Patent ID: 8477728
Filing Date: 2013-07-02
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for supporting handoff of a terminal between base stations of different protocol revisions, comprising: performing a handoff of the terminal from a first base station to a second base station, wherein the handoff is performed while the terminal is in an active call with the first base station using a first service configuration established in accordance with a first protocol revision, wherein the first base station supports the first protocol revision and the second base station supports a second protocol revision that is later than the first protocol revision, wherein the terminal supports a terminal protocol revision, and wherein the protocol revision used between the terminal and second base station is the lower of the terminal protocol revision and the second protocol revision; purging, after the handoff, the first service configuration; reconnecting a second service configuration for the active call, wherein the second service configuration was previously established for a prior data call before the handoff and was maintained when the prior data call became dormant; and maintaining the active call between the terminal and the second base station after the handoff using the second service configuration supported by the second protocol revision.