Specifications

Handover
August 08, 2000 68P81095E55-E D-1
Appendix D
Handover
With a mobile system the ability to locate track and re-route voice and data packets
between host cell sites is essential. This section describes the geographic terms and
the logistics when an MS unit moves from one area to another. Specifics of the
nature of the radio link are discussed in greater detail in iDEN
®
RF Planning Guide.
General
To support voice and data communications the iDEN system is organized into
different geographical areas:
•Region
•Domain
• Service Area
•Location Area
•Cell
Movement between regions is determined by the provider and roaming agreements.
Software Release 8.0 allows dispatch calling between regions. The ability to call
outside the region is in the HLR of the MSC and the DAP for transmission to the
remote VLR. The ability to place calls is contained in the HLR and VLR databases.
Roaming agreements allow exchange of this information between service providers.
Movement between domains and service areas is also set in the HLR and VLR
databases. The ability to make calls is restricted by the data in the HLR database.
The process of determining a handover between regions. domains, and service areas
is the same for that of a location area.
Mobility Management
Mobility Management is a set of coordinated, automatic procedures between MS and
the FNE equipment that allows the MS to move between sites and to roam from one
iDEN system to another or to another provider’s system. Each Mobile Station, the
home service area and the subscriber services are assigned in and on a Home
Location Register (HLR).
Dispatch call takes place within and between linked iDEN systems. Linked systems
require Software Release 8.0 to fully coordinate dispatch calling between linked
iDEN systems. The mobility management allows a service provider to be identified
on multiple iDEN systems. If provided as a subscription service it allows the user’s
MS to automatically identify and obtain service with a roaming partner.
To provide automatic roaming with validation across multiple service providers’
networks, one iDEN system may be connected to other iDEN systems using CCITT
SS7 MAP interfaces. These connected systems can be owned and operated by the
same or different service providers. When connected, the HLR will also co-ordinate
the tracking of the MS when it roams to another connected system.