Connection handling in srnc relocation

Abstract

In a radio access network of a telecommunications system, an end-to-end signaling protocol is utilized to establish plural distinct connection or link segments comprising a radio connection involving a user equipment unit (). The plural distinct connection segments extend in series between a device () in a first radio network control node (SRNC) and a device at a base station () controlled by a second radio network control node (DRNC). An example end-to-end signaling protocol is AAL2. Provision of the plural distinct connection segments is advantageous when performing a SRNC relocation procedure to make the second radio network control node serve as the SRNC for the radio connection involving the user equipment unit. After performance of the SRNC relocation procedure, a retained one of the plural distinct connection segments () can still be utilized, e.g., a segment extending between the device at the base station controlled by the second radio network control node and a device at the second radio network control node. The retained one of the connection segments can either be utilized in series with a post-relocation connection segment to establish a path between the base station controlled by the second radio network control node and a diversity handover unit at the second radio network control node, or have its connection point moved to the diversity handover unit at the second radio network control node. Disclosed modes include a three connection segment mode and a two connection segment mode. In one of its aspects, the present invention utilizes binding information to accommodate employment of the multiple connection segments such as described in the three connection segment mode and the two connection segment mode.