Nokia Siemens Networks

CS Fallback (CSFB)
Enabling seamless voice services
for LTE smartphones

Figure 1: CSFB enables voice and high-speed data

on LTE-capable smartphones.

1.Enabling voice for LTE

smartphones
CS Fallback (CSFB) will be the
bridging technology to ensure that LTE
smartphone users can enjoy ultra-fast
data services as well as high-quality
voice services on 2G/3G networks.
CSFB will enable devices in packetswitched LTE networks to change
over to CS networks for incoming and
outgoing voice calls. In many cases,
CSFB will co-exist with Voice over
Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) well into
the future.
Going forward, IMS-based Voice over
LTE (VoLTE) will be the logical choice
to provide voice services over the

Data

same technology that is driving the

data revolution. There are compelling
reasons, however, to provide
CS-based voice services for LTE
smartphone users, even in markets
were LTE networks have been
commercially launched. The Next
Generation Mobile Networks Alliance
(NGMN) has recommended standardsbased CSFB to enable non-IMS
roaming subscribers to use both LTE
data services and voice services in
Circuit Switched (CS) networks. With
CSFB, when an LTE smartphone
makes or receives a voice call, it
connects automatically to the 2G/3G
network. The ongoing LTE data
session is also transferred to the
2G/3G network. Once the call is
terminated, the smartphone reverts
to the LTE network. This process is
seamless to the end-user.

CSFB

Data
Voice

The Nokia Siemens Networks

CSFB solution is available now and
has been implemented in many live
operator networks.

2. LTE-capable smartphones

3. CSFB operation

Operators worldwide are implementing

LTE data networks. During the past six
months, a number of LTE-capable
smartphones have also been
introduced, and as this evolution
continues, end-users will expect to be
able to make voice calls as well as
access data services with their new
devices (Figure 1). To support a
seamless voice and data experience,

CSFB provides LTE voice capability

without requiring significant changes in
the existing mobile CS core network,
for example in routing or charging
configurations.

MME

SGs
SGSN

2G/3G

MSS

Internet

Operator
IP network

MGW

Figure 2: CSFB connects the CS network and the Evolved Packet Core of the LTE network.

Nokia Siemens Networks CS Fallback (CSFB)

With CSFB, operators can provide not

only quality voice for LTE subscribers
but also data continuity, Short
Messaging Services (SMS),
emergency calls, voice roaming and
other CS services currently available
in 2G/3G networks.

Nokia Siemens Networks has

provided CSFB solutions to
operators since 2011.

S/P-GW
LTE

smartphone vendors and operators

have implemented standardized CSFB
functionality. Without CSFB in the
network, the LTE data experience
would not be available for LTE
smartphone users as devices with
CSFB capability have to connect to
the 2G/3G network as required by
standard. For operators who have
not yet implemented VoLTE, CSFB
provides a solution to enable both
voice and data services on LTE
smartphones.

The interface between the CS network

and the Evolved Packet Core (EPC),
which controls the LTE connection,
is the cornerstone of CSFB. The
standard SGs interface enables CSFB
between these two networks. (Figure 2)
The Nokia Siemens Networks solution
provides the main core network
functions on the same hardware.
The capacity can be dynamically
allocated between functions, which
is a key advantage for future VoLTE
implementation.
CSFB has no impact on SMS or
packet switched data, which is handled
in parallel with voice on the 2G/3G
network.

2G/3G

2G/3G

MSS
MSS CSFB

In several tests and field trials, Nokia

Siemens Networks has demonstrated
that the call setup time with CSFB is
only a fraction longer than in current
3G networks. The connection time
depends to a large extent on the
network structure and technologies.

MSS
MSS
CSFB MSS

LTE

MME
MME

LTE

MME
MME

CSFB in every MSS

CSFB overlay dedicated MSSs
Figure 3: Options to implement the CSFB in every MSS or in dedicated MSSs

4. Implementing CSFB

5.Benefits

Options for configuring the connection

between the CS and Evolved
Packet Core networks are versatile
and flexible. CS Fallback can be
implemented in every Mobile Switching
Center Server (MSS) or in a dedicated
MSS (known as CSFB overlay).
(Figure 3)

As CSFB utilizes current CS networks,

all features related to voice services
are available (e.g. SMS, emergency
calls, roaming agreements, voices
services, charging, etc). With the Nokia
Siemens Networks approach, CSFB
MSS can control the Media Gateway
in the network, which enables smooth
integration of existing ringing and
message tones and announcements
to subscribers.

With the Nokia Siemens Networks

CSFB overlay configuration, there is no
need to update all the existing MSSs
or software. As the number of users
with CSFB capable smartphones will
be limited at first, the additional traffic
from the CSFB overlay will not cause
changes in the network. (Figure 4)

CSFB in every MSS

CSFB does not cause interruptions in

data sessions when subscribers make
a voice call. The data connection
returns to the LTE network seamlessly
when the voice call is over.

Average call setup time with CSFB

is only 1-2 seconds longer than in
current 3G networks.
CSFB is part of the Nokia Siemens
Networks VoLTE solution. Together,
they comprise a highly cost effective
solution that reuses existing network
investments to provide a seamless
experience when 2G/3G and LTE
networks are used in parallel.
Designed to provide full IMS capability
in the same hardware, the solution
helps reduce investment and
operational costs.
CSFB can be provided as a software
upgrade to Nokia Siemens Networks
core network elements, which are
compatible with our IMS-based VoLTE
solution. For this reason and to ensure
a smooth evolution to VoLTE, Nokia
Siemens Networks recommends
implementing CSFB in every MSS
before CSFB traffic reaches a
significant level.

Overlay CSFB

Ensures best performance for voice and data

Software upgrade required in the network

Enables quick and easy introduction of CSFB in core

networks from all vendors
No changes required in the network

Minimizes signaling between Visitor- and Home

Location Registers (VLR and HLR)
No need to update VLR

VLR updates result in extra signaling between VLR

and HLR

Zero location updates during each mobile terminated

call

Two location updates during each mobile

terminated call

Zero location updates during each mobile originated

call

Two location updates during each mobile originated

call

CSFB in every MSS is the recommended way to implement CSFB

Overlay CSFB is ideal for fast and easy introduction of CSFB
Overlay CSFB is upgradable to CSFB in every MSS when subscriber numbers increase

Figure 4: CSFB in every MSS ensures the best voice and data performance for LTE smartphone users

Nokia Siemens Networks CS Fallback (CSFB)

Nokia Siemens Networks

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Order-No. C401-00770-B-201208-1-EN
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