perform an SRNS relocation with a single CN domain.

This issue has recently been raised by Nokia Siemens Networks in document R2-13 1432 entitled "Considerations on Access Control" (3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #Slbis; Chicago, USA; 15-19 April 2013), which proposes to re-use an access control (AC) mechanism to block the liE's subsequent attempt to establish the RAB noted above. Specifically, R2-131432 proposes to enhance the UTRAN Mobility Information message so the network can update the access control information while the UE is in the CELL DCH state (where DCH is dedicated channel). In a similar vein but not exactly related to simultaneous dual domain relocations, a change request CR #4512 to 3GPP TS 25.331 is set forth in document R2-111630 cntitlcd "Support of Delay Tolerant acccss requests" [3GPP TSG-RAN2 Meeting #73; Taipei' 2 1-25 Feb 201 lj and introduces a CN domain specific timer which bars a machine-type communication (MTC) device from a radio resource control (RRC) RRC connection setup while the timer is running.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a controller of a radio access network, the method comprising: determining at the controller of the radio access network that a user equipment (tiE) S having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain is subject to a radio network subsystem relocation; signalling the tiE to release a signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and to prohibit the tiE from cstablishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bcarcr in thc sclcctcd domain for a prescribed period of time; and participating by the controller of the radio access network in a radio network subsystem relocation for the tiE in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for operating a controller of the radio access network, the apparatus comprising a processing system configured to cause the apparatus at least to: determine at the controller of the radio access network that a user equipment (UE) having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain is subject to a radio network subsystem relocation; signal the tiE to release a signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and to prohibit the UE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time; and participate by the controller of the radio access network in a radio network subsystem relocation for the tiE in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.

According to a third aspect of thc present invention, there is provided a computer program comprising a set of computer instructions for operating a controller of a radio access network, the set of computer instructions comprising: code for determining at the controller of the radio access network that a user equipment (UE) having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain is subject to a radio network subsystem relocation; code for signalling the UE to release a signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and to prohibit the tiE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected S domain for a prescribed period of time; and code for participating by the controller of the radio access network in a radio network subsystem relocation for the UE in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving from a controller of a radio access network, at the user equipment (liE) having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain, signalling that directs the UE to release a signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and that prohibits the liE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time; and during the prescribed period of time, participating by the UE in a radio network subsystem relocation for the TIE in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for operating a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising a processing system configured to cause the apparatus at least to: receive from a controller of a radio access network, at the user equipment (tiE) having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain, signalling that directs the tiE to release a signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and that prohibits the tiE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time; and during the prescribed period of time, participate by the UE in a radio network subsystem relocation for the UB in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program comprising a set of computer instructions for operating a user equipment, the set of computer instructions comprising: code for receiving from a S controller of a radio access network, at the user equipment (UE) having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain, signalling that directs the IJE to release a signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and that prohibits the UE from establishing a signalling conncction and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time; and code for participating by the liE, during the prescribed period of time, in a radio network subsystem relocation for the tiE in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a controller of a radio access network, the method comprising: determining that a user equipment (UE) has radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain; and signalling by the controller of the radio access network to the liE to release the signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and to prohibit the TIE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a user equipment, the method comprising: receiving from a controller of a radio access network, at the user equipment (liE) having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain, signalling that directs the UE to release a signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and that prohibits the liE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time; and during the prescribed period of time, the liE using only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.

S

The processing systems described above may comprise at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code.

There may be provided a computer-readable memory tangibly storing a set of computer instructions as described above.

Some examples of embodiments of the present invention provide a more elegant solution for making the SRNS relocation procedures more efficient when both CS and PS bearers are being relocated simultaneously to a different radio network subsystem.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows an example of a signalling diagram of a SRNS relocation procedure adapted according to an exemplary embodiment of these teachings; Figure 2 shows a logic flow diagram that illustrates from the perspective of the source RNC of Figure 1 the operation of an example of a method, a result of execution of by apparatus, and execution of computer instructions comprising code embodied on a computer-readable memory, in accordance with the embodiments of this invention that are described herein;

S

Figure 3 shows a logic flow diagram that illustrates from the perspective of the user equipment (DIE) of Figure 1 the operation of an example of a method, a result of execution of by apparatus, and execution of computer instructions comprising code embodied on a computer-readable memory, in accordance with the embodiments of S this invention that are described herein; and Figure 4 shows a simplified block diagram of an example of a liE in communication with two radio network subsystems as it undergoes a radio network subsystem relocation, and this figure illustrates exemplary electronic devices suitable for use in practising the exemplary embodiments of this invention.

Detailed Description

The examples detailed herein are in the context of the UTRAN system with a core network, but the broader teachings herein are not limited only to that particular radio network technology and can be readily adapted to other radio technologies in which different nodes within the core network handle PS domain connections and CS domain connections. The specific names of messages, channels, operating states and various network entities in the examples below follow the nomenclature for TJTRAIN but use of these names in the examples is also not limiting to the broader teachings presented below.

Figure 1 is a signalling diagram of a SRNS relocation procedure adapted according to an exemplary embodiment of these teachings. The following explanation details both conventional practice and the enhancements to it that are added by these teachings, where such enhancements avoid the UB which had simultaneous CS and PS domain connections attempting to establish a RAB in the CS domain with the serving RNC while the SRNS relocation to a target RNC is ongoing.

In the terminology used below, the source RNC (or equivalently the serving RNC) is the one from which the UE is moving and the target RNC is the one to which the DIE is relocating; and once the SRNS relocation procedure is complete, the target RNC becomes the UE's new serving RNC and the original source/serving RNC may be referred to as the UE's former sewing RNC. The radio access nodes (NodeBs) are not shown in Figure 1 as they are pass-through entities for the signalling shown there, but typical or example relationships of the serving and target NodeBs to the respective source and target RNCs and to the UE are evident from Figure 4.

S

Message 1 of Figure 1 is where the UE 20 reports some measurement event which triggers the SRNC relocation procedure. For example, the measurement event can indicate that a cell belonging to another RNC can serve the UE 20. In Figure 4 the mcasurcment event would indicate that thc targct NodcB 26 bclonging to the target RNC 28 can serve the UE 20 which is currently attached to the serving NodeB 22 under the source RNC 24.

When it sends the measurement event report 1, the UE 20 has simultaneous CS and PS domain bearers, which the source RNC 24 knows because the source RNC 24 is supporting both those domains for this UE 20. The RANAP: RELOCATION REQUIRED message 2B includes an information clement (IE) "source to target transparent container" which signals the UE context information, such as the current configurations for security, measurements, radio bearers, transport channels that are configured for the UE. This transparent container IF also includes the UE capabilities that were signalled by the UE 20 to the network when it first became attached.

In conventional practice when there was to be a simultaneous CS and PS domain SRNS relocation, the source RNC 24 would send the RANAP: RELOCATION REQUIRED message 2B to both the MSC (which is the core network node that handles the CS bearers) and to the SGSN (which is the GPRS core network node that which handles the PS bearers) and then these core network nodes 30 and the RNCs 24, 28 would follow their relevant messages 3 through 9 of Figure 1 for their respective core network domains separately.

An example of an embodiment of the present teachings avoid the simultaneous relocation of bearers in different domains by adding message 2A to the SRNC relocation procedure. Message 2A is a RadioBearerRelease message sent from the source RNC 24 to the TJE 20 when the source RNC 24 recognises that a SRNS relocation procedure is triggered for a UE 20 that has simultaneous bearers in both the CS and the PS domains. In another embodiment, the RadioBearerRelease message S 2A is conditional on the source RNC 24 also recognising that the target RNC 28 is not capable of simultaneous PS and CS relocation. Message 2A releases the radio bearer associated with one of the PS or the CS domains (or all radio bearers associated with a given domain if thcrc is more than one for this UE 20). In the following example it is assumed that thc PS bearcr(s) arc rcleascd by messagc 2A but in othcr implementations the target RNC 24 may release the CS bearer(s) instead.

For the signalling connection release case, the IJE has two signalling connections for CS and PS domains but the TIE does not have a user radio bearer for one of the N domains. For this case, the network still needs to release one of the signalling connection for one of the CN domains so that the IJE and the network can perform SRNS rcloeation with only onc CN domain.

It is not enough that the RadioBearerRelease message 2A merely release the bearer(s) associated with PS domain, for the IJE 20 may recognise that it still has PS data and during the SRNS relocation proccdurc it may attempt to establish a bearer with thc sourcc RNC 24 to carry that PS data. One purpose of releasing the bearer(s) associated with the PS domain is so that the SRNS relocation procedure can proceed through completion as a single domain relocation. To this end, the RadioBearerRelease message 2A according to these teachings carries a new information elcmcnt (IE) that rclcases thc establishcd RAB(s) in onc and only one of the CS or PS domains, and this new IE also indicates that the IJE 20 shall not attempt any establishment for that specific core network domain (CS or PS). The specific core network domain may be understood by the UE 20 as the domain that is associated with the radio bearer(s) being released by the RadioBearerRelease message 2A, or alternatively the new information element itself can identify the respective domain explicitly.

There are at least two embodiments for how long the UE 20 will recognise this signalling connection establishment prohibition. In one embodiment the signalling connection establishment prohibition remains in effect until the tiE performs a S successful SRNS relocation triggered after the RadioBearerRelease procedure (or immediately prior by the RRC: MEASUREMENT REPORT message 1 as shown in Figure 1), or until the SRNS relocation procedure has failed.

In anothcr embodiment the signalling connection establishment prohibition remains in effect until the first of the IJE performs a successful SRNS relocation; the SRNS relocation procedure has failed and expiry of a timer associated with the establishment prohibition mechanism. For the case of the timer, the tiE would start this timer upon the signalling connection release or radio bearer release that is triggered by the RadioBearerRelease message 2A, and the UE is prohibited from attempting a signalling connection establishment toward the CN domain associated with the signalling connection or the radio bearer released by the RadioBearerRelease message 2A while the timer is running. The UE can resume a signalling connection establishment attempt for the CN domain when the timer expires. The timer duration may in one embodiment be included in the RadioBearerRelease message 2A itself, or in another embodiment the timer duration is defined in a published specification and thus may be hard coded to the local memory of the UE 20.

Now with the PS domain bearer(s) released via message 2A, and the tiE 20 prohibited from attempting to establish any PS domain bearers by that same message 2A, Figure 1 proceeds for a single (CS) domain SRNS relocation.

The RANAP: RELOCATION REQUIRED message 2B that the source RNC 24 sends to the core network 30 will identi1' the CS bearer(s) but not the PS bearer(s) since those have now been released and the UE 20 is prohibited from establishing them until after the steps of Figure 1 are completed or the SRNS attempt of Figure 1 fails (or the timer expires). In this example, since now there is/are only a CS bearer, it is the MSC that is the core network node 30 to receive this message 2B. If instead establishment of any CS domain bearer were prohibited, then any CS domain bearer would be released by the message 2A and the message 2B would be sent to the SGSN that handles the PS bearers in the SGSN core network. The MSC 30 handles only the S CS domain bearers in the core network system.

In conventional practice for simultaneous PS and CS domain bearer relocations, the source RNC 24 would send two RANAP: RELOCATION REQUIRED mcssages 2B: one to the (CS domain) MSC idcnti'ing the CS bearer(s) but not the PS bearer(s) since the MSC handles only the CS domain bearers in the core network system, and the other to the (PS domain) SGSN identi1ing the PS bearer(s) but not the CS bearer(s) since the SGSN handles only the PS domain bearers in the GPRS system.

Message 3 of Figure I is a RANAP: RELOCATION REQUEST message sent from the core network node 30 to the target RNC 28 and this message 3 also carries the "Source to Target transparent container" IE. The target RNC 28 is the one that will serve the UE after the relocation. Since in this example the PS domain bearer(s) have already been released via message 2A, there is only one RANAP: RELOCATION REQUEST message 3 and it comes from the MSC 30. The target RNC 28 allocates the radio resources for the UE and prepares a radio resource control (RRC) message which commands the UE 20 to perform the single domain SRNS relocation toward the target RNC 28.

For conventional simultaneous domain SRNS relocation the target RNC 28 would instead get one such message 3 for each domain: one from the MSC for the CS domain and one from the SGSN for the PS domain. In this conventional case the target RNC's radio resource control (RRC) message would command the UE 20 to perform the simultaneous domain SRNS relocation toward the target ENC 28.

For compicteness its is notcd that thcrc arc two different typcs of SRNC relocations: UE not-involved in which the SRNS relocation takes place without any hard handover of the UE 20 (the serving NodeB is not changed); and UE involved in which the SRNS relocation takes place with a hard handover of the UE 20. For the S liE not-involved SRNS relocation, the RRC message that the target RNC 28 prepares in response to the RANAP: RELOCATION REQUEST message 3 is either a UTRANMobilitylnformation message, a CellUpdateConfirm message, or a URAUpdateConfirm mcssagc. For the UE involved SRNS relocation, thc RRC mcssagc that thc target RNC 28 prepares in response to the RANAP: RELOCATION REQUEST message 3 is either a RadioBearerReconfiguration message, a RadioBearerRelease message, a RadioBearerSetup message; a PhysicaiChannelReconfiguration message, or a TransportChannelReeonfiguration mcssagc.

Now with thc target RNC 28 having prcparcd thc RRC message, thcn according to thcsc teachings message 4 of Figure 1 is a RANAP: RELOCATION REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message from the target RNC 28 to only the SGSN 30 (since only the CS domain bearer(s) is/are being relocated; the PS bearer(s) have been released and their establishment prohibited. The target RNC 28 includes in this RANAP: RELOCATION REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message 4 the "Target to Source transparent container" IE, which itself includes the RRC message that the target RNC 28 prepared in response to message 3 of Figure 1.

In conventional practice for a simultaneous domain relocation, the target RNC 28 would send the RANAP: RELOCATION REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message to both of the involved core network nodes 30, the MSC for the CS domain bearer(s) and the SGSN for the PS domain bearer(s).

Now at message 5 of Figure 1 the only involved core network node, the MSC 30 in this specific example, sends a RANAP: RELOCATION COMMAND message to the source RNC 24, and this message 5 includes the "Target to Source transparent container" IE which the core network node/MSC 30 originally received in message 4 from the target RNC 2K In conventional practice for simultaneous domain relocations, each of the two S core network nodes 30 (MSC and SGSN) would send a RANAP: RELOCATION COMMAND message to the source RNC 24.

Figure 1 continues with the source RNC 24 sending to the UE 20 the RRC message 6 that was created by the target RNC 28 and that was included within that same "Target to Source transparent container" IE which originated at the target RNC 28. The UE 20 in response to receiving this RRC message 6 performs its SRNS relocation procedure and also the reconfigurations according to the received RRC message 6.

Upon detecting the UE's SRNS relocation procedure is being executed, the targct RNC 28 then sends the core network node 30 message 7 of Figure 1 which is a RANAP: RELOCATION DETECT message. This allows the core network node 30 to switch the U-plane (user plane) for this UE 20 from the source RNC 24 to the target RNC 28. According to these teachings this is a single domain SRNS relocation so there is only one RANAP: RELOCATION DETECT message 7 which in this example is sent to the MSC 30 since the PS domain bearer(s) was/were released via message 2A.

In conventional practice this would be a dual domain SRNS relocation and so thcrc would have been two RANAP: RELOCATION DETECT messages 7, one concerning the PS bearer(s) sent to the SGSN and one concerning the CS bearer(s) sent to the MSC.

In response to receiving the RRC message 6, the UE 20 then sends the target RNC 28 a RRC response message 8 shown at Figure 1. The RRC response message is one of the following: * a lJlRANMobilitylnformationConfirm message, * a RadioBearerReconfigurationComplete message, * a RadioBearerReleaseComplete message, * a RadioBearerSetupComplete message, * a PhysicaiChanneiReconfigurationComplete message, or * a TransportChannelReconfigurationComplete message.

Figure 1 concludes with the target RNC 28 sending to the core network node a RANAP: RELOCATION COMPLETE message 9 which informs the core network node 30 of the completion of the SRNS relocation. The core network node in this examplc is only the MSC since this is a single CS domain SRNC relocation due to the PS bearer(s) being released by message 2A.

For a conventional dual domain SRNS relocation, the target RNC 28 would send a RANAP: RELOCATION COMPLETE message 9 concerning the PS domain bearer(s) to the SGSN and another RANAP: RELOCATION COMPLETE message 9 concerning the CS domain bearer(s) to the MSC.

Note that while the SRNS relocation procedure of Figure 1 is triggered by the TIE's RRC measurement report message 1, there are a variety of ways to trigger a SRNS relocation procedure. The RadioAccessBearer Release message 2A of Figure 1, which both releases the RB(s) of one domain and prohibits the UE from establishing a new RAB in that domain, need not be sent in response to a TIE measurement report but can be sent anytime the source RNC 24 recognises that the tUE 20 with simultaneous PS and CS bearers is subject to a SKINS relocation.

Preferably the source RNC 24 sends the Radio Bearer Release message 2A as soon as it is aware that a SR}45 relocation procedure for such a TJE 20 is imminent.

In any case, the absence of the Radio Bearer Release message with the new information element that prohibits the TIE 20 from establishing a signalling connection or a bearer in a given domain where the UE 20 has established bearers in both domains means that the conventional procedures may be followed and the TIE can operate as a legacy UE (nnaffected by these teachings) and is not prohibited from establishing a bearer in any core network domain.

S The above example has the TiE with radio access bearers in both the CS and the PS domain. The UE has a signalling connection to perform non-access stratum (NAS) signalling in each CN domain so if the liE performs the NAS signalling in both CN domains, then the liE has a signalling connection for each of the CN domains (i.e. two signalling connections in total). But not all CN domains have a radio access bearer, so the above example can be adapted for releasing and barring a signalling connection in one of the two domains. In this case a Signalling Connection Release message may be used in place of the above Radio Bearer Release message.

Fignre 2 presents a summary of certain of these embodiments from the perspective of the source RNC 24, and may be considered to represent a method for operating a controller of a radio access network such as for example an RNC of a TX[RA network that is participating in a UE's SRNS relocation procedure as the serving RNC. At block 202 the controller of the radio access network 24 determines that a liE, having signalling connections or radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain, is subject to a radio network subsystem relocation. In Figure 1 this was determined from the TIE's measurement event report but this was but one non-limiting example. Then at block 204 the controller of the radio access network 24 signals the liE a) to release the signalling connection or radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and b) to prohibit the UE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time. Finally at block 206 the controller of the radio access network participates in a radio network subsystem relocation for the liE in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.

Figure 3 now presents a summary of certain of the above embodiments from the perspective of the UE 20, and similarly may be considered to represent a method for operating a user equipment (UE such as for example a UE operating in a UTRA network and undergoing, or about to undergo, an SRNS relocation procedure. At S block 302 the lIE 20 receives from a controller of a radio access network, at the user equipment (UE) having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain, signalling that a) directs the IJE to release the signalling connection or any and all of the radio bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains, and b) prohibits the lIE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time. Then at block 304, during the prescribed period of time, the UE participates in a radio network subsystem relocation for the tJE in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.

Now are summarised some of the more specific but non-limiting examples that were detailed above with respect to Figure 1. For both Figures 2 and 3, in one embodiment the signalling may comprise an information element disposed in a Radio Bearer Release message or a Signalling Connection Release message. In the above example the selected domain was the CS domain and the SRNS relocation proceeded as a single PS domain relocation. In one implementation the selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains is explicit in the information clement; whereas in another implementation the selected CS or PS domain was implicit from the radio bearer or bearers that are released by the Radio Bearer Release message or implicit from the signalling connection that is released by the Radio Bearer Release message or the Signalling Connection Release message.

There arc also various implementations for what is the prescribed period of time, any of which are viable with any of the above IF embodiments. In one example above, the prescribed period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: * the lIE successifilly completes the radio network subsystem relocation; and * the radio network subsystem relocation fails.

In another example above, the prescribed period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: * the UE successfully completes the radio network subsystem relocation; * the radio network subsystem relocation fails; and * expiry of a timer.

Also in the above examples were preseilted two non-limiting embodiments for this timer. In one embodiment a duration of the timer is indicated in the signalling and in another embodiment the duration is published in a radio specification and locally stored in a memory of the liE and of the controller of the radio network.

The above cmbodiments provide the technical effcct of enabling thc network to preyent the liE from attempting an RAB establishment continuously while the nctwork prepares an SRNS rclocation proccdurc.

The embodiments of these teachings shown at Figures 2 and 3 and summarised thereafter may be practised respectively by the source controller of the radio nctwork (source RNC for cxamplc) or by the TIE, or by onc or niorc componcnts thereof. As non-limiting examples such components may include a processor and a memory storing executable software code, or a modem, or a USB dongle, or a chipset, or for the case of the UE 20 a universal system identity module (USIM), an antenna module, or even a radio frequency RF module (RF front end). Some embodiments may be combination of these components.

The logic diagram of Figures 2 and 3 may each be considered to illustrate the opcration of a method, and a result of execution of a computer program storcd in a computer-readable memory, and a specific manner ill which components of an electronic device are configured to cause that electronic device to operate, whether such an electronic device is the source RNC or the UE or some other similar functioning device or component thereof The various blocks shown in each of Figures 2 and 3 may also be considered as a plurality of coupled logic circuit elements constructed to carry out the associated function(s), or specific result of strings of computer program code or instructions stored in a memory.

S

Such blocks and the functions they represent are non-limiting examples, and may be practised in various components such as integrated circuit chips and modules, and the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be realised in an apparatus that is embodied as an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit, or circuits, may comprise circuitry (as well as possibly firmware) for embodying at least one or more of a data processor or data processors, a digital signal processor or processors, baseband circuitry and radio frequency circuitry that are configurable so as to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention.

Such circuit/circuitry embodiments include any of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as: (i) a combination of processor(s) or (ii) portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a source RNC or a user cquipmcntUE, to perform the various functions summarised respectively at Figures 2 and 3, and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of this term in this specification, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this specification, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term "circuitry" also covers, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or application specific integrated circuit for a user equipment UE or a similar integrated circuit in a radio network element that communicates via a radio access node with the UE.

Reference is now made to Figure 4 for illustrating a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices and apparatus that are suitable for use in practising the exemplary embodiments of this invention. In Figure 4 there is a source radio network S subsystem which has a source NodeB 22 and a source RNC 24, and further there is a target radio network subsystem which has a target NodeB 26 and a target RNC 28.

Each of the NodeBs 22, 26 is adapted for communication over a wireless link 21A, 21 B with an apparatus, such as a mobile terminal or tiE 20. The NodeBs 22, 24 may bc any radio acccss node such as an cNB or base transccivcr station (including frequency selective repeaters and remote radio heads) of another type of wireless network, such as E-UTRAN/LTE/LTE-Advanced, FISPA, WCDMA, GSM, GERAN, and the like. The RNCs 24, 28 may be referred to in general as a controller of a radio network subsystem of which their respective access node 22, 26 is a part, and in the case of LTE/LTE-Advanced networks these may be implemented as a mobility management entity MME which may also serve as the serving gateway S-GW. These controllers 24, 26 of their respective radio network subsystems each generally provides connectivity with the core cellular network and with ifirther networks (e.g. a publicly switched telephone network PSTN and/or a data communications network/Internet). The core network is represented as a node 30.

Thc corc network node 30 includes processing means such as at least one data processor (DP) 30A, storing means such as at least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 30B storing at least one computer program (PROG) 30C, and communication means such as a modem 30F for bidirectional communications with the illustrated RNCs 24, 28.

The UE 20 includes processing means such as at least one data processor (DP) 20A, storing means such as at least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 20B storing at least one computer program (PROG) 20C, and communication means such as a transmitter TX 20D and a receiver RX 20E for bidirectional wireless communications with the access node 22 using the operative radio access technology.

All of thc relcvant wircless communications arc facilitated via one or more antennas 20F. Also stored in the MEM 20B at reference number 20G are the computer code or algorithms for the UE to decode and read the signalling according to these teachings (the new IE in the Radio Bearer Release message in the above examples) and to S refrain from attempting to establish a bearer in the selected domain according to that signalling, as set forth in the exemplary embodiments above.

Each of thc radio acccss nodes/NodeBs 22/26 also includes processing means such as at least onc data proccssor (DP) 22A126A, storing mcans such as at least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 22B/26B storing at least one computer program (FROG) 22C/26C, and communication means such as a transmitter TX 22D/26D and a receiver RX 22E/26E for bidirectional wireless communications with the liE 20 via onc or more antcnnas 22F/26F. In some radio technologies thc cellular access nodcs 22/26 will have a direct dataicontrol link (not shown) with other adjacent cellular access nodes.

Also at Figure 4 is shown a controller of a radio subnetwork 24/28 above each of the radio access nodes 22/26, which are the source RNC 24 and the target RNC 28 in thc above examples. In LTE/LTE-Advanccd thcsc controllers 24/28 may each be a MME and/or a S-OW as noted above. However implemented, each of these controllcrs of a radio subnetwork 24/28 includes processing means such as at least one data processor (DP) 24A128A, storing means such as at least one computer-readable memory (MEM) 24B/28B storing at least one computer program (FROG) 24C/28C, and communication means such as a modem 24F/28F for bidirectional communications with their respective access nodes 22/26 and with other access nodes under their respective control. Also stored in the respective MEMs 24B/28B at reference number 240/280 are the computer code or algorithms for the source RNC to prepare and send the signalling according to these teachings (the new lE in the RadioAccessBearer Release message in the above examples) which releases the bearer(s) in one selected domain and prohibits the TJE 20 from attempting to establish a bearer in that selected domain, as set forth in the exemplary embodiments above.

This functionality is shown for the target RNC 28 since at another time it may be in the position of the source RNC 24.

While not particularly illustrated for the IJE 20 or the access nodes 22/26, S those devices are also assumed to include as part of their wireless communicating means a modem and/or a chipset and/or an antenna chip which may or may not be inbuilt onto a radio frequency (RE) front end module within those devices 20, 22 and which also operates according to the teachings set forth above.

At least one of the PROGs 20C in the UE 20 is assumed to include a set of program instructions that, when executed by the associated DP 20A, enable the device to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, as detailed above and particularly summarised at Figure 3 and thercafler. The source RNC 24 also has software stored in its MEM 24B to implement certain aspects of these teachings, as summarised at Figure 2 and thereafter. In these regards the exemplary embodiments of this invention may bc implemented at least in part by computer software stored on the MEM 20B, 24B which is executable by the DP 20A of the TJE 20 and/or by the DP 24A of the source RNC 24, or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and tangibly stored firmware) in any one or more of these devices 20, 24. In this manner the respective DP with the MEM and stored PROG may bc considcrcd a data proccssing system. Electronic devices implementing these aspects of the invention need not be the entire devices as depicted at Figure 4 or may be one or more components of same such as the above described tangibly stored software, hardware, firmware and DP, or a system-on-a-chip SOC or an application specific integrated circuit ASIC or a digital signal processor DSP or a modem or an antenna module or a RE front end module as noted above.

In general, the various embodiments of the UE 20 can include but are not limited to personal portable digital assistance devices having wireless communication capabilities, including but not limited to cellular and other mobile phones (including smart phones), navigation devices, laptop!palmtop/tablet computers, digital cameras and music devices, Internet appliances, USB dongles and data cards, machine-to-machine communication or machine-type communication devices, and the like.

S Various embodiments of the computer-readable MEMs 20B, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B, 30B include any data storage technology type which is suitable to the local technical environment, including but not limited to semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixcd memory, removable memory, disc memory, flash memory, DRAM, SRAM, EEPROM and the like. Various embodiments of the DPs 20A, 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 30A include but are not limited to general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and multi-core processors.

Various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing exemplary embodiments of this invention may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description. While the exemplary embodiments have been described above in the context of TJTRA systems, as noted above the exemplary embodiments of this invention are not limited for use with only these particular types of wireless radio access technology networks.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of operating a controller of a radio access network, the method comprising: determining at the controller of the radio access network that a user equipment (UE) having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain is subject to a radio network subsystem relocation; signalling the liE to release the signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and to prohibit the UE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time and participating by the controller of the radio access network in a radio network subsystem relocation for the UE in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the signalling comprises an information element disposed in a Radio Bearer Release message or a Signalling Connection Release message.
3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains is explicit in the information clement.
4. A method according to claim 2, wherein the selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains is implicit from the radio bearer or bearers that are released by the Radio Bearer Release message or implicit from the signalling connection that is released by the Radio Bearer Release message or the Signalling Connection Release message.
5. A method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the prescribed period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: the liE successfully completes the radio network subsystem relocation; and the radio network subsystem relocation fails.
6. A method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the prescribed period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: S the UE successfully completes the radio network subsystem relocation; the radio network subsystem relocation fails; and expiry of a timer.
7. A mcthod according to claim 6, wherein a duration of the timer is indicated in the signalling or is published in a radio specification and locally stored in a memory of the UE and of the controller of the radio network.
8. A method according to any of claims ito 7, wherein the controller of the radio access network is a sewing Radio Network Controller (RNC) for the TiE, and the radio network subsystem relocation is a Serving Radio Network Subsystem (SRNS) relocation within a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN).
9. Apparatus for operating a controller of the radio access network, the apparatus comprising a processing system configured to cause the apparatus at least to: determine at the controller of the radio access network that a user equipment (UE) having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain is subject to a radio access network subsystem relocation; signal the VEto release the signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and to prohibit the UE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time; and participate by the controller of the radio access network in a radio network subsystem relocation for the UE in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the signal comprises an information element disposed in a Radio Bearer Release message or a Signalling Connection Release message.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains is explicit in the information element.
12. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains is implicit from the radio bearer or bearers that are released by the Radio Bearer Release message or implicit from the signalling connection that is released by the Radio Bearer Release message or the Signalling Connection Release message.
13. Apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the prescribed period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: the liE successfully completes the radio network subsystem relocation; and the radio network subsystem relocation fails.
14. Apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the prescribed period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: the UE successfully completes the radio network subsystem relocation; the radio network subsystem relocation fails; and expiry of a timer.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a duration of the timer is indicated in the signalling or is published in a radio specification and locally stored in a memory of the TIE and of the controller of the radio access network.
16. Apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the controller of the radio network is a serving Radio Network Controller (RNC) for the TIE, and the radio network subsystem relocation is a Sewing Radio Network Subsystem (SRNS) relocation within a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (IJTRAN).
17. A computer program comprising a set of computer instructions for operating a S controller of the radio access network, the set of computer instructions comprising: code for determining at the controller of the radio access network that a user equipment (UE) having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain is subject to a radio network subsystem relocation; code for signalling the UE to release the signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and to prohibit the UE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time; and code for participating by the controller of the radio access network in a radio network subsystem relocation for the UF in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.
18. A computer program according to claim 17, wherein the signalling comprises an information clement disposed in a Radio Bearer Release message or a Signalling Connection Release message.
19. A computer program according to claim 18, wherein the selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains is explicit in the information element.
20. A computer program according to claim 18, wherein the selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains is implicit from the radio bearer or bearers that are released by the Radio Bearer Release message or implicit from the signalling connection that is released by the Radio Bearer Release message or the Signalling Connection Release message.
21. A computer program according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the prescribed period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: the UE successfully completes the radio network subsystem relocation; and the radio network subsystem relocation fails.S
22. A computer program according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the prescribed period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: thc liE successfully completes the radio network subsystem relocation; thc radio network subsystcm relocation fails; and expiry of a timer.
23. A computer program according to claim 22, wherein a duration of the timer is indicated in the signalling or is published in a radio specification and locally stored in a memory of the TJE and of the controller of the radio network.
24. A computer program according to any of claims 17 to 23, wherein the controller of the radio access network is a serving Radio Network Controller (RNC) for the UE, and the radio network subsystem relocation is a Serving Radio Network Subsystem (SRNS) relocation within a Uniycrsal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN).
25. A method of operating a user equipment, the method comprising: receiving from a controller of a radio access network, at the user equipment (liE) having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switchcd domain, signalling that dirccts thc UE to rclcasc a signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and that prohibits the UE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time; and during the prescribed period of time, participating by the UE in a radio network subsystem relocation for the UE in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.
26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the signalling comprises an information element disposed in a Radio Bearer Release message or a Signalling Connection Release message.
27. A method according to claim 26, whercin the selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains is explicit in the information element.
28. A method according to claim 26, wherein the selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains is implicit from the radio bearer or bearers that are released by the Radio Bearer Release message or implicit from the signalling connection that is released by the Radio Bearer Release or the Signalling Connection Release message.
29. A method according to any of claims 25 to 28, wherein the prescribed period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: the IJE successfully completes the radio network subsystem relocation; and the radio network subsystem relocation fails.
30. A method according to any of claims 25 to 28, wherein the prescribed period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: the UE successfully completes the radio network subsystem relocation; the radio network subsystem relocation fails; and expiry of a timer.
31. A method according to claim 30, wherein a duration of the timer is indicated in the signalling or is published in a radio specification and locally stored in a memory of the UE.
32. A method according to any of claims 25 to 31, wherein the controller of the radio access network is a serving Radio Network Controller (RNC) for the UE, and the radio network subsystem relocation is a Serving Radio Network Subsystem S (SRNS) relocation within a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN).
33. Apparatus for operating a user equipment, the apparatus comprising a processing system configured to cause the apparatus at least to: reccivc from a controller of a radio access network, at the user equipment (UE having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain, signalling that directs the IJE to release the signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and that prohibits the UE from establishing a signalling connection andlor a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time; and during the prescribed period of time, participate by the IJE in a radio network subsystem relocation for the UE in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.
34. Apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the signalling comprises an information element disposed in a Radio Bearer Release message or a Signalling Connection Release message.
35. Apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains is explicit in the information clement.
36. Apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains is implicit from the radio bearer or bearers that are released by the Radio Bearer Release message or implicit from the signalling connection that is released by the Radio Bearer Release message or the Signalling Connection Release message.
37. Apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 36, wherein the prescribed period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: the tiE successfully completes the radio network subsystem relocation; and S the radio network subsystem relocation fails.
38. Apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 36, wherein the prcscribcd period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: thc UE successfully completes the radio network subsystem relocation; the radio network subsystem relocation fails; and expiry of a timer.
39. Apparatus according to claim 38, wherein a duration of the timer is indicated in the signalling or is published in a radio specification and locally stored in a memory oftheUE.
40. Apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 39, wherein the controller of the radio network is a serving Radio Network Controller (RNC) for the TJE, and the radio network subsystem relocation is a Serving Radio Network Subsystem (SRNS) relocation within a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN).
41. A computer program comprising a set of computer instructions for operating a controller of the radio access network, the set of computer instructions comprising: code for receiving from a controller of a radio access network, at the user equipment (liE) having radio bearcrs simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain, signalling that directs the tiE to release the signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and that prohibits the tiE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time; and code for participating by the UE, during the prescribed period of time, in a radio network subsystem relocation for the UE in only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.
42. A computer program according to claim 41, wherein the signalling comprises an information element disposed in a Radio Bearer Release message or a Signalling Connection Release message.
43. A computer program according to claim 42, whcrcin thc selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains is explicit in the information element.
44. A computer program according to claim 42, wherein the selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains is implicit from the radio bearer or bearers that are released by the Radio Bearer Release message or implicit from the signalling connection that is release by the Radio Bearer Release message or a Signalling Connection Release message.
45. A computer program according to any of claims 41 to 44, wherein the prescribed period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: the liE successfully completes the radio network subsystem relocation; and the radio network subsystem relocation fails.
46. A computer program according to any of claims 41 to 44, wherein the prescribed period of time runs from the signalling until the first of: the UE successfully completes the radio network subsystem relocation; the radio network subsystem relocation fails; and expiry of a timer.
47. A computer program according to claim 46, wherein a duration of the timer is indicated in the signalling or is published in a radio specification and locally stored in a memory of the UE.
48. A computer program according to any of claims 41 to 47, wherein the controller of the radio network is a serving Radio Network Controller (RNC) for the tiE, and the radio network subsystem relocation is a Serving Radio Network Subsystem (SRNS) relocation within a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN).
49. A method of operating a controller of a radio access network, the method comprising: determining that a user equipment (UE has radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain; and signalling by the controller of the radio access network to the liE to release the signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and to prohibit the TiE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time.
50. A method of operating a user equipment, the method comprising: receiving from a controller of a radio access network, at the user equipment (liE) having radio bearers simultaneously established in a circuit switched domain and in a packet switched domain, signalling that directs the UE to release a signalling connection or the radio bearer or bearers in a selected one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains and that prohibits the liE from establishing a signalling connection and/or a radio bearer in the selected domain for a prescribed period of time; and during the prescribed period of time, the tiE using only the remaining one of the circuit switched or packet switched domains.
51. A method of operating a controller of a radio access network, substantially in accordance with any of the examples as described herein with reference to and illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
52. A controller of a radio access network, configured to operate substantially in accordance with any of the examples as described herein with reference to and illustrated by the accompanying drawings.S
53. A method of operating a user equipment, substantially in accordance with any of the examples as described herein with reference to and illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
54. A user equipment, configured to operate substantially in accordance with any of the examples as described herein with reference to and illustrated by the accompanying drawings.