Optimising MGW selection based on BCU-ID

When BICC call control signalling is used, MGW selection can also be optimised using the BCU-ID that is received from the peer MSS. The BCUID is a logical identifier for the MGW that has been selected for the user plane traffic by the peer MSS. In Nokia implementation it can be configured to be unique on per virtual MGW basis. The BCU-ID can affect the MGW selection through user plane analysis, where it is available as an input attribute. Depending on the call case and the BICC bearer establishment method, it can be used to optimise the preceding or succeeding user plane destination (UPD) selection. This way it can be used to select an optimal set of MGWs, identified by the UPD, among which the MGW for the user plane traffic is selected Forward establishment with delayed MGW selection is used towards the succeeding MSS. No MGW is selected for the call before sending an IAM message towards the succeeding MSS. The succeeding MSS selects an MGW and sends the BCU-ID and the necessary bearer information for the bearer establishment back in the APM message. The BCU-ID identifies the selected MGW and is used in user plane analysis for determining the succeeding UPD. Note that delayed MGW selection is supported with ATM bearer only. Delayed MGW selection with IP tunnelling (BICC signalling tunnels IPBCP) is not supported.