Intelligent handover and location updating control for a third generation mobile network

The next generation mobile networks, such as the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), are proposed to be integrated with the fixed network. Therefore the fixed network must be able to handle related mobile-specific functions. The intelligent network (IN) will play a key role for integration between mobile and fixed networks. By using the intelligent network concept, a mobility function could be viewed as a type of IN service. Each mobility function could be implemented in a modular way, separated from switches and implemented at the IN service control platform. This will avoid switch-by-switch upgrading and reduce the switch complexity and cost. We describe how the IN could be used to support mobility functions in an integrated mobile and fixed network. We propose a functional entity called a profile record function (PRF) which is a local database using a cache scheme which assists the handover control proposed. The advantages envisaged by using a PRF are faster handover and reduced signaling traffic/load in the core network. We also propose an enhanced basic call state model (BCSM) and mobile-specific functional and state models separated from BCSM for mobility management.