Electronic device and method for plmn scanning and registration in a wireless communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device comprising at least one communication circuit, at least one processor, and a memory for storing instructions. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may perform a signal search for PLMN registration by sequentially using a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT through at least one communication circuit, and while performing the signal search, in response to a signal being detected in a first frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, attempt to register a first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band through at least one communication circuit, and in response to a failure to register a first PLMN, perform an additional signal search for PLMN registration by sequentially using at least one frequency band following the first frequency band through at least one communication circuit.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a method for performing search and registration of a public land mobile network (PLMN) in a wireless communication system and an electronic device for the same. Background Technology

[0002] In a wireless communication system, the process of a terminal registering with a network after booting may include PLMN Selection and Cell Selection steps. PLMN Selection is the process of determining the priority PLMN for the terminal to register with, and subsequently, a process of searching for an appropriate cell within the PLMN selected through Cell Selection and attempting a connection may be performed.

[0003] The conventional PLMN Selection method follows the priority rules defined in 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) TS (technical specifications) 23.122. The terminal performs cell search by preferentially selecting the most recently successfully registered RPLMN (registered PLMN), HPLM (home PLMN), or PPLMN (preferred PLMN).

[0004] In addition, in the conventional PLMN Selection method, if a PLMN does not exist, a target PLMN is set based on signal intensity, and then an attempt is made to register it with the network to which that PLMN belongs.

[0005] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art in relation to the present disclosure. means of solving the problem

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include at least one communication circuit, at least one processor, and a memory that stores instructions and is electrically connected to at least one communication circuit and at least one processor. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device performs a first signal scanning for PLMN (public land mobile network) registration by consecutively utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT (radio access technology) through at least one communication circuit; while performing the first signal scanning, in response to a signal being detected in a first frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, attempts to register a first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band through at least one communication circuit; and in response to a failure to register the first PLMN, performs a second signal scanning for PLMN registration by consecutively utilizing the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band detected from the first signal scanning, through at least one communication circuit; and while performing the second signal scanning, a signal is detected in a second frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. In response to that, through at least one communication circuit, an attempt is made to register a second PLMN corresponding to a second frequency band, and in response to the failure of registration for the second PLMN, through at least one communication circuit, the remaining frequency bands excluding at least one frequency band searched from the first signal search and the second signal search among a plurality of frequency bands are consequentially utilized.If a third signal search for PLMN registration is performed, and registration of the PLMN fails while the signal search for PLMN registration is completed by sequentially using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT after performing the third signal search, a fourth signal search for PLMN registration can be performed through at least one communication circuit by sequentially using multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT that sequentially follows the first RAT.

[0007] A control method for an electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed herein comprises: an operation of performing a first signal scanning for PLMN (public land mobile network) registration by consecutively utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT (radio access technology) through at least one communication circuit of the electronic device; an operation of attempting to register a first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band through at least one communication circuit in response to a signal being detected in a first frequency band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT while performing the first signal scanning; an operation of performing a second signal scanning for PLMN registration by consecutively utilizing the remaining frequency bands among a plurality of frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band detected from the first signal scanning, through at least one communication circuit in response to a failure to register the first PLMN; and a second signal scanning corresponding to the second frequency band through at least one communication circuit in response to a signal being detected in a second frequency band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT while performing the second signal scanning. An operation to attempt registration for a PLMN, and in response to the failure of registration for a second PLMN, an operation to perform a third signal search for PLMN registration by consequentially utilizing the remaining frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band searched from a first signal search and a second signal search among a plurality of frequency bands, through at least one communication circuit; and, if registration for a PLMN fails while signal search for PLMN registration is completed by consequentially utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT after performing the third signal search, through at least one communication circuitIt may include an operation of performing a fourth signal search for PLMN registration by consequently utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a second RAT that sequentially follows the first RAT.

[0008] A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to one embodiment disclosed in this document, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, comprises: an operation of performing a first signal scanning for PLMN (public land mobile network) registration by consecutively utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT (radio access technology) through at least one communication circuit of the electronic device; and an operation of attempting to register a first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band through at least one communication circuit in response to the detection of a signal in a first frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT while performing the first signal scanning. In response to the failure of registration for a first PLMN, an operation of performing a second signal search for PLMN registration by consequently using the remaining frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band searched from a first signal search among a plurality of frequency bands, through at least one communication circuit; and, in response to the detection of a signal in a second frequency band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT while performing the second signal search, an operation of attempting to register a second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band through at least one communication circuit.Instructions configured to perform, in response to a failure in registration for a second PLMN, an operation of performing a third signal search for PLMN registration by consequently utilizing the remaining frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band searched from a first signal search and a second signal search among a plurality of frequency bands, through at least one communication circuit; and, if registration for PLMN fails while the signal search for PLMN registration is completed by consequently utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT after performing the third signal search, an operation of performing a fourth signal search for PLMN registration by consequently utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a second RAT that sequentially follows the first RAT, through at least one communication circuit, can be stored. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network environment including an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a control method for an electronic device for PLMN search and registration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a control method for an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control method for an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a control method for an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a control method for an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an electronic device for an additional PLMN search step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a control method of an electronic device for PLMN search and registration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a control method of an electronic device for PLMN search and registration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a control method of an electronic device for PLMN search and registration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device capable of performing the operations described in this document. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0010] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art described in this disclosure. Terms used in this disclosure that are defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology, and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even terms defined in this disclosure are not to be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0011] In the various embodiments of the present disclosure described below, a hardware-based approach is described as an example. However, since the various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques using both hardware and software, the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude a software-based approach.

[0012] Additionally, terms such as '...part', '...device', '...object', '...body' used below may refer to at least one shape structure or a unit that processes a function.

[0013] Additionally, in this disclosure, expressions such as "greater than" or "less than" may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled; however, this is merely for the purpose of expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions of "greater than" or "less than." Conditions described as "greater than" may be replaced with "greater than," conditions described as "less than" may be replaced with "less than," and conditions described as "greater than and less than" may be replaced with "greater than and less than." Furthermore, "A" to "B" below refer to at least one of the elements from A (including A) to B (including B). Below, "C" and / or "D" refers to at least one of "C" or "D," i.e., including {"C", "D", "C" and "D"}.

[0014] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] The technology described in the various embodiments of this document below can be used in various radio access systems, such as, for example, CDMA (code division multiple access), FDMA (frequency division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access), OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access), SC-FDMA (single carrier frequency division multiple access), etc. CDMA can be implemented with radio technology such as UTRA (universal terrestrial radio access) or CDMA2000. TDMA can be implemented with radio technology such as GSM (global system for mobile communications) / GPRS (general packet radio service) / EDGE (enhanced data rates for GSM evolution). OFDMA can be implemented with radio technology such as IEEE (institute of electrical and electronics engineers) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802-20, E-UTRA (Evolved UTRA), etc. UTRA is part of UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) LTE (long term evolution) is part of E-UMTS (evolved-UMTS) which uses E-UTRA (evolved-UTRA), employing OFDMA in the downlink and SC-FDMA in the uplink. LTE-A (Advanced) is an evolved version of 3GPP LTE.

[0016] In the present disclosure, the English term 'PLMN (public land mobile network) scanning' or 'to scan a PLMN' may be interpreted as 'signal scanning for PLMN registration' or 'to scan a signal for PLMN registration'. For example, PLMN scanning may be interpreted as including the operation of selecting one RAT (radio access technology) among a plurality of RATs, the operation of scanning a signal for PLMN registration by consequentially utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with the selected RAT, and / or the operation of detecting a PLMN. For example, PLMN scanning or a first signal scanning may be performed by consequentially utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT. In the present disclosure, 'PLMN detection' or 'to detect a PLMN' may be interpreted as 'identifying a PLMN to attempt registration' or 'identifying a PLMN to attempt registration'. For example, PLMN detection may be interpreted to include an operation in which a signal is detected in one of a plurality of frequency bands while performing PLMN search or signal search, and / or an operation in which a PLMN corresponding to the band in which the signal was detected is identified in response to the detection of the signal. For example, while PLMN search or a first signal search is performed using a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT in succession, a signal may be detected in a first frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, while PLMN search or a first signal search is performed, a first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band in which the signal was detected may be identified.

[0017] In the present disclosure, additional PLMN search may be interpreted as searching for a PLMN to attempt registration following the PLMN identified during the PLMN search. For example, registration of the first PLMN detected or identified may fail while PLMN search or the first signal search is performed using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT in succession. For example, if registration of the first PLMN fails, additional PLMN to attempt registration following the first PLMN may be searched. For example, additional PLMN search using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT in succession (e.g., second signal search, third signal search) or additional PLMN search using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT in succession (e.g., fourth signal search) may be performed. For example, the second signal search may be performed using the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, excluding at least one frequency band searched from the first signal search. For example, if registration of an identified PLMN fails while a second signal search is being performed, a third signal search may be performed using the remaining frequency bands among the multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT, excluding at least one frequency band searched from the first signal search and the second signal search. For example, if registration of a PLMN fails while a signal search using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT is completed after the third signal search has been performed, a fourth signal search using multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT may be performed.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a network environment (100) including an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the present invention, a network environment (100) may include an electronic device (110) and a first communication network (130) and a second communication network (132) configured to provide wireless communication to the electronic device (110). FIG. 1 illustrates one electronic device (110) and two communication networks (130, 132), but the number of electronic devices (110) and communication networks (130, 132) is not limited thereto. The shape of the electronic device (110) illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example.

[0020] In one embodiment, the electronic device (110) may include a user terminal such as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a desktop computer, or a laptop computer. The electronic device (110) may include a processor (111), memory (112), a communication circuit (113), a subscriber identification module (and / or an equivalent entity) (114), or a display (115). The processor (111) may be operatively connected to the memory (112), the communication circuit (113), the subscriber identification module (114), and the display (115).

[0021] The communication network (130, 132) may be configured to support communication based on wireless communication standards (e.g., cellular and / or Wi-Fi). The configurations of the electronic device (110) illustrated in FIG. 1 are examples, and embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (110) may further include configurations not illustrated in FIG. 1, such as at least one image sensor (e.g., 1150 in FIG. 11), and / or a housing, etc.

[0022] The processor (111) may include at least one processing circuit. The processor (111) of FIG. 1 may correspond to the processor (1110) of FIG. 11.

[0023] The processor (111) can control various configurations of the electronic device (110) so that the electronic device (110) performs various operations. For example, at least some of the operations of the electronic device (110) described below may be referred to as being performed by the processor (111). The processor (111) can perform various operations of the electronic device (110) by executing one or more instructions stored in memory (112). The processor (111) may include one processor or multiple processors. In one example, the processor (111) may be implemented as one chipset or multiple chipsets.

[0024] At least one processor (111) may execute one or more instructions individually or collectively. If the electronic device (110) includes one processor (111), said processor (111) may execute instructions alone. Additionally, if the electronic device (110) includes multiple processors (111), at least some instructions may be executed individually by at least some processors (111), and multiple processors may collectively execute at least some instructions so that a specific task is performed in parallel.

[0025] The processor (111) may include at least one component. For example, the processor (111) may include one or more processors. For example, one or more processors may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), a memory controller, a storage controller, and / or an interface.

[0026] The processor (111) may include an application processor (AP) and / or a communication processor (CP). The AP can perform applications, user interface (UI) processing, multimedia operations, and other high-level operations executed on the electronic device (110). On the other hand, the CP can perform functions related to wireless network connection and communication control. For example, the CP can perform network control functions such as PLMN search (or signal scanning for PLMN registration), cell selection, network registration, and handover between RATs, and can play a key role in the PLMN search method and registration retry process of the present invention.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the CP may perform the operation of searching for PLMNs according to a predetermined RAT order and frequency band order, and the operation of attempting to register the detected or identified PLMNs sequentially and / or sequentially. Additionally, the CP may perform additional PLMN searching upon PLMN registration failure and, if necessary, cooperate with the AP to perform a more optimized network registration procedure.

[0028] The processor (111) may be configured to control the overall operation of the electronic device (110) and to perform MCC scanning, PLMN search, network selection, or network registration procedures. The processor (111) may be configured to execute at least one PLMN search algorithm to efficiently perform network selection and registration procedures. Additionally, the processor (111) may control MCC scanning, PLMN search, and / or network authentication procedures by executing instructions stored in memory (112). The processor (111) may be configured to perform PLMN search and efficient network registration by comprehensively utilizing an MCC-based PPLMN list, a registration retry list, an FPLMN list, and / or signal strength analysis results.

[0029] The memory (112) can store programs and data (e.g., instructions) required for the operation of the electronic device (110). The memory (112) of FIG. 1 may correspond to the memory (1120) of FIG. 11.

[0030] The memory (112) may be composed of ROM (read only memory), RAM (random accessible memory), HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), optical storage media, and / or a combination thereof. The memory (112) may be electrically connected to the processor (111).

[0031] The memory (112) can store programs, network-related data, and user-configuration information necessary for the operation of the electronic device (110) for PLMN search and registration attempts. For example, the memory (112) can store MCC information obtained through MCC scanning during the PLMN search and registration process, PPLMN lists, HPLMN and RPLMN data, detected PLMN lists, registration retry lists, FPLMN lists, etc. The memory (112) can provide data necessary for PLMN search and network registration to an electrically connected processor (111).

[0032] The memory (112) can be fixedly embedded in the electronic device (110) or incorporated into one or more suitable types of components (e.g., a SIM (subscriber identity module) card and / or an SD (secure digital) card) that can be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the electronic device (1100).

[0033] The memory (112) may be correlated with the memory of the subscriber identification module (114). The subscriber identification module (114) may include an independent storage space for storing network authentication and subscriber information (e.g., IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity), network key, PPLMN list, etc.). The electronic device (110) can optimize network registration by combining the stored data of the memory (112) and the subscriber identification module (114). For example, the memory (112) may store information such as the previous network registration history of the electronic device (110), preferred frequency bands, and network search order, and the subscriber identification module (114) may store PPLMN lists, HPLMN information, and network authentication keys, etc. During the network search and registration process, the electronic device (110) can comprehensively utilize the information of the memory (112) and the subscriber identification module (114) to determine the existence of RPLMN, HPLMN, or PPLMN and select the optimal PLMN. This reduces unnecessary search processes and enables faster network registration.

[0034] The memory (112) can store one or more instructions that, when executed by at least one processor (111), cause the electronic device (110) to perform various operations of the electronic device (110) described below. For example, the electronic device (110) can detect a mobile country code (MCC) associated with the location of the electronic device (110) through at least one communication circuit (113) based on a designated event. The electronic device (110) can identify whether a PPLMN associated with the MCC exists based on the PPLMN information identified through the subscriber identification module (114) and the detected MCC.

[0035] For example, if there is no preferred public land mobile network (PPLMN) associated with the MCC, the electronic device (110) can perform PLMN scanning through at least one communication circuit (113) by sequentially and / or consequentially using multiple frequency bands associated with the first radio access technology (RAT). For example, the electronic device (110) can perform a first signal scanning for PLMN registration by consequently using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT.

[0036] For example, if the electronic device (110) detects the first PLMN in the first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT during the PLMN search process, it may attempt to register the first PLMN through at least one communication circuit (113). For example, while performing the first signal search, the electronic device (110) may detect a signal in the first frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, in response to the detection of a signal, the electronic device (110) may identify the first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band in which the signal was detected. For example, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the first PLMN in response to the detection of a signal.

[0037] For example, if registration for the first PLMN is successful, the electronic device (110) may stop searching for the PLMN using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT sequentially and / or consecutively, and may additionally or alternatively perform communication using the registered first PLMN. For example, if registration for the first PLMN is successful, the electronic device (110) may stop searching for the first signal using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, if registration for the first PLMN is successful, the electronic device (110) may perform communication using the registered first PLMN.

[0038] For example, if registration for the first PLMN fails, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search by using at least one frequency band following the first band sequentially and / or consecutively.

[0039] For example, if registration for the first PLMN fails, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search through at least one communication circuit (113) by sequentially and / or continuously using one or more frequency bands following the first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, in response to the failure of registration for the first PLMN identified during the first signal search, the electronic device (110) may perform a second signal search for PLMN registration by continuously using the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT through at least one communication circuit (113). For example, in response to the failure of registration for the first PLMN, the electronic device (110) may perform a second signal search by continuously using the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, excluding at least one frequency band searched from the first signal search, through at least one communication circuit (113).

[0040] For example, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the second PLMN if, during an additional PLMN search process, it detects the second PLMN in the second band among one or more bands following the first band. For example, while performing the second signal search, the electronic device (110) may detect a signal in the second frequency band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, in response to the detection of a signal in the second frequency band while performing the second signal search, the electronic device (110) may identify the second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band through at least one communication circuit (113) and attempt to register the identified second PLMN.

[0041] For example, if the electronic device (110) fails to register all PLMNs detected in multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT, it may perform additional PLMN search by sequentially and / or continuously using multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT that follows the first RAT. Additionally, for example, if the electronic device (110) detects a second PLMN in the second band among the multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT during the additional PLMN search process, it may attempt to register the second PLMN.

[0042] For example, the electronic device (110) may fail to register the second PLMN identified during the second signal search. For example, in response to the failure to register the second PLMN identified during the second signal search, the electronic device (110) may perform a third signal search for PLMN registration by continuously using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT through at least one communication circuit (113). For example, the electronic device (113) may perform the third signal search by continuously using the remaining frequency bands among the multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT, excluding at least one frequency band found during the first signal search and the second signal search. For example, if the registration of the PLMN fails while the signal search using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT is completed after performing the third signal search, the electronic device (110) may perform a fourth signal search by continuously using multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT through at least one communication circuit (113). For example, the electronic device (110) may perform a fourth signal search by sequentially utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a second RAT that sequentially follows the first RAT. For example, the second signal search associated with the first RAT may correspond to an additional signal search or an additional PLMN search based on the first signal search associated with the first RAT. For example, the third signal search associated with the first RAT may correspond to an additional signal search or an additional PLMN search based on the first signal search and / or the second signal search. The fourth signal search associated with the second RAT may correspond to an additional signal search or an additional PLMN search based on the first signal search, the second signal search, and / or the third signal search associated with the first RAT.

[0043] For example, when the electronic device (110) detects the first PLMN, it can identify whether there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN before attempting to register the first PLMN. For example, while performing the first signal search, the electronic device (110) can identify whether there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN before attempting to register the first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band in response to the detection of a signal in the first frequency band. For example, if there is no history of an attempt to register the first PLMN before attempting to register the first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band, the electronic device (110) can attempt to register the first PLMN. For example, while performing the first signal search, the electronic device (110) can attempt to register the first PLMN in response to the detection of a signal in the first frequency band and the identification that there is no history of an attempt to register the first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band.

[0044] For example, the electronic device (110) can identify whether the first PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN (forbidden PLMN) if there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN before attempting to register the first PLMN. For example, if the first PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN, the electronic device (110) can perform additional PLMN searches by using at least one frequency band following the first band sequentially and / or consecutively. For example, the electronic device (110) can identify whether the first PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN if there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN before attempting to register the first PLMN identified during the first signal search. For example, if the first PLMN identified during the first signal search corresponds to an FPLMN, the electronic device (110) can perform a second signal search, a third signal search, and / or a fourth signal search without attempting to register the first PLMN.

[0045] For example, if the first PLMN does not correspond to an FPLMN, the electronic device (110) may store information associated with the first PLMN in a registration retry list associated with the first RAT. Additionally, for example, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search by sequentially and / or consecutively utilizing one or more bands following the first band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. Additionally, for example, during the additional PLMN search process, if no additional PLMN is detected by sequentially and / or consecutively utilizing one or more bands following the first band, the electronic device (110) may sequentially and / or consecutively retry registration for each of the one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT. For example, if the first PLMN identified during the first signal search does not correspond to an FPLMN, the electronic device (100) may store information associated with the first PLMN in a registration retry list associated with the first RAT. For example, if the first PLMN identified during the first signal search does not correspond to an FPLMN, the electronic device (110) may perform a second signal search by sequentially using multiple frequencies associated with the first RAT. For example, during the second signal search, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register a second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band in response to the detection of a signal in the second frequency band among the multiple frequencies associated with the first RAT. For example, the electronic device (110) may fail to register a PLMN while the signal search (or signal search associated with the first RAT) (e.g., first signal search, second signal search, and third signal search) using multiple frequencies associated with the first RAT sequentially is completed after performing the second signal search.For example, the electronic device (110) may perform a registration retry (or a registration retry associated with the first RAT) by successively using one or more PLMNs stored in a registration retry list associated with the first RAT in response to a failure to register a PLMN while performing a signal search associated with the first RAT. For example, the electronic device (110) may retry registration for each of the one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT. For example, the electronic device (110) may perform a registration retry associated with the first RAT before performing a signal search by successively using multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT in response to a failure to register a PLMN while performing a signal search associated with the first RAT.

[0046] For example, the electronic device (110) may stop the registration retry associated with the first RAT in response to successful registration of the third PLMN among one or more PLMNs while performing the registration retry associated with the first RAT. For example, the electronic device (110) may perform communication using the registered third PLMN while performing the registration retry associated with the first RAT.

[0047] For example, if the electronic device (110) fails to register for all of one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT, it may perform additional PLMN search by sequentially and / or sequentially using multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT that follows the first RAT. Additionally, for example, if the electronic device (110) detects the second PLMN in the second band among the multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT during the additional PLMN search process, it may attempt to register the second PLMN. For example, while performing the registration retry associated with the first RAT, the electronic device (110) may fail to register for all of one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT. For example, if the electronic device (110) fails to register for a PLMN while performing the registration retry associated with the first RAT, it may perform a fourth signal search by sequentially using multiple frequencies associated with the second RAT. For example, while performing a fourth signal search, the electronic device (110) may detect a signal in a third frequency band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT. For example, while performing a fourth signal search, in response to the detection of a signal in the third frequency band, the device may identify a third PLMN corresponding to the third frequency band and attempt to register the third PLMN.

[0048] The communication circuit (113) can be configured so that the electronic device (110) can connect to a network and perform data transmission and reception. The communication circuit (113) of FIG. 1 may correspond to at least one communication circuit (1160) of FIG. 11.

[0049] For example, the communication circuit (113) may include at least one communication module configured to support various wireless communication technologies. In one embodiment, the communication circuit (113) may include a cellular communication module and / or a short-range communication module. For example, cellular communication may include communication based on 2G (second generation) (e.g., GSM (global system for mobile communications) and / or CDMA (code division multiple access)), 3G (third generation) (e.g., WCDMA (wideband code division multiple access), HSPA (high-speed packet access), and / or EV-DO (evolution-data optimized)), and / or 4G LTE (fourth generation, long-term evolution) (e.g., LTE-FDD (frequency division duplex) and / or LTE-TDD (time division duplex)), or 5G NR (fifth generation, new radio) (e.g., SA (standalone) and / or NSA (non-standalone)). For example, short-range wireless communication may include a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Classic and / or Bluetooth Low Energy), near field communication (NFC), and / or ultra-wideband (UWB). The communication circuit (113) may also include an Ethernet interface for wired communication. Additionally, the communication circuit (113) may be selectively enabled by the control of the processor (111) depending on various network environments.

[0050] The electronic device (110) can be connected to various wireless networks (130, 132) using a communication circuit (113). A processor (111) (e.g., a communication process) can perform PLMN scanning sequentially and / or sequentially according to a predetermined RAT order and / or a predetermined frequency band order using the communication circuit (113). Additionally, the processor (111) can attempt to register each detected PLMN sequentially and / or sequentially using the communication circuit (113). For example, if a PLMN is not found after scanning in a first RAT (e.g., LTE), the communication circuit (113) can switch to a second RAT (e.g., 3G or 2G) to perform additional PLMN scanning. Additionally, if the PLMN registration attempt fails under the control of the processor (111), the communication circuit (113) can select a more optimal PLMN by utilizing the registration retry list stored in the memory (112).

[0051] The electronic device (110) can perform subscriber authentication in a mobile communication network and access network services through a subscriber identification module (114). The subscriber identification module (114) of FIG. 1 may correspond to a memory integrated into one or more suitable types of components that can be fixedly embedded in the electronic device (1100) of FIG. 11 or repeatedly inserted into and removed from the electronic device (1100).

[0052] The subscriber identification module (114) may be provided in the form of a SIM (subscriber identity module), eSIM (embedded SIM), iSIM (integrated SIM), UICC (universal integrated circuit card), eUICC (embedded UICC), etc. The subscriber identification module (114) stores user network authentication information (e.g., IMSI, authentication key, network identification information, etc.) and can be utilized in the authentication process with a mobile communication network through a communication circuit (113).

[0053] The subscriber identification module (114) can store information such as the user's IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity), network authentication key, PPLMN list, and FPLMN (forbidden PLMN) list. Additionally, by comparing the MCC information obtained during the MCC scanning process with the PPLMN list stored in the memory (112) and / or the subscriber identification module (114), it can determine whether a PPLMN corresponding to the MCC exists.

[0054] The display (115) can visually provide information to an external user (e.g., user) of the electronic device (110). The display (115) of FIG. 1 may correspond to the display (1140) of FIG. 11.

[0055] The display (115) may display a user interface (UI) that displays information related to a wireless communication network. For example, the UI that displays information related to a wireless communication network may include at least one of the UIs that displays information related to the type of network (e.g., cellular communication (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G), short-range communication (e.g., BT, or WIFI), or satellite communication), the network operator (e.g., carrier name), the network signal strength (e.g., RSSI, RSRP), and the network status (e.g., idle, transmit, or receive).

[0056] The communication network (130, 132) is a mobile communication infrastructure that provides wireless access to the electronic device (110) and can provide various radio access technologies (RAT). For example, the first communication network (130) may be a wireless network based on the first RAT (e.g., LTE, 5G). Additionally, the second communication network (132) may be a wireless network based on the second RAT (e.g., 3G, 2G, or another operator's network). However, the relationship between the first communication network (130) and the second communication network (132) is not limited to this, and the communication networks (130, 132) may be identical or different from each other. After attempting PLMN search and registration in the first communication network (130), the electronic device (110) may switch to the second communication network (132) if necessary to perform additional PLMN search.

[0057] The electronic device (110) can detect an MCC based on a specified event (e.g., booting, airplane mode disabled, network connection failure, SIM insertion, etc.). Based on the detected MCC, the electronic device (110) can identify the country or region currently located and optimize the list of PLMNs available in that country or region.

[0058] After detecting an MCC, the electronic device (110) can determine whether an RPLMN (registered PLMN), EPLMN (equivalent PLMN), HPLMN (home PLMN), EHPLMN (equivalent HPLMN), or PPLMN (preferred PLMN) is valid in the current region by utilizing PLMN information stored in memory (112) or subscriber identification module (114). For example, the electronic device (110) can compare whether the detected MCC (e.g., 450, South Korea) corresponds to or matches the MCC of each PLMN (e.g., RPLMN (310.26), HPLMN (450.05)) included in the stored PLMN information. A PLMN (e.g., HPLMN (450.05)) that matches (or corresponds) to a detected MCC (e.g., 450) may be registered in the country (South Korea) or region where it is currently located, and the electronic device (110) may determine that the PLMN (e.g., HPLMN (450.05)) is a candidate for network registration. On the other hand, a PLMN (e.g., RPLMN (310.26)) that does not match or correspond to a detected MCC (e.g., 450) may be unable to register or restricted in the country (e.g., South Korea) or region where it is currently located, and the electronic device (110) may exclude that PLMN (e.g., RPLMN (310.26)) from PLMN discovery and registration attempts.

[0059] If an RPLMN (or EPLMN) exists, the electronic device (110) may prioritize selecting the RPLMN (or EPLMN) and search for the cell associated with the RPLMN to attempt network registration. If an HPLMN (or EHPLMN) exists, the electronic device (110) may prioritize selecting the HPLMN (or EHPLMN) and search for the RAT and frequency band associated with the HPLMN to attempt a more stable network connection. If a PPLMN exists, the device may prioritize searching for the PPLMN and perform registration to provide an optimized connection based on the preferred network set by the user and the network operator. On the other hand, if an RPLMN, HPLMN, and / or PPLMN does not exist, the electronic device (110) may detect a PLMN using PLMN scanning and / or additional PLMN scanning, and perform network registration through the detected PLMN. In the following, unless otherwise described, an RPLMN may be interchangeably substituted with an EPLMN. HPLMN can be interchangeably replaced with EHPLMN.

[0060] The electronic device (110) can perform PLMN search according to a predetermined RAT order and / or a predetermined frequency band order in the first communication network (130). For example, if the first communication network (130) is based on the first RAT (e.g., LTE), the electronic device (110) can detect at least one PLMN by sequentially and / or continuously searching multiple frequency bands associated with the RAT. When at least one PLMN is detected, the electronic device (110) can attempt to register each PLMN. If registration is successful, the electronic device (110) can perform network communication with the first communication network (130) using the registered PLMN. On the other hand, if registration fails, the electronic device (110) can perform additional PLMN search within the first RAT or, if necessary, switch to the second communication network (132) to perform additional PLMN search.

[0061] During the PLMN search and / or additional PLMN search process, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register sequentially and / or continuously for each detected PLMN. Unlike conventional methods, which search all frequency bands and then select the PLMN to attempt registration based on whether it matches a preset target PLMN, this minimizes network connection delay and enables faster registration by attempting to register sequentially and / or continuously for all detected PLMNs.

[0062] Additionally, if registration of all PLMNs detected in the first communication network (130) fails, the electronic device (110) may switch to the second communication network (132) to perform additional PLMN search. If the second communication network (132) is another RAT-based network such as 3G or 2G, the electronic device (110) may use the frequency band associated with the RAT sequentially and / or sequentially to detect new PLMNs and attempt to register them.

[0063] This series of processes can be applied dynamically according to the network environment and can be optimized according to the settings of the electronic device (110) or the policy of the network operator. Hereinafter, various examples related to PLMN search and registration may be described with reference to FIGS. 2 through 11. For convenience, operations are described with reference to the processor (111) of the electronic device (110), but a person skilled in the art will understand that the operations described below can be applied to various types of electronic devices. For example, the electronic device (110) may include at least one processor. In this case, the control method of the electronic device for PLMN search and registration described below may be understood as being performed individually or collectively by at least one processor.

[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a control method (200) for an electronic device for PLMN search and registration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (110) may perform a control method (200) of the electronic device for PLMN search and registration. The order of operations described below in relation to FIGS. 2 is an example, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the operations may be executed differently from the order of FIGS. 2 or may be executed substantially simultaneously with other operations of FIGS. 2. In the following description of FIGS. 2, content that overlaps with FIGS. 1 may be omitted or described briefly.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, a control method (200) of an electronic device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be disclosed as an operation 210 of detecting a mobile country code (MCC) associated with the location of the electronic device (110) based on a designated event.

[0067] In operation 210, the electronic device (110) can search for or detect an MCC associated with the location of the electronic device (110) based on a specified event. The electronic device (110) can identify the country or region where the electronic device (110) is currently located based on the detected MCC. The electronic device (110) can optimize the PLMN search and / or PLMN search range within the country or region identified based on the MCC. By optimizing the PLMN search and / or PLMN search range based on the MCC, the electronic device (110) can prevent unnecessary PLMN search and / or PLMN search by searching for a signal for PLMN registration within the range corresponding to the MCC, identifying a PLMN corresponding to the frequency band where the signal was detected, or attempting to register for the identified PLMN.

[0068] The electronic device (110) can refer to the PLMN list stored in the memory (112) and / or the subscriber identification module (114) to set PLMNs corresponding to the detected MCC as priority search targets. By doing so, the electronic device (110) can reduce network registration time by excluding PLMNs that are invalid in a specific MCC and preventing unnecessary PLMN searches. For example, the electronic device (110) can compare whether the detected MCC (e.g., 450, South Korea) corresponds to or matches the MCC of each PLMN (e.g., RPLMN (310.26), HPLMN (450.05)) included in the PLMN information stored in the memory (112) and / or the subscriber identification module (114). A PLMN (e.g., HPLMN (450.05)) that matches (or corresponds) to a detected MCC (e.g., 450) may be registered in the country (South Korea) or region where it is currently located, and the electronic device (110) may determine that the PLMN (e.g., HPLMN (450.05)) is a candidate for network registration. On the other hand, a PLMN (e.g., RPLMN (310.26)) that does not match or correspond to a detected MCC (e.g., 450) may be unable to register or restricted in the country (e.g., South Korea) or region where it is currently located, and the electronic device (110) may exclude that PLMN (e.g., RPLMN (310.26)) from PLMN discovery and registration attempts.

[0069] Additionally, the electronic device (110) can perform efficient PLMN search and / or PLMN search when moving between countries based on MCC. For example, the electronic device (110) can determine whether the RPLMN is valid in the current country or region by comparing the detected MCC with existing RPLMN information. If the RPLMN does not correspond to the MCC, the electronic device (110) can exclude the RPLMN and perform PLMN search and / or search based on HPLMN or PPLMN.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the designated event may include an event in which the electronic device (110) identifies the current region or country, or searches for and / or searches for a PLMN to attempt network registration. For example, the electronic device (110) may identify the current region or country to perform initial network registration upon booting (when turned on from a power-off state). As another example, the electronic device (110) may identify the current region or country and select or identify an appropriate PLMN when re-searching for networks after disabling flight mode. However, the designated event is not limited to the booting of the electronic device or the disabling of flight mode. For example, cases in which the electronic device (110) must identify the current region or country may be included in the designated event, such as when RPLMN registration fails, when movement between countries is detected, or when a PLMN must be re-selected after changing the SIM card. A detailed description of the process of searching for or detecting an MCC is provided below in FIG. 3.

[0071] In operation 220, if there is no PPLMN associated with the MCC, the electronic device (110) can perform PLMN scanning (or signal scanning for PLMN registration) by sequentially and / or consequentially using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT (radio access technology).

[0072] For example, even if a PPLMN exists but registration for the PPLMN fails, the electronic device (110) can perform signal search for PLMN search or PLMN registration by sequentially and / or consequentially using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT (radio access technology).

[0073] The electronic device (110) can identify whether a PPLMN associated with the MCC exists based on the MCC detected in operation 210. For example, the electronic device (110) can identify whether a PPLMN corresponding to the detected MCC exists by referring to a list of PPLMNs stored in memory (112) and / or subscriber identification module (114). Additionally, the electronic device (110) can identify whether a PPLMN associated with the MCC exists by referring to a list of PPLMNs indicated by network information provided by a mobile carrier and / or network policy setting information, etc. Below, a specific process for determining the existence of a PPLMN associated with the MCC based on the MCC is described later in FIG. 3.

[0074] In operation 220, if there is no PPLMN associated with the MCC or if registration for the PPLMN fails, the electronic device (110) selects a first RAT among a plurality of RATs. PLMN search can be performed. For example, the electronic device (110) may select a first RAT among a plurality of RATs based on a predetermined RAT order or a preferred RAT order. For example, the predetermined RAT order may be set based on at least one of the electronic device's predetermined value, the mobile carrier's policy, and / or the regional network environment. For example, the predetermined RAT order may be set in the order of 'LTE (long-term evolution), 3G, 2G, and SA (e.g., 5G standalone)'.

[0075] In operation 220, the electronic device (110) can perform PLMN search by using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT sequentially and / or sequentially. Here, the electronic device (110) can perform PLMN search or signal search by using multiple frequency bands of the first RAT in a predetermined order and / or sequentially based on a predetermined band order set by a mobile carrier. For example, the PLMN search order of the electronic device (110) can be set based on a specific network environment (e.g., regional frequency usage policy, user manual setting, or terminal manufacturer setting).

[0076] For example, if a specific operator prioritizes operating Band 3 and Band 7 in LTE, PLMN search may be performed first in the corresponding frequency bands within LTE. As another example, the electronic device (110) may vary the order of frequency search within each RAT based on the network environment of the country or region where it is currently located. For example, the electronic device (110) may vary the order of PLMN search within each RAT based on the frequency bands that are readily available for each country. For example, in Europe, since LTE Band 20 is used as the primary band, the electronic device (110) may prioritize searching for signals in that band. Subsequently, signals may be searched in Band 3 and Band 7, and finally, signals may be searched for secondarily in Band 1 and Band 8, etc. For example, in the United States, signals may be prioritized searched in LTE Band 13 or Band 66. Subsequently, Band 71 is searched, and signals may be searched for in additional bands such as Band 2 and Band 4 as needed.

[0077] As another example, the user of the electronic device (110) may pre-set the order of frequency bands for each RAT. For example, based on the user's pre-set, the electronic device (110) may perform PLMN search in the order of Band 3, Band 7, and Band 20 in LTE. As another example, the electronic device (110) may perform PLMN search using multiple frequency bands sequentially and / or consecutively based on the state of the electronic device (110). For example, when the low-power mode is activated, the electronic device (110) may efficiently manage battery consumption by preferentially searching for signals in low-frequency bands with low power consumption in LTE (e.g., Band 13, Band 20, etc.) and searching for signals in high-frequency bands (e.g., Band 3, Band 22, etc.) in a later priority. Additionally, the electronic device (110) may adjust the signal search order based on the mobility state of the device. For example, if the electronic device (110) is moving at high speed, it can preferentially search for signals in a low frequency band (e.g., Band 13, Band 20, etc.) where the signal reach is wide and signal attenuation is low. Additionally, if the electronic device (110) is stationary (e.g., indoors), it can preferentially search for signals in a high frequency band (e.g., Band 3, Band 22, etc.) where the bandwidth is wide and a higher data rate can be provided.

[0078] In operation 220, the electronic device (110) can perform PLMN scanning. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device (110) can perform PLMN scanning to detect any PLMN to attempt registration, rather than performing conventional PLMN scanning to find a predetermined specific target PLMN.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, PLMN search may refer to searching for a signal for PLMN registration. For example, an electronic device (110) may search for a signal for PLMN registration by sequentially and / or sequentially using a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT among a plurality of RATs.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, PLMN detection may represent identifying a PLMN to attempt registration. For example, an electronic device (110) may detect a signal in a first frequency band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT. For example, the electronic device (110) may identify a PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band in which the signal was detected. For example, the electronic device (110) may detect a cell corresponding to the first frequency band in which the signal was detected and identify a PLMN from the system information of the cell.

[0081] For example, the electronic device (110) can sequentially and / or continuously scan multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT to determine whether a signal is detected in a specific band (the first band or the first frequency band). For example, the electronic device (110) can identify a PLMN corresponding to the first band in response to the detection of a signal in the first band. For example, when a signal is detected in the first band, the electronic device (110) can analyze the physical layer information of the cell transmitting at the corresponding frequency to determine the network characteristics to which the cell belongs. For example, the electronic device (110) can perform synchronization with the cell after the signal detection. For example, while performing synchronization, the electronic device (110) can synchronize frequency and time using the cell's PSS (primary synchronization signal) and SSS (secondary synchronization signal), etc., and identify the physical cell identification (PCI) of the cell. For example, an electronic device (110) can receive a system information block (SIB) from a cell and decode it to obtain PLMN information to which the cell belongs.

[0082] In operation 230, if the electronic device (110) identifies the first PLMN in the first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT during the PLMN search process, it may attempt to register the first PLMN. For example, the electronic device (110) may identify the first PLMN while performing a PLMN search or a signal search for PLMN registration. For example, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the identified first PLMN.

[0083] In the prior art, if predefined PLMN priority information exists, the conventional electronic device pre-sets a specific target PLMN to attempt registration based on said information. Additionally, if no priority information exists, the conventional electronic device pre-selects a target PLMN to attempt registration based on signal intensity. The conventional electronic device searches for PLMNs that match the target PLMN in multiple frequency bands associated with each of the multiple RATs and attempts to register them.

[0084] In the conventional case, the PLMN targeted for registration attempt is determined based on whether it matches a pre-configured list of PLMNs. PLMNs not included in the list may be ignored (skip) without attempting registration even if detected. In the conventional case, network connection may be delayed due to network conditions (e.g., changes in roaming contracts, presence of unexpected PLMNs available for registration).

[0085] In addition, in the conventional case, if PLMN priority information is unavailable or PLMN registration fails, the target PLMN can be set based on signal strength. However, signal strength may not be a direct factor in the success of network registration. That is, even if a specific PLMN has high signal strength, if a roaming agreement has not been concluded, it may not be guaranteed whether network registration for that PLMN is possible. Searching for that PLMN may instead only increase unnecessary search time.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, it may not be required to determine whether there is a match with a specific target PLMN that has been pre-designated to identify the PLMN to be attempted for registration. For example, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the PLMN associated with the frequency band in which the signal was detected in response to the detection of a signal in one of the frequency bands during the signal search process. Through this configuration, the problem of unnecessary consumption of PLMN search time is resolved, and the electronic device (110) can be connected to the network more quickly and efficiently.

[0087] In operation 230, the electronic device (110) may perform an initial procedure with the network to determine whether the detected PLMN can be registered with the network. For example, the electronic device (110) may send a location registration request to the network and receive a registration approval message from the network. If registration is approved, the electronic device (110) may perform additional procedures to maintain a continuous connection with the network (e.g., authentication, attachment, and / or service registration).

[0088] In operation 240, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search. If registration of the first PLMN detected during the PLMN search fails, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search (or signal search performed after the first signal search, hereinafter the same) (e.g., second signal search, third signal search, and / or fourth signal search) by using at least one frequency band following the first band sequentially and / or consecutively.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, PLMN search (e.g., operation 220) and additional PLMN search (e.g., operation 240) may be conceptually distinguished from each other.

[0090] PLMN search may include an operation to detect a PLMN to attempt registration. For example, while performing PLMN search, the electronic device (110) may detect a PLMN to attempt registration by using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT sequentially and / or sequentially. For example, during the PLMN search process, the electronic device (110) may detect a first PLMN in a first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, the electronic device (110) may attempt registration for the first PLMN detected in the first band.

[0091] For example, the electronic device (110) may perform a first signal search for PLMN registration by sequentially utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT through at least one communication circuit (113). For example, while performing the first signal search, the electronic device (110) may detect a signal in the first frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, in response to the detection of a signal in the first frequency band, the electronic device (110) may identify a first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band through at least one communication circuit (113). For example, in response to the detection of a signal in the first frequency band, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the first PLMN.

[0092] Additional PLMN search may include a process for detecting a new PLMN different from the PLMN detected during the PLMN search process. For example, if registration fails for a PLMN detected during the PLMN search process, the electronic device (110) may detect a PLMN to attempt registration sequentially, continuously, and / or subsequently through additional PLMN search. For example, during the additional PLMN search process, the electronic device (110) may detect a second PLMN different from the first PLMN detected during the PLMN search process. Here, the second PLMN may correspond to a PLMN to which registration is attempted subsequently to the first PLMN.

[0093] In the additional PLMN search process, the electronic device (110) can detect a second PLMN by using at least one frequency band following the first band in which the first PLMN was detected sequentially and / or consecutively. For example, in the PLMN search process, the electronic device (110) may detect the first PLMN in the first band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, but fail to register the first PLMN. In this case, in the additional PLMN search process, the electronic device (110) can detect the second PLMN by using the frequency bands following the first band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT sequentially and / or consecutively.

[0094] As another example, in an additional PLMN search process, the electronic device (110) may detect a second PLMN by sequentially and / or sequentially using multiple frequency bands associated with a second RAT that follows the first RAT. If the electronic device (110) fails to detect a second PLMN to attempt registration in the first RAT (e.g., in an additional PLMN search process in which the frequency bands following the first band among the multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT are sequentially and / or sequentially used, the second PLMN to attempt registration is not detected), the electronic device (110) may detect the second PLMN through an additional PLMN search process in which multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT that follows the first RAT are sequentially and / or sequentially used.

[0095] For example, the electronic device (110) may fail to register the first PLMN identified during the first signal search process. For example, in response to the failure to register the first PLMN, the electronic device (110) may perform a second signal search for PLMN registration by continuously using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT through at least one communication circuit (113). For example, the electronic device (110) may perform a second signal search through at least one communication circuit (113) by continuously using at least one remaining frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, excluding the frequency band found in the first signal search.

[0096] For example, while performing a second signal search, the electronic device (110) may detect a signal in a second frequency band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, in response to the detection of a signal in the second frequency band, the electronic device (110) may identify a second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band in which the signal was detected through at least one communication circuit (113). For example, in response to the detection of a signal in the second frequency band, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the second PLMN.

[0097] For example, the electronic device (110) may fail to register the second PLMN identified during the second signal search process. For example, in response to the failure to register the second PLMN, the electronic device (110) may perform a third signal search for PLMN registration by continuously using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT through at least one communication circuit (113). For example, the electronic device (110) may perform a third signal search by continuously using the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, excluding at least one frequency band searched during the first signal search and / or second signal search.

[0098] For example, the electronic device (110) may fail to register the PLMN in the first RAT. For example, the electronic device (110) may fail to register the PLMN while completing a signal search for PLMN registration by continuously utilizing multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT after performing a third signal search. For example, the electronic device (110) may fail to register the PLMN even though it has performed a signal search using all of the multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, if the registration of the PLMN in the first RAT fails, a signal search for PLMN registration may be performed by continuously utilizing multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT through the at least one communication circuit (113). For example, the second RAT may correspond to a RAT that sequentially follows the first RAT among multiple RATs according to a designated RAT order.

[0099] As another example, during the additional PLMN search process, the electronic device (110) may detect a second PLMN using one or more frequency bands included in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT before switching to the second RAT. In this process, the electronic device (110) may retry registration for at least one PLMN that attempted registration at least once in the first RAT. A detailed description of the additional PLMN search is provided below in FIGS. 4 through 10.

[0100] The electronic device (110) may search all frequency bands for all of the multiple RATs and attempt to register only the PLMN that matches the target PLMN among the detected PLMNs. However, in this case, since the search for all of the multiple RATs may be repeated at least once until finally registered in the network, an unnecessary search process may be added and the time until network registration is completed may be delayed.

[0101] In one embodiment, the electronic device (110) may sequentially and / or continuously perform PLMN search and additional PLMN search in a plurality of frequency bands associated with each of at least one RAT. The electronic device (110) may attempt to register for at least one identified PLMN in response to at least one PLMN being identified during the PLMN search and / or additional PLMN search process. As the electronic device (110) attempts to register for the detected PLMN in real time even if the search for the entire RAT is not completed, registration may be completed more quickly.

[0102] Through this configuration, PLMN search and additional PLMN search are performed sequentially and / or sequentially, thereby reducing unnecessary network searches and enabling network final registration to be completed more quickly and efficiently.

[0103] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a control method (300) of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (110) can perform a control method (300) of the electronic device. The order of operations described below in relation to FIG. 3 is an example, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the operations may be performed differently from the order of FIG. 3 or may be performed substantially simultaneously with other operations of FIG. 3. In the following description of FIG. 3, content that overlaps with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 may be omitted or described briefly.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 3, a control method (300) of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be initiated by an operation 310 in which a designated event occurs.

[0106] In operation 312, the electronic device (110) can detect an MCC associated with the location of the electronic device (110) based on a specified event. Operations 310 and 312 of FIG. 3 may correspond to operation 210 of FIG. 2.

[0107] In operation 320, the electronic device (110) can identify whether a registered PLMN (RPLMN) exists based on the MCC. The RPLMN may contain information associated with a network that the electronic device (110) has previously registered. If the RPLMN exists (e.g., operation 320-YES), the electronic device (110) can select a PLMN based on the RPLMN (e.g., operation 322). The electronic device (110) can perform a standard network registration procedure based on the selected PLMN (e.g., operation 350). On the other hand, if the RPLMN does not exist (S320-NO), the electronic device (110) can perform a third operation (S330) to search for a home PLMN (HPLMN).

[0108] In operation 330, the electronic device (110) can identify whether an HPLMN (home PLMN) exists based on the detected MCC. The HPLMN refers to the PLMN of the network operator to which the subscriber originally belongs, and can generally be determined based on network code (e.g., MCC, MNC) information stored in the subscriber identification module (114) (e.g., SIM, eSIM, UICC, eUICC, etc.). However, the electronic device (110) may utilize additional HPLMN-related data by referring to past registration history, network priority policies, and / or PLMN search history in memory (112). If an HPLMN exists (e.g., operation 330-YES), the electronic device (110) can select a PLMN based on the HPLMN (e.g., operation 332) and perform a general network registration procedure based thereon (e.g., operation 350). If HPLMN does not exist (e.g., operation 330-NO), the electronic device (110) can perform operation 340 to search for PPLMN (preferred PLMN).

[0109] In operation 340, the electronic device (110) can identify whether a PPLMN exists based on the detected MCC. The PPLMN is a priority network list designated by the network operator or mobile operator to which the subscriber belongs, and can be determined based on the PPLMN list stored in the subscriber identification module (114). If a PPLMN exists (e.g., operation 340-YES), the electronic device (110) can select a PLMN based on the PPLMN (e.g., operation 342) and perform a general network registration procedure based thereon (e.g., operation 350). If a PPLMN does not exist (e.g., operation 340-NO), the electronic device (110) can perform Fast PLMN selection (e.g., operation 360). In operation 360, the electronic device (110) can perform PLMN search, additional PLMN search, and / or sequential registration attempts according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] In a general network registration procedure (e.g., operation 350), the electronic device (110) can perform PLMN selection, cell selection, and network registration. If an RPLMN exists (e.g., operation 320-YES), the electronic device (110) may attempt network registration for the RPLMN first after booting or upon restart. The electronic device (110) may perform a procedure to select the corresponding PLMN (e.g., PLMN selection). For example, the electronic device (110) may sequentially search for multiple RATs and identify whether a PLMN matching the RPLMN exists in each RAT. Subsequently, the electronic device (110) may select a cell provided by the selected RPLMN. Within the RAT where the RPLMN is detected, the electronic device (110) may search for the frequency bands provided by the corresponding PLMN and select an appropriate cell by comprehensively considering signal strength, signal quality, etc. Afterwards, the electronic device (110) can perform network authentication and registration procedures through the selected cell.

[0111] Similar to when an HPLMN or PPLMN exists (e.g., operation 330-YES, operation 330-YES) or an RPLMN exists (e.g., operation 320-YES), the electronic device (110) can perform a cell selection procedure and a network registration process within the corresponding PLMN after selecting the HPLMN or PPLMN.

[0112] The process up to operation 340 may be applied when there is a network (e.g., RPLMN, HPLMN, PPLMN) to attempt registration first. However, if PPLMN does not exist (e.g., operation 340-NO) or if registration for PPLMN fails, conventionally, a pre-set target PLMN based on signal strength, etc. is searched first, and registration may be attempted only when the detected PLMN is matched with the target PLMN. On the other hand, in operation 360, the electronic device (110) may perform PLMN search and / or additional PLMN search, and attempt registration sequentially and / or continuously for each of the PLMNs detected during the PLMN search and / or additional PLMN search process.

[0113] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control method (400) of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (110) can perform a control method (400) of the electronic device. The order of operations described below in relation to FIG. 4 is an example, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the operations may be performed differently from the order of FIG. 4 or may be performed substantially simultaneously with other operations of FIG. 4. In the following description of FIG. 4, content that overlaps with FIG. 1 through 3 may be omitted or briefly described.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 4, a control method (400) of an electronic device may include a PLMN search process (SC1a) (e.g., a first signal search for PLMN registration), an additional PLMN search process (SC2a) (e.g., a second signal search, a third signal search, and / or a fourth signal search for PLMN registration), and a registration process (RG1) (e.g., registration for a PLMN). The PLMN search process (SC1a) may include an operation to search for a PLMN to attempt to register. For example, the PLMN search process (SC1a) may include a first signal search performed for PLMN registration by successively utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT. The registration process (RG1) may include an operation to perform communication through the first PLMN when registration for the first PLMN detected or identified through the PLMN search process (SC1a) is successful. The additional PLMN search process (SC2a) may include an operation to search for a new PLMN to attempt registration following the first PLMN if registration for the first PLMN detected through the PLMN search process (SC1a) fails. For example, the additional PLMN search process (SC2a) may include a second signal search performed by continuously utilizing multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT if registration for the first PLMN identified during the first signal search fails. For example, the additional PLMN search process (SC2a) may include a third signal search performed by continuously utilizing multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT if registration for the second PLMN identified during the second signal search fails.For example, the additional PLMN search process (SC2a) may include a fourth signal search performed by continuously using multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT if registration for the PLMN fails while signal search is completed by continuously using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT after performing the third signal search. A detailed description of the additional PLMN search step (SC2a) is provided below in FIG. 5.

[0116] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PLMN search process (SC1a) may be initiated by an operation 410 of searching for a PLMN by using a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT sequentially and / or sequentially when no PPLMN associated with the MCC exists. Additionally, even if registration for a PPLMN fails, the electronic device (110) may perform the PLMN search process (SC1a). The operation 410 of FIG. 4 may correspond to the operation 220 of FIG. 2.

[0117] In operation 420, the electronic device (110) can determine whether the first PLMN is detected in the first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, the electronic device (110) can determine whether a signal is detected in the first frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT.

[0118] If the first PLMN detection fails (e.g., operation 420-NO) (e.g., if signal detection fails by using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT in succession), the electronic device (110) may perform operation 430 to search for a PLMN to attempt registration in a second RAT following the first RAT. In operation 430, the electronic device (110) may perform PLMN search by using multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT following the first RAT sequentially and / or in succession.

[0119] When a first PLMN is detected (e.g., operation 420-YES) (e.g., when a signal is detected in a first frequency band among multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT, and a first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band in which the signal was detected is identified), the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the first PLMN. For example, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band through at least one communication circuit (113) in response to a signal being detected in a first frequency band among multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT while performing a first signal search.

[0120] In operation 440, the electronic device (110) can identify whether registration for the first PLMN is successful. Operations 420 and 440 of FIG. 4 may correspond to operation 230 of FIG. 2.

[0121] If registration for the first PLMN fails (e.g., operation 440-NO), the electronic device (110) may search for a PLMN to attempt registration for following the first PLMN. In operation 450, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMNs by using at least one frequency band following the first band sequentially and / or consecutively. Operation 450 of FIG. 4 may correspond to operation 240 of FIG. 2.

[0122] If registration for the first PLMN is successful (e.g., operation 440-YES), the electronic device (110) may perform a registration step process (RG1). In operation 460, the electronic device (110) may stop a PLMN search process (SC1a) that uses multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT sequentially and / or sequentially. Additionally, in operation 462, the electronic device (110) may perform communication using the registered first PLMN.

[0123] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a control method (500) of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (110) can perform a control method (500) of the electronic device. The order of operations described below in relation to FIG. 5 is an example, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the operations may be performed differently from the order of FIG. 5 or may be performed substantially simultaneously with other operations of FIG. 5. In the following description of FIG. 5, content that overlaps with FIGS. 1 through 4 may be omitted or briefly described.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method (500) of an electronic device may include an additional PLMN search process (SC2a) and a registration process (RG2). The additional PLMN search process (SC2a) may be initiated when registration of a first PLMN detected in a first band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT fails (e.g., operation 510) (e.g., when registration of a first PLMN identified during the first signal search fails). Here, operation 510 of FIG. 5 may correspond to operation 440-NO of FIG. 4.

[0126] In operation 520, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search by sequentially and / or sequentially using one or more frequency bands that follow the first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. Here, the additional PLMN search may correspond to the concept of 'additional PLMN search' described in FIG. 2. In the additional PLMN search process, the electronic device (110) may search for a new frequency band that does not overlap with the previously searched frequency band, and the search order of the new frequency band may be set based on mobile carrier network policies, terminal settings, etc. For example, if the electronic device (110) fails to register the first PLMN identified during the first signal search, it may perform a second signal search by sequentially using the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, excluding at least one frequency band searched from the first signal search. For example, if the electronic device (110) fails to register the second PLMN identified during the second signal search, it may perform a third signal search by continuously using the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, excluding at least one frequency band searched from the first signal search and the second signal search. For example, if the electronic device (110) fails to register the PLMN while completing a signal search using the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT after performing the third signal search, it may perform a fourth signal search by continuously using the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT that sequentially follow the first RAT.

[0127] In operation 530, the electronic device (110) can identify whether a new PLMN is detected to attempt registration following the first PLMN during the additional PLMN search process of operation 520. For example, the electronic device (110) can determine whether a second PLMN is detected in a second band among one or more bands following the first band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, the electronic device (110) can determine whether a signal is detected in a second frequency band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT while performing the second signal search.

[0128] If a second PLMN is detected (e.g., operation 530-YES) (e.g., while performing a second signal search, a signal is detected in a second frequency band among multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT, and a second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band in which the signal was detected is identified), the electronic device (110) may perform operation 540 to attempt to register the second PLMN. If the second PLMN detection fails (e.g., operation 530-NO), the electronic device (110) may perform operation 570 to search for additional PLMNs.

[0129] In operation 540, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the PLMN detected during the additional PLMN search process. For example, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the second PLMN if it detects the second PLMN in a second band that follows the first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT (e.g., operation 530-YES). For example, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band through at least one communication circuit (113) in response to the detection of a signal in the second frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT while performing the second signal search.

[0130] In operation 550, the electronic device (110) can determine whether the registration of the second PLMN is successful. If the registration of the second PLMN is successful (e.g., operation 550-YES), the electronic device (110) can perform the registration process (RG2) for the second PLMN. On the other hand, if the registration of the second PLMN fails (e.g., operation 550-NO), the electronic device (110) can perform operation 570 to perform additional PLMN search.

[0131] The registration process (RG2) may include operations 560 and 562 as steps for performing communication through the registered second PLMN when the registration of the second PLMN detected during the additional PLMN search process is successful (e.g., operation 550-YES). In operation 560, the electronic device (110) may stop the additional PLMN search of the first RAT and confirm the network connection within the RAT. The electronic device (110) may stop the additional PLMN search using one or more bands following the first band sequentially and / or consecutively among the multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT. In operation 562, the electronic device (110) may perform communication using the successfully registered second PLMN. The electronic device (110) may perform additional registration procedures such as authentication with the network, attachment, and service activation.

[0132] In operation 570, the electronic device (110) may perform or continue additional PLMN search after switching RATs. For example, if no more PLMNs to attempt to register are detected within the first RAT, the electronic device (110) may switch to a second RAT following the first RAT to perform a new PLMN search. If registration of all PLMNs detected in multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT fails, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search by sequentially and / or sequentially using multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT following the first RAT. For example, while performing the second signal search, the electronic device (110) may not detect a signal in the second frequency band among the multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT. In this case, the electronic device (110) may perform a signal search for PLMN registration (e.g., a fourth signal search) by sequentially using multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT following the first RAT. For example, if no additional PLMN is detected within the first RAT, or if no PLMN capable of registration exists even though all detectable frequency bands within the first RAT are searched, the electronic device (110) may perform operation 570. Additionally, if one or more bands following the first band among the multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT are searched sequentially and / or consecutively, but no new PLMN to attempt registration is detected, the electronic device (110) may perform operation 570.

[0133] For example, if the first RAT is LTE and the electronic device (110) searches LTE Band 3, LTE Band 7, and LTE Band 20 sequentially and / or consecutively but does not detect a PLMN, or if it checks all searchable frequency bands within LTE but no additional PLMN is detected, operation 570 may be initiated. The electronic device (110) may switch to a second RAT (e.g., 3G) based on a predetermined RAT order and continue searching for additional PLMNs.

[0134] As another example, if there is an additionally detected PLMN within the first RAT but registration of the PLMN fails, operation 570 may be initiated. Additionally, during an additional search process, if the electronic device (110) detects a second PLMN following the first PLMN within the first RAT but registration of the second PLMN fails, operation 570 may be initiated. Here, the second PLMN may be detected in a second band following the first band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, operation 570 may be initiated even if one or more additional PLMNs are detected within the first RAT but registration of each of the PLMNs fails because they are rejected during the network authentication process or the network is not allowed. Operation 570 may also be initiated even if service is not allowed because a roaming contract has not been concluded for the detected additional PLMNs. Operation 570 may also be initiated even if the detected additional PLMNs are included in the FPLMN (forbidden PLMN) list and cannot be registered. Operation 570 may be initiated even if the registration of additional PLMNs detected fails due to unstable network connectivity caused by low signal quality or interference in a specific frequency band. Operation 570 may also be initiated even if the attempt to register additional PLMNs detected is not approved due to the mobile operator's network policy or network overload.

[0135] Operation 570 may be initiated when additional PLMN search in the first RAT is no longer valid, or when network registration fails even if a detected PLMN exists. Accordingly, if the electronic device (110) determines that additional PLMN search in the first RAT is no longer valid, it may switch to a second RAT following the first RAT based on a predetermined RAT order to perform additional PLMN search. The predetermined RAT order may be defined in advance according to the mobile carrier's network policy, terminal settings, power consumption optimization, quality of service, etc. For example, the predetermined RAT order may be 'LTE, 3G, 2G, and SA' in sequence.

[0136] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a control method (600) for an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (110) can perform a control method (600) of the electronic device. The order of operations described below in relation to FIG. 6 is an example, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the operations may be performed differently from the order of FIG. 6 or may be performed substantially simultaneously with other operations of FIG. 6. In the following description of FIG. 6, content that overlaps with FIGS. 1 through 5 may be omitted or briefly described.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method (600) of an electronic device may include a PLMN search process (SC1b), a registration process (RG1), and an additional PLMN search process (SC2b).

[0139] The PLMN search process (SC1b) may be initiated as an operation 410 to search for a PLMN when there is no PPLMN associated with the MCC or when registration for the PPLMN fails.

[0140] In operation 410, the electronic device (110) can perform PLMN search by using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT sequentially and / or sequentially. Operation 410 of FIG. 6 may correspond to operation 410 of FIG. 4.

[0141] In operation 420, the electronic device (110) can determine whether a PLMN is detected during the PLMN search process. For example, the electronic device (110) can determine whether a first PLMN is detected in a first band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT. Operation 420 of FIG. 6 may correspond to operation 420 of FIG. 4.

[0142] If the first PLMN is not detected during the PLMN search process (e.g., operation 420-NO), the electronic device (110) may continue the PLMN search in operation 430. For example, if all searchable frequency bands within the first RAT are checked but no registerable PLMN is detected, the electronic device (110) may switch the search range to a second RAT that follows the first RAT. The electronic device (110) may perform the PLMN search by using multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT sequentially and / or consecutively. Operation 430 of FIG. 6 may correspond to operation 430 of FIG. 4.

[0143] If the first PLMN is detected during the PLMN search process (e.g., operation 420-YES), the electronic device (110) can determine, in operation 610, the history of attempts to register the first PLMN. For example, the electronic device (110) can identify whether there is a history of attempts to register the first PLMN in the past prior to attempting to register the first PLMN. For example, the electronic device (110) can determine whether there is a history of attempts to register the first PLMN prior to attempting to register the first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band in response to the detection of a signal in the first frequency band while performing a first signal search using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT in succession.

[0144] If there is no history of attempting to register the first PLMN (e.g., operation 610-NO), the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the first PLMN in operation 440 and determine whether the registration was successful. On the other hand, if there is a history of attempting to register the first PLMN (e.g., operation 610-YES), the electronic device (110) may enter an additional PLMN search process (SC2B) to determine whether the first PLMN corresponds to a forbidden PLMN (FPLMN).

[0145] In operation 440, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register with the first PLMN and determine whether the registration with the first PLMN is successful. If the registration with the first PLMN fails (e.g., operation 440-NO), the electronic device (110) may perform an additional PLMN search process (SC2b). If the registration with the first PLMN is successful (e.g., operation 440-YES), the electronic device (110) may perform a registration process (RG1) with the first PLMN. Operation 440 of FIG. 6 may correspond to operation 440 of FIG. 4.

[0146] The registration process (RG1) may be initiated when registration of the first PLMN detected in the PLMN search process (SC1b) is successful. The registration process (RG1) may include an operation 470 of stopping the PLMN search and an operation 472 of performing communication using the registered first PLMN. In operation 470, the electronic device (110) may terminate the PLMN search by using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT sequentially and / or sequentially. In operation 472, the electronic device (110) may connect to a network through the registered first PLMN and perform communication. The registration process (RG1) of FIG. 6 may correspond to the registration process (RG1) of FIG. 4.

[0147] In an additional PLMN search process (SC2b), the electronic device (110) can search for a new PLMN to attempt to register following the first PLMN.

[0148] In one embodiment, if registration for the first PLMN fails (e.g., operation 440-NO), the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search using at least one frequency band following the first band sequentially and / or consecutively (e.g., operation 630).

[0149] For example, the electronic device (110) may perform a second signal search by continuously using the remaining frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band searched during the first signal search among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, the electronic device (110) may determine whether there is a history of an attempt to register a second PLMN prior to an attempt to register a second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band, in response to a signal being detected in the second frequency band during the second signal search.

[0150] For example, the electronic device (110) may perform a fourth signal search by successively utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT. For example, while performing the fourth signal search, the electronic device (110) may determine whether there is a history of an attempt to register a third PLMN prior to an attempt to register a third PLMN corresponding to the third frequency band, in response to the detection of a signal in the third frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT.

[0151] In one embodiment, if there is a history of attempted registration for the first PLMN (e.g., operation 610-YES), the electronic device (110) can determine whether the first PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN (forbidden PLMN) (e.g., operation 620). For example, the electronic device (110) can determine whether the first PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN if there is a history of attempted registration for the first PLMN prior to attempting registration for the first PLMN identified while performing the first signal search.

[0152] For example, the electronic device (110) can determine whether the first PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN by referring to the FPLMN list stored in the subscriber identification module, etc.

[0153] If the first PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN (e.g., operation 620-YES), the electronic device (110) may perform an additional PLMN search to attempt registration following the first PLMN (e.g., operation 630). For example, if the first PLMN identified during the first signal search corresponds to an FPLMN, the electronic device (110) may perform a second signal search without attempting registration for the first PLMN.

[0154] If the first PLMN does not correspond to an FPLMN (e.g., operation 620-NO), the electronic device (110) may store information associated with the first PLMN in the registration retry list of the first RAT (e.g., operation 640). Before switching to the second RAT, the electronic device (110) may retry registration by utilizing the PLMN included in the registration retry list. For example, if the first PLMN identified during the first signal search does not correspond to an FPLMN, the electronic device (110) may store information associated with the first PLMN in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT. For example, if the first PLMN identified during the first signal search does not correspond to an FPLMN, the electronic device (110) may perform a second signal search. For example, if the electronic device (110) fails to register a PLMN while signal search using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT is completed after performing a second signal search, it may retry registration by continuously using one or more PLMNs stored in a registration retry list associated with the first RAT. In one embodiment, the registration retry list may be used as an information storage for performing subsequent retries by recording PLMNs that failed to register during the previous PLMN search and registration attempt process. The registration retry list may include not only PLMNs that failed to register in the previous search, but also PLMNs that are determined to require a retry based on specific conditions (e.g., changes in signal strength, changes in network policy, etc.). A detailed description of the control method following operation 640 is provided below in FIG. 7.

[0155] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a control method (700) of an electronic device for an additional PLMN search step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (110) can perform a control method (700) of the electronic device. The order of operations described below in relation to FIG. 7 is an example, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the operations may be performed differently from the order of FIG. 7 or may be performed substantially simultaneously with other operations of FIG. 7. In the following description of FIG. 7, content that overlaps with FIGS. 1 through 6 may be omitted or briefly described.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method (700) of an electronic device may include an additional PLMN search process (SC2b). The additional PLMN search process (SC2b) may be initiated by an operation 640 of storing the first PLMN in a registration retry list associated with the first RAT. The operation 640 of FIG. 7 may correspond to the operation 640 of FIG. 6.

[0158] In operation 710, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search by sequentially and / or sequentially using one or more bands that follow the first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, the electronic device (110) may perform a second signal search by sequentially using the remaining frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band searched during the first signal search among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. For example, the electronic device (110) may perform a fourth signal search by sequentially using the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT.

[0159] In operation 720, the electronic device (110) can determine whether a new PLMN (e.g., a second PLMN) is detected during an additional PLMN search process. For example, the electronic device (110) can determine whether a second PLMN is detected by using one or more bands that follow the first band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT sequentially and / or consecutively.

[0160] If a second PLMN is detected during the additional PLMN search process (e.g., operation 720-YES), the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the second PLMN in operation 730. For example, if the second PLMN is detected in a second band following the first band among the multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT (e.g., operation 720-YES), the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the second PLMN. If registration for the second PLMN fails, the electronic device (110) may continue to perform additional PLMN search. If registration for the second PLMN is successful, the electronic device (110) may communicate through the PLMN, and the additional PLMN search may be terminated.

[0161] If the second PLMN detection fails during the additional PLMN search process (e.g., operation 720-NO) (e.g., if registration for the PLMN fails while signal search using multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT is completed), the electronic device (110) may retry network registration using the registration retry list associated with the first RAT in operation 740. For example, if the second PLMN detection fails during the additional PLMN search process for the first band (e.g., operation 720-NO), the electronic device (110) may retry registration for each of one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT sequentially and / or sequentially. The additional PLMN search process for the first band may include an operation of searching for a new PLMN by sequentially and / or sequentially using one or more bands following the first band among the multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT.

[0162] In operation 750, the electronic device (110) can determine whether registration has failed for all of one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list. For example, if registration is successful for any of the PLMNs stored in the registration retry list of the first RAT (e.g., operation 750-NO), the electronic device (110) can perform communication through the corresponding PLMN in operation 760. In this case, the registration retry operation using the registration retry list is stopped, and the registered PLMN can be confirmed as the final PLMN. Accordingly, network connection can be completed through the registered PLMN without the need for additional PLMN search.

[0163] For example, while the electronic device (110) performs a registration retry using a registration retry list associated with the first RAT, registration for one of the one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT (e.g., the third PLMN) may succeed. For example, the electronic device (110) may stop the registration retry using the registration retry list associated with the first RAT in response to the successful registration for the third PLMN. For example, the electronic device (110) may perform communication using the registered third PLMN in response to the successful registration for the third PLMN.

[0164] If registration for all PLMNs stored in the registration retry list fails (e.g., operation 750-YES), the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search after RAT switching in operation 770. For example, registration for all PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT may fail. In this case, it may be determined that there are no longer any valid PLMNs within the first RAT. Accordingly, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search by sequentially and / or consecutively utilizing multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT following the first RAT. After switching to the second RAT, the electronic device (110) may repeat the same procedure as performed in the PLMN search process (SC1b) to detect new PLMNs and attempt to register them.

[0165] For example, if the electronic device (110) fails to register all of one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT, it may perform a signal search (e.g., a fourth signal search) by successively utilizing multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT. For example, while performing the fourth signal search, the electronic device (110) may detect a signal for PLMN registration in one of the multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT (e.g., a fourth frequency band). For example, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register a PLMN corresponding to the fourth frequency band (e.g., a fourth PLMN).

[0166] Additionally, or optionally, if a PLMN is detected while performing additional PLMN search, a task may be performed to determine whether there was already a history of registration attempts for the PLMN and / or whether it is included in FPLMN.

[0167] For example, the electronic device (110) can determine whether there is a history of an attempt to register the second PLMN before attempting to register the second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band in response to the detection of a signal in the second frequency band while performing a second signal search. For example, if there is a history of an attempt to register the second PLMN before attempting to register the second PLMN, the electronic device (110) can determine whether the second PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN.

[0168] For example, the electronic device (110) may determine whether there is a history of an attempt to register the fourth PLMN (e.g., the fourth PLMN) prior to an attempt to register the PLMN corresponding to the fourth frequency band (e.g., the fourth PLMN) in response to a signal being detected in one of the multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT while performing a fourth signal search. For example, if there is a history of an attempt to register the fourth PLMN prior to an attempt to register the fourth PLMN, the electronic device (110) may determine whether the fourth PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN.

[0169] With this configuration, if a PLMN detected during the PLMN search process fails to register, the probability of successful network registration can be increased by retrying the registration using a registration retry list instead of simply excluding the PLMN that has already failed.

[0170] Furthermore, through this configuration, the electronic device generates and utilizes a registration retry list containing information on network environment factors, thereby increasing adaptability to changes in the network environment, improving network registration speed, and minimizing unnecessary searches. For example, the registration retry list may include information on network environment factors such as signal quality, traffic load, and network policy associated with PLMNs that were previously attempted to register. For instance, in the case of a PLMN detected during the PLMN search process that does not belong to an FPLMN, registration may have failed due to low signal strength at the time of a previous attempt, but there is a possibility that the signal environment has improved over time. Accordingly, a stable network connection can be secured by retrying registration for that PLMN. As another example, if a state changes from previously unregisterable to acceptable due to changes in network operator policies, such as roaming agreements, or a decrease in traffic load, registration can be retried by utilizing existing search data.

[0171] In addition, by performing registration retries before RAT switching through this configuration, network connectivity can be maximized in the preferred RAT, and unnecessary RAT switching and additional PLMN discovery can be reduced. For example, even if PLMN registration based on the first RAT (e.g., LTE) fails in a specific area, registration can be retried within LTE using the registration retry list, thereby delaying the transition to the second RAT (e.g., 3G) or preventing unnecessary RAT switching.

[0172] Furthermore, through this configuration, already detected data in the registration retry list is recycled, thereby reducing the computational load of the electronic device and improving the registration speed. Since PLMN search requires significant computational resources, performing registration retries based on previously searched data minimizes the search for unnecessary frequency bands, reduces the new PLMN search process, and enables the efficient utilization of system resources.

[0173] Furthermore, through this configuration, a registration retry list generated based not only on past registration attempt history but also on FPLMN eligibility is utilized, thereby preventing unnecessary registration retries and enabling efficient PLMN registration. For example, if a specific PLMN does not qualify as an FPLMN, it may be included in the registration retry list even if it failed to register in the past, as there is a possibility of future success. Additionally, since PLMNs included in the FPLMN list are highly likely to be restricted from registration due to network operator policies, unnecessary registration attempts can be prevented by excluding such PLMNs from the registration retry list.

[0174] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a control method of an electronic device for PLMN search and registration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0175] In one example, a wireless network environment may be configured as follows. In the current area, the wireless network environment may include a first RAT and a second RAT. The first RAT includes a first band (FB1a), a second band (FB1b), and a third band (FB1c), and the second RAT may include a fourth band (FB2a), a fifth band (FB2b), and a sixth band (FB2c). In this environment, the PLMN may be composed of an A PLMN, a B PLMN, and a C PLMN. The A PLMN may include 'A1' in the first band (FB1a) within the first RAT and 'A2' in the fifth band (FB2b) within the second RAT. The B PLMN may include 'B1' in the third band (FB1c) within the first RAT and 'B2' in the sixth band (FB2c) within the second RAT. C PLMN may include 'C1' in the second band (FB1b) within the first RAT and 'C2' in the fourth band (FB2a) within the second RAT. Additionally, in the network environment, the electronic device (110) may search for RATs and frequency bands based on predetermined sequences. The predetermined RAT sequence is sequentially the first RAT and the second RAT, and the signal strength may be highest at A PLMN, followed by B PLMN and then C PLMN. The predetermined BAND sequence of the first RAT (first frequency band sequence) corresponds to 'first band (FB1a), second band (FB1b), and third band (FB1c)', and the predetermined BAND sequence of the second RAT (second frequency band sequence) corresponds to 'fourth band (FB2a), fifth band (FB2b), and sixth band (FB2c)'. In addition, in the region where the electronic device is currently located, roaming agreements may be concluded only with C PLMNs. Even if a PLMN is detected in a specific RAT and frequency band, network registration may be restricted for PLMNs for which no roaming agreement has been concluded.Unless the network environment, such as the current roaming contract, changes, A PLMN or B PLMN may not be registered even if detected. Below, any content overlapping with Figures 1 to 7 in the description of Figure 8 may be omitted or described briefly.

[0176] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device (110) can identify the country or region currently located by searching for an MCC in the current wireless network environment. The MCC search operation acts as a preliminary operation to determine the existence of RPLMN, HPLMN, PPLMN, etc., and can be performed before attempting to search for, detect, and register a PLMN. The MCC search operation may be independent of whether the PLMN detected during the PLMN search process is registered.

[0177] For example, the electronic device (110) may select a specific RAT from among a plurality of RATs by considering a predetermined order or network environment. The electronic device (110) may search one of a plurality of frequency bands associated with the specific RAT to detect a PLMN where a signal exists. When a PLMN is detected, the electronic device (110) may obtain system information of the PLMN to identify MCC information. For example, the electronic device (110) may detect A1 in the first band (FB1a) of the first RAT and obtain an MCC (e.g., 450) from the system information of A1. Through this, it is possible to identify that the country where the electronic device is currently located is South Korea.

[0178] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device (110) can identify whether a PPLMN exists based on MCC information detected or acquired through an MCC search. The electronic device (110) can determine whether a PPLMN associated with an MCC exists by comparing the MCC information acquired through an MCC search (e.g., 450) with a PPLMN list stored in a subscriber identification module (114).

[0179] For example, if a PPLMN (the first PPLMN) corresponding to the acquired MCC (450) is included in a PPLMN list (e.g., the first PPLMN (450.30), the second PPLMN (440.50), the third PPLMN (441.01)), the electronic device (110) may determine that a PPLMN (the first PPLMN (450.30)) associated with the MCC (450) exists. On the other hand, if a PPLMN corresponding to the MCC (450) does not exist in a PPLMN list (e.g., the first PPLMN (440.10), the second PPLMN (440.11), the third PPLMN (460.11)), the electronic device (110) may determine that a PPLMN associated with the MCC (450) does not exist, or that a PPLMN does not exist in the current region.

[0180] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, if there is no PPLMN associated with the MCC or if registration for the PPLMN fails, the electronic device (110) may perform PLMN search by using a plurality of frequency bands (FB1a, FB1b, and FB1c) associated with the first RAT sequentially and / or sequentially. Here, the electronic device (110) may preferentially select the first RAT among a plurality of RATs based on a predetermined RAT order, and search for a PLMN to attempt registration by searching in the order of 'FB1a, FB1b, and FB1c' based on a predetermined BAND order of the first RAT.

[0181] In one embodiment, the electronic device (110) can detect the first PLMN (A1) in the first band (FB1a) among a plurality of frequency bands (FB1a, FB1b, and FB1c) associated with the first RAT during the PLMN search process.

[0182] In one embodiment, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register with the first PLMN (A1). Since the A PLMN in the wireless network environment does not have a roaming contract, the registration with the first PLMN (A1) may fail.

[0183] In one embodiment, if registration for the first PLMN (A1) fails, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search by using at least one frequency band following the first band sequentially and / or consecutively. Here, additional PLMN search may refer to searching for a new PLMN to attempt registration following the first PLMN.

[0184] In one embodiment, if registration for the first PLMN (A1) fails, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search by sequentially ('FB1b, FB1c') and / or sequentially using one or more bands (FB1b, FB1c) that follow the first band (FB1a) among a plurality of frequency bands (FB1a, FB1b, and FB1c) associated with the first RAT.

[0185] In one embodiment, the electronic device (110) may detect a second PLMN (C1) in a second band (FB1b) among one or more bands following the first band (FB1a) during an additional PLMN search process. If the electronic device (110) detects the second PLMN (C1), it may attempt to register the second PLMN (C1).

[0186] In one embodiment, since a roaming agreement for the C PLMN has been concluded in the current wireless network environment, registration for the second PLMN (C1) can be successful. The electronic device (110) can terminate additional PLMN search and perform communication using the registered second PLMN (C1).

[0187] In one embodiment, registration for the second PLMN (C1) may fail due to a real-time wireless network environment such as traffic overload. The electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search. During the additional PLMN search process, the electronic device (110) may detect the third PLMN (B1) in a third band (FB1c) that follows the second band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT. The electronic device (110) may attempt to register for the third PLMN (B1). However, registration for the third PLMN (B1) may fail under a roaming contract.

[0188] In one embodiment, if registration of all PLMNs (A1, B1, C1) detected in multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT fails, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search by sequentially and / or sequentially using multiple frequency bands (FB2a, FB2b, FB2c) associated with the second RAT that follows the first RAT. If, during the additional PLMN search process, the fourth PLMN (C2) is detected in the fourth band (FB2a) among the multiple frequency bands associated with the second RAT, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register the fourth PLMN (C2). In the current wireless network environment, since the C PLMN has entered into a roaming contract, registration of the fourth PLMN (C2) may be successful. Accordingly, the electronic device (110) may terminate the additional PLMN search associated with the second RAT and perform communication using the registered fourth PLMN (C2).

[0189] In the conventional method, if it is determined that there is no PPLMN associated with the MCC, the electronic device (110) can perform PLMN searching based on the order of signal strength, etc. Here, PLMN searching may represent a method of setting a specific target PLMN, searching for PLMNs that match the target PLMN in a frequency band, and attempting to register the detected PLMNs. That is, in the conventional method, the electronic device (110) sets the target PLMNs in order of PLMNs with high signal strength, searches for PLMNs that match the target PLMN in multiple frequency bands associated with each of the multiple RATs, and attempts to register only when such PLMNs are detected.

[0190] In the conventional method, the electronic device (110) can perform a PLMN search by first setting the A PLMN with the highest signal as the target PLMN. During the PLMN search process, the electronic device (110) can detect 'A1, C1, B1' of the first RAT and 'C2, A2, B2' of the second RAT in the order of a predetermined RAT / BAND. First, the electronic device (110) can detect A1 in the first band (FB1a) of the first RAT. Since it matches the target A PLMN, an attempt is made to register A1, but the registration fails because a roaming contract is not concluded. Next, the electronic device (110) can detect C1 in the second band (FB1b) of the first RAT. Since C1 does not match the target A PLMN, it is skipped and no attempt is made to register it. Next, the electronic device (110) can detect B1 in the third band (FB1c) of the first RAT. Since B1 does not match the target A PLMN, it is skipped and no registration is attempted. Next, the system switches to the second RAT. The electronic device (110) can detect C2 in the fourth band (FB2a) of the second RAT. Since C2 does not match the target A PLMN, it is skipped and no registration is attempted. Next, the electronic device (110) can detect A2 in the fifth band (FB2b) of the second RAT. Since it matches the target A PLMN, registration is attempted for A2, but registration fails because a roaming contract is not concluded. Next, the electronic device (110) can detect B2 in the sixth band (FB2c) of the second RAT. Since B2 does not match the target A PLMN, it is skipped and no registration is attempted.

[0191] In the conventional method, the electronic device (110) can perform a PLMN search by setting the B PLMN with the next highest signal strength as the target PLMN. First, the electronic device (110) can detect A1 in the first band (FB1a) of the first RAT. Since A1 does not match the target B PLMN, it is skipped and no registration is attempted. Next, the electronic device (110) can detect C1 in the second band (FB1b) of the first RAT. Since C1 does not match the target B PLMN, it is skipped and no registration is attempted. Next, the electronic device (110) can detect B1 in the third band (FB1c) of the first RAT. Since B1 matches the target B PLMN, registration is attempted for B1, but registration fails because a roaming contract has not been concluded. Next, it switches to the second RAT. The electronic device (110) can detect C2 in the fourth band (FB2a) of the second RAT. Since C2 does not match the target B PLMN, it is skipped and no registration is attempted. Next, the electronic device (110) can detect A2 in the fifth band (FB2b) of the second RAT. Since A2 does not match the target B PLMN, it is skipped and no registration is attempted. Next, the electronic device (110) can detect B2 in the sixth band (FB2c) of the second RAT. Since B2 matches the target B PLMN, registration is attempted for B2, but registration fails because no roaming contract is concluded.

[0192] In a conventional method, an electronic device (110) can perform a PLMN search by setting the C PLMN with the next highest signal strength as the target PLMN. First, the electronic device (110) can detect A1 in the first band (FB1a) of the first RAT. Since A1 does not match the target C PLMN, it is skipped and no registration is attempted. Next, the electronic device (110) can detect C1 in the second band (FB1b) of the first RAT. Since C1 matches the target C PLMN, registration is attempted for C1. Since the C PLMN has a roaming contract, registration for C1 can be successful. The electronic device (110) can perform communication using the registered C1.

[0193] According to this conventional method, even if a PLMN is detected, registration is not attempted for the detected PLMN if it does not match a specific target PLMN; therefore, if the target PLMN is not found even after all RATs and frequency bands have been searched, unnecessary searches may be repeated. Since a search of the entire frequency band may be performed at least once until a network connection is finally established, unnecessary search processes are added, and network registration delays may occur. Furthermore, according to the conventional method, since it relies on a pre-set signal strength-based search method and does not consider the actual possibility of network registration, it lacks flexibility regarding changes in the network environment, and network connection may be delayed.

[0194] On the other hand, in the method of the present disclosure, registration is attempted as soon as a PLMN is detected, so there is a high probability that network registration will be completed before the search for the entire frequency band is completed. That is, registration can be attempted sequentially and / or continuously for all PLMNs detected during the search process without an additional process of determining whether a match with a specific target PLMN is made.

[0195] With this configuration, the electronic device (110) searches for PLMNs by sequentially and / or sequentially utilizing multiple frequency bands associated with each of the multiple RATs, and attempts to register each detected PLMN sequentially and / or sequentially, thereby minimizing network registration delay and providing rapid network connection. Additionally, with this configuration, unnecessary search processes are minimized, reducing power consumption, improving the network connection success rate, and minimizing delays in the registration process.

[0196] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a control method of an electronic device for PLMN search and registration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0197] In one example, a wireless network environment may be configured as follows. Here, the wireless network environment may include a first RAT and a second RAT. The first RAT includes a first band (FB1a), a second band (FB1b), a third band (FB1c), and a fourth band (FB1d), and the second RAT may include a fifth band (FB2a), a sixth band (FB2b), and a seventh band (FB2c). Additionally, in the wireless network environment, the PLMN may be composed of an A PLMN, a B PLMN, and a C PLMN. The A PLMN may include 'A1' in the first band (FB1a) within the first RAT and 'A2' in the sixth band (FB2b) within the second RAT. The B PLMN may include 'B1' in the third band (FB1c) within the first RAT and 'B2' in the seventh band (FB2c) within the second RAT. C PLMN may include 'C1a' in the second band (FB1b) within the first RAT, 'C1b' in the fourth band (FB1d) within the first RAT, and 'C2' in the fifth band (FB2a) within the second RAT. Additionally, in the wireless network environment, the electronic device (110) may search for RATs and frequency bands based on predetermined sequences. The predetermined RAT sequence is sequentially the first RAT and the second RAT, and the signal strength may be highest at A PLMN, followed by B PLMN and then C PLMN. The predetermined BAND sequence of the first RAT (first frequency band sequence) corresponds to 'first band (FB1a), second band (FB1b), third band (FB1c), and fourth band (FB1d)', and the predetermined BAND sequence of the second RAT (second frequency band sequence) may correspond to 'fifth band (FB2a), sixth band (FB2b), and seventh band (FB2c)'. Additionally, in the region where the electronic device is currently located, the roaming agreement may be concluded only with the C PLMN.Even if a PLMN is detected in a specific RAT and frequency band, network registration may be restricted for PLMNs for which no roaming contract has been concluded. Unless the current network environment, such as roaming contracts, changes, PLMN A or PLMN B may not be registered even if detected. Below, any content in the description of FIG. 9 that overlaps with FIG. 1 through 8 may be omitted or described briefly.

[0198] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, if there is no PPLMN associated with the MCC or if registration for the PPLMN fails, the electronic device (110) may prioritize selecting the first RAT to perform PLMN search. The electronic device (110) may detect the first PLMN (A1) in the first band (FB1a) among a plurality of frequency bands (FB1a, FB1b, FB1c, and FB1d) associated with the first RAT and attempt to register it. However, since the A PLMN is in a state where no roaming contract has been concluded, registration for the first PLMN (A1) may fail.

[0199] In one embodiment, if registration for the first PLMN (A1) fails, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search in the second band (FB1b) following the first band (FB1a) within the first RAT to detect the second PLMN (C1a) and attempt to register it. Since the C PLMN has a roaming contract, registration for the second PLMN (C1a) may be successful. The electronic device (110) may terminate the additional PLMN search and perform communication using the registered second PLMN (C1).

[0200] In one embodiment, registration for the second PLMN (C1) may fail due to a real-time wireless network environment such as traffic overload. The electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search by sequentially and / or sequentially using one or more frequency bands (FB1b, FB1c, and FB1d) following the first band (FB1a) in the first RAT.

[0201] In one embodiment, if registration for the third PLMN (B1) under the roaming contract fails, the electronic device (110) may detect C1b by performing an additional PLMN search in the fourth band (FB1d) of the first RAT. The electronic device (110) may attempt to register for C1b. Since a roaming contract for the C PLMN has been concluded, registration for C1b may be successful.

[0202] In another embodiment, if registration to the third PLMN (B1) under the roaming contract fails, the electronic device (110) may detect C1b by performing an additional PLMN search in the fourth band (FB1d) of the first RAT. At this time, the electronic device (110) may determine whether there is a history of an attempt to register to the C PLMN before attempting to register to C1b. In this case, since there has been an attempt to register to C1a, the electronic device (110) may store information associated with C1b (e.g., C PLMN, C1a, C1b) in a registration retry list and perform an additional PLMN search. Subsequently, the electronic device (110) may attempt registration again using the PLMNs stored in the registration retry list before the PLMN search for the first RAT is completed and before switching to the second RAT. For example, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register again for C1a. When retrying, registration for C1a may be successful due to changes in the wireless network environment, such as the alleviation of traffic overload. Additionally, even if registration for C1a is not successful, registration for C1b may be achieved. According to this configuration, the electronic device (110) can efficiently perform network connections corresponding to a predetermined BAND order or a preferred BAND order.

[0203] In another embodiment, if registration to the third PLMN (B1) under the roaming contract fails, the electronic device (110) may detect C1b by performing an additional PLMN search in the fourth band (FB1d) of the first RAT. At this time, the electronic device (110) may determine whether there is a history of attempted registration for the C PLMN before attempting to register for C1b. If there is a history of attempted registration for the C PLMN (C1a), the electronic device (110) may determine whether the frequency band of the C1a, for which past registration was attempted, and the currently detected C1b are different. Even if the PLMNs are the same, if the frequency bands are different, the electronic device (110) may attempt to register for the currently detected PLMN (C1b). According to this configuration, the electronic device (110) can perform a faster network connection.

[0204] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a control method of an electronic device for PLMN search and registration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0205] In one example, a wireless network environment may be configured as follows. The wireless network environment may include a first RAT, a second RAT, a third RAT, and a fourth RAT. Here, the first RAT may correspond to a 4G network, the second RAT to a 3G network, the third RAT to a 2G network, and the fourth RAT to an SA network. The first RAT may include a first band (FB1a), a second band (FB1b), a third band (FB1c), and a fourth band (FB1d), and the second RAT may include a fifth band (FB2a), a sixth band (FB2b), a seventh band (FB2c), and an eighth band (FB2d). Additionally, the third RAT may include a ninth band (FB3a), a tenth band (FB3b), an eleventh band (FB3c), and a twelfth band (FB3d), and the fourth RAT may include a thirteenth band (FB4a), a fourteenth band (FB4b), a fifteenth band (FB4c), and a sixteenth band (FB4d). In this environment, the PLMN may be composed of an A PLMN, a B PLMN, a C PLMN, and a D PLMN. The A PLMN may include 'A1' in the first band (FB1a) within the first RAT, 'A2' in the seventh band (FB2c) within the second RAT, 'A3' in the tenth band (FB3b) within the third RAT, and 'A4' in the fifteenth band (FB4c) within the fourth RAT. B PLMN may include 'B1' in the 4th band (FB1d) within the 1st RAT, 'B2' in the 6th band (FB2c) within the 2nd RAT, and 'B3' in the 12th band (FB3d) within the 3rd RAT. C PLMN may include 'C1' in the 2nd band (FB1b) within the 1st RAT, 'C2' in the 8th band (FB2d) within the 2nd RAT, 'C3' in the 9th band (FB3a) within the 3rd RAT, and 'C4' in the 14th band (FB4b) within the 4th RAT.D PLMN may include 'D1' in the third band (FB1c) within the first RAT, 'D2' in the fifth band (FB2a) within the second RAT, and 'D3' in the eleventh band (FB3c) within the third RAT. The predetermined RAT order is sequentially the first RAT, the second RAT, the third RAT, and the fourth RAT, and the signal strength may be highest at A PLMN, followed by B PLMN, C PLMN, and D PLMN in decreasing order. The predetermined BAND order of the first RAT (first frequency band order) corresponds to 'FB1a, FB1b, FB1c, FB1d', and the predetermined BAND order of the second RAT (second frequency band order) corresponds to 'FB2a, FB2b, FB2c, FB2d'. The predetermined BAND sequence of the third RAT (third frequency band sequence) corresponds to 'FB3a, FB3b, FB3c, FB3d', and the predetermined BAND sequence of the fourth RAT (fourth frequency band sequence) may correspond to 'FB4a, FB4b, FB4c, FB4d'. Additionally, in the region where the electronic device is currently located, roaming contracts may be concluded only with C PLMN and D PLMN. Therefore, even if a PLMN is detected in a specific RAT and frequency band, network registration may be restricted in the case of a PLMN for which no roaming contract has been concluded. Unless the network environment, such as the current roaming contract, is changed, A PLMN or B PLMN may not be registered even if detected. Additionally, C1, C3, and D2 may correspond to F PLMN. Below, any content in the description of FIG. 10 that overlaps with FIG. 1 through 9 may be omitted or described briefly.

[0206] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, if there is no PPLMN associated with the MCC or if registration for the PPLMN fails, the electronic device (110) may prioritize selecting the first RAT to perform PLMN search. The electronic device (110) may detect the first PLMN (A1) in the first band (FB1a) among a plurality of frequency bands (FB1a, FB1b, FB1c, and FB1d) associated with the first RAT and attempt to register it. At this time, the electronic device (110) may determine whether a roaming contract has been concluded for the A PLMN and / or whether the A1 is an FPLMN. However, since the A PLMN has not entered into a roaming contract, registration for the first PLMN (A1) may fail.

[0207] In one embodiment, if registration for A1 fails, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search within the first RAT. The electronic device (110) may detect C1 in a second band (FB1b) following the first band (FB1a) and attempt to register it. At this time, the electronic device (110) may determine whether a roaming contract has been concluded for the C PLMN and / or whether C1 corresponds to an FPLMN. A roaming contract may have been concluded for the C PLMN, but C1 may correspond to an FPLMN. Accordingly, registration for C1 may fail. The electronic device (110) may store information related to the history of registration attempts for C1 (e.g., C PLMN, C1 frequency band (FB1b), time of registration attempt, reason for registration failure, etc.) in a registration retry list for the first RAT.

[0208] In one embodiment, if registration for C1 fails, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN within the first RAT. The electronic device (110) may detect D1 in a second band (FB1b) following the first band (FB1a) and attempt to register it. The electronic device (110) may determine whether a roaming contract has been concluded for the D PLMN and / or whether D1 is an FPLMN. Since the D PLMN has a roaming contract and D1 is not an FPLMN, registration for D1 may be successful.

[0209] In one embodiment, if registration for D1 fails due to traffic overload or the like, the electronic device (110) may store information related to the history of attempts to register D1 in a registration retry list for the first RAT. Additionally, the electronic device (110) may detect D1 in a second band (FB1b) following the first band (FB1a) within the first RAT and attempt to register it. Since no roaming contract has been concluded for D1, registration for D1 may fail.

[0210] In one embodiment, when PLMN search for the first RAT is completed, the electronic device (110) may retry registration for the PLMN stored in the registration retry list before switching to the second RAT. For example, registration for C1 or D1 may be successful depending on changes in the network environment, such as FPLMN release or traffic overload reduction.

[0211] In one embodiment, if a valid PLMN can no longer be detected in the first RAT or if registration for all PLMNs in the first RAT fails, the electronic device (110) may switch to a second RAT following the first RAT to perform additional PLMN search. Here, the electronic device (110) may detect D2 in the fifth band (FB2a) among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT and attempt to register it. Registration for D2 under the roaming contract may be successful.

[0212] For reference, when a RAT is switched, the history of PLMN registration attempts from the previous RAT may not directly determine whether PLMN registration is possible in the new RAT. That is, even if a registration attempt for D1 in the first RAT failed prior to the registration attempt for D2, a registration attempt for D2 detected in the second RAT may be performed separately. This is because network operators may operate different registration policies for each RAT, and roaming agreements may be applied differently for each RAT. Furthermore, since each different RAT uses a different frequency band, environmental factors such as network quality, congestion, and signal strength may differ even for the same PLMN. Accordingly, the independence of PLMN registration attempt history between RATs can be recognized.

[0213] In one embodiment, if registration for D2 fails due to traffic overload or the like, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search by sequentially and / or sequentially using one or more bands following the fifth band (FB2a) in the second RAT. The electronic device (110) may detect 'B2, A2, C2' in sequence sequentially and / or sequentially, and attempt to register for each PLMN in response to each PLMN being detected. Under the roaming agreement, registration for B2 and A2 may fail, and registration for C2, which does not correspond to an FPLMN, may succeed.

[0214] In one embodiment, if a valid PLMN can no longer be detected in the second RAT or if registration for all PLMNs in the second RAT fails, the electronic device (110) may switch to a third RAT following the second RAT to perform additional PLMN searches. Here, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN searches by using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the third RAT sequentially and / or consecutively. The electronic device (110) may detect 'C3, A3, D3, B3' sequentially and / or consecutively. Since C3 corresponds to an FPLMN and A3 does not have a roaming contract, registration for C3 and A3 may fail. Registration for D3 may succeed. However, if registration for D3 fails due to the network environment, the electronic device (110) may attempt registration for B3.

[0215] In one embodiment, if valid PLMNs can no longer be detected in the third RAT or if registration for all PLMNs in the third RAT fails, the electronic device (110) may switch to a fourth RAT following the third RAT to perform additional PLMN search. Here, the electronic device (110) may perform additional PLMN search by using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the fourth RAT sequentially and / or consecutively. The electronic device (110) may detect 'C4, A4' sequentially and / or consecutively and attempt to register each. Registration for C4 may be successful.

[0217] An electronic device (110) according to one embodiment may include at least one processor (111) and a memory (112) that stores instructions and is electrically connected to the at least one processor (111). For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may be configured to: detect a mobile country code (MCC) associated with the location of the electronic device (110) based on a specified event; if a preferred public land mobile network (PPLMN) associated with the MCC does not exist, perform PLMN scanning using a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first radio access technology (RAT) in sequence; and if, during the PLMN scanning process, a first PLMN is detected in a first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, attempt to register the first PLMN; and if registration for the first PLMN fails, perform additional PLMN scanning using at least one frequency band following the first band in sequence.

[0218] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may be configured to: perform the additional PLMN search by sequentially using one or more bands following the first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT when registration for the first PLMN fails, and attempt to register for the second PLMN when the second PLMN is detected in the second band among the one or more bands following the first band during the additional PLMN search process.

[0219] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may be configured to: perform the additional PLMN search using the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT that follows the first RAT when registration of all PLMNs detected in the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT fails, and attempt to register the second PLMN when the second PLMN is detected in the second band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT during the additional PLMN search process.

[0220] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may be configured to: stop searching for the PLMN using the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT sequentially when the registration of the first PLMN is successful, and to perform communication using the registered first PLMN.

[0221] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may be configured to: identify whether there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN before attempting to register the first PLMN when the first PLMN is detected, and if there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN before attempting to register the first PLMN, identify whether the first PLMN corresponds to a forbidden PLMN (FPLMN).

[0222] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may be configured to perform the additional PLMN search by sequentially using the at least one frequency band following the first band when the first PLMN corresponds to the FPLMN.

[0223] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may be configured to: store information associated with the first PLMN in a registration retry list associated with the first RAT when the first PLMN does not correspond to the FPLMN; perform the additional PLMN search by sequentially using one or more bands following the first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT; and, when the additional PLMN is no longer detected by sequentially using the one or more bands following the first band during the additional PLMN search process, sequentially retry registration for each of the one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT.

[0224] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may be configured to: perform the additional PLMN search using a plurality of frequency bands associated with a second RAT that follows the first RAT when registration fails for all of the one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT, and attempt to register the second PLMN when the second PLMN is detected in the second band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT during the additional PLMN search process.

[0225] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may be configured to attempt to register the second PLMN if, in the additional PLMN search process, the second PLMN is detected in the second band among the one or more bands following the first band.

[0226] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (110) may further include a subscriber identification module (114) electrically connected to the memory (112) and the at least one processor (111). For example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may be configured to identify the presence of a PPLMN associated with the MCC based on the PPLMN information identified through the subscriber identification module (114) and the detected MCC. For example, the subscriber identification module (114) may include at least one of a SIM (subscriber identity module), an eSIM (electronic SIM), an iSIM (integrated SIM), a UICC (universal integrated circuit card), or an eUICC (embedded UICC).

[0227] A control method for an electronic device according to one embodiment may include, based on a designated event, an operation of detecting a mobile country code (MCC) associated with the location of the electronic device; an operation of performing PLMN scanning by sequentially using a plurality of frequency bands associated with a radio access technology (RAT) when a preferred public land mobile network (PPLMN) associated with the MCC does not exist; an operation of attempting to register a first PLMN when a first PLMN is detected in a first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT during the PLMN scanning process; and an operation of performing additional PLMN scanning by sequentially using at least one frequency band following the first band when registration for the first PLMN fails.

[0228] According to one embodiment, the operation of performing the additional PLMN search may include, when registration for the first PLMN fails, sequentially utilizing one or more bands following the first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT to perform the additional PLMN search. Additionally, the method may further include, during the additional PLMN search process, an operation of attempting to register the second PLMN when the second PLMN is detected in the second band among the one or more bands following the first band.

[0229] According to one embodiment, the operation of performing the additional PLMN search includes, when registration of all PLMNs identified in the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT fails, performing the additional PLMN search by sequentially using the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT following the first RAT, and the method may further include, during the additional PLMN search process, an operation of attempting to register the second PLMN when the second PLMN is detected in the second band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT.

[0230] According to one embodiment, the method may further include, when registration of the first PLMN is successful, an operation of stopping the search for the PLMN using the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT sequentially, and an operation of performing communication using the registered first PLMN.

[0231] According to one embodiment, the method may further include, when the first PLMN is detected, an operation of identifying whether there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN before attempting to register the first PLMN, and if there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN before attempting to register the first PLMN, an operation of identifying whether the first PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN (forbidden PLMN).

[0232] According to one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of performing the additional PLMN search by sequentially using the at least one frequency band following the first band when the first PLMN corresponds to the FPLMN.

[0233] According to one embodiment, the method may further include: an operation of storing information associated with the first PLMN in a registration retry list associated with the first RAT when the first PLMN does not correspond to the FPLMN; an operation of performing the additional PLMN search by sequentially using one or more bands following the first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT; and an operation of sequentially retrying registration for each of the one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT when the additional PLMN is no longer detected by sequentially using the one or more bands following the first band during the additional PLMN search process.

[0234] According to one embodiment, the method may further include, when registration fails for all of the one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT, an operation of performing the additional PLMN search by sequentially using a plurality of frequency bands associated with a second RAT following the first RAT; and when, during the additional PLMN search process, a second PLMN is detected in a second band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT, an operation of attempting to register the second PLMN.

[0235] According to one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of attempting to register the second PLMN when, in the additional PLMN search process, the second PLMN is detected in the second band among the one or more bands following the first band.

[0236] A computer-readable non-transient recording medium according to one embodiment may store instructions. When the instructions are executed by at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may be configured to perform: an operation of detecting a mobile country code (MCC) associated with the location of the electronic device based on a specified event; an operation of performing PLMN scanning by sequentially using a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first radio access technology (RAT) when a preferred public land mobile network (PPLMN) associated with the MCC does not exist; an operation of attempting to register the first PLMN when the first PLMN is detected in the first band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT during the PLMN scanning process; and an operation of performing additional PLMN scanning by sequentially using at least one frequency band following the first band when registration for the first PLMN fails.

[0238] An electronic device (110) according to one embodiment may include at least one communication circuit (113), at least one processor (111), and a memory (112) that stores instructions and is electrically connected to the at least one communication circuit (113) and the at least one processor (111). For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) performs a first signal scanning for PLMN (public land mobile network) registration by consecutively utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT (radio access technology) through the at least one communication circuit (113); while performing the first signal scanning, in response to a signal being detected in a first frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, attempts to register a first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band through the at least one communication circuit (113); and in response to a failure to register a first PLMN, consecutively utilizes the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands, excluding the at least one frequency band detected from the first signal scanning, through the at least one communication circuit (113). A second signal search for PLMN registration is performed, and while performing the second signal search, in response to a signal being detected in a second frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, an attempt is made to register a second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band through the at least one communication circuit (113), and in response to a failure to register the second PLMN, through the at least one communication circuit (113),Among the plurality of frequency bands, a third signal search for PLMN registration is performed by consequently utilizing the remaining frequency bands excluding at least one frequency band searched from the first signal search and the second signal search. If registration for PLMN fails while the signal search for PLMN registration is completed by consequently utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT after performing the third signal search, a fourth signal search for PLMN registration can be performed by consequently utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT that sequentially follows the first RAT through the at least one communication circuit (113).

[0239] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may: stop the first signal search and perform communication using the registered first PLMN if registration for the first PLMN is successful.

[0240] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) can: identify whether there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band in response to the detection of a signal in the first frequency band, and if there is no history of an attempt to register the first PLMN before the attempt to register the first PLMN, attempt to register the first PLMN through the at least one communication circuit.

[0241] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may: identify whether the first PLMN corresponds to a forbidden PLMN (FPLMN) if there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN prior to an attempt to register the first PLMN, and if the first PLMN corresponds to a forbidden PLMN, perform the second signal search through the at least one communication circuit without attempting to register the first PLMN.

[0242] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may: store information associated with the first PLMN in a registration retry list associated with the first RAT when the first PLMN does not correspond to an FPLMN, perform the second signal search through the at least one communication circuit, and attempt to register the second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band through the at least one communication circuit in response to the detection of a signal in the second frequency band while performing the second signal search.

[0243] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may: perform a registration retry by continuously using one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT through the at least one communication circuit when the registration for PLMN fails while the signal search for PLMN registration using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT is completed after performing the second signal search.

[0244] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may: stop the registration retry and perform communication using the registered third PLMN if registration for the third PLMN among the one or more PLMNs is successful while performing the registration retry.

[0245] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may: perform the fourth signal search when registration fails for all of the one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT, and attempt to register the third PLMN corresponding to the third frequency band through the at least one communication circuit in response to the detection of a signal in the third frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT while performing the fourth signal search.

[0246] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may: detect a mobile country code (MCC) associated with the location of the electronic device through the at least one communication circuit based on a specified event, and if a preferred PLMN (PPLMN) associated with the MCC does not exist, perform the first signal search through the at least one communication circuit.

[0247] An electronic device (110) according to one embodiment may further include at least one subscriber identification module (114) electrically connected to the communication circuit (113), the at least one processor (111), and the memory (112). For example, the subscriber identification module may include at least one of a SIM (subscriber identity module), an eSIM (electronic SIM), an iSIM (integrated SIM), a UICC (universal integrated circuit card), or an eUICC (embedded UICC). For example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (111), the electronic device (110) may identify the presence of a PPLMN associated with the MCC based on the PPLMN information identified through the subscriber identification module and the detected MCC.

[0248] According to one embodiment, a control method for an electronic device (110) comprises: performing a first signal scanning for PLMN (public land mobile network) registration by consecutively utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT (radio access technology) through at least one communication circuit of the electronic device; attempting to register a first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band through the at least one communication circuit in response to a signal being detected in a first frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT while performing the first signal scanning; performing a second signal scanning for PLMN registration by consecutively utilizing the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band detected from the first signal scanning, through the at least one communication circuit in response to a failure to register the first PLMN; and, in response to a signal being detected in a second frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT while performing the second signal scanning. The operation of attempting to register a second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band through the at least one communication circuit, in response to the failure of the registration of the second PLMN, the operation of performing a third signal search for PLMN registration through the at least one communication circuit by consequentially using the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band searched from the first signal search and the second signal search, and while the signal search for PLMN registration is completed by consequentially using the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT after performing the third signal search.If registration for the PLMN fails, the method may include an operation to perform a fourth signal search for PLMN registration by consequentially utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a second RAT that sequentially follows the first RAT through the at least one communication circuit.

[0249] According to one embodiment, the method may further include, when registration of the first PLMN is successful, an operation to stop the first signal search, and an operation to perform communication using the registered first PLMN.

[0250] According to one embodiment, the operation of attempting to register the first PLMN may include, in response to the detection of a signal in the first frequency band, an operation of identifying whether there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN before attempting to register the first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band, and an operation of attempting to register the first PLMN if there is no history of an attempt to register the first PLMN before attempting to register the first PLMN.

[0251] According to one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of identifying whether the first PLMN corresponds to a forbidden PLMN (FPLMN) if there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN prior to an attempt to register the first PLMN, and an operation of performing the second signal search without attempting to register the first PLMN if the first PLMN corresponds to a forbidden PLMN.

[0252] According to one embodiment, the method may further include, when the first PLMN does not correspond to an FPLMN, storing information associated with the first PLMN in a registration retry list associated with the first RAT, and performing the second signal search without attempting to register the first PLMN.

[0253] According to one embodiment, the method may further include, if registration of a PLMN fails while signal search for PLMN registration using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT is completed after performing the second signal search, an operation of performing a registration retry by continuously using one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT through the at least one communication circuit.

[0254] According to one embodiment, the method may further include, if registration of a third PLMN among the one or more PLMNs is successful while performing the registration retry, an operation to stop the registration retry, and an operation to perform communication using the registered third PLMN.

[0255] According to one embodiment, the operation of performing the fourth signal search may include the operation of performing the fourth signal search when registration fails for all of the one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT. For example, the method may further include the operation of attempting to register a third PLMN corresponding to the third frequency band through the at least one communication circuit in response to the detection of a signal in the third frequency band among a plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT while performing the fourth signal search.

[0256] According to one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of detecting a mobile country code (MCC) associated with the location of the electronic device through the at least one communication circuit based on a specified event. For example, the operation of performing the first signal search may include an operation of performing the first signal search through the at least one communication circuit when a preferred PLMN (PPLMN) associated with the MCC does not exist.

[0257] According to one embodiment, a computer-readable non-transient recording medium can store instructions. For example, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, an electronic device: an operation of performing a first signal scanning for PLMN (public land mobile network) registration by consecutively utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT (radio access technology) through at least one communication circuit of the electronic device; an operation of attempting to register a first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band through the at least one communication circuit in response to a signal being detected in the first frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT while performing the first signal scanning; an operation of performing a second signal scanning for PLMN registration by consecutively utilizing the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band detected from the first signal scanning, through the at least one communication circuit in response to the failure of registration for the first PLMN; and a second frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT while performing the second signal scanning. In response to the detection of a signal in a band, an operation of attempting to register a second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band through the at least one communication circuit; in response to the failure of registration of the second PLMN, an operation of performing a third signal search for PLMN registration through the at least one communication circuit by consequentially using the remaining frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band searched from the first signal search and the second signal search among the plurality of frequency bands.And, if registration for PLMN fails while signal search for PLMN registration is completed by sequentially using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT after performing the third signal search, the operation of performing a fourth signal search for PLMN registration by sequentially using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT that sequentially follows the first RAT through the at least one communication circuit may be configured.

[0259] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device (1100) capable of performing the operations described in this document.

[0260] Referring to FIG. 11, the electronic device (1100) may be one of various forms of electronic devices, such as a notebook (1190), smartphones (1191) having various form factors (e.g., a bar-type smartphone (1191-1), a foldable-type smartphone (1191-2), or a sliderable (or rollable)-type smartphone (1191-3)), a tablet (1192), a cellular phone (not shown), and other similar computing devices (not shown). The components, their relationships, and their functions illustrated in FIG. 11 are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the implementations described or claimed herein. The electronic device (1100) may be referred to as a mobile device, a user device, a multifunction device, a portable device, or a server.

[0261] The electronic device (1100) may include components comprising at least one processor (1110) (hereinafter referred to as processor (1110)), at least one memory (1120) (hereinafter referred to as memory (1120)), at least one display (1140) (hereinafter referred to as display (1140)), at least one image sensor (1150) (hereinafter referred to as image sensor (1150)), at least one communication circuit (1160) (hereinafter referred to as communication circuit (1160)), and / or at least one sensor (1170) (hereinafter referred to as sensor (1170)). The components are merely exemplary. For example, the electronic device (1100) may include other components (e.g., power management integrated circuitry (PMIC), audio processing circuit, antenna, rechargeable battery, or input / output interface). For example, some components may be omitted from the electronic device (1100). For example, some components can be integrated into a single component.

[0262] The processor (1110) may be implemented as one or more IC (integrated circuit (or circuitry)) chips and may perform various data processing operations. The processor (1110) may include at least one electrical circuit and may process instructions (or programs, data, etc.) stored in memory (1120) individually or collectively in a distributed manner. The processor (1110) may include a processor assembly comprising one or more processing circuits. The processor (1110) may include any processing circuit that is operative to control the performance and operation of one or more components of the electronic device (1100) (e.g., memory (1120), display (1140), image sensor (1150), communication circuit (1160), and / or sensor (1170)). For example, a processor (1110) (e.g., an application processor (AP)) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) (e.g., a single chip or a chipset). For example, the processor (1110) may be implemented as a plurality of cores (or at least one core circuit), a plurality of chips, or a plurality of chipsets. For example, the processor (1110) may include one or more processing circuits. For example, the processor (1110) may include one or more processing circuits configured to perform the various functions of the present disclosure individually and / or collectively. As an example without limitation, at least a portion of the processor (1110) may be included in a first chip of the electronic device (1100), and at least another portion of the processor (1110) may be included in a second chip of the electronic device (1100) different from the first chip of the electronic device (1100).

[0263] For example, the processor (1110) may include a central processing unit (1111), a graphics processing unit (1112), a neural processing unit (1113), an image signal processor (1114), a display controller (1115), a memory controller (1116), a storage controller (1117), a communication processor (1118), and / or a sensor interface (1119). These components of the processor (1110) are merely exemplary. For example, the processor (1110) may include other components. For example, some components of the processor (1110) may be omitted from the processor (1110). For example, some components of the processor (1110) may be included as separate components of the electronic device (1100) outside of the processor (1110). For example, some components of the processor (1110) (e.g., memory controller (1116)) may be included in other components (e.g., at least part of memory (1120), an interface (e.g. available for connection to at least one component of the electronic device (100)), a display (1140) and / or an image sensor (1150)).

[0264] The processor (1110) may cause other components of the electronic device (1100) to perform various operations by executing instructions stored in memory (1120). The CPU (1111) (or central processing circuit) may be configured to control the components of the processor (1110) based on the execution of instructions stored in memory (1120) (e.g., volatile memory (1121) and / or non-volatile memory (1122)). The GPU (1112) (or graphics processing circuit) may be configured to execute parallel operations (e.g., rendering). The NPU (1113) (or neural processing circuit, or AI (artificial intelligence) chip) may be configured to execute operations for an artificial intelligence model (e.g., convolution computation). An ISP (1114) (or image signal processing circuit) may be configured to process a raw image acquired through an image sensor (1150) into a format suitable for a component within an electronic device (1100) or a component of a processor (1110). A display controller (1115) (or display control circuit, or DPU (display processing unit)) may be configured to process an image acquired from a CPU (1111), GPU (1112), ISP (1114), or memory (1120) (e.g., volatile memory (1121)) into a format suitable for a display (1140). A memory controller (1116) (or memory control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from volatile memory (1121) and writing data to volatile memory (1121). The storage controller (1117) (or storage control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from non-volatile memory (1122) and writing data to non-volatile memory (1122).The CP (1118) (communication processing circuit) may be configured to process data obtained from a component of the processor (1110) into a format suitable for transmitting to another electronic device via the communication circuit (1160), or to process data obtained from another electronic device via the communication circuit (1160) into a format suitable for processing by the component of the processor (1110). For example, the communication circuit (1160) may include one or more communication circuits. The sensor interface (1119) (or sensing data processing circuit, sensor hub) may be configured to process data regarding the state of the electronic device (1100) and / or the state around the electronic device (1100), obtained through the sensor (1170), into a format suitable for the component of the processor (1110).

[0265] Memory (1120) may include one or more storage media (or one or more storage devices). For example, memory (1120) may include a memory assembly comprising one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include a hard drive, a flash memory, a permanent memory such as ROM (read-only memory) (e.g., non-volatile memory (1122)), a semi-permanent memory such as RAM (random access memory) (e.g., volatile memory (1121)), any other suitable type of storage (or storage assembly), or any combination thereof. Memory (1120) may include a cache memory, which is one or more different types of memory used to temporarily store data for a function or feature of the electronic device (1100). As an example not limited to, the cache memory may be included within the processor (1110). The memory (1120) may be fixedly embedded within the electronic device (1100) or incorporated into one or more suitable types of components (e.g., a SIM (subscriber identity module) card and / or an SD (secure digital) card) that can be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the electronic device (1100).

[0266] For example, memory (1120) may store one or more software applications, such as operating system (or system) software applications, firmware software applications, driver software applications, plugin (e.g., add-in, add-on, and / or applet) software applications, and / or any other suitable software applications. For example, the one or more software applications may include instructions executable by the processor (1110). For example, memory (1120) may store instructions that can be called by an application programming interface (API). For example, memory (1120) may store instructions within a library.

[0267] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the components included in the invention are expressed in a singular or plural form according to the specific embodiments presented. However, the singular or plural expression is selected to suit the situation presented for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components; even if a component is expressed in the plural form, it may be composed of a singular form, or even if a component is expressed in the singular form, it may be composed of a plural form.

[0268] Meanwhile, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples provided to facilitate the explanation of the technical content of the present disclosure and to aid in understanding the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that other variations based on the technical concept of the present disclosure are possible. Furthermore, each of the above embodiments may be combined and operated together as needed. For example, parts of one embodiment of the present disclosure and another embodiment may be combined to operate a base station and a terminal.

Claims

Claim 1 In an electronic device, at least one communication circuit; at least one processor; The electronic device includes a memory that stores instructions and is electrically connected to the at least one communication circuit and the at least one processor, wherein when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: performs a first signal scanning for PLMN (public land mobile network) registration by consecutively utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT (radio access technology) through the at least one communication circuit; while performing the first signal scanning, in response to a signal being detected in a first frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, attempts to register a first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band through the at least one communication circuit; and in response to a failure to register a first PLMN, by consecutively utilizing the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands excluding the at least one frequency band detected from the first signal scanning through the at least one communication circuit. A second signal search for registration is performed, and while performing the second signal search, in response to a signal being detected in a second frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, an attempt is made to register a second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band through the at least one communication circuit, and in response to a failure to register the second PLMN, through the at least one communication circuit,An electronic device that performs a third signal search for PLMN registration by consequently utilizing the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band searched from the first signal search and the second signal search, and, if registration for PLMN fails while the signal search for PLMN registration is completed by consequently utilizing the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT after performing the third signal search, performs a fourth signal search for PLMN registration by consequently utilizing the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT that sequentially follows the first RAT through the at least one communication circuit. Claim 2 In claim 1, the electronic device, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, wherein the electronic device: stops the first signal search and performs communication using the registered first PLMN when the registration of the first PLMN is successful. Claim 3 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: identifies whether there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band in response to the detection of a signal in the first frequency band, and if there is no history of an attempt to register the first PLMN prior to the attempt to register the first PLMN, attempts to register the first PLMN through the at least one communication circuit. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the electronic device, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, identifies whether the first PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN (forbidden PLMN) if there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN prior to an attempt to register the first PLMN, and if the first PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN, performs the second signal search through the at least one communication circuit without attempting to register the first PLMN. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the electronic device, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, wherein the electronic device: if the first PLMN does not correspond to an FPLMN, stores information associated with the first PLMN in a registration retry list associated with the first RAT, performs the second signal search through the at least one communication circuit, and, in response to the detection of a signal in the second frequency band while performing the second signal search, attempts to register the second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band through the at least one communication circuit. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the electronic device, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, wherein the electronic device: performs a registration retry by sequentially using one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT through the at least one communication circuit when the registration for PLMN fails during the completion of a signal search for PLMN registration using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT after performing the second signal search. Claim 7 In paragraph 6, the electronic device, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, wherein the electronic device: stops the registration retry and performs communication using the registered third PLMN if registration for the third PLMN among the one or more PLMNs is successful while performing the registration retry. Claim 8 In claim 6, the electronic device, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, performs the fourth signal search when registration fails for all of the one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT, and attempts to register the third PLMN corresponding to the third frequency band through the at least one communication circuit in response to the detection of a signal in the third frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT while performing the fourth signal search. Claim 9 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: detects a mobile country code (MCC) associated with the location of the electronic device through the at least one communication circuit based on a specified event, and if a preferred PLMN (PPLMN) associated with the MCC does not exist, performs the first signal search through the at least one communication circuit. Claim 10 An electronic device according to claim 9, further comprising the communication circuit, the at least one processor, and at least one subscriber identification module electrically connected to the memory, wherein, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: identifies the presence of a PPLMN associated with the MCC based on PPLMN information identified through the subscriber identification module and the detected MCC, and the subscriber identification module comprises at least one of a SIM (subscriber identity module), an eSIM (electronic SIM), an iSIM (integrated SIM), a UICC (universal integrated circuit card), or an eUICC (embedded UICC). Claim 11 A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: an operation of performing a first signal scanning for PLMN (public land mobile network) registration by consecutively utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT (radio access technology) through at least one communication circuit of the electronic device; an operation of attempting to register a first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band through the at least one communication circuit in response to a signal being detected in a first frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT while performing the first signal scanning; and an operation of performing a second signal scanning for PLMN registration by consecutively utilizing the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band detected from the first signal scanning, through the at least one communication circuit in response to a failure to register the first PLMN. During the second signal search, in response to the detection of a signal in the second frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, an operation of attempting to register a second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band through the at least one communication circuit; in response to the failure of the registration of the second PLMN, an operation of performing a third signal search for PLMN registration through the at least one communication circuit by consequentially utilizing the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band searched from the first signal search and the second signal search;A method comprising, if registration for PLMN fails while signal search for PLMN registration is completed by sequentially using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT after performing the third signal search, performing a fourth signal search for PLMN registration by sequentially using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT that sequentially follows the first RAT through the at least one communication circuit. Claim 12 A method according to claim 11, further comprising: an operation to stop the first signal search when the registration of the first PLMN is successful; and an operation to perform communication using the registered first PLMN. Claim 13 A method according to claim 11, wherein the operation of attempting to register the first PLMN comprises: an operation of identifying whether there is a history of attempting to register the first PLMN before attempting to register the first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band in response to the detection of a signal in the first frequency band; and an operation of attempting to register the first PLMN if there is no history of attempting to register the first PLMN before attempting to register the first PLMN. Claim 14 A method according to claim 13, further comprising: an operation of identifying whether the first PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN (forbidden PLMN) if there is a history of an attempt to register the first PLMN prior to an attempt to register the first PLMN; and an operation of performing the second signal search without attempting to register the first PLMN if the first PLMN corresponds to an FPLMN. Claim 15 A method according to claim 14, further comprising: an action of storing information associated with the first PLMN in a registration retry list associated with the first RAT when the first PLMN does not correspond to an FPLMN; and an action of performing the second signal search without attempting registration for the first PLMN. Claim 16 A method according to claim 15, further comprising, when registration of a PLMN fails while signal search for PLMN registration using a plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT is completed after performing the second signal search, an operation of performing a registration retry by continuously using one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT through the at least one communication circuit. Claim 17 A method according to claim 16, further comprising: an action of stopping the registration retry when registration of the third PLMN among the one or more PLMNs is successful while performing the registration retry; and an action of performing communication using the registered third PLMN. Claim 18 In claim 16, the operation of performing the fourth signal search includes the operation of performing the fourth signal search when registration fails for all of the one or more PLMNs stored in the registration retry list associated with the first RAT, and the method further includes the operation of attempting to register a third PLMN corresponding to the third frequency band through the at least one communication circuit in response to the detection of a signal in the third frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the second RAT while performing the fourth signal search. Claim 19 In claim 11, the method further comprises an operation of detecting a mobile country code (MCC) associated with the location of the electronic device through at least one communication circuit based on a designated event, and the operation of performing the first signal search includes, when a preferred PLMN (PPLMN) associated with the MCC does not exist, an operation of performing the first signal search through at least one communication circuit. Claim 20 In a computer-readable non-transient recording medium, the recording medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, an electronic device performs: an operation of performing a first signal scanning for PLMN (public land mobile network) registration by consecutively utilizing a plurality of frequency bands associated with a first RAT (radio access technology) through at least one communication circuit of the electronic device; an operation of attempting to register a first PLMN corresponding to the first frequency band through the at least one communication circuit in response to a signal being detected in the first frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT while performing the first signal scanning; and an operation of performing a second signal scanning for PLMN registration by consecutively utilizing the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band detected from the first signal scanning, through the at least one communication circuit in response to the failure of the registration for the first PLMN. During the second signal search, in response to the detection of a signal in the second frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands associated with the first RAT, an operation of attempting to register a second PLMN corresponding to the second frequency band through the at least one communication circuit; in response to the failure of the registration of the second PLMN, an operation of performing a third signal search for PLMN registration through the at least one communication circuit by consequentially utilizing the remaining frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands, excluding at least one frequency band searched from the first signal search and the second signal search;A recording medium configured to perform an operation of performing a fourth signal search for PLMN registration by consequentially utilizing multiple frequency bands associated with a second RAT that sequentially follows the first RAT through the at least one communication circuit, if registration for PLMN fails while signal search for PLMN registration is completed by consequentially utilizing multiple frequency bands associated with the first RAT after performing the third signal search.

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