Wireless network handover via tune-away notification

Abstract

According to one configuration, when a user equipment is wirelessly connected to a first wireless base station through a first wireless communication link, a communication management resource in the user equipment receives an input (such as a request) to tune away to a second wireless base station that provides a corresponding wireless service. To facilitate a temporary tune away to the second wireless network, the communication management resource of the user equipment generates timing information associated with a handover. To facilitate the handover (temporary tune away) to the second wireless base station, the communication management resource of the user equipment transmits the timing information to the first wireless base station in a wireless communication through the first wireless communication link.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Conventional wireless networks, such as the 3GPP specification, define the association between a single mobile communication device (also known as a UE or user equipment) and a single network (PLMN).

[0002] However, in many countries around the world, it is necessary to have two or more SIMs associated with the same UE. For example, one SIM is a subscription for "work" purposes, while the second SIM is a subscription for "personal or family" purposes.

[0003] Another example of a multi-SIM (hereinafter referred to as MUSIM) use case is having one SIM subscribed to "voice-only" service and a second SIM subscribed to "data" service. Due to the lack of a globally unified standardized solution, various relevant entities (such as chipset manufacturers, device OEMs, network vendors, etc.) have met the market demand for the use cases mentioned above.

[0004] One issue associated with using multiple SIMs in a given mobile communication device is switching between wireless networks. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Conventional techniques for supporting handover from one network to another have shortcomings. The aforementioned requirement for multiple SIMs in a single mobile communication device has undesirable side effects. For example, a UE with limited Tx and Rx hardware chain capacity (e.g., only a single Tx chain is available to support radio connectivity) will be switched away from network A in RRC CONNECTED mode to listen for paging information from network B. This, in turn, leads to page misses or packet loss on network A.

[0006] The embodiments described herein provide improved use of allocated resources to support wireless communication.

[0007] More specifically, one embodiment of this document includes user equipment (mobile communication device) operating in a wireless network environment. When the user equipment wirelessly connects to a first wireless base station via a first wireless communication link, communication management resources in the user equipment receive input (such as a request) to switch the user equipment to a connection to a second wireless base station to provide corresponding wireless services. To facilitate the handover to the second wireless network, the communication management resources of the user equipment generate timing information associated with the handover. To facilitate the handover (disconnection) to the second wireless base station, the communication management resources of the user equipment transmit the timing information in wireless communication to the first wireless base station via the first wireless communication link.

[0008] In one embodiment, timing information indicates the timing attributes (such as when the mobile communication device will initiate a handover) of the user equipment from a first wireless base station to a second wireless base station.

[0009] In another example embodiment, via communication between the user equipment and the second wireless base station, the user equipment's communication management resources determine the duration (such as the duration of a disconnection time) required to establish connectivity between the user equipment and the second wireless base station. The user equipment's communication management resources generate timing information based on the determined duration required to implement a handover of the user equipment from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station.

[0010] In another example embodiment, the timing information includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion specifies a time value; the second portion specifies a multiplier applied to that time value. In one embodiment, the combination of the time value and the multiplier indicates the duration (such as the off-line duration) for which the user equipment plans to complete a handover from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station. According to another embodiment, the time value in the timing information indicates the off-line duration. In one embodiment, this informs the user equipment of the first wireless network (first wireless base station) how long it may be unavailable to monitor paging notifications or other communications of the first wireless network.

[0011] In another embodiment, the user equipment includes multiple radio chains of antenna hardware (such as chains of receiver hardware and / or chains of transmitter hardware) that initially support communication on the first wireless communication link before being disconnected. Timing information specifies the duration for which the radio chains of the antenna hardware in the user equipment are unavailable for communication with the first wireless base station. Thus, the first wireless base station is notified that one or more chains of the antenna hardware will no longer be used for communication with the first wireless base station.

[0012] If desired, the first wireless base station can be notified to switch to the second wireless base station. However, in one embodiment, the user equipment does not provide the first wireless base station with any indication of which of one or more chains of antenna hardware is used or will be used to communicate with the second wireless base station. In one embodiment, receiving a transfer notification from the user equipment prompts the first wireless network to reduce the number of MIMO layers used to transmit data from the wireless network to the user equipment.

[0013] Other embodiments described herein include generating timing information via communication management resources in the user equipment in response to allocating multiple chains of antenna hardware in the user equipment currently used for communication with the first wireless base station to support subsequent communication between the user equipment and the second wireless base station, and transmitting the timing information from the user equipment to the first wireless base station (and thus the first wireless network).

[0014] In another example embodiment, the user equipment establishes a first wireless communication link via a first SIM (subscriber identity module) assigned to the user equipment. The user equipment's communication management resources transmit timing information in wireless communication to a first wireless base station via the first wireless communication link, facilitating the establishment or maintenance of a second wireless communication link between the communication management resources and the corresponding user equipment via a second SIM (subscriber identity module) assigned to the user, between the user equipment and the second wireless base station.

[0015] In another example embodiment, the first wireless base station is deployed in a first wireless network of multiple wireless base stations operated by a first wireless service provider; the second wireless base station is deployed in a second wireless network of multiple wireless base stations operated by a second wireless service provider independent of the first wireless service provider. Each wireless service provider may provide different services.

[0016] For example, in one embodiment, a first wireless network of a base station operated by a first wireless network service provider may support data communication (such as non-voice communication or non-telephone communication); and a second wireless network of a base station operated by a second wireless network service provider may support telephone communication (such as voice communication).

[0017] Further embodiments described herein include operating the user equipment (UE) in different modes via communication management resources. For example, in a first mode (or first time window), before receiving input to perform a handover of the UE from a first radio base station to a second radio base station, the UE's communication management resources implement multiple chains of antenna hardware in the UE to communicate with the first radio base station. In a second mode (or second time window), after transmitting timing information and before the expiration of the time duration specified by the timing information, the UE's communication management resources utilize a first portion (continuing) of the multiple chains of antenna hardware in the UE to communicate with the first radio base station, while simultaneously utilizing a second portion (idle portion) of the multiple chains of antenna hardware in the UE to communicate with the second radio base station. In a third window, after the corresponding expiration of the transmission of timing information and the time duration specified by the timing information, the UE's communication management resources again operate in the first mode, wherein the communication management resources utilize multiple chains of antenna hardware in the UE to communicate with the first radio base station.

[0018] According to another example embodiment, the transmission of timing information from the user equipment to the first wireless base station provides notification to the first wireless base station and the first wireless network that the user equipment has planned to discontinue the use of one or more chains of multiple antennas in the user equipment. As discussed above, in one embodiment, the user equipment does not provide an indication of why it transmits timing information, or an indication that it is to facilitate the reallocation or reuse of antenna hardware resources to communicate with the second wireless base station instead of the first wireless base station.

[0019] Alternatively, in one embodiment, timing information supplied to the first wireless base station instructs the user equipment to be transferred (e.g., permanently or temporarily) from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station or at least to cease using the user equipment's antenna hardware to communicate with the first wireless base station.

[0020] Timing information can be transmitted from the User Equipment (UE) to the first radio base station in any suitable message. In one embodiment, the UE's communication management resources transmit timing information from the UE to the first radio base station in a so-called UE Assistance Information message. As discussed earlier, such a message informs the first radio base station that the UE intends to, or needs to, adjust or modify its current use of the antenna hardware in the UE.

[0021] In one embodiment, as discussed above, timing information from the mobile communication device indicates a planned temporary handover of the mobile communication device from a first wireless network to a second wireless network. A handover notification is transmitted to the first wireless network to inform the first wireless network of the planned temporary handover.

[0022] Another embodiment described herein includes receiving a paging notification from a first wireless network at a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device generates an acknowledgment message confirming that it has received the paging notification from the first network. The mobile communication device then transmits the acknowledgment message from the mobile communication device to the first wireless network. In one embodiment, the acknowledgment message includes a handover notification indicating a temporary planned handover.

[0023] According to another example embodiment, the planned handover notification indicates the duration for which the mobile communication device is scheduled to be unavailable for monitoring the receipt of paging notifications from the first wireless network.

[0024] According to another example embodiment, the planned handover includes a temporary relocation of the mobile communication device's wireless antenna hardware from a first wireless network to a second wireless network. Following the temporary relocation of the antenna hardware, the mobile communication device utilizes the wireless hardware to re-use one or more chains of the antenna hardware to monitor the paging notification channel of the first wireless network.

[0025] According to another example embodiment, the first wireless network terminates the transmission of paging notifications to the mobile communication device during a planned temporary handover because the first wireless network knows that the mobile communication device will not receive them.

[0026] In another example embodiment, a planned temporary handover notification from the mobile communication device (or other suitable entity) indicates the duration for which the mobile communication device is scheduled to tune its corresponding antenna hardware to the second wireless network instead of the first wireless network. After the duration expires, the mobile communication device tunes its antenna hardware back to the first wireless network.

[0027] The embodiments described herein are more useful than conventional techniques because they provide a unique way to notify a wireless base station to switch to a second wireless base station.

[0028] According to another example embodiment, the wireless network environment includes a first wireless network, a second network, and user equipment (such as a mobile communication device). The user equipment receives a paging notification from the first wireless network. In response to receiving input when the user equipment is wirelessly connected to the first wireless network, the user equipment generates a handover notification instructing a planned temporary handover to the second wireless network. The user equipment then transmits the handover notification to the first wireless network, which informs the first wireless network of the planned temporary handover.

[0029] In one embodiment, the handover notification from the user equipment is or includes an acknowledgment message transmitted to the first wireless network. As an illustrative example, assume the user equipment receives a paging notification from the first wireless network. The user equipment generates an acknowledgment message confirming that it received the paging notification from the first network. The user equipment then transmits the acknowledgment message from the user equipment to the first wireless network. In a non-limiting example embodiment, the acknowledgment message from the user equipment includes a handover notification instructing the user equipment to make a temporary planned handover from the first wireless network to a second wireless network.

[0030] After the temporary switchover, the user equipment switched back to the first wireless network.

[0031] According to another example embodiment, the planned handover notification from the user equipment instructs the mobile communication device to be unavailable for monitoring the reception of paging notifications from the first wireless network for a specified duration. Therefore, the first wireless network does not expect the user equipment to receive paging notifications during the handover duration. However, the first wireless network may expect the user equipment to be able to receive paging notifications from the first wireless network after the duration has expired.

[0032] Suppose that during a planned temporary handover, while monitoring a paging notification channel of a second wireless network, a user equipment (UE) detects a paging notification for itself. This paging notification from the second wireless network (and its corresponding paging channel) can instruct, for example, that the UE be granted radio resources associated with the second wireless network. This prevents the UE from switching back from monitoring the paging channel of the first wireless network to monitoring the paging channel within the original timeframe previously indicated by the UE. In other words, in one embodiment, the UE will delay switching back to monitoring the paging channel of the first wireless network again. In this case, the first wireless network ceases transmitting paging notifications to the mobile communication device via its paging channel during both the initial and extended planned temporary handovers.

[0033] In one embodiment, in response to detecting that the user equipment needs to extend the duration of its disengagement to the second wireless network, the user equipment generates an updated communication indicating the handover duration previously indicated by the user equipment to the first wireless network. After the user equipment has switched to the second wireless network, the user equipment transmits the communication to the first wireless network. This notifies the first wireless network of the extended disengagement conditions, overriding the original disengagement duration notification.

[0034] In one embodiment, in response to detecting a paging notification from the second wireless network, the user equipment transmits an updated scheduled handover notification to the first wireless network via a wireless communication link. The updated scheduled handover notification informs the user equipment on the first wireless network that the initial planned duration of the temporary handover to the second wireless network has been extended or delayed. In one embodiment, the updated scheduled handover indicates how long the user equipment will be delayed (or the end time of the extended handover duration) when it re-monitors the wireless paging channel of the first wireless network.

[0035] Therefore, based on the notification received that the user equipment will be delayed, the first wireless network may delay sending a paging notification on its corresponding wireless paging channel until the time when it is known that the user equipment will monitor the wireless paging channel of the first wireless network again.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the switching includes temporarily relocating all or part of the wireless antenna hardware communicating with the first wireless network to the second wireless network. The temporary relocation of the wireless hardware may include operations such as: after the temporary relocation, using the wireless hardware to re-monitor the paging notification channel of the first wireless network.

[0037] More specifically, in one embodiment, the planned temporary handover notification instructs the mobile communication device to tune its corresponding antenna hardware to the second wireless network instead of the first wireless network for a specified duration. After the duration specified in the handover notification expires, or after the duration specified in the updated temporary handover notification expires, the user equipment tunes its antenna hardware back to the first wireless network.

[0038] In another example embodiment, the first paging notification is associated with a first SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) assigned to the mobile communication device; the first SIM (such as one provided to the mobile communication device by a first wireless network service provider) provides the mobile communication device with access to a first wireless network. The second paging notification is associated with a second SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) assigned to the mobile communication device; the second SIM (such as one provided to the mobile communication device by a second wireless network service provider) provides the mobile communication device with access to a second wireless network.

[0039] It should be noted that any resources discussed herein may include one or more computerized devices, mobile communication devices, sensors, servers, base stations, wireless communication equipment, communication management systems, controllers, workstations, user equipment, handheld or laptop computers, etc., to perform and / or support any or all of the methods disclosed herein. In other words, one or more computerized devices or processors may be programmed and / or configured to operate as explained herein to perform the various embodiments described herein.

[0040] Other embodiments described herein include software programs that perform the steps and operations outlined above and disclosed in detail below. One such embodiment includes a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (i.e., any computer-readable hardware storage medium) on which software instructions are encoded for subsequent execution. When executed in a computerized device (hardware) having a processor, the instructions program the processor (hardware) and / or cause it to perform the operations disclosed herein. Such arrangements are typically provided as software, code, instructions, and / or other data (e.g., data structures) disposed or encoded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as optical media (e.g., CD-ROM), floppy disks, hard disks, memory sticks, memory devices, etc., or other media (such as firmware in one or more ROMs, RAMs, PROMs, etc.), or as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. Software or firmware or other such configurations may be installed on a computerized device to cause the computerized device to perform the techniques explained herein.

[0041] Therefore, the embodiments described herein are for methods, systems, computer program products, etc., that support the operations discussed herein.

[0042] One embodiment includes a computer-readable storage medium and / or a system on which instructions are stored. When executed by computer processor hardware, these instructions cause the computer processor hardware (such as one or more processor devices or hardware located at the same or different locations) to: receive input at the user equipment to switch the user equipment to a second wireless base station when the user equipment is wirelessly connected to a first wireless base station via a first wireless communication link; generate timing information associated with the handover; and transmit the timing information in wireless communication to the first wireless base station via the first wireless communication link, the timing information indicating the timing attributes of the user equipment switching from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station.

[0043] One embodiment includes a computer-readable storage medium and / or a system on which instructions are stored. When executed by computer processor hardware, these instructions cause the computer processor hardware (such as one or more processor devices or hardware located at the same or different locations) to: at a user equipment, receive a paging notification from a first wireless network; in response to receiving input when the user equipment is wirelessly connected to the first wireless network, generate a handover notification instructing a planned temporary handover of the user equipment to a second wireless network; and transmit the handover notification to the first wireless network, the handover notification informing the first wireless network of the planned temporary handover.

[0044] For clarity, the order of the steps above has been added. It should be noted that any processing steps discussed herein can be performed in any suitable order.

[0045] Other embodiments of this disclosure include software programs and / or corresponding hardware to perform any of the steps and operations of the method embodiments outlined above and disclosed in detail below.

[0046] It should be understood that systems, methods, apparatuses, instructions on computer-readable storage media, etc., as discussed herein, can also be strictly embodied as software programs, firmware, a mixture of software, hardware and / or firmware, or as separate hardware (such as in a processor (hardware or software), or in an operating system or in a software application).

[0047] As discussed herein, the techniques described herein are well-suited for applications requiring dynamic data stream prioritization that varies based on current network conditions. However, it should be noted that the embodiments described herein are not limited to such applications, and the techniques discussed herein are also well-suited for other applications.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be noted that while each of the various features, techniques, configurations, etc., described herein may be discussed in different places within this disclosure, it is intended that each concept may be practiced independently or in combination with each other, where appropriate. Accordingly, one or more of the inventions described herein may be embodied and observed in many different ways.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be noted that this preliminary discussion (Summary of the Invention) of the embodiments herein intentionally does not specify every embodiment of this disclosure or the claimed invention(s) and / or incremental novel aspects of the invention. Instead, this brief description only gives general embodiments and corresponding novel points relative to conventional art. For additional details and / or possible perspectives (arrangements) of the invention(s), the reader is directed to the Detailed Description of the Invention (which is a summary of the embodiments) and the corresponding drawings, as discussed further below. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is an example diagram illustrating the transfer transition of a mobile communication device (user equipment) from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to embodiments of this article.

[0051] Figure 2 This is an example diagram illustrating the initiation of a mobile communication device switching from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to an embodiment of this article.

[0052] Figure 3 This is an example diagram illustrating a mobile communication device, according to an embodiment of this article, switching from a first wireless network to a second wireless network.

[0053] Figure 4 This is an example diagram illustrating the completion of a temporary transfer according to an embodiment of this article.

[0054] Figure 5 and 6 This is an example diagram illustrating executable code that supports call-out according to embodiments of this article.

[0055] Figure 7 This is an example diagram illustrating a temporary transfer of a mobile communication device from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to an embodiment of this article.

[0056] Figure 8 This is an example timing diagram illustrating the timing associated with the example decoupling according to the embodiments herein.

[0057] Figure 9 This is an example timing diagram illustrating the timing associated with the example decoupling according to the embodiments herein.

[0058] Figure 10This is an example timing diagram illustrating the timing associated with example shifts in multiple time slots according to embodiments of this article.

[0059] Figure 11 These are example diagrams illustrating example computer hardware and software operable to perform one or more operations according to embodiments of this document.

[0060] Figure 12 This is an example diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment of this article.

[0061] Figure 13 This is an example diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment of this article.

[0062] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more specific description of preferred embodiments herein, as shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, the focus is on illustrating embodiments, principles, concepts, etc. Detailed Implementation

[0063] According to one configuration, when a user equipment (UE) wirelessly connects to a first wireless base station via a first wireless communication link, the communication management resources in the UE receive input (such as a request) to transfer the UE to a second wireless base station providing the corresponding wireless service. To facilitate a temporary transfer to the second wireless network, the UE's communication management resources generate timing information associated with the handover. To facilitate the handover (transfer) to the second wireless base station, the UE's communication management resources transmit the timing information in wireless communication to the first wireless base station via the first wireless communication link.

[0064] More specifically, see the attached diagram. Figure 1 This is an example diagram illustrating a temporary transfer of a mobile communication device from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to an embodiment of this article.

[0065] In this example embodiment, the wireless network environment 100 includes a mobile communication device 110, a wireless base station 161, and a wireless base station 162. Wireless base station 161 resides in wireless network 121. Wireless base station 162 resides in wireless network 122.

[0066] As further shown, the communication manager 140 provides communication management and control associated with the mobile communication device 110 as described herein.

[0067] As described herein, the communication manager 141 provides communication management and control associated with the wireless base station 161 (and thus the corresponding wireless network 121).

[0068] As described herein, the communication manager 142 provides communication management and control associated with the wireless base station 162 (and thus the corresponding wireless network 122).

[0069] In one embodiment, a user 108 operating a mobile communication device 110 subscribes to both wireless networks 121 and 122, which operate independently of each other.

[0070] As an illustrative example, suppose mobile communication device 110 is assigned a first SIM 171 (subscriber identity module) provided by a first wireless network service provider to use a first wireless network 121 and the corresponding wireless connectivity provided by the wireless network 121. In this case, the first SIM 171 is assigned to mobile communication device 110 and provides connectivity to the first wireless network 121.

[0071] A second SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) 172 is also assigned to the mobile communication device 110 via a second wireless network service provider to use the second wireless network 122 and the corresponding wireless connectivity provided by the wireless network 122. In this case, the second SIM 172 is assigned to the mobile communication device 110 and provides connectivity to the second wireless network 122.

[0072] In some cases, note that the first SIM 171 and the second SIM 172 are provided by the same wireless network service provider. Alternatively, as discussed above, the first SIM 171 and the second SIM 172 may be provided by different wireless network service providers.

[0073] According to another example embodiment, the first wireless network 121 supports a first type of wireless communication, such as voice or telephone communication. The second wireless network 122 supports a second type of wireless communication, such as data communication (e.g., supporting web page retrieval, email retrieval, video content delivery, etc.).

[0074] Therefore, each wireless service provider can offer different services. For example, in one embodiment, a first wireless base station network operated by a first wireless network service provider may support data communications (such as non-voice communications or non-telephone communications); a second wireless network operated by a second wireless network service provider may support telephone communications (such as voice communications).

[0075] Generally, a SIM is an integrated circuit that securely stores information such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). In one embodiment, a SIM is a memory chip that enables a corresponding user to receive and establish telephone calls via mobile communication device 110. The identity information provides a means of sending communications to mobile communication device 110.

[0076] like Figure 1As further shown, in a non-limiting example embodiment, via communication 106 between mobile communication device 110 and wireless base station 161, the mobile communication device and wireless base station 161 establish ACTIVE connectivity (such as supporting one or more downlink MIMO layers) via an RRC (Radio Resource Control) configuration protocol.

[0077] In another example embodiment, when the mobile communication device 110 (also referred to as user equipment) is wirelessly connected to and / or communicates with the first wireless base station 161 via a corresponding wireless communication link, the communication manager 140 in the mobile communication device 110 receives input (such as a request, command, etc.) to switch the mobile communication device 110 to connect to the second wireless base station 162 that provides the corresponding wireless service. Input to the communication manager 140 may be generated in response to the need to switch and monitor communication from the second wireless network 122.

[0078] Until time T1, mobile communication device 110 is wirelessly connected to receive communication from wireless base station 161. It is assumed that before time T1, the antenna hardware resources of mobile communication device 110 were not used to support connectivity with wireless base station 162.

[0079] In one embodiment, at or before time T1, mobile communication device 110 decides to fully or partially switch to wireless network 122. In another embodiment, wireless network 121 and wireless network 122 operate independently and do not provide each other with notifications of network status or settings associated with mobile communication device 110.

[0080] To facilitate handover to the second wireless network 122, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 generates timing information 111 (such as handover timing information) associated with the upcoming handover. To facilitate the initiation of handover (disconnection) to the second wireless base station 162, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 transmits the timing information 111 to the first wireless base station 161 in wireless communication via the corresponding wireless communication link.

[0081] According to another example embodiment, when configured to do so, mobile communication device 110 transmits timing information 111 from mobile communication device 110 to radio base station 161 as a one-way message such as a UEAssistanceInformation message. Therefore, if mobile communication device 110 prefers to adjust the connection mode DRX cycle length, or if it is experiencing internal overheating, or if it needs to release or resume a chain for transmitting or receiving for multi-SIM purposes (such as to receive communication from a second radio network 162), then mobile communication device 110 transmits timing information 111 in a UEAssistanceInformation message from mobile communication device 110 to radio base station 161. In the latter two cases, mobile communication device 110 can be configured to express preferences for temporarily reducing the maximum number of secondary component carriers, maximum aggregation bandwidth, and maximum number of MIMO layers from radio base station 161. In both cases, it depends on whether the communication manager 141 (such as a gNB) accommodates the request.

[0082] Note that the timing information 111 transmitted in the corresponding communication from mobile communication device 110 to wireless base station 161 may include any suitable information. In one embodiment, mobile communication device 110 generates timing information 111 to indicate the timing attributes of the handover, such as a specific time T1 at which mobile communication device 110 will initiate (start) the handover of mobile communication device from first wireless base station 161 to second wireless base station 162.

[0083] In another example embodiment, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 determines the duration of time required to establish connectivity between the mobile communication device 110 and the second wireless base station 162. In other words, the timing information 111 indicates or considers the duration for which the mobile communication device 110 will temporarily tune to receive communication from the second wireless network 122.

[0084] In one embodiment, the communication manager 141 of the mobile communication device 110 generates timing information 111 based on the duration of the determined handover time required to connect the mobile communication device 110 from the first wireless base station 161 to the second wireless base station 162, and receives any communication from the wireless network 122 before handover back to retuning to the wireless network 121.

[0085] In another example embodiment, note that timing information 111 may optionally include a first portion TI1 and a second portion TI2.

[0086] In a non-limiting example embodiment, a first portion TI1 of timing information 111 specifies a time value; a second portion TI2 of timing information 111 specifies a multiplier applicable to that time value. In this case, the combination of the time value in the first portion TI1 and the multiplier in TI2 indicates the total duration (time value * multiplier = total duration) for which the mobile communication device plans to complete a handover (such as a detour) from the first wireless base station 161 to the second wireless base station 162.

[0087] Therefore, prior to time T1, mobile communication device 110 communicates wirelessly only with wireless network 121. During the disengagement period between times T1 and T3, mobile communication device 110 supports connections between mobile communication device 110 and wireless network 121, as well as between mobile communication device 110 and wireless network 122. After time T3, once the disengagement transition is complete, mobile communication device 110 resumes communication with wireless network 121. Alternatively, communication device 110 may be completely switched to connect only to the second wireless network 122.

[0088] The example embodiments described herein depict a temporary transfer from a first wireless network to a second wireless network. Note that mobile communication device 110 can communicate with any number of different wireless networks. In this case, mobile communication device 110 transmits timing information to any one or more wireless networks from which it has transferred. In the manner described herein, one or more wireless networks (and corresponding wireless base stations) receiving the transfer notification and timing information from mobile communication device 110 know not to transmit paging notifications to mobile communication device 110 for the specified time duration because mobile communication device 110 will be tuned to monitor paging notifications from another wireless base station.

[0089] Figure 2 This is an example diagram illustrating the initiation of a transfer switch from a first wireless network to a second wireless network by a mobile communication device according to an embodiment of this article.

[0090] like Figure 2 As shown, wireless network 121 generates a wireless paging channel 131 through which paging notification 151 is transmitted to mobile communication device 110 and any other mobile communication device in wireless network environment 100 that communicates with wireless base station 161. One or more paging opportunities and paging frames are allocated in wireless paging channel 131 to mobile communication device 110 to periodically receive paging notifications from wireless network 121.

[0091] In one embodiment, the mobile communication device 110 includes multiple radio chains of antenna hardware (such as receiver chain hardware RC1, receiver chain hardware RC2, receiver chain hardware RC3, receiver chain hardware RC4 and transmitter chain hardware TC1, transmitter chain hardware TC2, transmitter chain hardware TC3, transmitter chain hardware TC4) to support communication with the wireless base station 161 until time T1.

[0092] Note that the initial communication between the mobile communication device 110 and the wireless base station 161 may include the mobile communication device 110 informing the wireless base station 161 of its antenna hardware capabilities, such as the number of its available Rx and / or Tx chains. Based on this information, the wireless base station 161 then controls the use of the antenna hardware 175 and the available chains to support wireless connectivity with the wireless base station 161.

[0093] The embodiments described herein include ways to illustrate requests for temporary or permanent disconnection of a mobile communication device from one or more Rx chains involved in CONNECTED mode operation.

[0094] As an illustrative example, in one embodiment, in order to initiate a disconnection to wireless base station 162, such as disconnecting all or part of its antenna hardware 175 to communicate with wireless base station 162, mobile communication device 110 transmits communication 221 (such as including timing information 111) to wireless base station 161.

[0095] The reception of communication 221 causes the wireless base station 161 to relax the requirement for the mobile communication device 110 to use all of its receiver chains (receiver chain hardware RC1, receiver chain hardware RC2, receiver chain hardware RC3, and receiver chain hardware RC4) to receive communication from the wireless base station 161. In this case, during the disengagement period between time T1 and time T3 specified by timing information 111, the mobile communication device 110 uses one or more (or all) of its receiver chains (RC1, RC2, RC3, and RC4) to receive communication from the wireless base station 162 in the wireless network 122.

[0096] In response to detecting operational conditions such as user 108 or other suitable entity wanting or needing to switch its corresponding antenna hardware 175 to receive communication from wireless network 122, the communication manager 140 of mobile communication device 110 transmits communication 221 to the communication manager 141 of wireless base station 161 via a corresponding wireless communication link. In one embodiment, as discussed above, the communication includes timing information 111, such as timing information TI1 and timing information TI2.

[0097] In one embodiment, communication 221 is or includes a one-way message from mobile communication device 110 to wireless base station 161, wherein wireless base station 161 does not respond to mobile communication device 110.

[0098] It should be noted that communication 221 can be conveyed in any suitable manner, such as at the physical layer, MAC layer, RFC layer, etc.

[0099] In this example embodiment, mobile communication device 110 is configured with receiver chain hardware RC1, receiver chain hardware RC2, receiver chain hardware RC3 and receiver chain hardware RC4 of antenna hardware 175 to receive communication from wireless base station 161 until time T1.

[0100] In a non-limiting example embodiment, timing information 111 transmitted at or before time T1 indicates the duration for which one or more radio chains of antenna hardware 175 in mobile communication device 110 (such as receiver chain hardware RC1, receiver chain hardware RC2, receiver chain hardware RC3 and / or receiver chain hardware RC4) will no longer be used to receive communications from wireless base station 161.

[0101] More specifically, up to time T1, the communication manager 140 configures one or more receiver chain hardware (such as receiver chain hardware RC1, receiver chain hardware RC2, receiver chain hardware RC3 and receiver chain hardware RC4 of antenna hardware 175) associated with the mobile communication device 110 to receive communication from the wireless base station 161.

[0102] As discussed further below, between time T1 and time T3, the communication manager 140 uses a first part of the antenna hardware 175 to monitor and receive communications (such as paging notifications or other data) from the first wireless network 121; the communication manager 140 uses a second part of the antenna hardware 175 to monitor and receive communications (such as paging notifications or other data) from the second wireless network 122.

[0103] Figure 3 This is an example diagram illustrating the transition of a mobile communication device from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to an embodiment of this article.

[0104] Based on the transmission of communication 221, the communication manager 140 notifies the wireless base station 161 and the corresponding network of the disconnection conditions in which the communication manager 140 terminates the use of all or part of the antenna hardware 175 (such as the receiver chain hardware RC1, receiver chain hardware RC2, receiver chain hardware RC3 and receiver chain hardware RC4 of the antenna hardware 175, or only the receiver chain hardware RC3 and receiver chain hardware RC4) to monitor and receive communications from the wireless base station 161.

[0105] Between time T1 and time T3, reducing the number of receiver Rx chains used to receive communication from wireless base station 161 can reduce the number of MIMO layers supported between wireless base station 161 and mobile communication device 110 (e.g., from 8 to 4).

[0106] As shown in the figure, in one embodiment, during the disengagement period between time T1 and time T3, the communication manager 140 uses a portion of the receiver chain hardware RC1 and RC2 to monitor and receive communications from the wireless base station 161; the communication manager 140 uses the receiver chain hardware RC3 and RC4 to monitor and receive communications from the wireless network 122 and the corresponding wireless base station 162.

[0107] Therefore, via communication 221, the first wireless base station 161 is notified that one or more chains of antenna hardware 175 will no longer be used to communicate with the first wireless base station 161. If desired, then via communication 221, specific information indicating that a portion of the receiver chain hardware will be used to communicate with the wireless network 122 can be communicated to the first wireless base station 161.

[0108] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the mobile communication device 110 does not provide any indication of, or will be used for, any of the one or more transmitter or receiver chains of the antenna hardware 175 for communicating with the second wireless base station 162 for the duration specified by the timing information 111 during communication with the first wireless base station 161. For example, communication 221 may indicate the disengagement conditions solely using the timing information 111, which indicates any or all information such as the start time of disengagement to the wireless base station 162, the duration of disengagement to the wireless base station 162, the end time of disengagement from the wireless base station 162, etc., in a manner as previously discussed.

[0109] As discussed above, timing information 111 can be transmitted from mobile communication device 110 to first wireless base station 161 in any suitable message. In one embodiment, communication manager 140 of mobile communication device 110 transmits timing information 111 from mobile communication device 110 to first wireless base station 161 in a so-called UE Assistance Information message.

[0110] As discussed above, such communication 221 provides the first wireless base station 161 with a notification of how the antenna hardware 175 in the mobile communication device 110 is currently being used, whether the mobile communication device 110 intends to or needs to adjust or modify it.

[0111] Through communication 221 and notification of temporary disconnection, the wireless base station 161 is made aware that it will not increase the number of MIMO layers in the mobile communication device 110 during the disconnection duration specified by the timing information 111 in communication 221. In other words, in response to receiving the disconnection communication 221, during the disconnection period, the wireless base station 161 does not attempt to increase the number of MIMO layers associated with the downlink communication from the wireless base station 161 to the mobile communication device 110.

[0112] Figure 4 This is an example diagram illustrating the completion of a mobile communication device switching from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to an embodiment of this article.

[0113] like Figure 4 As shown, after time T3, the communication manager 140 uses the receiver chain hardware RC1, RC2, RC3 and RC4 to monitor and receive communications from the wireless base station 161.

[0114] In one embodiment, in response to detecting the expiration of a disconnection specified by timing information 111, wireless base station 161 increases the number of MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) layers transmitted in the downlink from wireless base station 161 to mobile communication device 110. For example, via communication 221 and the corresponding timing information 111, wireless base station 161 knows that the temporary disconnection has been completed and that communication manager 140 is able to monitor and receive the communication from wireless base station 161 again using all receiver chain hardware RC1, RC2, RC3, and RC4. In this case, wireless base station 161 may attempt to increase the bandwidth of the data transmitted to mobile communication device 110.

[0115] Therefore, embodiments herein include operating the mobile communication device 110 in two or more different modes via a communication manager 140. For example, in a first mode (or a first time window prior to time T1), before receiving input to perform a handover of the mobile communication device 110 from a first wireless base station 161 to a second wireless base station 162, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 implements multiple chains of antenna hardware 175 in the mobile communication device to communicate with the first wireless base station 161.

[0116] In the second mode (or the second time window between time T1 and time T3), after transmitting timing information 111 and before the duration of the time specified by the timing information at time T3 expires, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 uses the first portion of the multiple Rx chains of the antenna hardware 175 in the mobile communication device 110 to (continue) communicate with the first wireless base station 161, while using the second portion (idle portion) of the multiple Rx chains of the antenna hardware 175 in the mobile communication device 110 to communicate with the second wireless base station 162.

[0117] After the time duration specified by the timing information expires, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 uses multiple chains of the antenna hardware 175 in the mobile communication device 110 to receive communication from the wireless base station 161 again.

[0118] Figure 5 and 6 This is an example diagram illustrating example code supporting a transition according to embodiments of this article.

[0119] The combination of Code 510-1 and Code 510-2 supports temporary transfers as described in this article.

[0120] Example flow for providing timing information for departure

[0121] In one embodiment, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 sets the content of the communication 221 for the delay budget report as follows (such as a UEAssistanceInformation message or other suitable message type):

[0122] 1> If mobile communication device 110 is configured to provide delay budget reports:

[0123] 2> If mobile communication device 110 prefers to adjust the connection mode DRX cycle length:

[0124] 3> Set delayBudgetReport to type1 according to the expected value;

[0125] 2> Start or restart timer T342 with the timer value set to delayBudgetReportingProhibitTimer.

[0126] Mobile communication device 110 sets the content of auxiliary indication communication 221 (such as UEAssistanceInformation messages):

[0127] 1> If configured to provide overheat auxiliary indication:

[0128] 2> If the mobile communication device 110 overheats:

[0129] 3> If mobile communication device 110 prefers to temporarily reduce the number of maximum secondary component carriers:

[0130] 4> Include reducedMaxCCs in OverheatingAssistance IE;

[0131] 4> Set reducedCCsDL to the maximum number of SCells that the UE prefers to temporarily configure in the downlink;

[0132] 4> Set reducedCCsUL to the maximum number of SCells that the UE prefers to temporarily configure in the uplink;

[0133] 3> If mobile communication device 110 prefers to temporarily reduce the maximum aggregate bandwidth of FR1:

[0134] 4> Include reducedMaxBW-FR1 in OverheatingAssistance IE;

[0135] 4> Set reducedBW-FR1-DL to the maximum aggregate bandwidth temporarily configured on all downlink carriers of FR1 preferred by mobile communication device 110;

[0136] 4> Set reducedBW-FR1-UL to the maximum aggregate bandwidth temporarily configured on all uplink carriers of FR1, as preferred by mobile communication device 110;

[0137] 3> If the UE prefers to temporarily reduce the maximum aggregate bandwidth of FR2:

[0138] 4> Include reducedMaxBW-FR2 in OverheatingAssistance IE;

[0139] 4> Set reducedBW-FR2-DL to the maximum aggregate bandwidth temporarily configured on all downlink carriers of FR2, which is preferred by mobile communication device 110;

[0140] 4> Set reducedBW-FR2-UL to the maximum aggregate bandwidth temporarily configured on all uplink carriers of FR2, as preferred by mobile communication device 110;

[0141] 3> If the UE prefers to temporarily reduce the maximum number of MIMO layers per serving cell operating on FR1:

[0142] 4> Include reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR1 in OverheatingAssistance IE;

[0143] 4> Set reducedMIMO-LayersFR1-DL to the maximum number of MIMO layers per serving cell operating on FR1 that the mobile communication device 110 prefers to temporarily configure in the downlink;

[0144] 4> Set reducedMIMO-LayersFR1-UL to the maximum number of MIMO layers per serving cell operating on FR1 that the mobile communication device 110 prefers to temporarily configure in the uplink;

[0145] 3> If the UE prefers to temporarily reduce the maximum number of MIMO layers per serving cell operating on FR2:

[0146] 4> Include reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR2 in OverheatingAssistance IE;

[0147] 4> Set reducedMIMO-LayersFR2-DL to the maximum number of MIMO layers per serving cell operating on FR2 that the mobile communication device 110 prefers to temporarily configure in the downlink;

[0148] 4> Set reducedMIMO-LayersFR2-UL to the maximum number of MIMO layers per serving cell operating on FR2 that the mobile communication device 110 prefers to temporarily configure in the uplink;

[0149] 3> If it is detected that mobile communication device 110 supports multiple SIMs, such as SIM 171 and SIM 172 (e.g., mobile communication device 110 has multi-SIM functionality), and mobile communication device 110 needs to leave the current wireless network 121 (PLMN) to perform multi-SIM operation on wireless network 122 (a different PLMN), then:

[0150] 4> The communication 221 (such as MultiSIM Assistance IE) includes timing information 111 and timing information TI1 (such as multiSIMTuneAwayTimer);

[0151] 4> Include timing information TI2 (such as miniSlotMultiplier) in communication 111 (such as MultiSIMAssistance IE);

[0152] 3> Start timer T345 with the timer value set to overheatingIndicationProhibitTimer;

[0153] 2> Otherwise (if the mobile communication device 110 no longer experiences a hot condition):

[0154] 3> ReducedMaxCCs, reducedMaxBW-FR1, reducedMaxBW-FR2, reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR1, and reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR2 are not included in OverheatingAssistance IE;

[0155] 3> Timing information TI1 (such as multiSIMTuneAwayTimer) and timing information TI2 (such as miniSlotMultiplier) are not included in communication 221 (such as MultiSIMAssistance IE);

[0156] 3> Start timer T345 with the timer value set to overheatingIndicationProhibitTimer.

[0157] In one embodiment, timing information 111 (such as specifying a disconnect duration) used by the multi-SIM mobile communication device 110 notifies the communication manager 141 (such as a gNB or other suitable entity) that one or more of its transmission and / or reception chains will disconnect from the current PLMN (such as wireless network 121) to perform multi-SIM operation on a different PLMN (such as wireless network 122). In one embodiment, the time value of the timing information TI1 (such as a data field specifying a value) is in microseconds.

[0158] As a non-limiting example embodiment, the setting of the duration of time required for the mobile communication device 110 to complete the transfer is based on a combination of timing information TI1 (time value, such as multiSIMTuneAwayTimer) and timing information TI2 (corresponding multiplier value, such as miniSlotMultiplier) in the timing information 111 of communication 221.

[0159] As an illustrative example, the value "us8dot33" in timing information TI1, together with miniSlotMultiplier set to 1 in timing information TI2, means that the timer is disabled for a duration of (8.33 * 1 =) 8.33 microseconds; the value "us8dot33" together with miniSlotMultiplier being 2 means that the timer is disabled for a duration of 8.33 * 2 = 16.66 microseconds, and so on.

[0160] Therefore, in one embodiment, the multiplier (such as minislotMultiplier) is an integer value used in conjunction with time (such as multiSIMTuneAwayTimer) to determine the duration of the corresponding time.

[0161] Figure 7 This is an example diagram illustrating a wireless network environment that implements a wireless paging channel and corresponding technology according to embodiments of this document.

[0162] like Figure 7 As shown, the wireless network environment 100 includes a first wireless network 121, a second wireless network 122, and a mobile communication device 110.

[0163] Via wireless paging channel 131, wireless network 121 transmits paging notification 151 to one or more mobile communication devices in wireless network environment 100.

[0164] Via wireless paging channel 132, wireless network 122 transmits paging notification 152 to one or more mobile communication devices in wireless network environment 100.

[0165] In one embodiment, user 108 subscribes to use both wireless network 121 and wireless network 122. For example, suppose mobile communication device 110 is assigned a first SIM 171 (subscriber identity module) provided by a first wireless network service provider to use the first wireless network 121 and the corresponding wireless connectivity provided by wireless network 121. In this case, a first paging notification 151 transmitted via wireless paging channel 131 (and one or more correspondingly assigned paging times) is associated with the first SIM 171 assigned to mobile communication device 110.

[0166] Mobile communication device 110 is assigned a second SIM (subscriber identity module) 172 via a second wireless network service provider to use the second wireless network 122. A second paging notification 152 transmitted via a wireless paging channel 132 (and one or more correspondingly assigned paging times) is associated with the second SIM 172 assigned to mobile communication device 110.

[0167] Depending on the implementation, it is worth noting that the first SIM 171 and the second SIM 172 are provided by the same or different wireless network service providers.

[0168] According to another example embodiment, the first wireless network 121 supports a first type of wireless communication, such as voice or telephone communication. The second wireless network 122 supports a second type of wireless communication, such as data communication (e.g., supporting web page retrieval, email retrieval, video content delivery, etc.).

[0169] Generally, a SIM is an integrated circuit that securely stores information such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). In some cases, it is a memory chip that enables the corresponding user to receive and establish telephone calls via mobile communication device 110. The identity information provides the means to send communications to mobile communication device 110.

[0170] In this example embodiment, it is assumed that wireless network 121 is operated by a first service provider (wireless network service provider #1) and includes any number of wireless base stations, including wireless base station 161. Wireless base station 161 includes a communication manager 141 (such as gNode B or other suitable entity) that receives paging notifications directed to mobile communication device 110 (and possibly other mobile communication devices) and transmits such paging notifications 151 via wireless paging channel 131 in wireless network environment 100 at the appropriate paging time.

[0171] The wireless network 122 operated by the second service provider includes any number of wireless base stations, including wireless base station 162. Wireless base station 162 includes a communication manager 142 (such as a gNode B or other suitable entity) and receives paging notifications directed to mobile communication device 110 (and possibly other mobile communication devices) and transmits such paging notifications 152 via wireless paging channel 132 in the wireless network environment 100 at the appropriate paging time.

[0172] Note that the mobile communication device 110 supports the individual and / or simultaneous use of the first wireless network 121 and the second wireless network 122. One or more paging notifications 151 notify the mobile communication device 110 of any appropriate events (alarms, messages, etc.) via communication through the wireless paging channel 131, such as: i) the wireless network 121 has something available for the mobile communication device 110, ii) the mobile communication device 110 should perform the corresponding function, etc.

[0173] Therefore, via the wireless paging channel 131, the mobile communication device 110 in the wireless network environment 100 receives a first paging notification 151 directed to the mobile communication device 110 from a first wireless base station 161 (and a communication manager 141) operated by a first wireless network service provider (service provider 1).

[0174] The mobile communication device also receives a second paging notification 152 directed to the mobile communication device 110 from a second wireless base station 162 (and a communication manager 142) operated by a second wireless network service provider (service provider #2).

[0175] like Figure 7As further shown, the mobile communication device 110 (user equipment) receives a paging notification 151 from a wireless base station 161 (communication manager 141, such as a gNodeB) in the first wireless network 121. In response to receiving input when the mobile communication device 110 is wirelessly connected to the first wireless network 121, the mobile communication device 110 generates a handover notification instructing a planned temporary handover to the second wireless network 121.

[0176] The mobile communication device 110 then transmits a handover (de-route) notification in communication 521 to the communication manager 141 of the wireless base station 161 in the first wireless network 121. The handover notification informs the first wireless network 121 of the planned temporary handover (full or partial de-route) of the mobile communication device 110 to the second wireless network 122.

[0177] In one embodiment, communication 521 (including a handover notification) transmitted from mobile communication device 110 to communication manager 141 of wireless base station 161 includes an acknowledgment message transmitted to first wireless network 121. The acknowledgment message notifies wireless network 121 that mobile communication device 110 has received a paging notification transmitted to mobile communication device 110 via wireless paging channel 131.

[0178] As a more specific example, suppose a mobile communication device receives a paging notification from a first wireless network 121 via paging channel 131. The mobile communication device generates an acknowledgment message confirming that it has received the paging notification from the first network 121. Then, in communication 521, the mobile communication device 110 transmits the acknowledgment message from itself to the communication manager 141 of the base station 161 in the first wireless network 121. Therefore, the wireless base station 121 receives confirmation from the communication manager 140 that it has received the corresponding paging notification.

[0179] As discussed above, in a non-limiting example embodiment, communication 521 includes an acknowledgment message from mobile communication device 110 and a handover notification instructing mobile communication device 110 to make a temporary planned handover from first wireless network 121 to second wireless network 122.

[0180] In one embodiment, a physical handover (such as a temporary disconnection) includes the mobile communication device 110 communicating (such as transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals) from the second wireless network 122 using its corresponding antenna hardware 175. After the duration of the temporary handover specified by communication 521, the mobile communication device 110 switches back to communicating with the first wireless network 121 again using its corresponding antenna hardware 175 or monitoring communications such as paging notifications from the first wireless network 121.

[0181] The following diagrams further discuss additional details related to the transfer.

[0182] Figure 8 This is an example timing diagram illustrating timing associated with multiple wireless paging channels according to embodiments of this article.

[0183] According to another example embodiment, the planned handover notification in communication 521 from mobile communication device 110 indicates that mobile communication device 110 is scheduled to be unavailable for a duration DOT1 (or the start time T61 and end time T62 of a temporary relocation) for monitoring the time when receiving paging notification 131 from first wireless network 121. In this case, in one embodiment, first wireless network 121 does not expect mobile communication device 110 to receive paging notifications and corresponding handover notifications during the handover duration DOT1 specified by communication 521 (such as between time T61 and time T64).

[0184] During all or part of the duration DOT1, the mobile communication manager 140 of mobile communication device 110 switches all or part of the antenna hardware 175 to monitor radio paging channel 132 instead of radio paging channel 131. During the switching time, in response to a transfer notification, radio network 121 blocks the transmission of paging notifications to mobile communication device 110 between time T61 and time T64.

[0185] However, after the duration of DOT1, the first wireless network 121 expects or assumes that the mobile communication device 110 will be able to receive paging notifications from the first wireless network 121.

[0186] During the separation between time T61 and time T62, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 monitors the paging notifications on the wireless paging channel 132 at its assigned paging times (in the wireless network 122) (such as paging time 232-6 of paging frame 242-6). In this case, the mobile communication device 110 receives paging notification B1 from the wireless base station 162.

[0187] like Figure 8 As further illustrated, after the disengagement end time T64 (when the duration DOT1 expires), it is assumed that the wireless network 121 has a paging notification A2 that must be sent to the mobile communication device 110. After the duration DOT1 expires, the wireless network 121 transmits the corresponding paging notification A2 through the wireless paging channel 131 in the paging timing 232-1 of the paging frame 242-1 allocated to the mobile communication device 110. At time T64 or approximately time T64, the communication manager 140 controls the antenna hardware 175 to monitor the wireless paging channel 131 again. In this case, the mobile communication device 110 receives the paging notification A2 from the wireless network 121.

[0188] Therefore, switching the antenna hardware 175 associated with the mobile communication device 110 includes temporarily diverting the wireless antenna hardware 175 (such as one or more receiver chains associated with the antenna hardware 175) communicating with the first wireless network 121 to the second wireless network 122. The temporary diversion of the wireless antenna hardware includes, after the temporary diversion (duration DOT1), re-monitoring the paging notification channel 131 of the first wireless network 121 using the wireless antenna hardware 175 (such as one or more receiver chains).

[0189] Therefore, embodiments of this document include means by which a mobile communication device 110 (user equipment) notifies a wireless network 121 (network A) of its switching away from the wireless network 121 (network A).

[0190] More specifically, in one aspect, the INACTIVE MUSIM UE (mobile communication device 110) sends a paging ACK message for a paging notification received on the wireless network 121 and a transfer message indicating the duration (DOT1) of the handover departure. The wireless network 121 assumes that the mobile communication device 110 (user equipment) will call back to the wireless network 121 after the indicated duration or a specified time point. For example, the communication may indicate the planned start time (T61) and the planned end time (T64) of the handover departure.

[0191] As mentioned, the wireless network 121 terminates addressing to the mobile communication device 110 for an additional PO (paging opportunity) and / or future PF (paging frame) for a specified duration.

[0192] In one embodiment, note that the paging ACK in communication 521 is a higher-level message from mobile communication device 110.

[0193] In a more specific example embodiment, the paging ACK in communication 521 informs network 121 (network A) that the mobile communication device intends to transition to CONNECTED mode on network 121 after the end of the switching duration on wireless network 122 (network B) (such as at time T64 or approximately time T64).

[0194] In one embodiment, this mechanism notifies the paging cycle bound to network A.

[0195] As discussed further below, a single Tx MUSIM mobile communication device 110 in CONNECTED mode on wireless network 121 may need to override or update the handover duration previously indicated by the user equipment (mobile communication device 110) to wireless network 121 after the user equipment (mobile communication device 110) has switched to wireless network 122. For example, in one embodiment, the paging search space on wireless network 122 may be used to schedule unicast data.

[0196] Figure 9 This is an example timing diagram illustrating timing associated with multiple wireless paging channels according to embodiments of this article.

[0197] In this example embodiment, assuming that during a planned temporary handover between time T61 and time T64, while monitoring the paging channel 132 of the second wireless network 1222, the mobile communication device 110 uses antenna hardware 175 to monitor the paging channel 132, resulting in the detection of a paging notification B3 from the wireless base station 162 of the second wireless network 122 to the mobile communication device 110 (in paging timing 232-7 of paging frames 242-7).

[0198] Such paging notification B3 from the second wireless network 122 (and the corresponding wireless paging channel 132) can instruct the granting of wireless resources associated with the second wireless network 122 to the mobile communication device 110.

[0199] In one embodiment, such paging notification B3 from the second wireless network 122 prevents (delays) the mobile communication device 110 from switching back to the antenna hardware 175 to monitor the wireless paging channel 131 within the original time amount (such as DOT1 or end time T64), as previously indicated by the mobile communication device 110 in communication 521.

[0200] In other words, the paging notification B3 received by mobile communication device 110 and the use of radio resources of wireless network 122 prevent (delay) mobile communication device 110 from switching back to antenna hardware 175 to monitor the wireless paging channel 131 of the first wireless network 121 again. In this case, in response to receiving communication 522 (notification delayed to time T66), the first wireless network 121 terminates the transmission of paging notifications to mobile communication device 110 through its wireless paging channel 131 during the extended planned temporary handover until time T66 or an additional duration specified by mobile communication device 110 in communication 522.

[0201] In one embodiment, in response to detecting a paging notification B3 from the second wireless network 122, the mobile communication device 110 transmits an updated planned handover notification (communication 522) to the first wireless network 121 via a wireless communication link. The updated planned handover notification in communication 522 informs the first wireless network 121 that the duration of the initial planned temporary handover of the mobile communication device 110 to the second wireless network 121 (the end time of DOT1 or T64) has been extended or delayed. In one embodiment, the updated planned handover message in communication 522 indicates, via the end time or additional time duration DOT2, how long the mobile communication device 110 will be further delayed (prevented) from monitoring the wireless paging channel 131 of the first wireless network 121.

[0202] Therefore, based on the notification received in communication 522 that the mobile communication device 110 will be delayed, the first wireless network 121 delays sending a paging notification on its corresponding wireless paging channel 131 until the extended time T66, after which it is known that the mobile communication device 110 will again monitor the wireless paging channel 131 of the first wireless network 121.

[0203] More specifically, in this embodiment, a mobile communication device 110 (such as a MUSIM UE) in CONNECTED mode on wireless network 121 may need to override or update the handover duration it previously indicated to wireless network 121 after it has switched to wireless network 122. For example, the paging search space on wireless network 122 can be used to schedule unicast data to that mobile communication device 110, as supported in Rel-15. The mobile communication device 110 can then choose to remain on wireless network 122 for a longer period than the original handover duration indicated to wireless network 121 is no longer valid.

[0204] If wireless network 121 uses the original switching value and sends control or data to mobile communication device 110, it is an inefficient use of network resources even if it has not switched back.

[0205] Figure 10 This is an example timing diagram illustrating the timing associated with example disconnections of a mobile communication device to different wireless networks in multiple time slots, according to embodiments of this article.

[0206] According to another example embodiment, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 generates communication 521 to instruct the mobile communication device 110 to be scheduled to be dispatched to all or part of the receiver chain associated with the antenna hardware 175 to monitor and receive paging notifications from the wireless network 122 via the wireless paging channel 132 (or one or more other wireless paging channels associated with a plurality of other wireless networks).

[0207] For example, suppose in this example embodiment, the communication manager 140 generates communication 521 to instruct the mobile communication device 110 to disconnect from the wireless network 121 during time slots TS920, TS940, TS960, etc.

[0208] The time slots TS920, TS940, TS960, etc., can be specified in any way. For example, the communication manager 140 can be configured to generate communication 521 to indicate: i) via time slot TS920 with start time TS92 and stop time TS93; ii) via time slot TS940 with start time TS93 and stop time TS94; iii) via time slot TS960 with start time TS96 and stop time TS97; and so on.

[0209] During time slots TS920, TS940, TS960, etc., mobile communication device 110 monitors wireless paging channel 132 to obtain corresponding paging notifications. In one embodiment, the time slot specified by communication 520 coincides at least with the paging timing assigned to mobile communication device 110 (associated with SIM 172) on wireless paging channel 132.

[0210] According to another example embodiment, the mobile communication device 110 is configured to define time slots based on repetitive period or frequency information and time slot width information defining time slots TS920, TS940, TS960, etc.

[0211] based on Figure 10 The time slot information received in the network, the time transmission of the wireless network 121 between T91 and T92, T93 and T94, and T95 and T96, etc., and any paging notifications associated with the wireless network 121.

[0212] Figure 11 This is an example block diagram of a computer system for implementing any of the operations previously discussed, according to embodiments of this document.

[0213] Any resources discussed herein (such as communication manager 140, communication manager 141, communication manager 142, mobile communication device 110, wireless base station 161, wireless base station 162, etc.) can be configured to include computer processor hardware and / or corresponding executable instructions to perform the different operations discussed herein.

[0214] As shown in the figure, the computer system 1050 of this example includes an interconnect 1011 that couples a computer-readable storage medium 1012 (such as a non-transitory type of medium (which may be any suitable type of hardware storage medium that can store and / or retrieve digital information)), a processor 1013 (computer processor hardware), an I / O interface 1014, and a communication interface 1017.

[0215] One or more I / O interfaces 1014 support connectivity to the storage library 1080 and input resources 1092.

[0216] The computer-readable storage medium 1012 can be any hardware storage device (such as a memory, optical storage device, hard disk drive, floppy disk, etc.). In one embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium 1012 stores instructions and / or data.

[0217] As shown in the figure, the computer-readable storage medium 1012 can be encoded together with the communication manager application 140-1 in the corresponding wireless station (e.g., including instructions) to perform any operation as discussed herein.

[0218] During operation in one embodiment, processor 1013 accesses computer-readable storage medium 1012 via interconnect 1011 to initiate, run, execute, interpret, or otherwise perform instructions in communication manager application 140-1 stored on computer-readable storage medium 1012. Execution of communication manager application 140-1 produces communication manager processing 140-2 to perform any operations and / or processes as discussed herein.

[0219] Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system 1050 may include other processing and / or software and hardware components, such as an operating system that controls the allocation and use of hardware resources to execute the communication manager application 140-1.

[0220] According to different embodiments, it is important to note that the computer system can reside in any variety of devices, including but not limited to mobile computers, personal computer systems, wireless devices, wireless access points, base stations, telephone equipment, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, netbook computers, mainframe computers, handheld computers, workstations, network computers, application servers, storage devices, consumer electronic devices (such as cameras, camcorders, set-top boxes, mobile devices, video game consoles, handheld video game devices), peripheral devices (such as switches, modems, routers, set-top boxes, content management devices, handheld remote control devices), any type of computing or electronic device, and so on. The computer system 1050 can reside anywhere or can be included in any suitable resource in any network environment to perform the functions discussed herein.

[0221] Now will be passed Figure 12 and 13 The flowcharts below discuss the functions supported by different resources. Note that the steps in the following flowcharts can be performed in any suitable order.

[0222] Figure 12This is a flowchart 1200 illustrating an example method according to an embodiment of this document. Note that there is some overlap with the concepts discussed above.

[0223] In processing operation 1210, when the mobile communication device 110 is wirelessly connected to the first wireless base station 161 via the first wireless communication link, the communication manager 140 receives input to switch the mobile communication device 110 to the second wireless base station 162.

[0224] In processing operation 1220, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 generates timing information 111 associated with the handover.

[0225] In processing operation 1230, mobile communication device 110 transmits timing information 111 to first wireless base station 161 in wireless communication 221 via the first wireless communication link. The timing information 111 indicates the timing attributes of mobile communication device 110 switching from the first wireless base station 161 (first wireless network 121) to the second wireless base station 162 (wireless network 122).

[0226] Figure 13 This is an example diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment of this document. Note that there may be some overlap with the concepts discussed above.

[0227] In processing operation 1310 of flowchart 1300, mobile communication device 110 receives one or more paging notifications 151 from wireless base station 161 in first wireless network 121 operated by first service provider.

[0228] In processing operation 1320, in response to receiving input when mobile communication device 110 is wirelessly connected to the first wireless network 121, mobile communication device 110 generates a handover notification (such as message 521 or message 522) instructing mobile communication device 110 to make a planned temporary handover (de-connection) from the first wireless network 121 to the second wireless network 122.

[0229] In processing operation 1330, mobile communication device 110 transmits a handover notification to first wireless network 121 (via message 521 or message 522); the handover notification informs first wireless network 121 of a planned temporary handover tuning (de-tuning) associated with mobile communication device 110 to second wireless network 122.

[0230] It should be noted again that the techniques described herein are well-suited for facilitating the use of shared wireless channels between different types of wireless stations. However, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to such applications and the techniques discussed herein are also well-suited for other applications.

[0231] Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., known to those of ordinary skill in the art are not described in detail so as not to obscure the claimed subject matter. Some portions of the specific description have been given with regard to algorithms or symbolic representations of data bits or binary digital signals stored in the memory of a computer system (such as computer memory). These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the field of data processing to communicate the substance of their work to others of ordinary skill in the art. Algorithms as described herein are generally considered to be self-consistent sequences of operations or similar processes that result in desired results. In this context, the operation or process involves the physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, but not necessarily, these quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, transmitted, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. Primarily for reasons of general use, it is sometimes convenient to refer to these signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, items, numbers, numerical values, etc. However, it should be understood that all such terms and similar terms should be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient notations. Unless otherwise stated, as will be apparent from the following discussion, the use of terms such as “processing,” “computing,” and “determining” throughout this specification refers to the actions or processing of a computing platform (such as a computer or similar electronic computing device) that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities in a memory, register, or other information storage device, transmission device, or display device of the computing platform.

[0232] While the invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to its preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Such changes are intended to be covered by the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitation on the invention is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: When a mobile communication device wirelessly connects to a first wireless base station via a first wireless communication link, it receives input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switch the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station. Generate timing information associated with the temporary switchover; In wireless communication via a first wireless communication link, timing information is transmitted from a mobile communication device to a first wireless base station. This timing information indicates the duration of a temporary disconnection of a plurality of chains of antenna hardware from the first wireless base station to a second wireless base station, wherein the plurality of chains of antenna hardware includes a first chain of receiver antenna hardware and a second chain of receiver antenna hardware. The method further includes: Before the temporary portion of the mobile communication device is removed, both the first chain of the receiver antenna hardware and the second chain of the receiver antenna hardware of the mobile communication device are used to receive wireless communication from the first wireless base station. as well as During the duration of the time, during the temporary partial disconnection of the mobile communication device: i) using the first chain of the receiver antenna hardware to receive wireless communication from the first wireless base station, and ii) using the second chain of the receiver antenna hardware of the mobile communication device to receive wireless communication from the second wireless base station.

2. A method comprising: When a mobile communication device wirelessly connects to a first wireless base station via a first wireless communication link, it receives input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switch the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station. Generate timing information associated with the temporary switchover; In a wireless communication via a first wireless communication link, timing information is transmitted to a first wireless base station, the timing information indicating the timing attributes of a temporary handover of a mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to a second wireless base station. The method further includes: The duration of time required to establish a connection between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station is determined through communication between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station. as well as Timing information is generated at least in part based on the duration of the determined time.

3. A method comprising: When a mobile communication device wirelessly connects to a first wireless base station via a first wireless communication link, it receives input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switch the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station. Generate timing information associated with the temporary switchover; Timing information is transmitted to a first wireless base station during wireless communication via a first wireless communication link. This timing information indicates the timing attributes of a temporary handover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to a second wireless base station. The timing information includes a first part and a second part. The first part specifies a time value, and the second part specifies a multiplier value applicable to that time value. The combination of the time value and the multiplier value indicates the duration of the temporary switch.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device establishes a first wireless communication link via a first SIM (subscriber identity module) assigned to a user of the mobile communication device, the method further comprising: In a first wireless communication via a first wireless communication link, timing information is transmitted to a first wireless base station to facilitate the establishment of a second wireless communication link between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station via a second SIM (subscriber identity module) assigned to the user.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first wireless base station is operated by the first wireless service provider; and The second wireless base station is operated by a second wireless service provider that is independent of the first wireless service provider.

6. A method comprising: When a mobile communication device wirelessly connects to a first wireless base station via a first wireless communication link, it receives input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switch the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station. Generate timing information associated with the temporary switchover; In wireless communication via a first wireless communication link, timing information is transmitted from a mobile communication device to a first wireless base station. This timing information indicates the duration of temporary disconnections of multiple links in the antenna hardware of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station. The method further includes: Before receiving input to perform a temporary handover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, multiple chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device are used to receive messages from the first wireless base station. as well as After transmitting timing information and before the time duration specified by the timing information expires, a message is received from a first wireless base station using a first portion of the plurality of chains of the antenna hardware in the mobile communication device, and a message is received from a second wireless base station using a second portion of the plurality of chains of the antenna hardware in the mobile communication device. After the time duration specified by the timing information expires, additional messages are received from the first wireless base station using the multiple chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein timing information is transmitted from the mobile communication device to the first wireless base station in a UE auxiliary information message.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein timing information indicates a planned temporary partial handover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, the method further comprising: A handover notification is transmitted to the first wireless base station, which informs the first wireless base station of the planned temporary part of the handover.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: After the temporary partial relocation, the paging notification channel of the first wireless base station was monitored again using multiple links of antenna hardware.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the handover notification instructs the mobile communication device to tune less than all portions of the corresponding antenna hardware to receive communication from the second wireless base station instead of the first wireless base station for a duration thereof, the method further comprising: At the mobile communication device, after the time duration expires, less than all parts of the antenna hardware are tuned back to receive communication from the first wireless base station.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Prior to the duration of the time, multiple chains of antenna hardware are used to receive wireless communications from the first wireless base station instead of the second wireless base station; as well as During the time duration specified by the timing information, the use of multiple chains of antenna hardware is reallocated to simultaneously receive wireless communications from the first wireless base station and the second wireless base station.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The reallocation of multiple chains of antenna hardware to simultaneously receive wireless communications from the first wireless base station and the second wireless base station includes: During the duration of the time: i) using a first portion of a plurality of chains of antenna hardware to receive a first wireless communication from the first wireless base station, and ii) using a second portion of a plurality of chains of antenna hardware to receive a second wireless communication from the first wireless base station.

13. A system comprising: A mobile communication device that communicates with a first wireless base station, the mobile communication device being operable to: When a mobile communication device wirelessly connects to a first wireless base station via a first wireless communication link, it receives input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switch the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station. Generate timing information associated with the temporary switchover; as well as In a wireless confirmation communication via a first wireless communication link, timing information is transmitted to a first wireless base station. This timing information indicates the timing attribute of a temporary handover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to a second wireless base station. The wireless confirmation communication further indicates that the mobile communication device has received a paging notification from the first wireless base station. The timing information indicates the duration of the temporary handover, during which the mobile communication device switches to monitoring paging notifications from the second wireless base station. The mobile communication device is also suitable for: During the duration of the time, an grant of wireless resources for communication from the mobile communication device to the second wireless base station is received; In response to receiving the grant of radio resources, a message is transmitted to the first radio base station indicating an extension of the duration for which the mobile communication device is switched to the second radio base station; as well as Wireless communication is transmitted from the mobile communication device to the second wireless base station during the extended time duration via the grant of the wireless resources.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the mobile communication device is further operable to: The duration of time required to establish a connection between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station is determined via communication between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station; and Timing information is generated based on the determined time duration.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the timing information includes a first part and a second part, the first part specifying a time value, the second part specifying a multiplier applicable to the time value, and the combination of the time value and the multiplier indicating the duration of the temporary switch.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the mobile communication device includes a plurality of radio links supporting antenna hardware for communication via a first wireless communication link; and The timing information specifies the duration for which the radio link of the antenna hardware in the mobile communication device is no longer available for communication with the first wireless base station.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the mobile communication device is further operable to: In response to the mobile communication device allocating multiple chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device currently used for communication with the first wireless base station to support subsequent communication between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station, timing information is generated and transmitted from the mobile communication device to the first wireless base station.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein the mobile communication device establishes a first wireless communication link via a first SIM (subscriber identity module) assigned to a user of the mobile communication device, the mobile communication device further being operable to: In wireless communication via the first wireless communication link, timing information is transmitted to the first wireless base station to facilitate the establishment of a second wireless communication link between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station via the second SIM (subscriber identity module) assigned to the user.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein the first wireless base station is operated by a first wireless service provider; and The second wireless base station is operated by a second wireless service provider that is independent of the first wireless service provider.

20. A system comprising: A mobile communication device that communicates with a first wireless base station, the mobile communication device being operable to: When a mobile communication device wirelessly connects to a first wireless base station via a first wireless communication link, it receives input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switch the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station. Generate timing information associated with the temporary switchover; as well as In a wireless confirmation communication via a first wireless communication link, timing information is transmitted to a first wireless base station. This timing information indicates the timing attribute of a temporary handover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to a second wireless base station. The wireless confirmation communication further indicates that the mobile communication device has received a paging notification from the first wireless base station. The mobile communication device can also operate as follows: Before receiving input to perform a temporary handover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, multiple chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device are implemented to communicate with the first wireless base station. as well as After transmitting timing information and before the time duration specified by the timing information expires, the first part of the plurality of chains of the antenna hardware in the mobile communication device is used to communicate with the first wireless base station, and the second part of the plurality of chains of the antenna hardware in the mobile communication device is used to communicate with the second wireless base station. as well as After the corresponding expiration of the transmission of timing information and the time duration specified by the timing information, the device communicates with the second wireless base station using the multiple chains of the antenna hardware in the mobile communication device.

21. The system of claim 13, wherein the transmission of timing information provides a notification to the first wireless base station that the mobile communication device has planned to discontinue the use of a chain of multiple antennas in the mobile communication device.

22. The system of claim 13, wherein timing information is transmitted from the mobile communication device to the first wireless base station in a UE auxiliary information message.

23. The system of claim 13, wherein timing information indicates a partial disconnection of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, the partial disconnection comprising: i) using a first portion of the chain of the receiver antenna hardware of the mobile communication device to receive wireless communication from the first wireless base station, and ii) using a second portion of the chain of the receiver antenna hardware of the mobile communication device to receive wireless communication from the second wireless base station.

24. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The mobile communication device is also suitable for: After the extended duration expires, the system switches back to monitoring paging notifications from the first wireless base station.

25. A computer-readable storage hardware having instructions stored thereon, the instructions causing the computer processor hardware, when executed by the computer processor hardware, to: When a mobile communication device wirelessly connects to a first wireless base station via a first wireless communication link, it receives input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switch the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station. Generate timing information associated with the temporary switchover; as well as In wireless communication via a first wireless communication link, timing information is transmitted from a mobile communication device to a first wireless base station, the timing information indicating the duration of a temporary portion of a chain of antenna hardware of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station. and The antenna hardware of the mobile communication device includes multiple chains, including a first chain of receiver antenna hardware and a second chain of receiver antenna hardware. The instructions, when executed by the computer processor hardware, also cause the computer processor hardware to: Before the temporary portion of the mobile communication device is removed, both the first chain of the receiver antenna hardware and the second chain of the receiver antenna hardware of the mobile communication device are used to receive wireless communication from the first wireless base station. as well as During the duration of the time, during the temporary partial disconnection of the mobile communication device: i) using the first chain of the receiver antenna hardware to receive wireless communication from the first wireless base station, and ii) using the second chain of the receiver antenna hardware of the mobile communication device to receive wireless communication from the second wireless base station.

26. A method comprising: At the user equipment location, a paging notification is received from the first wireless network; In response to receiving input when the user equipment is wirelessly connected to the first wireless network, a handover notification is generated instructing the user equipment to make a planned temporary handover to the second wireless network; A handover notification is transmitted to the first wireless network, which informs the first wireless network of the planned temporary handover, and The planned handover notification indicates the duration for which the mobile communication device is scheduled to be unavailable for monitoring the reception of paging notifications from the first wireless network.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: At the user equipment location, a paging notification is received from the first wireless network; A confirmation message is generated, which confirms that the user equipment has received a paging notification from the first wireless network; as well as A confirmation message is transmitted from the user equipment to the first wireless network, and the confirmation message includes a handover notification indicating a temporary planned handover.

28. The method of claim 26, further comprising: While monitoring the paging notification channel of the second wireless network during the planned temporary handover, paging notifications directed to the user equipment are detected at the user equipment.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the paging notification instructs the user equipment to grant wireless resources associated with the second wireless network.

30. The method of claim 28, further comprising: In response to the detection of a paging notification from the second wireless network, an updated planned handover notification is transmitted to the first wireless network via the first wireless communication link. The updated planned handover notification informs the first wireless network that the duration of the initial plan for the temporary handover of the user equipment to the second wireless network has been extended.

31. The method of claim 26, wherein the switching includes temporarily diverting wireless hardware communicating with the first wireless network to the second wireless network, the method further comprising: After the temporary relocation, the paging notification channel of the first wireless network was monitored again using wireless hardware.

32. The method of claim 26, wherein the first SIM (subscriber identity module) assigned to the mobile communication device supports connectivity between the mobile communication device and a first network operated by a first wireless network service provider; and The second SIM (subscriber identity module) assigned to the mobile communication device supports the connectivity of the mobile communication device to a second network operated by a second wireless network service provider.

33. The method of claim 26, wherein the first wireless network terminates the transmission of paging notifications to the mobile communication device during the planned temporary handover.

34. The method of claim 26, wherein the duration for which the planned temporary handover notification instructs the mobile communication device to tune its corresponding antenna hardware to the second wireless network instead of the first wireless network, the method further comprising: At the mobile communication device, the antenna hardware is tuned back to the first wireless network after the duration of the time expires.

35. The method of claim 26, further comprising: The communication generates an instruction to the first wireless network to update the handover duration previously indicated by the user equipment.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising: After the user equipment has switched to the second wireless network, a communication indicating an update on the switching duration will be transmitted to the first wireless network.

37. A system comprising: A network, operating in a network environment, which includes a first wireless network and a second wireless network; as well as User equipment, operable as follows: Receive paging notifications from the first wireless network in the network environment; In response to receiving input when the user equipment is wirelessly connected to the first wireless network, a handover notification is generated instructing the user equipment to make a planned temporary handover to the second wireless network; as well as A handover notification is transmitted to the first wireless network, which informs the first wireless network of the planned temporary handover. The planned handover notification specifies the duration for which user equipment is scheduled to be unavailable for monitoring the reception of paging notifications from the first wireless network.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the user equipment is further operable to: Receive paging notifications from the first wireless network; A confirmation message is generated, acknowledging that the user equipment has received a paging notification from the first network; and A confirmation message is transmitted from the user equipment to the first wireless network, and the confirmation message includes a handover notification indicating a temporary planned handover.

39. The system of claim 37, wherein the user equipment is further operable to: While monitoring the paging notification channel of the second wireless network during the planned temporary handover, detect paging notifications directed to user equipment.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the paging notification instructs the granting of wireless resources associated with the second wireless network to the user equipment.

41. The system of claim 39, wherein the user equipment is further operable to: In response to the detection of a paging notification from the second wireless network, an updated planned handover notification is transmitted to the first wireless network via the first wireless communication link. The updated planned handover notification informs the first wireless network that the duration of the initial plan for the temporary handover of the user equipment to the second wireless network has been extended.

42. The system of claim 37, wherein the planned handover includes temporarily relocating wireless hardware communicating with the first wireless network to the second wireless network, and the user equipment is also operable to: After the temporary relocation, the paging notification channel of the first wireless network was monitored again using wireless hardware.

43. The system of claim 37, wherein the first SIM (subscriber identity module) assigned to the user equipment supports connectivity between the user equipment and a first wireless network operated by a first wireless network service provider; and The second SIM (subscriber identity module) assigned to the user equipment supports the user equipment's connectivity to a second wireless network operated by a second wireless network service provider.

44. The system of claim 37, wherein the first wireless network is operable to terminate the transmission of paging notifications to user equipment during a planned temporary handover.

45. The system of claim 37, wherein the planned temporary handover notification instructs the user equipment to tune the corresponding antenna hardware to the second wireless network instead of the first wireless network for a duration of time, and the user equipment is also operable to: tune the antenna hardware back to the first wireless network after the duration of time has expired.

46. ​​A computer-readable storage hardware having instructions stored thereon, the instructions causing the computer processor hardware, when executed by the computer processor hardware, to: At the user equipment location, a paging notification is received from the first wireless network; In response to receiving input when the user equipment is wirelessly connected to the first wireless network via the first wireless communication link, a handover notification is generated instructing the user equipment to make a planned temporary handover to the second wireless network. A handover notification is transmitted in communications to the first wireless network, which informs the first wireless network of the planned temporary handover. The planned handover notification specifies the duration for which user equipment is scheduled to be unavailable for monitoring the reception of paging notifications from the first wireless network.

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