Patent ID: 8780856

Claim:
An access node of a high rate packet data (HRPD) network, used in performing a User Equipment (UE) hard handoff from a long term evolution (LTE) network to the HRPD network, the access node comprising: a processor adapted for receiving a request for the UE hard handoff, and for sending, in response to receipt of the request for the UE hard handoff and prior to the UE breaking a radio connection with the LTE network, a registration request message to a Packet Data Service Node (PDSN), the registration request message requesting establishment of an A 10 connection for the UE in the HRPD network and including information determined in accordance with the received request for hard handoff for use by the PDSN in a determination that the authentication of the UE in the HRPD network can be avoided to reduce a break-to-make delay between breaking of the radio connection between the UE and the LTE network and the making of an A 10 connection between the UE and the HRPD network.