Cellular network acquisition method and apparatus

Abstract

A method of network acquisition for a cellular radio communications device arranged for operation in accordance with a plurality of radio technologies and comprising searching to identify a suitable cell on one radio technology. Subsequent to identifying a suitable cell on the one radio technology, cells on another of the plurality of radio technologies are also monitored in order to identify if one of the monitored cells is more suitable than the cell identified on the one radio technology. Subsequent to the monitoring, the cell identified from all of the radio technologies searched as the most suitable is selected and camping for the first time occurs onto that cell.

Description

[0001] The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 714,892, filed on Nov. 18, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for use in network acquisition for cellular communications devices. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Cellular communications devices such as cell phones, have become increasingly popular and widely adopted and in many instances have become the prime means of communication both for business and domestic requirements. [0006] As such usage becomes more widespread, potentially disadvantageous and limiting features of such devices become more apparent. For example, when a cell phone is first turned on, an acquisition procedure needs to be conducted so that the cell phone can acquire the appropriate communications method and subsequently take part in a communications exchange over that network. The period between turning t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a network acquisition method and apparatus for a cellular radio communications device that improves the initial search procedure and reduces dead time and energy consumption. The device can search for a suitable cell on one radio technology and then monitor cells on another radio technology to identify if one of the monitored cells is more suitable. The device can select and camp on the most suitable cell. This method and apparatus can save the device from transmitting unnecessary signalling information and processing loadings on the network. The device can rank cells based on signal strength or a derivative of signal strength.

Problems solved by technology

As such usage becomes more widespread, potentially disadvantageous and limiting features of such devices become more apparent.

The longer the time period required to acquire the network, the more likely this period is to be noticed by the user and so as to lead to potential irritation.

Also, network acquisition procedures require the cell phone handset to expend a significant amount of power relative to power requirements arising merely for communication procedures.

Thus potential delays in network acquisition, and related user irritation, could become more frequently experienced.

Images