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SRAN8.0
Multi-RAT and Multiband Traffic

Steering Solution Guide
Issue
Draft B
Date
2013-09-18
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Copyright Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 2013. All rights reserved.

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Issue Draft B (2013-09-18)
Huawei Proprietary and Confidential

Copyright Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd
SRAN8.0
Multi-RAT and Multiband Traffic Steering Solution
Guide
About This Document
About This Document

Overview
This document describes Huawei's multi-RAT and multiband traffic steering solution. This
solution consists of four sub-solutions and each sub-solution uses a combination of features.
This document also assists customers to select suitable features or feature combinations for
deploying network equipment in various scenarios. This document does not describe the
technical principles, deployment, activation, and maintenance of the features. For such
information, see the corresponding feature parameter descriptions.
Intended Audience
This document is intended for personnel who:
Need to understand multi-RAT and multiband traffic steering
Maintain Huawei products
Are familiar with GSM/UMTS/LTE basics
Symbol Conventions
The symbols that may be found in this document are defined below.
Symbol
Description
Alerts you to a potentially hazardous situation that could, if

not avoided, result in equipment damage, data loss,
performance deterioration, or unanticipated results.
Provides additional information to emphasize or supplement
important points in the main text.
Document Version
The document versions are as follows:
Draft B (2013-09-18)
SRAN8.0
Guide
About This Document
Draft A (2013-04-30)
Draft A (2013-04-30)
This is for office application (FOA) purposes.
Draft B (2013-09-18)
This is for FOA purposes.
Compared with Draft A (2013-04-30), Draft B (2013-09-18) includes the following changes.
Change Description
Change Section
Added the principle for

configuring neighboring
UMTS frequencies for an LTE
cell
For details, see "Principle for configuring neighboring

UMTS frequencies for an LTE cell" in section
2.1.4"Application."
2.2.4"Application."
2.3.4"Application."
2.4.4"Application."
Added the principle for

configuring inter-frequency
neighboring cells on a UMTS
network
For details, see "Principle for configuring inter-frequency

neighboring cells on a UMTS network" in section
2.1.4"Application."
For details, see "Principle for configuring inter-frequency
neighboring cells on a UMTS network" in section
2.2.4"Application."
SRAN8.0
Guide
Contents
Contents
About This Document..............................................................................ii
1 Overview......................................................................................... 1
1.1 Application Scenario..........................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Overall Solution.................................................................................................................................................2
2 Solution Guidelines..............................................................................4
2.1 Idle-UE Camping...............................................................................................................................................4
2.1.1 Scenario....................................................................................................................................................4
2.1.2 Purpose.....................................................................................................................................................5
2.1.3 Description................................................................................................................................................5
2.1.4 Application................................................................................................................................................9
2.2 Service Continuity...........................................................................................................................................13
2.2.1 Scenario..................................................................................................................................................13
2.2.2 Purpose...................................................................................................................................................13
2.2.3 Description..............................................................................................................................................14
2.2.4 Application..............................................................................................................................................18
2.3 Load Balancing................................................................................................................................................21
2.3.1 Scenario..................................................................................................................................................21
2.3.2 Purpose...................................................................................................................................................22
2.3.3 Description..............................................................................................................................................22
2.3.4 Application..............................................................................................................................................29
2.4 Traffic Steering................................................................................................................................................30
2.4.1 Scenario..................................................................................................................................................30
2.4.2 Purpose...................................................................................................................................................30
2.4.3 Description..............................................................................................................................................31
2.4.4 Application..............................................................................................................................................34
A Acronyms and Abbreviations.................................................................36
SRAN8.0
Guide
2 Solution Guidelines
Overview
1.1 Application Scenario

Generally, GSM, UMTS, and LTE networks operate in the following bands:
GSM network: 900 MHz/1800 MHz or 850 MHz/1900 MHz
UMTS network: 900 MHz/2100 MHz or 850 MHz/1900 MHz
LTE network: 2600 MHz/800 MHz
GSM and UMTS networks are relatively mature. With the evolution of radio networks, GSM
frequencies are gradually refarmed to the LTE network, and therefore the LTE network can
operate at 1800 MHz.
In this document:
LTE refers to LTE FDD.
The solution guidelines for the GSM 900 MHz/1800 MHz network also apply to the GSM 850
MHz/1900 MHz network. In addition, the solution guidelines for the UMTS 900 MHz/2100 MHz
network also apply to the UMTS 850 MHz/1900 MHz network.
With long-term network optimization and capacity expansion, networks have the following
characteristics:
GSM network
In most cases, contiguous coverage is achieved on the GSM network. However, with the
implementation of GU or GL refarming, GSM network capacity has gradually decreased,
although contiguous coverage on the GSM network is not affected.
UMTS network
Usually, at least one carrier achieves contiguous coverage on the UMTS 2100 MHz
network. In hot spots, however, 2100 MHz carriers without contiguous coverage are
added as required to expand network capacity. When UMTS 900 MHz carriers are
mainly refarmed from the GSM 900 MHz network, UMTS and GSM cells are co-sited
and contiguous coverage is achieved in most cases.
LTE network
In general, the entire network cannot achieve contiguous coverage during the early
stages of LTE network deployment. However, contiguous network-wide coverage can be
SRAN8.0
Guide
achieved with the gradual optimization of the LTE network. Furthermore, LTE multicarrier networking appears.
Figure 1.1.1.I.1.1.1 shows an example scenario where GSM, UMTS, and LTE networks are
deployed.
Figure 1.1.1.I.1.1.1 Example scenario where GSM, UMTS, and LTE networks are deployed
L2600
L2600
L1800
L1800
L800
L800
L800
U2100 Fn
U2100 Fn
U2100 Fn
U2100 F1
U900
G900/1800
U2100 F1
U900
G900/1800
U2100 F1
U900
G900/1800
The multi-RAT and multiband traffic steering solution is primarily used to address the
following problems:
How to adjust the camping policies of idle UEs so they obtain better service experience
on a multi-RAT and multiband network
How to ensure service continuity when UEs operating in frequencies without contiguous
coverage initiate services
How to use inter-frequency or inter-RAT load balancing to increase the access success
rate in hot spots when cell load is heavy
How to achieve traffic steering between different frequencies or RATs
1.2 Overall Solution

The multi-RAT and multiband traffic steering solution selects the optimal network bearer for
UEs, thereby improving network performance and user experience. This solution consists of
the following sub-solutions:
Idle-UE camping
Service continuity
Load balancing
Traffic steering
Figure 1.2.1.I.1.1.1 shows the multi-RAT and multiband traffic steering solution.
SRAN8.0
Guide
Figure 1.2.1.I.1.1.1 Multi-RAT and multiband traffic steering solution

Service
Seamless
migrationcontinuity
of CS and PS services between different networks
coverage on the LTE/UMTS/GSM network
Weak
Load
balancing
Load balancing
Load balancing for greater network capacity
Heavy load in a GSM/UMTS/LTE cell
Idle-UE camping
Optimal UE camping&seamless reselection between different modes or frequency bands
Service continuity
Intra- and inter-RAT camping
Idle-UE
camping
Wide pipe
Traffic steering
UEs directed to suitable RATs or bands, improving user experience and network capacity
Traffic steering
between GSM and UMTS networks CSFB from the LTE to UMTS network
Traffic steering
Traffic steering within the UMTS network
Solution Guidelines
2.1 Idle-UE Camping

2.1.1 Scenario
With the constant optimization of the UMTS network and the popularization of the LTE
network, radio networks have become increasingly complex. Nowadays, there are a large
number of networks operating in multiple bands and serving different RATs. In addition, the
penetration rate of multimode UEs is increasing, whereas that of single-mode UEs is starting
to gradually decrease. Therefore, the need to increase network utilization of a more recent
RAT in such complex networking is becoming urgent. Idle-UE camping is designed to address
this problem. This sub-solution enables UEs in idle mode to access suitable networks for
better service experience.
Figure 2.1.1.I.1.1.1 shows an example scenario where idle-UE camping can be used.
Figure 2.1.1.I.1.1.1 Example scenario where idle-UE camping can be used
Which RAT or band
should I select with so
many choices?
Which network should I access at the edge of cell coverage?

L2600
L2600
L1800
L1800
U2100
U2100
U900
G900/1800
U2100
U900
G900/1800
2.1.2 Purpose
Idle-UE camping comprehensively considers the RAT as well as load and contiguous
coverage of each frequency or band. UEs in idle mode can camp on cells with good signal
quality or cells that can provide better user experience. The purposes of idle-UE camping are
as follows:
To improve user experience

In scenarios where GSM and UMTS networks are deployed, it is recommended that a
GSM and UMTS dual-mode UE preferentially camp on a UMTS cell and initiate
services on the UMTS network.
To increase LTE network utilization

In scenarios where an LTE network is deployed, it is recommended that a multimode UE
supporting LTE preferentially camp on the LTE network. By doing so, users can enjoy
abundant high-speed data services provided by the LTE network.
To balance the load between RATs or bands

UEs in idle mode can be evenly distributed among networks with different RATs or
among cells operating in different bands.
In this document:
GSM and UMTS dual-mode UEs refer to UEs registered with the core network (CN) that support
GSM and UMTS.
Multimode UEs supporting LTE refer to the UEs registered with the CN and supporting LTE and
UMTS/GSM.
2.1.3 Description
Idle-UE camping provides the following camping policies for UEs supporting different RATs:
For a multimode UE supporting LTE

Assume we want the UE to preferentially camp on the LTE network. If there is no LTE
coverage or insufficient LTE coverage, the UE camps on the UMTS network. If there is
no UMTS coverage or insufficient UMTS coverage, the UE camps on the GSM network.
For a GSM and UMTS dual-mode UE

Assume we want the UE to preferentially camp on the UMTS network.
If the UE does not support absolute priority-based cell reselection, the UE

preferentially camps on the UMTS network by using cell ranking-based cell
reselection.
If the UE supports absolute priority-based cell reselection, set the absolute priority of
the UMTS network to be higher than that of the GSM network.
If there is no UMTS coverage or insufficient UMTS coverage, the UE camps on the

GSM network.
For a single-mode UE
The UE accesses the network that it supports.
Idle-UE camping also provides the following policies for camping on a cell supporting a
single RAT:
On the LTE network
Assume we want the UE to preferentially camp on a cell operating in a higher band. If

there are two frequencies in the same band, cells that operate in both frequencies are
configured with the same reselection priority.
On the UMTS network

The UE randomly or preferentially camp on a cell based on the networking. If traffic
steering is not used on the UMTS network, the UE selects a camping policy based on the
number of carriers and the carrier coverage as follows:
If multiple carriers are configured and only one carrier achieves contiguous coverage,
it is recommended that the UE preferentially camp on a cell using the carrier with
contiguous coverage. This reduces the number of CS handovers from carriers without
contiguous coverage to the carrier with contiguous coverage.
If multiple carriers are configured and all the carriers achieve contiguous coverage, it
is recommended that the UE randomly camp on any cell.
If multiple carriers are configured and at least one carrier does not achieve contiguous
coverage, it is recommended that:
The UE randomly camp on any cell using a carrier with contiguous coverage.
The UE preferentially camp on a cell using carriers with contiguous coverage

when the UE is at the coverage edge of the carriers without contiguous
coverage.
Compared with UMTS 2100 MHz carriers, UMTS 900 MHz carriers provide better
signal quality and can accommodate more UEs. Therefore, if both carriers are
configured and contiguous coverage is achieved, modify cell reselection-related
parameters. This enables the UE to preferentially camp on a cell using a UMTS 2100
MHz carrier, thereby balancing the load between different carriers.
If traffic steering is implemented between R99 and HSPA carriers on the UMTS network,
it is recommended that the UE preferentially camp on a cell using R99 carriers with
contiguous coverage.
On the GSM network

It is recommended that the UE preferentially camp on a cell operating at GSM 1800
MHz to increase the cell capacity or randomly camp on any cell. The preferential
camping policy can be implemented by configuring cell reselection-related parameters.
Figure 2.1.3.I.1.1.1 shows the principles of idle-UE camping.
Figure 2.1.3.I.1.1.1 Idle-UE camping

Idle-UE camping
L2600
L2600
Priority 1
L1800
L1800
U2100
Priority 2
U2100
U2100
Priority 2
U900
U900
G900/1800
Priority 3
G900/1800
Coverage-based cell reselection
Mode priority
Mode priority-based cell reselection
Frequency priority
Feature List
Table 2.1.3.I.1.1.1.1 lists the features used in idle-UE camping.
Table 2.1.3.I.1.1.1.1 List of the features used in idle-UE camping
Feature ID
Feature Name
First
Appearance
Reference Document
GBFD-110401
Basic Cell Selection
GBSS6.0
Idle Mode Behavior

Feature
Parameter
Description
GBFD-110402
Basic Cell Re-selection
GBSS6.0
Idle Mode Behavior

Feature
Parameter
Description
GBFD-114301
GSM/WCDMA
Interoperability
GBSS6.0
Interoperability
Between GSM and
WCDMA
Feature
Parameter Description
GBFD-114325
Fast WCDMA Reselection at

2G CS Call Release
GBSS9.0
Interoperability
Between GSM and
WCDMA
Feature
GBFD-511301
Cell Reselection Between

GSM and LTE
GBSS12.0
Interoperability
Between GSM and LTE
Feature
Parameter
Description
WRFD-010401
System
Broadcasting
RAN2.0
Radio Bearers Feature

Information
Priority 1
WRFD-020303
Inter-RAT Handover Based

on Coverage
RAN2.0
Handover
Feature
WRFD-020126
Mobility Between
and LTE Phase 1
RAN12.0
Interoperability
Between UMTS and
LTE Feature Parameter
Description
LBFD00201803
Cell Selection
selection
Re-
eRAN1.0
Idle
Mode
Management Feature
LOFD-001019
PS
Inter-RAT Mobility
between E-UTRAN and
UTRAN
eRAN1.0
Idle
Mode
Management Feature
LOFD-001020
PS
Inter-RAT Mobility
between E-UTRAN and
GERAN
eRAN1.0
Idle
Mode
Management Feature
UMTS
and
Feature Description
Table 2.1.3.I.1.1.1.1 describes the features used in idle-UE camping.
Table 2.1.3.I.1.1.1.1 Description of the features used in idle-UE camping
Feature ID
Feature Name
Feature Description
RAT
GBFD110401
Basic
Cell
Selection
When an MS is powered on or moves from a

blind spot to a coverage area, the MS
searches for all frequencies on the public land
mobile network (PLMN) and selects a cell to
camp on.
GSM only
GBFD110402
Basic
Cell
Re-selection
An MS in idle mode performs cell reselection

to find a cell that can provide better services
than the current cell.
GSM only
GBFD114301
GSM/WCDM
A
Interoperabili
ty
This feature enables UE handovers and cell

reselection between the GSM network and the
UMTS network.
GSM and
UMTS
GBFD114325
Fast
WCDMA
Reselection at
2G CS Call
Release
When an MS terminates a call on a GSM

network, it camps on a UMTS network based
on the "cell selection indicator after release"
information in the Channel Release message.
In this process, the MS does not need to
perform calculations, which accelerates cell
reselection.
GSM and
UMTS
GBFD511301
Cell
Reselection
Between
GSM
and
A GSM and LTE dual-mode UE in idle mode

performs cell reselection based on the signal
level of neighboring cells and the RAT
priority.
GSM and
LTE
LTE
WRFD010401
System
Information
Broadcasting
With this feature, UEs can perform cell

reselection between bands.
UMTS
only
WRFD020303
Inter-RAT
Handover
Based
on
Coverage
This feature enables measurement-based

inter-RAT handover triggered by active set
quality measurement event 2D or UE uplink
quality of service (QoS), and inter-RAT
emergency blind handover triggered by event
1F. This feature applies to inter-RAT
interoperability based on coverage or UE
mobility.
GSM and
UMTS
WRFD020126
Mobility
Between
UMTS and
LTE Phase 1
This feature provides the following functions:
UMTS
and LTE
Cell selection and reselection between

UMTS and LTE networks
PS handover from the LTE network to the
UMTS network
LBFD0201803
Cell Selection
and
Reselection
This feature enables cell selection and

reselection within the LTE network. With this
feature, UEs in idle mode can camp on the
best cell within the LTE network.
LTE only
LOFD001019
PS Inter-RAT
Mobility
between EUTRAN and
UTRAN
This feature enables cell reselection or

handover between LTE and UMTS networks.
With this feature, UEs at the LTE edge can
select UMTS cells to camp on.
UMTS
and LTE
LOFD001020
PS Inter-RAT
Mobility
between EUTRAN and
GERAN

handover between LTE and GSM networks.
With this feature, UEs at the LTE edge can
select GSM cells to camp on.
GSM and
LTE
2.1.4 Application
This section provides application guidelines for idle-UE camping. These guidelines are
mainly based on the different requirements for various feature combinations.
The principles for activating the features used in this sub-solution are as follows:
1. Determine the RATs involved and then select the features to be activated using the
information about RAT combinations in Table 2.1.3.I.1.1.1.1. For example, in
scenarios where UMTS and LTE networks are deployed, you need to activate the
features described in Table 2.1.3.I.1.1.1.1 that require UMTS and LTE.
The application guidelines for camping solutions for UEs in idle mode are as follows:
Principle for configuring neighboring UMTS frequencies for an LTE cell

A UE can simultaneously measure three adjacent UMTS frequencies at most. After the
priority-based cell reselection function is enabled, if a UMTS frequency with poor
coverage exists in an area, it is not recommended that this frequency be configured as the
neighboring UMTS frequency for the LTE cells in this area. This can prevent increase in
power consumption of a UE for measuring the neighboring frequency. If there are three
or more UMTS frequencies with good coverage in an area, the LTE cells in this area can
be configured with more than adjacent UMTS frequencies. In this case, the UE camps on
a cell corresponding to an adjacent UMTS frequency.
Principle for configuring inter-frequency neighboring cells on a UMTS network

The UE can simultaneously measure three UMTS frequencies at most. If there are no
more than three frequencies, a serving cell can be configured with any number of
neighboring cells regardless of the number of frequencies. When the total number of
UMTS frequencies is greater than or equal to four, you are advised to configure interfrequency neighboring cells cyclically if random camping is adopted.
The following examples illustrate how to configure frequency relationship using the
sequential configuration method.
The following four frequencies exist on a UMTS network:
F1: is on the UMTS 900 MHz frequency band.
F2/3/4: are on the UMTS 2100 MHz frequency band.
Example 1: When the traffic steering function is not enabled on the UMTS 2100 MHz
frequency band, and random camping is adopted, configure the frequency relationship
for these four frequencies as follows:
F1: its neighboring frequencies are F2 and F3.
Figure 2.1.4.I.1.1.1 shows the UE camping and cell reselection strategies on the UMTS
network.
Figure 2.1.4.I.1.1.1 UE camping and cell reselection
Example 2: When the traffic steering function is enabled on the UMTS 2100 MHz
frequency band and UEs in idle mode can camp on F2, but not F3 and F4, configure the
frequency relationship for these four frequencies as follows:
F1: its neighboring frequency is F2.
Figure 2.1.4.I.1.1.2 shows the UE camping and cell reselection strategies on the UMTS
network.
Figure 2.1.4.I.1.1.2 UE camping and cell reselection
2. Set the parameters related to inter-RAT cell reselection as follows:
GSM and UMTS networks deployed

Cell reselection from the GSM network to the UMTS network is controlled by the QI,
FDDQOFF, and FDDQMIN parameters related to the GBFD-114301 GSM/WCDMA
Interoperability feature. To ensure that a UE in a GSM cell promptly reselects a UMTS
cell, set QI to 7 so that the UE keeps searching for UMTS cells. In addition, retain the
default values for FDDQOFF and FDDQMIN.
GSM and LTE networks deployed

To ensure that a UE in a GSM cell preferentially reselects an LTE or UMTS cell when
the LTE network has poor signal quality, set the parameters as follows: EUTRANPRI >
UTRANPRI > GERANPRIUTRANPRI. The three parameters are related to the
GBFD-511301 Cell Reselection Between GSM and LTE feature.
UMTS and LTE networks deployed

To ensure that a UE in a UMTS cell preferentially reselects an LTE cell, set Npriority to
be greater than Spriority. The two parameters are related to the WRFD-020126 Mobility
Between UMTS and LTE Phase 1 feature.
UEs on a single-RAT multiband network can perform inter-frequency cell reselection. Set the
parameters related to inter-frequency cell reselection as follows:
LTE network
Inter-frequency cell reselection is included in the LBFD-00201803 Cell Selection and Reselection
feature.
To enable priority-based inter-frequency cell reselection for a UE on the LTE

network, set the CellReselPriority parameter for both the serving cell and interfrequency neighboring cells. CellReselPriority specifies the cell reselection priority.
A larger value of CellReselPriority indicates a higher reselection priority. To set the
cell reselection priority for the serving cell and inter-frequency neighboring cell, run
the MOD CELLRESEL and MOD EUTRANINTERNFREQ commands,
respectively.
To enable both inter-frequency and inter-RAT cell reselection for a UE on the LTE
network, set the SnonIntraSearch and ThrshServLow parameters for interfrequency cell reselection to be the same as those for inter-RAT cell reselection. That
is, for UEs in idle mode, the trigger conditions for inter-frequency and inter-RAT
measurement are the same. If a UE is at the edge of LTE network coverage and both
an inter-frequency neighboring cell and an inter-RAT neighboring cell meet the cell
reselection requirements, set CellReselPriority for the inter-frequency neighboring
cell to higher than that of the inter-RAT neighboring cell. This enables the UE to
preferentially reselect the inter-frequency neighboring cell.
UMTS network
On a UMTS 900 MHz/2100 MHz multi-carrier network, if UMTS 900 MHz carriers
achieve contiguous coverage, the UE randomly camps on any cell operating at 900
MHz or 2100 MHz. Set the IdleSintersearch parameter for cells operating at 900
MHz to a large value or 127, which causes inter-frequency measurement to start
earlier. IdleSintersearch specifies the threshold at which inter-frequency
measurement is started. In addition, set the IdleQoffset2sn parameter to a large value
so that a UE in idle mode in a cell operating at 900 MHz preferentially camps on a
cell operating at 2100 MHz. This reduces the load of cells operating at 900 MHz.
On a UMTS single-band multi-carrier network, it is recommended that the UE

preferentially camp on a cell using carriers with contiguous coverage.
set the IdleSintersearch and IdleQoffset2sn parameters to a large value and a small
value, respectively, for UMTS cells using carriers with contiguous coverage. If
IdleSintersearch is not set, set IdleQoffset2sn to a small value for UMTS cells using
carriers with contiguous coverage and a large value for UMTS cells using carriers
without contiguous coverage.
You do not need to modify the settings of the parameters related to GSM cell selection and reselection.
2.2 Service Continuity

2.2.1 Scenario
On multi-RAT and multiband networks, operators face complex coverage issues due to the
differences between RATs and band coverage areas. In such a complex network, if a UE is at
the coverage edge of a RAT or band or in an area with poor signal quality, the UE may have
multiple inter-frequency or inter-RAT candidate cells. Service continuity is introduced to help
UEs select a target cell without affecting the continuity of CS and PS services. Figure
2.2.1.I.1.1.1 shows an example scenario where service continuity can be used.
Figure 2.2.1.I.1.1.1 Example scenario where service continuity can be used

L2600
L1800
L1800
L2600
Which network should I select for handover at the coverage edge or in an area with p
LTE Coverage
L800
L800
L800
U2100
U2100
U2100
UMTS coverage
U900
G900/1800
U900
G900/1800
2.2.2 Purpose
When a UE is processing services in a cell that supports a RAT or is operating in a band,
network coverage may be insufficient or signal quality may deteriorate. If this happens,
service continuity enables the UE to be handed over or redirected to a cell supporting a
different RAT or operating in a different band with good signal quality. Service continuity
ensures continuity of CS and PS services. If there are multiple inter-frequency or inter-RAT
candidate cells, this sub-solution enables the UE to be handed over or redirected to a suitable
cell, thereby preventing unnecessary handovers or redirections.
The coordination between the different RATs or bands that this sub-solution uses also
prevents ping-pong handovers caused by insufficient network coverage or deteriorated signal
quality.
2.2.3 Description
On a multi-RAT and multiband network, if network coverage decreases or signal quality
deteriorates in one RAT or band, inter-frequency or inter-RAT handover or redirection based
on coverage or signal quality is triggered. Service continuity enables preferential selection of
a target cell or network by configuring the frequency priorities of the same or different RATs.
Insufficient LTE coverage

If a UE is in an area with insufficient LTE coverage, activate coverage-based interfrequency or inter-RAT handover or redirection. This enables the UE to be handed over
to an inter-frequency or inter-RAT cell, ensuring service continuity. In addition, it is
recommended that the UE preferentially select an LTE inter-frequency neighboring cell
as the target cell. If the LTE inter-frequency target cell does not exist or has poor signal
quality, the UE selects a UMTS cell as the target cell. If the UMTS target cell does not
exist or has poor signal quality in this case, the UE selects a GSM cell as the target cell.
Insufficient UMTS coverage

If a UE is in an area with insufficient UMTS coverage, activate coverage-based interfrequency or inter-RAT handover or redirection. In addition, it is recommended that the
UE preferentially select a UMTS inter-frequency neighboring cell as the target cell. If
the UMTS inter-frequency target cell does not exist or has poor signal quality, the UE
selects a GSM cell as the target cell. On a UMTS 900 MHz/2100 MHz network:
If a UE is at the coverage edge of 2100 MHz, the UE can be handed over to a cell
operating at 900 MHz by using coverage-based handover or redirection.
If a UE is at the coverage edge of 900 MHz, it is recommended that:
The UE be preferentially handed over or redirected to a cell operating at 2100

MHz when contiguous coverage is not achieved in the 900 MHz band.
The UE not be handed over to a cell operating at 2100 MHz by using coveragebased handover or redirection when contiguous coverage is achieved in the 900
MHz band.
If a UE is at the edge of UMTS network coverage, coverage- or signal quality-based

handover or redirection is triggered. This enables the UE to be handed over to an interRAT cell, ensuring continuity of CS and PS services.
Insufficient GSM coverage

If a UE is in an area with insufficient GSM coverage, activate coverage-based interfrequency or inter-RAT handover. In addition, it is recommended that the UE
preferentially select a GSM inter-frequency neighboring cell as the target cell. If the
GSM inter-frequency target cell does not exist or has poor signal quality, the UE selects a
UMTS cell as the target cell.
Figure 2.2.3.I.1.1.1 shows service continuity.

Figure 2.2.3.I.1.1.1 Service continuity
L2600
L1800
LTE hot spot/capacity
L2600
L1800
LTE coverage
L800
L800
L800
U2100
U2100
U2100
UMTS coverage
U900
G900/1800
Coverage-based inter-frequency PS handover
U900
G900/1800
Coverage-based inter-RAT CS/PS handover
Coverage-based inter-frequency CS/PS handover Coverage-based inter-RAT PS handover
Feature List
Table 2.2.3.I.1.1.1.1 lists the features used in service continuity.
Table 2.2.3.I.1.1.1.1 List of the features used in service continuity

Feature ID
Feature Name
First
Appearanc
e
Reference Document
GBFD-110601
HUAWEI I Handover
GBSS6.0
Handover
Feature
GBFD-510501
HUAWEI II Handover
GBSS8.1
Handover
Feature
GBFD-114301
GSM/WCDMA
Interoperability
GBSS6.0
Interoperability
Between GSM and
WCDMA
Feature
WRFD-020110
Multi
Frequency
Band
Networking Management
RAN10.0
Multi-Frequency Band
Networking
Management Feature
WRFD-020302
Inter
Frequency
Hard
Handover Based on Coverage
RAN2.0
Handover
Feature
WRFD-020303
Inter-RAT Handover Based on

Coverage
RAN2.0
Handover
Feature
WRFD-020126
Mobility Between UMTS and

LTE Phase 1
RAN12.0
Interoperability
Between UMTS and
LTE Feature Parameter
Description
LBFD-00201801
Coverage
Based
frequency Handover
Inter-
eRAN1.0
Mobility Management
in Connected Mode
Feature
Parameter
Description
LBFD-00201802
Coverage
Based
frequency Handover
Inter-
eRAN1.0
Mobility Management
in Connected Mode
Feature
Parameter
Description
LOFD-001019
PS
Inter-RAT
Mobility
between
E-UTRAN
and
UTRAN
eRAN1.0
Mobility Management
in Connected Mode
Feature
Parameter
Description
LOFD-001020
PS
Inter-RAT
Mobility
between
E-UTRAN
and
GERAN
eRAN1.0
Mobility Management
in Connected Mode
Feature
Parameter
Description
Feature Description
Table 2.2.3.I.1.1.1.1 describes the features used in service continuity.
Table 2.2.3.I.1.1.1.1 Description of the features used in service continuity

Feature ID
Feature Name
Feature Description
RAT
GBFD-110601
HUAWEI
Handover
This feature selects a candidate cell for

handover. It consists of the following
phases: measurement results reporting,
measurement
report
processing,
handover decision, and handover
execution.
GSM only
GBFD-510501
HUAWEI
Handover
II
This feature is an enhancement to the

HUAWEI I handover algorithm. This
feature comprehensively considers the
results of all handover decisions,
improving the accuracy of these
results.
GSM only
GBFD-114301
GSM/WCDMA
Interoperability
This feature enables UE handovers and

cell reselection between the GSM
network and the UMTS network.
GSM and
UMTS
WRFD-020110
Multi Frequency
Band
Networking
Management
This feature enables UE mobility

management between different bands.
UMTS
only
WRFD-020302
Inter Frequency
Hard Handover
Based
on
Coverage
This feature enables coverage-based

inter-frequency handover.
UMTS
only
WRFD-020303
Inter-RAT
Handover Based
on Coverage
This feature enables measurementbased inter-RAT handover triggered by

active set quality measurement event
2D or UE uplink quality of service
(QoS), and inter-RAT emergency blind
handover triggered by event 1F. This
feature
applies
to
inter-RAT
interoperability based on coverage or
UE mobility.
GSM and
UMTS
WRFD-020126
Mobility
Between UMTS
and LTE Phase 1
This feature provides the following

functions:
UMTS
and LTE
LBFD-00201802
Coverage Based
Inter-frequency
Handover
LOFD-001019
PS
Inter-RAT
Cell selection and reselection

between UMTS and LTE networks
PS handover from the LTE network
to the UMTS network
On LTE multiband networks, this

feature enables a UE in radio resource
control (RRC) connected mode at the
coverage edge of a frequency or band
to be handed over to an inter-frequency
cell. This prevents call drops caused by
weak coverage.
LTE only
UMTS
Mobility
between
UTRAN
UTRAN
LOFD-001020
Eand
PS
Inter-RAT
Mobility
between
EUTRAN
and
GERAN
handover between E-UTRAN and

UTRAN. With this feature, UEs at the
edge of LTE network coverage can be
handed over to UTRAN cells. If a UE
does not support PS handover, the UE
is redirected to a UTRAN cell.
and LTE

handover between E-UTRAN and
GERAN. With this feature, UEs at the
edge of LTE network coverage can be
handed over to GERAN cells. If a UE
does not support PS handover, the UE
is redirected to a GERAN cell.
GSM and
LTE
2.2.4 Application
This section describes application guidelines for service continuity. These guidelines are
The principles for activating the features used in this sub-solution are as follows:
Determine the RATs involved and then select the features to be activated using the
information about RAT combinations in Table 2.2.3.I.1.1.1.1. For example, in scenarios where
UMTS and LTE networks are deployed, you need to activate the features described in Table
2.2.3.I.1.1.1.1 that require UMTS and LTE.
This sub-solution is primarily used to address problems with CS and PS service continuity. It
provides schemes to address the following scenarios:
Insufficient LTE coverage

To preferentially trigger coverage-based inter-frequency handover, set
InterFreqHoA2ThdRsrp and InterFreqHoA2ThdRsrq to greater than
InterRatHoA2ThdRsrp and InterRatHoA2ThdRsrq, respectively.
InterFreqHoA2ThdRsrp and InterFreqHoA2ThdRsrq specify the thresholds at

which inter-frequency measurement event A2 is reported.
InterRatHoA2ThdRsrp and InterRatHoA2ThdRsrq specify the thresholds at

which inter-RAT measurement event A2 is reported.
Changing these four parameters affects the following features:
LBFD-00201802 Coverage Based Inter-frequency Handover
LOFD-001019 PS Inter-RAT Mobility between E-UTRAN and UTRAN
LOFD-001020 PS Inter-RAT Mobility between E-UTRAN and GERAN
For a UE at the edge of LTE network coverage, set UtranA2ThdRsrpOffset to greater

than GeranA2ThdRsrpOffset. This enables the UE to be preferentially handed over to a
UMTS target cell or to preferentially select a UMTS target cell. Changing these two
parameters affects the following features:
LBFD-00201802 Coverage Based Inter-frequency Handover
LOFD-001019 PS Inter-RAT Mobility between E-UTRAN and UTRAN
LOFD-001020 PS Inter-RAT Mobility between E-UTRAN and GERAN
Insufficient UMTS coverage
To enable inter-frequency measurement tasks to be preferentially delivered on the

network side, set CsHoPrioMeasTimerLen and PsHoPrioMeasTimerLen to values
other than 0. CsHoPrioMeasTimerLen and PsHoPrioMeasTimerLen specify the
length of the timers for preferentially performing CS and PS inter-frequency
measurement, respectively. Inter-RAT measurement tasks can be delivered only after
the timers have expired. Changing these two parameters affects the following
features:
WRFD-020303 Inter-RAT Handover Based on Coverage

WRFD-020302 Inter Frequency Hard Handover Based on Coverage
To ensure that coverage-based handover is not triggered for UEs in UMTS 900 MHz
cells with contiguous coverage, set the HOCovPrio parameter for these cells to 0.
HOCovPrio specifies the priority of coverage-based inter-frequency handover.
Changing this parameter affects the WRFD-020302 Inter Frequency Hard Handover
Based on Coverage feature.
Insufficient GSM coverage

The target cell to which the UE is preferentially handed over can be adjusted by using
the HOOPTSEL parameter. HOOPTSEL specifies whether the UE is preferentially
handed over to a GSM or UMTS cell. Changing this parameter affects the GBFD-114301
GSM/WCDMA Interoperability feature. To ensure that a UMTS target cell is selected
when the signal quality of neighboring GSM cells is below a specified threshold, set
HOOPTSEL to Pre_2G_CellThres.
The following describe how to configure adjacent UMTS frequencies for an LTE cell:
A UE can simultaneously measure three adjacent UMTS frequencies at most. When
configuring adjacent UMTS frequencies for an LTE cell, you are advised to adopt one of the
following strategies based on whether the traffic steering function is enabled on the UMTS
network.
If yes:
For an LTE cell, it is recommended that you set CsPriority to the maximum value for
R99 carriers and PsPriority to the maximum value for HSPA carriers. CsPriority and
PsPriority indicate priorities for CS and PS services and are controlled by LOFD001078 E-UTRAN to UTRAN CS/PS Steering.
If the UMTS network is lightly loaded, configure one or two HSPA carriers with
good coverage for an LTE cell as adjacent UMTS frequencies.
If the load is not balanced on the UMTS network, in areas with continuous coverage
of each UMTS frequency, configure three or more HSPA carriers for an LTE cell as
adjacent UMTS frequencies and set PS service priorities for different HSPA carriers
controlled by LBFD-00201803 Cell Selection and Reselection. If HSPA carriers have
different PS service priorities, the eNodeB preferentially sends UEs the information
about the HSPA carrier with the highest PS service priority. If HSPA carriers have the
same PS service priority, the eNodeB preferentially sends UEs the information about
the three HSPA carriers with top-three priorities according the values of
ConnFreqPriority. If the values of ConnFreqPriority are the same, the eNodeB
sends UEs the information about three random HSPA carriers.
If not:
If the UMTS network is lightly loaded, configure one or two adjacent UMTS
frequencies with good coverage for an LTE cell.
If the load is not balanced on the UMTS network, configure three or more adjacent
UMTS frequencies for an LTE cell. The eNodeB sends UEs the information about the
frequencies with high priorities according to the values of ConnFreqPriority. If
three or more adjacent UMTS frequencies with the same priority are configured, the
eNodeB sends UEs the information about three random frequencies.
Principle for configuring inter-frequency neighboring cells on a UMTS network

Inter-frequency neighboring cells are classified as follows:
Inter-frequency neighboring cells for reselection: Only inter-frequency cell
reselection can be performed between the source cell and target cell. Neither
coverage-based inter-frequency handover nor inter-frequency blind handover can be
performed.
UEs in idle mode or in the CELL_PCH or CELL_FACH state perform cell

reselection between inter-frequency neighboring cells.
Inter-frequency neighboring cells for reselection are delivered in SIB11 for UEs in
idle mode. SIB is short for system information block.
Inter-frequency neighboring cells for reselection are delivered in SIB12 for UEs in
the CELL_PCH or CELL_FACH state.
The cell reselection between inter-frequency neighboring cells is controlled by the
SIB11Ind or SIB12Ind parameter in the ADD UINTERFREQNCELL command.
SIB11Ind and SIB12Ind are delivered in SIB11 and SIB12, respectively. The value
of the SIB11Ind or SIB12Ind parameter can be FALSE or TRUE.
FALSE: The neighboring cell information is not delivered in SIB11 or SIB12.
TRUE: The neighboring cell information is delivered in SIB11 or SIB12.
Inter-frequency neighboring cells for blind handover: Only inter-frequency blind
handover can be performed between the source cell and target cell. Neither interfrequency reselection nor coverage-based inter-frequency handover can be performed.
The source cell and target cell must be inter-frequency cells with the same coverage.
The blind handover between inter-frequency neighboring cells is controlled by the

BlindHOFlag (Blind handover flag) parameter in the ADD UINTERFREQNCELL
command. The value of the BlindHOFlag parameter can be FALSE or TRUE.
FALSE: The neighboring cell is not considered as a candidate cell for blind
handovers. Therefore, blind handovers to this cell cannot be triggered.
TRUE: The cell is considered as a candidate cell for blind handovers and blind
handovers to this cell can be triggered.
Coverage-based inter-frequency neighboring cells for handover: Only coverage-based
handovers can be performed between the source cell and target cell. Neither interfrequency reselection nor inter-frequency blind handover can be performed.
The coverage-based inter-frequency neighboring cells for handover are controlled by

the HOCovPrio (Priority of Coverage-Based Inter-Frequency Handover) parameter in
the ADD UINTERFREQNCELL command.
The value of the HOCovPrio parameter can be 0, 1, 2, or 3.
0: The cell does not support coverage-based inter-frequency handovers.
1: The cell has the highest priority for coverage-based inter-frequency handovers.
3: The cell has the lowest priority for coverage-based inter-frequency handovers.
The higher the priority of a cell is, the more likely the cell will be delivered as a
measurement object and the easier it will be to hand over UEs to this cell. For
example, the cell with priority 1 is more likely to be delivered as a target cell to be
measured than the cell with priority 2. In addition, UEs are more likely to be handed
over to the cell with priority 1. The cell with priority 0 will not be delivered as a
measurement object.
Table 2.2.4.I.1.1.1.1 Inter-frequency neighboring cells and corresponding control parameters

Neighboring Cell
Type
SIB11Ind
SIB12Ind
HOCovPrio
BlindHOFlag
Inter-frequency
neighboring cells for
reselection
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Inter-frequency
blind handover
FALSE
FALSE
TRUE
Coverage-based
Inter-frequency
handover
FALSE
FALSE
FALSE
If SIB12Ind is set to FALSE, inter-frequency neighboring cells delivered in SIB11 can be used for cell
reselection of UEs in the CELL_PCH or CELL_FACH state.
Principles for configuring inter-frequency neighboring cells are as follows:

Section 2.1.4"Application" provides the principles for configuring inter-frequency
neighboring cells on a UMTS network.
Principles for configuring inter-frequency neighboring cells for blind handover: The
source cell and target cell must be inter-frequency cells with the same coverage. No
limitation is imposed on the number of inter-frequency frequencies for configuring
neighboring cells.
Principles for configuring coverage-based inter-frequency neighboring cells for

handover are as follows:
On a UMTS network, a UE can simultaneously measure two inter-frequency

UMTS frequencies at most. Therefore, no more than two inter-frequency UMTS
frequencies are required for configuring coverage-based inter-frequency
neighboring cells for handover.
Configure coverage-based inter-frequency neighboring cells based on the

following inter-frequency handover strategy:
If a UE is at the edge of a carrier not providing contiguous coverage, the UE will
be handed over to a carrier providing contiguous coverage.
If a UE is at the edge of a carrier operating on a high frequency band, the UE will
be handed over to a carrier operating on a low frequency band.
If a UE is in the coverage area of a carrier providing contiguous coverage, the UE
will not be handed over to a cell using different frequencies.
2.3 Load Balancing

2.3.1 Scenario
Due to the increasingly high penetration rate of multimode UEs, traffic is heavy in UMTS or
LTE cells in some hot spots. Load balancing is introduced to balance the load between cells in
this situation and therefore improves user experience. Figure 2.3.1.I.1.1.1 shows an example
scenario where load balancing can be used.
Figure 2.3.1.I.1.1.1 Example scenario where load balancing can be used
Cell with heavy traffic
L1800
L800
U2100
L2600
L1800
L1800
L800
L800
U2100
U2100
U900
U900
G900/1800
L2600
G900/1800
U900
G900/1800
2.3.2 Purpose
Load balancing selects the optimal service bearers for UEs and achieves the following
objectives:
To maximize cell resource usage and prevent cell overload
To balance the load between cells that support different RATs or operate in different
bands
To improve user experience
2.3.3 Description
Load balancing addresses the following main issues:
Heavy load in a GSM cell

If the load of a GSM cell exceeds a specified threshold, load balance can be implemented
for the following UEs:
UEs accessing the GSM cell

When a UE accesses a GSM cell that is congested and has no available resources, the
UE is redirected to the intra- or inter-frequency neighboring cell with the best signal
quality.
UEs in RRC connected mode

When there is heavy traffic in a GSM cell, some UEs in the cell are handed over to
intra- or inter-frequency neighboring cells by using load-based handover. In addition,
on a GSM 900 MHz/1800 MHz network, inter-layer handover or concentric cell
handover can be implemented to hand over UEs to the cells to which traffic is
offloaded, so as to balance the load between cells.
Heavy load in a UMTS cell
When the resource usage of a UMTS cell exceeds the basic congestion threshold, the cell
enters the basic congestion state. In this scenario, load balance can be implemented for
the following UEs:
UEs accessing the UMTS cell

It is recommended that the UEs be preferentially redirected to inter-frequency
neighboring cells. If none of the neighboring UMTS cells meets the requirements,
some UEs are handed over or redirected to neighboring GSM cells that meet the
requirements.

Load-based inter-frequency handover is performed. If heavy traffic in the UMTS cell
persists, load-based CS handover to the GSM network, or load-based PS handover or
redirection to the LTE network is performed to balance the load between networks.
In scenarios where multiple carriers in the same or different bands cover the same
area, UEs supporting carrier aggregation can use cell resources of multiple carriers.
Carrier aggregation uses DC-HSUPA in the uplink, and DC-HSDPA, DB-HSDPA, or
4C-HSDPA in the downlink. In a lightly loaded cell, UEs supporting carrier
aggregation can use more cell resources. A high percentage of UEs supporting carrier
aggregation facilitates load balancing between carriers.
Heavy load in an LTE cell

When the resource usage of an LTE cell exceeds a specified threshold, load balancing is
performed as follows:
1. It is recommended that UEs in the LTE cell be preferentially handed over to interfrequency neighboring cells with the same coverage or with a large proportion of overlapping
coverage.
2. If heavy traffic in the LTE cell persists, inter-RAT mobility load balancing (MLB) is
performed to hand over or redirect the UEs to inter-RAT neighboring cells with the same
coverage or with a large proportion of overlapping coverage.
Carrier aggregation was introduced in 3GPP Release 10 (TR 36.913). A UE supporting
carrier aggregation can simultaneously access two carriers and use cell resources of the
two carriers. If one carrier is lightly loaded, the UE can use more cell resources of this
carrier. A high percentage of UEs supporting carrier aggregation facilitates load
balancing between carriers.
Feature List
Table 2.3.3.I.1.1.1.1 lists the features used in load balancing.
Table 2.3.3.I.1.1.1.1 Features used in load balancing
Feature ID
Feature Name
First
Appearanc
e
Reference Document
GBFD-110601
HUAWEI I Handover
GBSS6.0
Handover
Feature
GBFD-510501
HUAWEI II Handover
GBSS8.1
Handover
Feature
GBFD-110607
Directed Retry
GBSS6.0
Handover
Feature
GBFD-511101*
Load
GBSS9.0
Common Radio Resource
Based
Handover
Enhancement on Iur-g
Management
Feature
GBFD-511103*
GSM and WCDMA Load

Balancing Based on Iur-g
GBSS12.0

Management
Feature
GBFD-114322
GSM/WCDMA
Based Handover
Load
GBSS8.1
Interoperability Between
GSM
and
WCDMA
Feature
Parameter
Description
WRFD-020110
Multi Frequency Band

RAN10.0
Multi-Frequency
Band
Feature
Parameter
Description
WRFD-020160
Enhanced
Management
RAN12.0
Multi-Frequency
Band
Feature
Parameter
Description
WRFD-020106
Load Reshuffling
RAN2.0
Load Control Feature

WRFD-020103
Inter Frequency
Balance
RAN2.0

WRFD-140217
Inter-Frequency
Load
Balancing
Based
on
Configurable
Load
Threshold
RAN14.0

WRFD-020120
Service Steering and Load

Sharing
in
RRC
Connection Setup
RAN11.0

WRFD02040004
Traffic Steering and Load

Sharing During RAB Setup
RAN10.0
Directed Retry Decision

Feature
Parameter
Description
WRFD-020306
Inter-RAT Handover Based

on Load
RAN3.0
Handover
Feature
WRFD-020310
3G/2G Common
Management
Load
RAN10.0
Handover
Feature
WRFD-070004*
Load Based
UMTS
Enhancement
Iur-g
GSM and
Handover
Based on
RAN11.1

Management
Feature
WRFD-070006*
GSM and UMTS Load

Balancing Based on Iur-g
RAN12.0

Management
Feature
WRFD-150216
Load Based PS Redirection

from UMTS to LTE
RAN15.0
UMTS and LTE Feature
Multiband
Load
WRFD-150217
Load Based PS Handover

from UMTS to LTE
RAN15.0
WRFD-010696
DC-HSDPA
RAN12.0
DC-HSDPA
WRFD-140204
DC-HSUPA
RAN14.0
DC-HSUPA
WRFD-150209
DB-HSDPA
RAN15.0
DB-HSDPA
WRFD-150207
4C-HSDPA
RAN15.0
4C-HSDPA
eRAN2.0
LOFD-001032
Intra-LTE Load Balancing
MLB Feature Parameter

Description
Inter-RAT Load Sharing to

UTRAN
eRAN2.0
LOFD-001044
MLB Feature Parameter

Description
Intra-Band
Carrier
Aggregation for Downlink
2CC
eRAN6.0
LAOFD00100101
Carrier
Feature
Description
Aggregation
Parameter
eRAN6.0
LAOFD00100102
Inter-Band
Carrier
Aggregation for Downlink
2CC
Carrier
Feature
Description
Aggregation
Parameter
*This feature requires Huawei professional services.
Feature Description
Table 2.3.3.I.1.1.1.1 lists the features used in load balancing.
Table 2.3.3.I.1.1.1.1 Features used in load balancing
Feature ID
Feature Name
Feature Description
RAT
GBFD110601
HUAWEI
Handover
After load-based handover and enhanced

load-based handover are enabled, this feature
ensures that a UE is handed over to an intraor inter-frequency neighboring cell when its
serving cell has a heavy load. This feature
also prevents handovers to heavily loaded
neighboring cells.
GSM only
GBFD510501
HUAWEI II
Handover
After load-based handover and enhanced

load-based handover are enabled, this feature
ensures that a UE is handed over to an intraor inter-frequency neighboring cell when its
serving cell has a heavy load. This feature
also prevents handovers to heavily loaded
neighboring cells.
GSM only
GBFD110607
Directed
Retry
Directed retry is a special type of handover.

During the assignment procedure, the BSC
initiates directed retry to hand an MS over to
a neighboring cell if no TCH is available or
the load in the serving cell is heavy.
GSM only
GBFD511101*
Load Based
Handover
Enhancement
on Iur-g
This feature is implemented by exchanging

the Huawei proprietary IE containing load
information over the Iur-g interface. The Iur-g
protocol stack complies with 3GPP
specifications. This feature improves the
accuracy of decisions for handovers that are
not triggered by insufficient coverage, and
reduces the probability of ping-pong
handovers between the GSM and UMTS
networks.
GSM and
UMTS
GBFD511103*
GSM
and
UMTS Load
Balancing
Based on Iurg
This feature enables the exchange of the

Huawei proprietary IE over the Iur-g
interface, which in turn enables load-based
handovers between the GSM and UMTS
networks. With this feature, traffic steering is
based on the service attributes and load of the
GSM and UMTS networks when an MS
accesses the network.
GSM and
UMTS
GBFD114322
GSM/WCD
MA
Load
Based
Handover
With this feature, load balancing is achieved

and network resources are more efficiently
utilized as follows:
GSM and
UMTS
WRFD020110
Multi
Frequency
Band
Networking
Management
This feature enables mobility management of

UEs operating in different bands but in the
same coverage area.
UMTS only
WRFD020160
Enhanced
Multiband
Management
This feature enables measurement-based

inter-frequency handovers for load balancing.
UMTS only
WRFD020106
Load
Reshuffling
This feature provides multiple load

reshuffling policies for cells in the basic
congestion state. These policies help to
reduce the cell load and increase the access
success rate.
UMTS only
WRFD020103
Inter
Frequency
Load Balance
When a UMTS cell is in the basic congestion

state, this feature enables some UEs in the
cell to be handed over to inter-frequency
same-coverage cells.
UMTS only
WRFD-
Inter-
On overlay networks, this feature enables
UMTS only
When the cell load on the GSM network is

heavy, the BSC can initiate handovers from
the GSM network to the UMTS network
based on the load of the GSM and UMTS
networks.
140217
Frequency
Load
Balancing
Based
on
Configurable
Load
Threshold
load balancing between inter-frequency cells

belonging to different RNCs when UEs are in
RRC connected mode. Different load
thresholds can be set for CS and PS services
to meet different load balancing requirements.
WRFD020120
Service
Steering and
Load Sharing
in
RRC
Connection
Setup
With this feature, traffic steering and load

sharing between different frequencies, bands,
or RATs can be achieved based on the UE
service type and the load of the cell the UE is
accessing during RRC connection setup.
GSM and
UMTS
WRFD02040004
Traffic
Steering and
Load Sharing
During RAB
Setup
This feature allows the RAN to consider the

cell load and the required service type during
radio access bearer (RAB) setup, in order to
implement traffic steering and load sharing
between different frequencies or bands.
UMTS only
WRFD020306
Inter-RAT
Handover
Based
on
Load
When a cell is in the basic congestion state,

this feature enables some UEs in the cell to be
handed over to inter-RAT same-coverage
cells.
GSM and
UMTS
WRFD020310
3G/2G
Common
Load
Management
During an inter-RAT handover or directed

retry, this feature supports the transfer of load
information as stipulated in 3GPP
specifications, so as to reduce the probability
of inter-RAT ping-pong handovers.
GSM and
UMTS
WRFD070004*
Load Based
GSM
and
UMTS
Handover
Enhancement
Based on Iurg
This feature is implemented by exchanging

the Huawei proprietary IE over the Iur-g
interface. The Iur-g protocol stack complies
with 3GPP specifications. This feature
improves the accuracy of decisions for
handovers that are not triggered by
insufficient coverage, and reduces the
probability of ping-pong handovers between
the GSM and UMTS networks.
GSM and
UMTS
WRFD070006*
GSM
and
UMTS Load
Balancing
Based on Iurg
This feature implements RRC redirection and

load-based handover between the GSM and
UMTS networks by exchanging the Huawei
proprietary IE over the Iur-g interface. The
Iur-g protocol stack complies with 3GPP
specifications. With this feature, traffic
steering is based on the UE service attributes
and load of the GSM and UMTS networks
during RRC connection setup or after RAB
setup.
GSM and
UMTS
WRFD010696
DC-HSDPA
This feature enables a UE to simultaneously

set up connections in two adjacent downlink
intra-band cells with the same coverage. In
this way, the UE can use cell resources of two
UMTS only
UMTS only
different carriers, thereby increasing the peak

throughput of the UE.
WRFD140204
DC-HSUPA
Introduced in 3GPP Release 9 and based on

HSPA, this feature allows a UE in the uplink
to use two adjacent 5 MHz carriers at the
same time. This increases the peak rate per
user for uplink data transmission and the
average cell throughput.
UMTS only
WRFD150209
DB-HSDPA
This feature enables a UE to simultaneously

set up connections in two downlink interband cells with the same coverage. In this
way, the UE can use cell resources of two
different carriers, thereby increasing the peak
throughput of the UE.
UMTS only
WRFD150207
4C-HSDPA
As defined in 3GPP Release 10, this feature

aggregates three or four carriers for UE data
transmission in the downlink, which increases
the downlink UE throughput.
UMTS only
This feature enables load balancing within the

LTE network. Enabling this feature prevents
great differences in the load between LTE
cells operating in different frequencies.
LTE only
Intra-LTE
Load
Balancing
UMTS and
LTE
LOFD001044
Inter-RAT
Load Sharing
to UTRAN
This feature applies to cells in the same

coverage area and enables load balancing
from the LTE network to the UMTS network.
Enabling this feature reduces the load of the
LTE network.
LAOFD00100101
This feature aggregates two carriers in the

same band to enable a UE to use the two
carriers for uplink and downlink data
transmission.
This
feature
enables
aggregation of multiple contiguous or noncontiguous carriers.
LTE only
Intra-Band
Carrier
Aggregation
for Downlink
2CC
This feature aggregates two carriers in

different bands to enable a UE to use the two
carriers for uplink and downlink data
transmission.
LTE only
LAOFD00100102
Inter-Band
Carrier
Aggregation
for Downlink
2CC
LOFD001032
*This feature requires Huawei professional services.
2.3.4 Application
This section describes the application guidelines for load balancing. These guidelines are
Heavy cell load on the GSM network
In this scenario, the default parameter settings are used.
Heavy cell load on the UMTS network

If a UMTS cell has heavy traffic, load balancing can be implemented for the following
UEs:
UEs accessing the UMTS cell

The following features must be activated if they are required:
WRFD-02040004 Service Steering and Load Sharing in RRC Connection Setup

To enable RRC redirection to inter-frequency or inter-RAT cells, set the
ConnectFailRrcRedirSwitch parameter to Allowed_To_Inter_RAT.
ConnectFailRrcRedirSwitch specifies whether to enable RRC redirection in
the case of admission failures. If both inter-frequency and inter-RAT
neighboring cells exist, RRC redirection to inter-RAT neighboring cells can be
triggered only after RRC redirections to all inter-frequency neighboring cells
have failed.
WRFD-070006 GSM and UMTS Load Balancing Based on Iur-g
WRFD-02040004 Traffic Steering and Load Sharing During RAB Setup

The following features must be activated if they are required:
WRFD-020103 Inter Frequency Load Balance
WRFD-140217 Inter-Frequency Load Balancing Based on Configurable Load

Threshold
WRFD-020306 Inter-RAT Handover Based on Load
WRFD-020310 3G/2G Common Load Management
WRFD-070004 Load Based GSM and UMTS Handover Enhancement Based on

Iur-g
You can set the parameters as follows to preferentially perform load-based interfrequency handover:
The sequence of load reshuffling (LDR) actions is configured by running the

MOD UCELLLDR command. It is recommended that load-based interfrequency handover be performed before load-based inter-RAT CS handover. To
prevent excessive PS handovers to the GSM network, it is recommended that
LDR actions for PS load balancing to the GSM network be disabled.
To prevent excessive load-based inter-frequency CS handovers, set the

InterFreqLdHoForbidenTC parameter to R99_CONVERSATIONAL.
InterFreqLdHoForbidenTC specifies the type of the service that is forbidden
in a load-based inter-frequency handover.
Heavy cell load on the LTE network

To achieve load balancing on the LTE network, activate the LOFD-001032 Intra-LTE
Load Balancing and LOFD-001044 Inter-RAT Load Sharing to UTRAN features.
To ensure that inter-frequency load balancing is preferentially triggered, set
InterFreqMlbThd to smaller than InterRatMlbThd. InterFreqMlbThd specifies the
threshold at which inter-frequency load balancing is triggered. InterRatMlbThd
specifies the threshold at which inter-RAT load balancing is triggered.
If load balancing is also required on the UMTS network, the CN must support the RAN
information management (RIM) procedure. In this case, if the MlbLoadInfoSwitch is
turned on, the eNodeB can obtain load information for neighboring UMTS cells by using
the RIM procedure. Based on the load information, the eNodeB deletes congested or
overloaded candidate UMTS cells, which increases the handover success rate.
For details about how to configure neighboring UMTS frequencies for an LTE cell, see
section 2.2.4"Application."
2.4 Traffic Steering

2.4.1 Scenario
Traffic steering mainly applies to the following scenarios:
GSM and UMTS networks carry UEs processing different services.
If voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is not deployed on an LTE network, CS services
must be handed over to a UMTS network or a GSM network by using circuit switched
fallback (CSFB).
On a UMTS network, carriers are categorized into R99 and HSPA carriers, which carry
different services.
2.4.2 Purpose
With traffic steering, UEs are directed to a network that meet their requirements based on
network characteristics and service requirements. The purposes of this sub-solution are as
follows:
To fully utilize network resources of less recent RATs and reduce the load of more recent
RATs
To improve user experience of PS services
To ensure continuity of CS services initiated on the LTE network by using CSFB
To reduce the impact of PS services on CS services on the UMTS network

CS and PS services have different signal quality requirements. Therefore, R99 carriers
carry CS services and HSPA carriers carry PS services on the UMTS network.
2.4.3 Description
In traffic steering, UEs processing CS or PS services are distributed to networks of different
RATs or to cells using different carriers with the same RAT. This distribution is based on
network characteristics and UE capabilities.
There are three traffic steering schemes:
Traffic steering between GSM and UMTS networks

In this scheme, CS services are preferentially carried on the GSM network, whereas PS
services are preferentially carried on the UMTS network. During RAB setup, UEs
processing CS services are redirected to GSM cells, and UEs processing PS services
remain in UMTS cells.
CSFB from the LTE network to the UMTS or GSM network
CS service processing
If there is sufficient UMTS coverage, it is recommended that the CS service initiated
on the LTE network be forced to fall back to the UMTS network by using CSFB. If
there is GSM coverage but no UMTS coverage, the CS service falls back to the GSM
network by using CSFB.
If traffic steering is used on the UMTS network, it is recommended that the CS

service be forced to fall back to a UMTS cell using an R99 carrier.
If traffic steering is not used on the UMTS network, it is recommended that the
CS service be forced to fall back to a UMTS cell using a carrier with contiguous
coverage.
CS+PS composite service processing

For CS+PS composite services between GSM and LTE networks, the CS service is
forced to fall back to the GSM network by using the CSFB and the PS service is
suspended because inter-RAT DTM is not supported.
CS+PS composite services between UMTS and LTE networks can simultaneously
fall back to the UMTS network by using the handover- or redirection-based CSFB.
If a UE processing CS services on the LTE network has fallen back to the UMTS
network, the UE can return to the LTE network by using fast return when the CS
RAB is released.

Currently, traffic steering is mainly implemented between UMTS 2100 MHz carriers.
This scheme categorizes carriers into R99 and HSPA carriers based on their service
capabilities. In most cases, the carrier with continuous coverage is configured as the R99
carrier, and other carriers are configured as HSPA carriers. This scheme is mainly
implemented during RAB setup. By using service-based RAB directed retry decision
(DRD), CS services are handed over to or remain in cells using the R99 carrier, and PS
services are handed over to or remain in cells using HSPA carriers.
Traffic steering on the UMTS network cannot be used with traffic steering between GSM and UMTS
networks.
Feature List
Table 2.4.3.I.1.1.1.1 lists the features used in traffic steering.
Table 2.4.3.I.1.1.1.1 Features used in traffic steering
Feature ID
Feature Name
Introduced
in...
Reference Document
GBFD-511313
CSFB
GBSS13.0
GSM and LTE Feature
WRFD-020110
Multi
Frequency
Band
RAN10.0
Multi-Frequency
Band
Feature
Parameter
Description
WRFD-020160
Enhanced
Management
Multiband
RAN12.0
Multi-Frequency
Band
Feature
Parameter
Description
WRFD-020402
Measurement Based Direct
RAN12.0
Retry
Feature
Description
Parameter
WRFD-020400
DRD Introduction Package
RAN3.0

Feature
Parameter
Description
WRFD02040004
Traffic Steering and Load

Sharing During RAB Setup
RAN10.0

Feature
Parameter
Description
WRFD-140226
Fast Return from UMTS to

LTE
RAN15.0
LOFD-001034
CS Fallback to GERAN
eRAN2.0
CS
Fallback
Feature
LOFD-001033
CS Fallback to UTRAN
eRAN2.0
CS
Fallback
Feature
LOFD-001078
E-UTRAN
to
CS/PS Steering
eRAN3.0
Mobility Management in
Connected Mode Feature
UTRAN
Feature Description
Table 2.4.3.I.1.1.1.1 lists the features used in traffic steering.
Table 2.4.3.I.1.1.1.1 Features used in traffic steering
Feature ID
Feature Name
Feature Description
RAT
GBFD511313
CSFB
This feature enables UEs on the LTE network

to access the GSM or UMTS network by using
PS handover or cell reselection and then
process CS services. This feature is available
only when the LTE network covers the same
area as the GSM or UMTS network.
GSM
LTE
WRFD020110
Multi
Frequency
Band
Networking
Management
This feature enables mobility management of

UEs operating in different bands but in the
same coverage area.
UMTS only
WRFD020160
Enhanced
Multiband
Management
This feature enables measurement-based interfrequency handovers for load balancing.
UMTS only
WRFD020402
Measurement
Based Direct
Retry
After RRC connection setup, the RNC

immediately initiates inter-frequency or interRAT measurement. In this way, the RNC can
perform the DRD according to the
measurement
result
immediately
after
GSM and
UMTS
and
UMTS only
receiving the RAB assignment from the CN.

WRFD020400
DRD
Introduction
Package
This feature enables directed retry and

redirection between same-coverage interfrequency cells.
UMTS only
WRFD02040004
Traffic
Steering and
Load Sharing
During RAB
Setup
This feature allows the RAN to consider the

cell load and the required service type during
RAB setup, in order to implement traffic
steering and load sharing between different
frequencies or bands.
UMTS only
WRFD140226
Fast
Return
from UMTS to
LTE
On a UMTS and LTE hybrid network, if the

LTE network does not support CS services, a
CS service initiated on the LTE network can be
forced to fall back to the UMTS network by
using CSFB. After the CS RAB is released, the
UE that initiated the CS service can return to
the LTE network by using fast return.
UMTS and
LTE
LOFD001034
CS Fallback to
GERAN
In coverage areas where GSM and LTE

overlap but where LTE does not provide CS
services, this feature ensures that UEs fall back
to the GSM network to process CS services.
GSM
LTE
LOFD001033
CS Fallback to
UTRAN
In coverage areas where UMTS and LTE

overlap but where LTE does not provide CS
services, this feature ensures that UEs fall back
to the UMTS network to process CS services.
UMTS and
LTE
LOFD001078
E-UTRAN to
UTRAN
CS/PS
Steering
Huawei eNodeBs support inter-RAT frequency

selection based on the CS/PS service priority
during handovers from the LTE network to the
UMTS network.
UMTS and
LTE
and
This feature requires the following features:
Coverage-based handover from the LTE

network to the UMTS network
CSFB
2.4.4 Application
This section describes application guidelines for traffic steering. These guidelines are mainly
based on the different requirements for various feature combinations.
Traffic steering between GSM and UMTS networks

The WRFD-020402 Measurement Based Direct Retry feature is used for traffic steering.
Currently, only CS adaptive multirate (AMR) services support measurement-based interRAT directed retry. To enable measurement-based inter-RAT directed retry, set the
InterRatActiveType parameter to CSAMR_INTERRAT.
CSFB from the LTE network to the UMTS or GSM network

When there is sufficient UMTS coverage, enable only the LOFD-001033 CS Fallback to
UTRAN feature. This ensures that CS services initiated on the LTE network are forced to
fall back to the UMTS network, thereby reducing delay and improving user experience.
When there is GSM coverage but no UMTS coverage, enable both the GBFD-511313
CSFB and LOFD-001034 CS Fallback to GERAN features. This ensures that CS
services initiated on the LTE network are forced to fall back to the GSM network.
When GSM and UMTS networks cover the same area, if you enable the GBFD-511313
CSFB, LOFD-001034 CS Fallback to GERAN, and LOFD-001033 CS Fallback to
UTRAN features, you are advised to set parameters as follows:
Set the InterRatHighestPri and InterRatSecondPri parameters to UTRAN and
GERAN, respectively. With this configuration, UEs in connected mode preferentially
fall back to the UMTS network.
Set the IdleCsfbHighestPri and IdleCsfbSecondPri parameters to UTRAN and

GERAN respectively. With this configuration, UEs in idle mode preferentially fall
back to the UMTS network.
If traffic steering is used on the UMTS network, set the CSPriority and PsPriority
parameters for the LOFD-001078 E-UTRAN to UTRAN CS/PS Steering feature. With
this configuration, UEs processing CS services and UEs processing PS services are
handed over or redirected to different UMTS carriers. CSPriority and PsPriority
specify the traffic priorities for CS and PS services, respectively.
If traffic steering is not used within the UMTS network, configure UEs processing CS or
PS services to be handed over or redirected to UMTS cells using the carriers with
contiguous coverage.
1. Run the ADD USPG command to add a service priority group, which is specified by the
SpgId parameter. Each service priority group contains five service priorities, which are
specified by the following parameters:
PriorityServiceForR99RT: used for real-time R99 services
PriorityServiceForR99NRT: used for non-real-time R99 services
PriorityServiceForHSDPA: used for HSDPA services
PriorityServiceForHSUPA: used for HSUPA services
PriorityServiceForExtRab: used for extension services
2. Run the ADD UCELLSETUP, MOD UCELLSETUP, or ADD

UCELLQUICKSETUP command to allocate a service priority group to a cell, which
effectively configures service priorities for the cell.
After the cell service priority is configured and the WRFD-02040004 Traffic Steering
and Load Sharing During RAB Setup feature is enabled, if a UE accesses a UMTS cell,
the UTRAN determines the cell service priority based on services processed by the UE.
Then, the UE attempts to access a higher-priority target cell by using directed retry.
For details about how to configure neighboring UMTS frequencies for an LTE cell, see
section 2.2.4"Application."
Acronyms and Abbreviations
2G
2nd Generation
3G
3rd Generation
4C-HSDPA
Four-Carrier High Speed Downlink Packet

Access
AMR
adaptive multirate
BE
best effort
CA
Carrier Aggregation
CS
circuit service
CSFB
circuit switched fallback
DB-HSDPA
Dual-Band High Speed Uplink Packet Access
DC-HSDPA
Dual-Carrier High Speed Downlink Packet

Access
DC-HSUPA
Dual-Carrier High Speed Uplink Packet Access
DRD
directed retry decision
E-UTRAN
evolved universal terrestrial radio access

network
GERAN
GSM/EDGE radio access network
GSM
Global System for Mobile Communications
LDR
Load reshuffling
LTE
Long Term Evolution
MBDR
Measurement based direct retry
MLB
mobility load balancing
PS
packet service
QoS
quality of service
RIM
RAN information management
RRC
radio resource control
UMTS
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
UTRAN
universal terrestrial radio access network

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Multi-RAT and Multiband Traffic

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Copyright Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 2013. All rights reserved.

Trademarks and Permissions

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Huawei Industrial Base

Issue Draft B (2013-09-18)

Huawei Proprietary and Confidential

About This Document

About This Document

Need to understand multi-RAT and multiband traffic steering

Maintain Huawei products

Are familiar with GSM/UMTS/LTE basics

Alerts you to a potentially hazardous situation that could, if

About This Document

Added the principle for

For details, see "Principle for configuring neighboring

Added the principle for

For details, see "Principle for configuring inter-frequency

A Acronyms and Abbreviations.................................................................36

1.1 Application Scenario

GSM network: 900 MHz/1800 MHz or 850 MHz/1900 MHz

UMTS network: 900 MHz/2100 MHz or 850 MHz/1900 MHz

LTE network: 2600 MHz/800 MHz

LTE refers to LTE FDD.

How to achieve traffic steering between different frequencies or RATs

1.2 Overall Solution

Figure 1.2.1.I.1.1.1 Multi-RAT and multiband traffic steering solution

Heavy load in a GSM/UMTS/LTE cell

Optimal UE camping&seamless reselection between different modes or frequency bands

Intra- and inter-RAT camping

Traffic steering within the UMTS network

2.1 Idle-UE Camping

Which network should I access at the edge of cell coverage?

To improve user experience

To increase LTE network utilization

To balance the load between RATs or bands

For a multimode UE supporting LTE

For a GSM and UMTS dual-mode UE

If the UE does not support absolute priority-based cell reselection, the UE

If there is no UMTS coverage or insufficient UMTS coverage, the UE camps on the

On the LTE network

Assume we want the UE to preferentially camp on a cell operating in a higher band. If

On the UMTS network

The UE preferentially camp on a cell using carriers with contiguous coverage

On the GSM network

Figure 2.1.3.I.1.1.1 shows the principles of idle-UE camping.

Figure 2.1.3.I.1.1.1 Idle-UE camping

Coverage-based cell reselection

Mode priority-based cell reselection

Basic Cell Selection

Idle Mode Behavior

Basic Cell Re-selection

Idle Mode Behavior

Fast WCDMA Reselection at

Cell Reselection Between

Radio Bearers Feature

Inter-RAT Handover Based

When an MS is powered on or moves from a

An MS in idle mode performs cell reselection

This feature enables UE handovers and cell

When an MS terminates a call on a GSM

A GSM and LTE dual-mode UE in idle mode