ion reduces the number of facilities being used to maintain a call by creating a more direct route between the serving MSC and the anchor MSC. Here is a scenario where path minimization would be of value. Let us say that there are three MSCs, A, B, and C, with each MSC having a direct connection to the other two. Initially, the call is served by MSC A, the anchor and serving MSC, with no other MSCs involved. The subscriber moves into the area covered by MSC B, and a handoff forward is com- pleted. Now, MSC A is the anchor MSC linking the call to the public switched telephone network (PSTN), and MSC B is the serving MSC. The call is being carried from the sub- scriber to MSC B, over the link between MSC B and MSC A, and on to the PSTN. The call continues, and the subscriber moves to the area best served by MSC C. If MSC B were to establish a handoff forward to MSC C, then MSC B would become a tandem MSC. Switching resources at MSC B and two sets of pipes (from MSC C to MSC B and then from MSC B to MSC A) would be used for the duration of the call. This is not the most efficient option. Instead, MSC B requests a path minimization, and MSC C informs MSC B that a pipe di- rectly from MSC C to MSC A is available. MSC A sets up a link on this pipe. The call is then handed off from MSC B to MSC C with path minimization. After the handoff, MSC C is the serving MSC. MSC A is the anchor MSC. The call is us- ing resources on one pipe, MSC C to MSC A. The path is minimized; MSC B and pipes connected to it are not participating in the call. 15.1.5 Call release ANSI-41 also tells us how to release a call in intersystem handoff. The ANSI-41 func- tions tell the system how to tear down the handoff links in an orderly fashion once the call has ended. Here is a typical call release scenario: Somebody hangs up (or presses the END key). The anchor MSC releases the link to the tandem MSC. The tandem MSC releases the link to the serving MSC. The serving MSC accepts the release and sends billing information. The tandem MSC accepts the 