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eRAN

CS Fallback
Feature Parameter Description

Issue

01

Date

2010-07-30

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Copyright Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 2010. All rights reserved.


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All other trademarks and trade names mentioned in this document are the property of their respective
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Contents

Contents
1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Scope.............................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 Intended Audience.........................................................................................................................................1-1
1.3 Change History..............................................................................................................................................1-1

2 Overview of CSFB......................................................................................................................2-1
2.1 Architecture for CSFB to UTRAN/GERAN .................................................................................................2-2
2.2 Architecture for CSFB to CDMA2000 1xRTT..............................................................................................2-3
T

3 CSFB of Voice Services .............................................................................................................3-1


3.1 Overview.......................................................................................................................................................3-1
3.2 Triggering Phase at CSFB .............................................................................................................................3-2
3.3 Measurement Phase at CSFB ........................................................................................................................3-3
3.3.1 Measurement Configuration ................................................................................................................3-3
3.3.2 Setup of Measurement Gaps ................................................................................................................3-3
3.3.3 Measurement Reporting.......................................................................................................................3-3
3.4 Decision Phase at CSFB................................................................................................................................3-4
3.5 Execution Phase at CSFB..............................................................................................................................3-4
3.5.1 CSFB Method Selection.......................................................................................................................3-4
3.5.2 Retry and Penalty.................................................................................................................................3-5
3.6 Signaling Procedures of Typical CSFB .........................................................................................................3-5
3.6.1 Normal CSFB Procedures....................................................................................................................3-5
3.6.2 RRC Connection Re-Establishment After a Handover Failure ............................................................3-9

4 Engineering Guidelines............................................................................................................4-1
4.1 Network Selection for CSFB.........................................................................................................................4-1
4.2 Setting of Blind Handover Priorities for CSFB.............................................................................................4-1
4.3 Setting of Handover Parameters for CSFB ...................................................................................................4-2

5 Parameters ...................................................................................................................................5-1
6 Counters .......................................................................................................................................6-1
7 Glossary .......................................................................................................................................7-1
7.1 Terms.............................................................................................................................................................7-1
7.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................7-1

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CS Fallback

1 Introduction

8 Reference Documents ...............................................................................................................8-1

ii

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1 Introduction

Introduction

1.1 Scope
This document describes the Circuit Switched Fallback (CSFB) feature with its main focus on
the voice service fallback procedures. It also provides engineering guidelines for setting the
essential parameters related to this feature.

1.2 Intended Audience


This document is intended for:
z

Personnel who need to understand CSFB

Personnel who work with Huawei products

1.3 Change History


This section provides information on the changes in different document versions.
There are two types of changes, which are defined as follows:
z

Feature change: refers to the change in the CSFB feature of a specific product version.

Editorial change: refers to the change in wording or the addition of the information that
was not described in the earlier version.

Document Issues
The document issues are as follows:
z

01 (2010-07-30)

Draft (2010-05-20)

01 (2010-07-30)
Compared with draft (2010-05-20), issue 01 (2010-07-30) incorporates the changes described
in the following table.
Change Type

Change Description

Parameter Change

Feature change

None.

None.

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Change Type

Change Description

Parameter Change

Editorial change

The mapping relationship between this


document and features is added.

None.

The description of voice and SMS


services is added. For details, see
chapter 2 "Overview of CSFB."

A figure is added to show the CSFB


procedure of a voice service. For
details, see Figure 3-1.

The reference documents are updated.


For details, see chapter 8 "Reference
Documents."

Draft (2010-05-20)
This is the draft.

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Overview of CSFB

In the initial phase of Evolved Packet System (EPS) network deployment, operators owning
mature 2G or 3G networks may adopt the following policy based on their Long Term
Evolution/System Architecture Evolution (LTE/SAE) deployment plans: Use the legacy
Circuit Switched (CS) voice solutions to provide voice services, and use the LTE/SAE
network to provide Packet Switched (PS) services, including IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)
data services. This policy protects the CS investments of the operators.
From the technological perspective, three solutions are available for voice service
provisioning in LTE networks: Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC), CSFB, and
Voice over LTE via Generic Access Technology (VoLGA). Based on the analysis of
technological maturity, industry chain, and deployment costs, CSFB can be used as an interim
solution for CS service access before mature commercial use of IMS, to better utilize the
existing CS networks. For details about CSFB, SRVCC, and VoLGA, see reference
documents [1], [2], and [3] respectively.
When UEs under LTE coverage attempt to process CS services, CSFB enables switching of
the UEs back to CS networks. In this way, the CS domain is reused to provide CS services for
users in the EPS.
CSFB is essentially a session setup procedure. That is, UEs fall back to the CS networks
before CS voice sessions are set up. The UEs are always located in the CS networks during
the voice sessions. The CSFB feature is applicable in scenarios where the LTE network
overlaps a 2G or 3G CS network. When such an LTE network is deployed, all Visited Mobile
Switching Centers (VMSCs) that serve overlapping areas with the LTE coverage must be
upgraded to support the functions such as combined TA/LA update, paging, and Short
Message Service (SMS) on the SGs interface, which is similar to the Gs interface. In a word,
CSFB features simple network architecture, with the IMS system not required.
Huawei CSFB solutions provide CSFB of voice and SMS services (in either a
mobile-originated case or a mobile-terminated case) to a 2G or 3G network. The target
network may be the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), GSM EDGE
Radio Access Network (GERAN), or CDMA2000 1x Radio Transmission Technology
(1xRTT) network.
This document describes optional features LOFD-001033 CS Fallback to UTRAN,
LOFD-001034 CS Fallback to GERAN, and LOFD-001035 CS Fallback to CDMA2000
1xRTT.

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2.1 Architecture for CSFB to UTRAN/GERAN


To implement CSFB to UTRAN or GERAN, an SGs interface is introduced between the
Mobility Management Entity (MME) and the Mobile Switching Center (MSC). Figure 2-1
shows the architecture for CSFB to UTRAN/GERAN.
Figure 2-1 Architecture for CSFB to UTRAN/GERAN

The subsequent sections describe the CSFB of voice and SMS services from Evolved
UTRAN (E-UTRAN) to UTRAN/GERAN.

Voice Service
The prerequisite for the CSFB to UTRAN/GERAN is that the UE is attached to E-UTRAN
and also UTRAN/GERAN that covers the same area as E-UTRAN.
When the UE initiates a voice call, the UE sends the MME a Non Access Stratum (NAS)
message, which notifies the MME of the call. Under the instruction from the MME, the
E-UTRAN performs CSFB to UTRAN/GERAN. Then, the UE makes the voice call in the
target UTRAN/GERAN.
When a voice call towards the UE arrives, the MSC informs the MME of the call arrival. The
MME pages the UE in E-UTRAN. After the UE responds to the paging, E-UTRAN performs
CSFB to UTRAN/GERAN. Then, the UE receives the voice call in the target
UTRAN/GERAN.

SMS Service
The prerequisite for the CSFB to UTRAN/GERAN is that the UE is attached to E-UTRAN
and also UTRAN/GERAN that covers the same area as E-UTRAN.
When the UE initiates an SMS service, the UE sends the MME an NAS message that carries
the SMS. The MME sends the SMS to the MSC for processing.
When an SMS towards the UE arrives, the MSC sends the SMS to the MME, and E-UTRAN
pages the UE. Then, the MME sends the UE an NAS message that carries the SMS.

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During the SMS session, E-UTRAN transmits the SMS transparently. That is, E-UTRAN
does not process the SMS. This document describes the CSFB of voice services only. For
details about the CSFB of SMS services, see reference document [1].

2.2 Architecture for CSFB to CDMA2000 1xRTT


Figure 2-2 shows the architecture for CSFB to CDMA2000 1x Radio Transmission
Technology (1xRTT), which is implemented on the basis of the S102 interface between the
MME and the Circuit Switched Fallback Interworking Solution Function for 3GPP2 1xCS
(1xCS IWS). The S102 interface provides a tunnel between the MME and the 1xCS IWS to
relay 3GPP2 1xCS signaling messages.
Figure 2-2 Architecture for CSFB to CDMA2000 1xRTT

The subsequent sections describe the CSFB of voice and SMS services from E-UTRAN to
CDMA2000 1xRTT.

Voice Service
The prerequisite for the CSFB to CDMA2000 1xRTT is that the UE is attached to E-UTRAN
and registers on the CS domain of the CDMA2000 1xRTT network.
When the UE initiates a voice call, the UE sends the MME an NAS message, which notifies
the MME of the call. Under the instruction from the MME, E-UTRAN performs CSFB to
CDMA2000 1xRTT. (In this case, if there is any S1-U connection dedicated to the UE, the
MME releases all the S1-U connections dedicated to the UE.) Then, the UE makes the voice
call in the target CDMA2000 1xRTT network.
When a voice call towards the UE arrives, the CDMA2000 1xRTT network informs the MME
of the call arrival. The MME sends a paging message through E-UTRAN to the UE. If the UE
accepts the call, the UE sends an NAS message to the MME. Under the instruction from the
MME, E-UTRAN performs CSFB to CDMA2000 1xRTT. (In this case, if there is any S1-U

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connection dedicated to the UE, the MME releases all the S1-U connections dedicated to the
UE.) Then, the UE receives the voice call in the target CDMA2000 1xRTT network.

SMS Service
The prerequisite for the CSFB to CDMA2000 1xRTT is that the UE is attached to E-UTRAN
and registers on the CS domain of the CDMA2000 1xRTT network.
When the UE initiates an SMS service, the UE sends E-UTRAN a Radio Resource Control
(RRC) message that carries the SMS, and E-UTRAN forwards the message to the MME.
Then, the MME sends the SMS to the 1xCS IWS for processing.
When an SMS towards the UE arrives, the 1xCS IWS sends the SMS to the MME and the
MME forwards the SMS to E-UTRAN. E-UTRAN sends the UE an RRC message that carries
the SMS.
During the SMS session, E-UTRAN transmits the SMS transparently. That is, E-UTRAN
does not process the SMS. This document describes the CSFB of voice services only. For
details about the CSFB of SMS services, see reference document [1].

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CSFB of Voice Services

3.1 Overview
When a UE is attached to the CS domain and cannot initiate an IMS voice session, it sends an
Extended Service Request (CS Fallback Indicator) to the MME. Based on this request
indication, the MME will perform CSFB. The CSFB enables fallback of the voice service to
the target network through handover. For details about handover, see the Mobility
Management in Connected Mode Feature Parameter Description.
Figure 3-1 shows the CSFB procedure of a voice service.
Figure 3-1 CSFB procedure of a voice service

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The CSFB of a voice service consists of the following phases:


z

Triggering phase
The eNodeB receives a CS Fallback Indicator from the MME. If the eNodeB supports
blind handovers to an inter-RAT system, it performs a blind handover without delivering
the measurement configuration to the UE. Otherwise, the eNodeB delivers the
measurement configuration to the UE. Compared with measurement-based handovers,
blind handovers can reduce the access delay. Therefore, blind handovers take precedence
over measurement-based handovers. Blind handovers, however, have an impact on the
handover success rate.

Measurement phase
The eNodeB delivers the inter-RAT measurement configuration, and the UE performs
inter-RAT measurements accordingly.

Decision phase
The eNodeB checks the measurement results and generates a list of candidate cells.

Execution phase
The eNodeB executes CSFB to enable the UE to initiate the voice call in the target cell.
The ongoing PS services of the UE might be handed over to the target cell or suspended
in the source cell. The action to take depends on the PS handover and PS service
capabilities of the target network. If the target network supports PS handovers, the
eNodeB performs a PS handover to the target network. Otherwise, the eNodeB suspends
the PS services in the source cell.

This chapter describes the CSFB procedure of voice services and the typical signaling
procedures.

3.2 Triggering Phase at CSFB


After a UE initiates a voice service in an E-UTRAN cell, the MME sends the eNodeB an
S1-AP Request message that contains a CS Fallback Indicator. This message indicates to the
eNodeB that the UE should be moved to the target network. The target networks to which
CSFB is applicable are indicated through the CSFBHoSwitch parameter.
After receiving the S1-AP Request message, the eNodeB proceeds as follows:
z

If the eNodeB is configured to provide blind handovers (that is, if the BlindHoSwitch
parameter is set to ON), it does not deliver the measurement configuration to the UE.
Instead, the eNodeB performs a blind handover.
During the blind handover, a list of candidate cells is generated on the basis of the blind
handover priorities, which are determined by both the RAT-specific priorities and the
cell-specific priorities. Of these candidate cells, cells in a system with a higher blind
handover priority take precedence over cells in a system with a lower priority. In
addition, cells in one system are ranked in descending order of their blind handover
priorities.
The RAT-specific priorities used in blind handovers for CSFB are defined through the
InterRatHighestPri, InterRatSecondPri, and InterRatLowestPri parameters. For
details, see section 4.1 "Network Selection for CSFB."

3-2

If the eNodeB is configured to manage measurement-based handovers (that is, if the


BlindHoSwitch parameter is set to OFF), it sends the UE the measurement
configuration, according to which the UE performs measurements on the specified

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system. The measurement configuration sent to the UE contains the configuration


information for only the RATs and frequencies that are supported by the UE.

3.3 Measurement Phase at CSFB


3.3.1 Measurement Configuration
The measurement configuration for CSFB to 2G or 3G networks is the same as that for
inter-RAT handovers. For details, see the Mobility Management in Connected Mode Feature
Parameter Description.

3.3.2 Setup of Measurement Gaps


The setup of measurement gaps for CSFB is the same as that of measurement gaps for
inter-RAT handovers. For details, see the Mobility Management in Connected Mode Feature
Parameter Description.

3.3.3 Measurement Reporting


CSFB is triggered by event B1, which is reported in event-triggered periodic reporting mode.
The triggering of event B1 indicates that the signal quality is higher than a specified threshold
in at least one neighboring cell. 3GPP TS 36.331 defines the entering and leaving conditions
of event B1 as follows:
z

Entering condition: Mn + Ofn Hys > Thresh

Leaving condition: Mn + Ofn + Hys < Thresh

where:
z

Mn is the measurement result of the neighboring cell.

Ofn is the frequency-specific offset for the frequency of the neighboring cell. It is
contained in the associated measurement object Information Element (IE) in the
measurement configuration.

Hys is the hysteresis for event B1. The hysteresis values for CSFB to UTRAN, GERAN,
and CDMA2000 are included in the delivered measurement configuration.

Thresh is the threshold for event B1. The values of Thresh are set on the basis of the
measurement quantities of each RAT.
The Received Signal Code Power (RSCP) threshold for CSFB to UTRAN, Ec/No
threshold for CSFB to UTRAN, threshold for CSFB to GERAN, and threshold for CSFB
to CDMA2000 1xRTT are specified through the CsfbHoUtranB1ThdRSCP,
CsfbHoUtranB1ThdECN0, CsfbHoGeranB1Thd, and CsfbHoCDMAB1ThdPS
parameters respectively.

When the triggering condition of event B1 is met, the UE reports the information about the
cells that meet the condition. The time-to-trigger for event B1 related to CSFB to UTRAN,
GERAN, or CDMA2000 1xRTT is specified through the CsfbHoUtranTimeToTrig,
CsfbHoGeranTimeToTrig, or CsfbHoCDMATimeToTrig parameter respectively.
The parameters related to periodic reporting of event B1 for CSFB (that is, the
frequency-specific offset for the frequency of the neighboring cell, hysteresis, reporting
interval, maximum number of cells contained in one report, and number of periodic reports)

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are the same as those related to periodic reporting of event B1 for inter-RAT handovers. For
details, see the Mobility Management in Connected Mode Feature Parameter Description.

3.4 Decision Phase at CSFB


In the decision phase at CSFB, the eNodeB checks the measurement result reported by the UE.
Based on the result, the eNodeB determines whether CSFB is to be initiated and, if so,
determines the target cell of the CSFB. The target cell is selected from a list of candidate cells,
which is generated by the eNodeB after the eNodeB receives the event B1 report. The target
cell is the best cell in the list.

3.5 Execution Phase at CSFB


3.5.1 CSFB Method Selection
Table 3-1 lists the methods that are applicable to CSFB to UTRAN, GERAN, and
CDMA2000 1xRTT and describes the method selection rules. The applicable methods are set
through the HoAlgSwitch parameter.
Table 3-1 CSFB methods and selection rules
Target System

Method

Selection Rule

UTRAN

PS handover

Redirection

The method to use is selected from the list


in the Method column in descending order
of priority, as determined by the support of
both the UTRAN and the UE for the
method.

PS handover

Cell Change Order


with or without
Network Assisted
Cell Change
(CCO/NACC)

Redirection

GERAN

CDMA2000 1xRTT

Redirection

The method to use is selected from the list


in the Method column in descending order
of priority, as determined by the support of
both the GERAN and the UE for the
method.

If the CDMA2000 1xRTT network and the


UE support redirection, redirection is
applied.

The preceding CSFB methods are described as follows:

3-4

PS handover is applicable to PS services. In a PS handover, the services are handed over


from the PS domain of the source system to the PS domain of the target system, to
ensure continuous service provision. For details about PS handover, see the Mobility
Management in Connected Mode Feature Parameter Description.

CCO/NACC is specific to the GSM cases. During the CCO/NACC, the UE is ordered to
switch to the GERAN idle mode, and consequently it can try to access the GSM network.

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The procedure is simple but causes a long delay. For details about CCO/NACC, see the
Mobility Management in Connected Mode Feature Parameter Description.
z

Redirection is a process in which the eNodeB selects the highest ranked frequency based
on the configuration of frequency priorities and sends the information to the UEs through
system information. It occurs when the resources for UEs in an overloaded E-UTRAN
cell are released. For details about redirection, see the Idle Mode Management Feature
Parameter Description.

3.5.2 Retry and Penalty


If CSFB fails, the eNodeB tries the next best cell among the candidate cells. If the CSFB
successively fails when the eNodeB tried all the candidate cells, the eNodeB waits for the
next set of event-triggered periodic reports and if necessary performs the next cycle of retries.
During retries, a penalty is applied to the CSFB of the UE to the cell where a
non-resource-induced admission failure has occurred. The UE is not allowed to retry CSFB to
this cell for a specified number of times. After the retry prohibition, the UE can retry CSFB to
this cell, but the number of retries is restricted. This can increase the success rate of CSFB and
reduce the risk of call drops caused by CSFB failures.
For the description about the non-resource-induced admission failure, see the Mobility Management in
Connected Mode Feature Parameter Description.

3.6 Signaling Procedures of Typical CSFB


This section describes the signaling procedures of voice call fallback to a 2G or 3G network.
The signaling procedure varies depending on the CSFB method. For details about the
signaling procedures, see reference document [1].

3.6.1 Normal CSFB Procedures


PS Handover Procedure for CSFB to UTRAN/GERAN
Figure 3-2 shows the signaling procedure of PS handover for CSFB to UTRAN or GERAN.

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Figure 3-2 Signaling procedure of PS handover

CCO/NACC Procedure for CSFB to GERAN


Figure 3-3 shows the signaling procedure of CCO/NACC for CSFB to GERAN.

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Figure 3-3 Signaling procedure of CCO/NACC

Redirection Procedure for CSFB to UTRAN/GERAN


Figure 3-4 shows the signaling procedure of redirection for CSFB to UTRAN or GERAN.

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Figure 3-4 Signaling procedure of redirection to UTRAN or GERAN

Redirection Procedure for CSFB to CDMA2000 1xRTT


Figure 3-5 shows the signaling procedure of redirection for CSFB to CDMA2000 1xRTT.

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Figure 3-5 Signaling procedure of redirection to CDMA2000 1xRTT

3.6.2 RRC Connection Re-Establishment After a Handover Failure


After handover-based CSFB fails, the UE performs a cell selection procedure and then
performs a procedure of RRC connection re-establishment towards the selected cell.
The RRC connection re-establishment procedure performed after a handover-based CSFB
failure is the same as that performed after an intra-frequency handover failure. For details, see
the Mobility Management in Connected Mode Feature Parameter Description.

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Engineering Guidelines

This chapter provides engineering guidelines for the configuration of CSFB.

4.1 Network Selection for CSFB


The target network of CSFB can be the UTRAN, GERAN, or CDMA2000 1xRTT network.
The coverage of the target network must overlap that of E-UTRAN. The target networks to
which CSFB is applicable are set through the CSFBHoSwitch parameter.
The BlindHoSwitch parameter is used to select whether blind handover or
measurement-based handover should take place. If this parameter is set to ON, blind handover
is selected. If this parameter is set to OFF, measurement-based handover is selected.
The CSFB methods applicable to each target network are set through the HoAlgSwitch
parameter. For example, the support of UTRAN for PS handovers can be specified through
this parameter. For the methods applicable to the eNodeB for CSFB to UTRAN, GERAN, and
CDMA2000 1xRTT and the selection rules, see section 3.5.1 "CSFB Method Selection."

4.2 Setting of Blind Handover Priorities for CSFB


Compared with measurement-based handovers, blind handovers can reduce the access delay;
therefore, blind handovers take precedence over measurement-based handovers. Blind
handovers, however, have an impact on the handover success rate.
The RAT-specific priorities used in blind handovers for CSFB are specified through the
InterRatHighestPri, InterRatSecondPri, and InterRatLowestPri parameters. A set of
RAT-specific priorities are defined for each Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). By default,
the RATs are ranked as follows: UTRAN, GERAN, and CDMA2000, in descending order of
priority. A maximum of four sets of RAT-specific priorities can be defined for each eNodeB.
An operator can check the PLMNs that are already configured on the eNodeB, before setting
the priorities.
The blind handover priorities of RATs should be set according to operators' policies, and the
blind handover priorities of cells should be set on the basis of cell coverage quality.

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4.3 Setting of Handover Parameters for CSFB


According to the analysis of simulation results and the handover-related experience, the
optimization of the eNodeB parameter settings related to handovers for CSFB can improve
the handover performance. Examples of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to
handover performance are handover success rate, call drop rate, and ping-pong handover rate.
The threshold for event B1 related to CSFB needs to be set properly, to ensure that inter-RAT
handovers are triggered in time. A higher threshold results in a lower probability of triggering
event B1, thereby affecting the user experience. A lower threshold results in a higher
probability of triggering event B1, but it also causes a higher probability of incorrect handover
decisions and risk of ping-pong handovers.
The RSCP threshold for CSFB to UTRAN, Ec/No threshold for CSFB to UTRAN, threshold
for CSFB to GERAN, and threshold for CSFB to CDMA2000 1xRTT are specified through
the CsfbHoUtranB1ThdRSCP, CsfbHoUtranB1ThdECN0, CsfbHoGeranB1Thd, and
CsfbHoCDMAB1ThdPS parameters respectively. It is recommended that these parameters
retain their default values.
The time-to-trigger for event B1 related to CSFB to UTRAN, GERAN, and CDMA2000
1xRTT are specified through the CsfbHoUtranTimeToTrig, CsfbHoGeranTimeToTrig, and
CsfbHoCDMATimeToTrig parameters respectively. The setting of the time-to-trigger can
reduce the number of incorrect handover decisions and the number of ping-pong handovers.
An excessively long time-to-trigger, however, causes a long delay in CSFB, thereby affecting
the user experience. It is recommended that these parameters retain their default values.

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5 Parameters

Parameters

This chapter describes all the parameters presented in this document.


For the description of each parameter, see Table 5-1. For the default value, value ranges, and
MML commands of each parameter, see Table 5-2.
Table 5-1 Parameter description (1)
MO

Parameter ID

Description

ENODEBALGO
SWITCH

CSFBHoSwitch

CS FALLBACK UTRAN switch: This parameter is used to control


whether to perform CS Fallback to the UTRAN. If the switch is
enabled, CS Fallback to the UTRAN is allowed.
CS FALLBACK GERAN switch: This parameter is used to control
whether to perform CS Fallback to the GERAN. If the switch is
enabled, CS Fallback to the GERAN is allowed.
CS FALLBACK CDMA2000 1XRTT switch: This parameter is
used to control whether to perform CS Fallback to the CDMA2000
1XRTT. If the switch is enabled, CS Fallback to the CDMA2000
1XRTT is allowed.

ENODEBALGO
SWITCH

BlindHoSwitch

Blind handover switch: Indicates the switch that is used to enable


and disable the blind handover algorithm. When this switch is set to
ON, the blind handover is allowed in CS fallback, inter-frequency
load balancing, and inter-RAT load balancing.

CSFBBLINDHO
CFG

InterRatHighestPri

Indicates the high-priority system to be considered in blind


handovers for CS fallback. It is UTRAN by default.

CSFBBLINDHO
CFG

InterRatSecondPri

Indicates the medium-priority system to be considered in blind


handovers for CS fallback. It is GERAN by default. If this
parameter is set to null, the system with the medium blind handover
priority is not specified. In this case, only the blind handovers to the
high-priority system are applicable.

CSFBBLINDHO
CFG

InterRatLowestPri

Indicates the low-priority system to be considered in blind


handovers for CS fallback. It is CDMA2000 by default. If this
parameter is set to null, the system with the low blind handover
priority is not specified. In this case, only the blind handovers to the
high- and medium-priority systems are applicable.

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5 Parameters

MO

Parameter ID

Description

CSFALLBACK
HO

CsfbHoUtranTimeT
oTrig

Indicates the time-to-trigger for event B1 that is used in CS fallback


to UTRAN. When CS fallback to UTRAN is applicable, this
parameter is set for UEs and used in the evaluation of whether to
trigger event B1. When detecting that the signal quality in at least
one UTRAN cell meets the entering condition, the UE does not
send a measurement report to the eNodeB immediately. Instead, the
UE sends a report only when the signal quality continuously meets
the entering condition during the time-to-trigger. This parameter
helps decrease the number of occasionally triggered event reports,
the average number of handovers, and the number of wrong
handovers, and thus helps prevent unnecessary handovers. For
details, see 3GPP TS 36.331.

CSFALLBACK
HO

CsfbHoGeranTimeT
oTrig

Indicates the time-to-trigger for event B1 that is used in CS fallback


to GERAN. When CS fallback to GERAN is applicable, this
parameter is set for UEs and used in the evaluation of whether to
trigger event B1. When detecting that the signal quality in at least
one GERAN cell meets the entering condition, the UE does not
send a measurement report to the eNodeB immediately. Instead, the
UE sends a report only when the signal quality continuously meets
the entering condition during the time-to-trigger. This parameter
helps decrease the number of occasionally triggered event reports,
the average number of handovers, and the number of wrong
handovers, and thus helps prevent unnecessary handovers. For
details, see 3GPP TS 36.331.

CSFALLBACK
HO

CsfbHoCDMATime
ToTrig

Indicates the time-to-trigger for event B1 that is used in CS fallback


to CDMA2000. When CS fallback to CDMA2000 is applicable,
this parameter is set for UEs and used in the evaluation of whether
to trigger event B1. When detecting that the signal quality in at least
one CDMA2000 cell meets the entering condition, the UE does not
send a measurement report to the eNodeB immediately. Instead, the
UE sends a report only when the signal quality continuously meets
the entering condition during the time-to-trigger. This parameter
helps decrease the number of occasionally triggered event reports,
the average number of handovers, and the number of wrong
handovers, and thus helps prevent unnecessary handovers. For
details, see 3GPP TS 36.331.

CSFALLBACK
HO

CsfbHoUtranB1Thd
RSCP

Indicates the RSCP threshold for event B1 that is used in CS


fallback to UTRAN. When CS fallback to UTRAN is applicable,
this parameter is set for UEs and used in the evaluation of whether
to trigger event B1. This parameter indicates the RSCP requirement
for the UTRAN cells to be included in the measurement report. A
UE sends a measurement report related to event B1 to the eNodeB
when the RSCP in at least one UTRAN cell exceeds this threshold
and other triggering conditions are met. For details, see 3GPP TS
36.331.

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5 Parameters

MO

Parameter ID

Description

CSFALLBACK
HO

CsfbHoUtranB1Thd
ECN0

Indicates the Ec/No threshold for event B1 that is used in CS


fallback to UTRAN. When CS fallback to UTRAN is applicable,
this parameter is set for UEs and used in the evaluation of whether
to trigger event B1. This parameter indicates the Ec/No requirement
for the UTRAN cells to be included in the measurement report. A
UE sends a measurement report related to event B1 to the eNodeB
when the Ec/No in at least one UTRAN cell exceeds this threshold
and other triggering conditions are met. For a cell with large signal
fading variance, set this parameter to a large value to avoid
unnecessary handovers. For a cell with small signal fading variance,
set this parameter to a small value to ensure that the handover is
performed in time. Actual value = GUI value x 0.5. For details, see
3GPP TS 36.331.

CSFALLBACK
HO

CsfbHoGeranB1Thd

Indicates the RSSI threshold for event B1 that is used in CS


fallback to GERAN. A UE sends a measurement report related to
event B1 to the eNodeB when the RSSI in at least one GERAN cell
exceeds this threshold and other triggering conditions are met. For
details, see 3GPP TS 36.331.

CSFALLBACK
HO

CsfbHoCDMAB1Th
dPS

Indicates the pilot strength threshold for event B1 that is used in CS


fallback to CDMA2000. A UE sends a measurement report related
to event B1 to the eNodeB when the pilot strength in at least one
CDMA2000 cell exceeds this threshold and other triggering
conditions are met. Actual value = GUI value x 0.5. For details, see
3GPP TS 36.331.

Table 5-2 Parameter description (2)


MO

Parameter
ID

Default
Value

GUI Value
Range

Actual Value
Range

Unit

MML
Command

ENODEBAL
GOSWITCH

CSFBHoSw
itch

UTRAN_
FALLBA
CK_SW
TICH:off
,
GERAN_
FALLBA
CK_SW
TICH:off
,
CDMA_
1XRTT_
FALLBA
CK_SW
TICH:off

UTRAN_FALLB
ACK_SWTICH,
GERAN_FALLB
ACK_SWTICH,
CDMA_1XRTT_
FALLBACK_SW
TICH

UTRAN_FALLBA
CK_SWTICH,
GERAN_FALLBA
CK_SWTICH,
CDMA_1XRTT_FA
LLBACK_SWTICH

None

MOD
ENODEBALGO
SWITCH

ENODEBAL
GOSWITCH

BlindHoSw
itch

OFF

OFF, ON

OFF, ON

None

MOD
ENODEBALGO
SWITCH

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5 Parameters

MO

Parameter
ID

Default
Value

GUI Value
Range

Actual Value
Range

Unit

MML
Command

CSFBBLIN
DHOCFG

InterRatHig
hestPri

UTRAN

UTRAN,
GERAN,
CDMA2000

UTRAN, GERAN,
CDMA2000

None

MOD
CSFBBLINDHO
CFG

CSFBBLIN
DHOCFG

InterRatSec
ondPri

GERAN

UTRAN,
GERAN,
CDMA2000,
NULL

UTRAN, GERAN,
CDMA2000, NULL

None

MOD
CSFBBLINDHO
CFG

CSFBBLIN
DHOCFG

InterRatLo
westPri

CDMA2
000

UTRAN,
GERAN,
CDMA2000,
NULL

UTRAN, GERAN,
CDMA2000, NULL

None

MOD
CSFBBLINDHO
CFG

CSFALLBA
CKHO

CsfbHoUtra
nTimeToTri
g

40ms

0ms, 40ms, 64ms,


80ms,
100ms,
128ms,
160ms,
256ms,
320ms,
512ms,
480ms,
640ms, 1024ms,
1280ms, 2560ms,
5120ms

0ms, 40ms, 64ms,


80ms,
100ms,
128ms,
160ms,
256ms,
320ms,
512ms,
480ms,
640ms,
1024ms,
1280ms,
2560ms,
5120ms

ms

MOD
CSFALLBACKH
O

CSFALLBA
CKHO

CsfbHoGer
anTimeToT
rig

40ms

0ms, 40ms, 64ms,


80ms,
100ms,
128ms,
160ms,
256ms,
320ms,
512ms,
480ms,
640ms, 1024ms,
1280ms, 2560ms,
5120ms

0ms, 40ms, 64ms,


80ms,
100ms,
128ms,
160ms,
256ms,
320ms,
512ms,
480ms,
640ms,
1024ms,
1280ms,
2560ms,
5120ms

ms

MOD
CSFALLBACKH
O

CSFALLBA
CKHO

CsfbHoCD
MATimeTo
Trig

40ms

0ms, 40ms, 64ms,


80ms,
100ms,
128ms,
160ms,
256ms,
320ms,
512ms,
480ms,
640ms, 1024ms,
1280ms, 2560ms,
5120ms

0ms, 40ms, 64ms,


80ms,
100ms,
128ms,
160ms,
256ms,
320ms,
512ms,
480ms,
640ms,
1024ms,
1280ms,
2560ms,
5120ms

ms

MOD
CSFALLBACKH
O

CSFALLBA
CKHO

CsfbHoUtra
nB1ThdRS
CP

-106

-120~-25

-120~-25

dBm

MOD
CSFALLBACKH
O

CSFALLBA
CKHO

CsfbHoUtra
nB1ThdEC
N0

-13

-48~0

-24~0

0.5dB

MOD
CSFALLBACKH
O

CSFALLBA
CKHO

CsfbHoGer
anB1Thd

-103

-110~-48

-110~-48

dBm

MOD
CSFALLBACKH
O

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5 Parameters

MO

Parameter
ID

Default
Value

GUI Value
Range

Actual Value
Range

Unit

MML
Command

CSFALLBA
CKHO

CsfbHoCD
MAB1ThdP
S

-34

-63~0

-31.5~0

0.5dB

MOD
CSFALLBACKH
O

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6 Counters

Counters

For details about the counters related to CSFB, see the eNodeB Performance Counter
Reference.

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7 Glossary

Glossary

7.1 Terms
None.

7.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations


1xCS IWS

Circuit Switched Fallback Interworking Solution Function for 3GPP2 1xCS

3GPP

Third Generation Partnership Project

CCO

Cell Change Order

CDMA2000
1xRTT

CDMA2000 1x Radio Transmission Technology

CS

Circuit Switched

CSFB

Circuit Switched Fallback

eNodeB

E-UTRAN NodeB

EPS

Evolved Packet System

E-UTRAN

Evolved UTRAN

GERAN

GSM EDGE Radio Access Network

IE

Information Element

IMS

IP Multimedia Subsystem

KPI

Key Performance Indicator

LA

Location Area

LTE

Long Term Evolution

MME

Mobility Management Entity

MO

Managed Object

MSC

Mobile Switching Center

NACC

Network Assisted Cell Change

NAS

Non Access Stratum

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7 Glossary

7-2

PLMN

Public Land Mobile Network

PS

Packet Switched

RAT

Radio Access Technology

RRC

Radio Resource Control

RSCP

Received Signal Code Power

SAE

System Architecture Evolution

SMS

Short Message Service

SRVCC

Single Radio Voice Call Continuity

TA

Tracking Area

UE

User Equipment

UTRAN

Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

VMSC

Visited Mobile Switching Center

VoLGA

Voice over LTE via Generic Access Technology

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8 Reference Documents

Reference Documents

This chapter lists the reference documents related to CSFB:


[1] 3GPP TS 23.272, "Circuit Switched (CS) fallback in Evolved Packet System (EPS)"
[2] 3GPP TS 23.216, "Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC); Stage 2"
[3] VoLGA Forum Specifications
[4] 3GPP TS 36.300, "E-UTRAN Overall description"
[5] eNodeB MO Reference
[6] eNodeB Performance Counter Reference
[7] Mobility Management in Connected Mode Feature Parameter Description
[8] Idle Mode Management Feature Parameter Description

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