Broadcast of second generation cellular system control channel by third generation control channel to support roaming and handover to second generation cellular network

摘要

A method, node and wireless communication terminal for providing handover and roaming from a 3G communication system to a 2G communication system. A dual-mode wireless terminal operating in a 3G communication system may obtain control channel information regarding a 2G communication system, and switch service as a function of the control channel information received. The method includes the step of providing control channel information for the 2G communication system over a downlink control channel of the 3G communication system to the wireless terminal. The node includes a means to communicate with the wireless communication terminal and a means providing control channel information of a second generation (2G) communication network over a downlink control channel at the 3G communication network. The wireless communication terminal includes a transceiver capable of communicating with a node of both a third generation (3G) wireless communication network and a second generation (2G) wireless communication network, and a control means coupled to the receiver for receiving and identifying control channel information indicative of the 2G communication network from a downlink control channel at the 3G communication network.