SRVCC
SRVCC
SRVCC
SRVCC - Single Radio Voice call Continuity is a level of functionality that is required within VoLTE
systems to enable the packet domain calls on LTE to be handed over to legacy circuit switched voice
systems like GSM, UMTS and CDMA 1x in a seamless manner.
As LTE systems deploy VoLTE coverage will be limited and it is anticipated that it will be many years
before complete LTE coverage will be available.
As a result it is necessary for operators to have a system whereby this complicated handover can be
accommodated in a seamless fashion. This scheme needs to be in place as soon as they start to
deploy VoLTE.
What is SRVCC?
SRVCC, Single radio Voice Call Continuity, is a scheme that enables Inter Radio Access Technology,
Inter RAT handover as well as a handover from packet data to circuit switched data voice calls.
By using SRVCC operators are able to make the handovers while maintaining existing quality of
service, QoS and also ensuring that call continuity meets the critical requirements for emergency calls.
Some ideas for handover require that the handset has two active radios to facilitate handover. This is
not ideal because it requires additional circuitry to enable the two radios to be active simultaneously
and it also adds considerably to battery drain.
The SRVCC requires only a single active radio in the handset and requires some upgrades to the
supporting network infrastructure.
Radio Access Technology transfer: The handover for the radio access network and this is
a well-established protocol that is in use for transfers from 3G to 2G for example.
Session transfer: The session transfer is the new element that is required for SRVCC. It is
required to move the access control and voice media anchoring from the Evolved Packet Core,
EPC of the packet switched LTE network to the legacy circuit switched network.
During the handover process the CSCF within the IMS architecture maintains the control of the whole
operation.
1. The handover process is initiated by a request for session transfer from the IMS CSCF.
2. The IMS CSCF responds simultaneously with two commands, one to the LTE network, and
the other to the legacy network.
3. the LTE network receives a radio Access Network handover execution command through the
MME and LTE RAN. This instructs the user device to prepare to move to a circuit switched
network for the voice call.
4. The destination legacy circuit switched network receives a session transfer response
preparing it to accept the call from the LTE network.
5. After all the commands have been executed and acknowledged the call is switched to the
legacy network with the IMS CSCF still in control of the call.
Allow LTE information to be broadcast on the legacy RAN so the LTE device is able to perform
the cell reselection more easily.
Simultaneously release the connection to the user device and redirect it to the LTE RAN.