Method and apparatus for improving data transmission

Abstract

Methods and systems for improving connectivity between a network node and a base station during data communication over a cellular network are disclosed. The network node includes a first plurality of wireless communication modules (WCMs). The method includes identifying, by the network node, a first base station connected to a second plurality of WCMs. The second plurality of WCMs includes all or a portion of the first plurality of WCMs. A WCM is then selected from the second plurality of WCMs as a third WCM to maintain a connection with the first base station. And the rest of the second plurality of WCMs is disconnected from the first base station. The disconnected WCMs are reconnected in a manner such that each of the second plurality of WCMs becomes connected to a different base station or to the same base station through a different frequency band.

Description

This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202180056530.6 and title “Method and device for improving data transmission”. Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of cellular communications and, more particularly, to methods and systems for improving connectivity between a network node and a base station during data communications over a cellular connection. Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates generally to data transmission and, more particularly, to improving the performance of data connections over cellular networks.

[0003] A network node with a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card can connect to a network, such as the Internet, via a mobile network associated with the SIM card. To enhance data transmission, a network node may have more than one SIM card, enabling the network node to perform data communications on the Internet via more than one mobile network, thereby increasing the bandwidth of data transmission.

[0004] If the SIM card in a network node is provided by a mobile network operator (MNO), then the network node may have more than one wireless communication module (WCM) connected to the same base station via corresponding antennas over the same frequency band. In this case, the data transmission rate may be reduced due to the limited bandwidth of the frequency band. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention features methods and systems for improving data transmission at a network node. In one exemplary embodiment, the network node includes a first plurality of WCMs. Each of the first plurality of WCMs includes at least one rotatable and tiltable antenna element to facilitate communication with a base station operated by a mobile network operator. Each of the first plurality of WCMs is capable of establishing at least one connection with at least one base station.

[0006] In one embodiment, a network node identifies a first base station connected to a second plurality of WCMs. The first plurality of WCMs includes all or a portion of the second plurality of WCMs. The network node then selects a WCM from the second plurality of WCMs as a third WCM to maintain a connection with the first base station. The network node then disconnects the remaining WCMs from the first base station, excluding the third WCM.

[0007] Subsequently, the disconnected WCM is connected to any base station other than the first base station. To connect the disconnected WCM to a different base station, the antenna element is oriented in such a manner that the disconnected WCM is connected to at least one base station other than the first base station. In one embodiment, the orientation of the antenna element can be changed based on the current geographic region of the network node.

[0008] In one example, the network node further includes a database storing characteristics of each antenna element connected to the first plurality of WCMs. In another example, the database further includes current geographic coordinate information of the network node, WCM group policy information, frequency band blacklist information, and other relevant information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 An exemplary network environment according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0010] Figure 2A A block diagram illustrating an exemplary network node according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0011] Figure 2B Another block diagram illustrating an exemplary network node according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2C An exemplary network environment according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0013] Figure 3 A flow chart illustrating one embodiment for testing connections for all available frequency bands;

[0014] Figure 4 A flow chart illustrating a method for improving connectivity of a network node using more than one WCM connected to an identified base station over the same frequency band;

[0015] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating a method for improving connectivity of a network node connected to a base station over the same frequency band using more than one WCM;

[0016] Figure 6 A flow chart illustrating a method for improving connectivity of a network node connected to a base station using more than one WCM over the same frequency band;

[0017] Figure 7 A process flow diagram illustrating a method for improving connectivity of a network node connected to a base station;

[0018] Figure 8 A method for improving connectivity of a network node connected to a base station according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 9 A method for providing more detailed information about unauthorized WCM commands is shown;

[0020] Figure 10 A blacklist table in one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 11 A flow chart in one embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following description provides only preferred exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present invention. In fact, the preferred exemplary embodiments described below will provide those skilled in the art with an advantageous description of implementing the preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0023] Specific details are provided in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits may be shown as block diagrams to avoid obscuring the embodiments with unnecessary detail. In other cases, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0024] Furthermore, embodiments may be described as processes depicted as flow charts, job diagrams, data flow diagrams, or block diagrams. Although a flow chart may depict operations as a sequential process, many operations can be performed in parallel or simultaneously. In addition, the order of operations may be rearranged. A process terminates when its operations are completed, but may have additional steps not included in the diagram. A process may correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a software function, the termination of the process corresponds to the function returning to the calling function or main function.

[0025] The embodiments or parts thereof are carried out on program instructions that can execute the functions and operations described herein on a processing unit. The program instructions constituting various embodiments can be stored in a storage medium.

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention relate to using a computer system to implement the techniques described herein. In one embodiment, the processing unit of the present invention may reside on a machine such as a computer platform. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the techniques described herein are performed by a computer system in response to the processing unit executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in volatile memory. Such instructions may be read into the volatile memory from another computer-readable medium. Execution of the sequence of instructions contained in the volatile memory causes the processing unit to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may replace or be combined with software instructions to implement the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0027] The program instructions constituting each embodiment may be stored in a storage medium. In addition, as disclosed herein, the term "storage medium" may refer to one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, magnetic core memory, flexible disk, floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, flash memory device, memory card and / or other computer-readable media for storing information.

[0028] The term "computer-readable medium" includes, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels, and other media capable of storing, containing, or carrying instructions and / or data. Computer-readable media can be implemented through virtualization and can be virtual computer-readable media, including virtual computer-readable media in the cloud. In addition, embodiments can be implemented through hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware descriptions, languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, the program code or code segments that perform the necessary tasks can be stored in a computer-readable medium such as a storage medium.

[0029] As used herein, the terms "computer-readable medium," "primary memory," "secondary storage," or "other storage medium" refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processing unit for execution. The processing unit reads data written to the primary storage medium and writes the data to the secondary storage medium. Thus, even if the data written to the primary storage medium is lost due to a transient power failure, for example, the data can be recovered by transferring the data stored in the secondary storage medium to the primary storage medium. A computer-readable medium is merely one example of a computer-readable medium that can carry instructions for implementing any of the methods and / or techniques described herein. This medium can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include optical or magnetic disks. Volatile storage includes dynamic memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire, and optical fiber. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

[0030] Volatile memory devices can be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions by the processing unit. Non-volatile memory devices or static memory devices can be used to store static information and instructions of the processor, as well as various system configuration parameters.

[0031] The storage medium may contain a plurality of software modules, which may be implemented as software codes executed by the processing unit using any suitable computer instruction type. The software codes may be stored as a series of instructions, commands or as a program in the storage medium.

[0032] Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a disk from a remote computer. Alternatively, the remote computer may load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions to the system for execution of the one or more sequences of one or more instructions.

[0033] The processing unit executes program instructions or code segments for implementing embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, the program instructions for performing the necessary tasks may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0034] The processing unit may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), any combination of those devices, or any other circuit that can be configured to execute program instructions for implementing the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0035] A system bus can carry signals between a main component (e.g., a processing unit) and peripheral components, or between peripheral components. A system bus can include multiple signal lines that connect components inside or outside the device. The system bus disclosed herein can be implemented using any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus, a peripheral bus, or a local bus using any of several bus architectures.

[0036] The network interface can be implemented by a standalone electronic component or integrated with other electronic components. Depending on the configuration, the network interface may have no network connection or at least one network connection. The network interface can be an Ethernet interface, a frame relay interface, a fiber optic interface, a cable interface, a digital subscriber line (DSL) interface, a token ring interface, a serial bus interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a FireWire interface, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) interface, a cellular network interface, etc.

[0037] The network interface can connect to a wired or wireless access network. The access network can carry data for one or more network protocols. A wired access network can be implemented using Ethernet, fiber optic, cable, DSL, frame relay, token ring, serial bus, USB, FireWire, PCI, or any other material capable of transmitting information. A wireless access network can be implemented using infrared, High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Enhanced High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE), WiMax, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wi-Fi, CDMA2000, Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Time Division CDMA (TD-SCDMA), Bluetooth, WiBRO, Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), Digital AMPS (IS-136 / TDMA), Integrated Digital Enhanced (iDEN), or any other wireless technology. For example, the network interface can function as a local area network (LAN) interface or a wide area network (WAN) interface.

[0038] As disclosed herein, the term "wireless communication module" may refer to a transceiver module used to provide network capabilities to a power controller or power controller server using a 3G, GPRS, or Global Positioning System (GPS) module via wires or Ethernet cables. The wireless communication module allows the processing unit to obtain user information, and the communication port of the wireless communication module can be connected to a personal computer or other power controller or power controller server (PCS) wirelessly via wires, using a serial bus or Ethernet, or using 2G / 3G / 4G or LTE technology. The wireless communication module can serve as a network interface for applications that need to share data between the power controller and smart devices such as host computers and / or servers.

[0039] Figure 1 1 is a network diagram of an illustrative network environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network includes a network node 105. Network node 105 may include multiple antenna elements to establish a cellular connection as a WAN connection. The cellular connection is established via a wireless connection between a WCM of network node 105 and a base station. Network node 105 may house or be externally connected to the multiple WCMs. The base station is one of a plurality of base stations 106a-106e (collectively referred to as base stations 106). Server 101 and network device 102 are connected to Internet 100 via a wired or wireless connection. Server 103 is connected to Internet 100 via network device 102.

[0040] Each of the base stations 106 may be a fixed base station, also known as an access point, a node, or an evolved node, which may provide wireless communications for a specific geographic area using cellular technology. The base stations 106a-106e may be operated by the same or different MNOs. For example, the base stations 106a-106b may be operated by Operation, base stations 106c-106d can be operated by Operation, base station 106e can be operated by operate.

[0041] In one example, the network node 105 is connected to the Internet 100 by establishing a wireless connection between at least one of the plurality of WCMs in or connected to the network node 105 and at least one of the base stations 106 .

[0042] In one variation, one or more external devices are connected to the network node 105. The external device can be any Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as a server, sensor, appliance, motor assembly, outdoor shading system, camera, lighting assembly, microphone, computing device, etc. For illustrative purposes, a video surveillance camera 107 is connected to the network node 105.

[0043] In one variation, each of the SIMs connected to a corresponding WCM may have its own Access Point Name (APN) configuration. Thus, each of the plurality of SIMs may be allowed to connect to the base station 106 with its corresponding WCM based on its APN configuration.

[0044] Figure 2A A block diagram of an exemplary network node according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. This exemplary network node is network node 200. Network node 200 is similar to network node 105. For illustrative purposes, network node 200 includes secondary storage 205, main memory 207, at least one processing unit, such as processing unit 206, a system bus 204, at least one WAN interface, such as WAN interface 208, and at least one LAN interface, such as LAN interface 209. Network node 200 further includes a plurality of WCMs 201a-201e (collectively, WCMs 201). Each of the plurality of WCMs is connected to at least one SIM from a plurality of SIMs 202a-201f (collectively, SIMs 202) and at least one antenna element from a plurality of antenna elements 203a-203e (collectively, antenna elements 203). For example, WCM 201a is connected to SIM 202a and antenna element 203a, and WCM 201b is connected to SIM 202b and antenna element 203b. The processing unit 206 is connected to the main memory 207. The processing unit 206 communicates with the auxiliary storage device 205, the LAN interface 209, the WAN interface 208, and the WCM 201 via the system bus 204. Each of the plurality of SIM cards 202a-201f can be accommodated in a SIM card holder, which is directly connected to the SIM interface and the corresponding WCM. Each of the plurality of antenna elements 203 is directly connected to a corresponding WCM in the WCM 201.

[0045] In one variation, each of the multiple SIMs 202 may be an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC), also known as an embedded SIM (eSIM). An eSIM may have one or more eSIM profiles. An eSIM profile contains all necessary information for dialing into a cellular network, enabling the corresponding device to obtain telecommunication services from the cellular network's MNO. For example, each eSIM profile may contain one or more of the following information: a unique International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number that authenticates the subscriber to the cellular network, an Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID), a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN), cellular network-specific data, and security authentication information. An eSIM profile can be used to perform the same functions as a removable SIM or SIM card. An eSIM profile may also be referred to as an electronic SIM. The processing unit 206 may use the eSIM profile to perform authentication.

[0046] It is possible for multiple SIMs to be connected to one WCM. Figure 2A As shown, SIMs 202d and 202f are connected to WCM 201d. In another example, all WCMs 201 housed in network node 200 may be connected to only one SIM. Figure 2A As shown, WCM 201d is connected to SIMs 202d and 202f for illustration purposes only.

[0047] Each of the plurality of antenna elements 203 may be a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna, a multiple-input single-output (MISO) antenna, a single-input multiple-output (SIMO) antenna, or a single-input single-output (SISO) antenna.

[0048] In one variation, one or more SIM cards may be housed in an external device connected to network node 200. In another variation, the one or more SIM cards may be housed in WCM 201. In these cases, WCM 201 may be housed in an external device rather than network node 200. For example, the external device may be a USB port or an LTE modem. Network node 200 is connected to the external device via a USB interface and is capable of connecting to one or more external devices.

[0049] In one variation, at least one antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements 203 is capable of being used in an outdoor environment. As an illustration, the antenna element 203a has a waterproof structure, making the antenna element 203a suitable for use in an outdoor environment.

[0050] There is no limit to the number of WCMs and the number of antenna elements connected to network node 200. In one example, WCM 201 of network node 200 may have ten WCMs, each connected to ten antenna elements of plurality of antenna elements 203. In another example, WCM 201 of network node 200 may have ten WCMs, each connected to eight antenna elements of plurality of antenna elements 203. To simplify the illustration, each WCM shown in network node 200 is connected to only one antenna element.

[0051] In one variation, the network node 200 may have other communication modules instead of the WCMs 201, such as an Ethernet interface, a frame relay interface, a fiber optic interface, a cable interface, a DSL interface, a token ring interface, a serial bus interface, a USB interface, a FireWire interface, a PCI interface for packet transmission.

[0052] Figure 2B A block diagram of a network node according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2A , the network node 200 is shown in FIG. 2 , the network node 210 includes a secondary storage device 215, a main memory 217, at least one processing unit such as a processing unit 216, a system bus 214, at least one WAN interface such as a WAN interface 218, at least one LAN interface such as a LAN interface 219, a plurality of WCMs (WCMs 211 a-e, collectively referred to as WCMs 211), a plurality of antenna elements 213 a-e connected to the plurality of WCMs (collectively referred to as a plurality of antenna elements 213), and a plurality of SIMs 212 a-e (collectively referred to as SIMs 212).

[0053] The difference between network node 200 and network node 210 is that network node 210 further includes a selector 220. In network node 210, the plurality of SIM cards 212 are connected to the plurality of WCMs 211 via the selector 220. Each of the plurality of WCMs 211 can select any SIM card from the plurality of SIM cards 212. The selector 220 can be implemented by a CPLD, an FPGA, a MUX, or other solutions for selecting a SIM card.

[0054] Figure 2CAn exemplary network environment according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Each of the multiple WCMs can be connected to the same or different base stations 106. The WCM selects the base station to be connected based on certain criteria. The details of the base station selection process will be discussed later.

[0055] For illustrative purposes, each of the plurality of WCMs 201 can establish a wireless connection with at least one base station using at least one antenna element from the plurality of antenna elements 203. For example, in one scenario, WCM 201a coupled to antenna element 203a is simultaneously connected to two base stations, such as base stations 106a and 106b. In another scenario, WCMs 201b and 201c coupled to antenna elements 203b and 203c are connected to the same base station, such as base station 106c. In another scenario, a base station, such as base station 106d, is not connected to any of the plurality of WCMs 201. In another scenario, three WCMs 201c-e coupled to antenna elements 203c-e are connected to the same base station, such as base station 106e. In another exemplary scenario, a WCM can connect to two antenna elements to connect to two base stations. In other words, there is no limit to the number of base stations to which an antenna element can connect, nor is there a limit to the number of antenna elements that can connect to a single base station.

[0056] Each of the multiple WCMs 201 and 211 housed in network nodes 200 and 210, respectively, can test and select a frequency band with the best connection performance. If the network node identifies multiple available frequency bands, it would be difficult to determine which frequency band is being tested. Therefore, the network node may only mark one frequency band as available for testing in each test. By way of illustration, various embodiments for testing frequency bands in network node 200 are discussed below, according to the present invention. The embodiments and variations described for network node 200 are also applicable to network node 210.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] Figure 3 A method for testing connectivity across all available frequency bands according to the present invention is shown. Network node 200 can use one of multiple WCMs 201 to select a SIM and an antenna element for testing. Network node 200 may be able to use different sets of frequency bands. Network node 200 may need to support all carriers in its supported frequency bands.

[0059] For illustrative purposes, each of the plurality of WCMs 201 in the network node 200 and each of the plurality of WCMs 211 in the network node 210 may support frequency bands B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B19, B26, B29, B46, B48, and B66. The frequency bands supported by each of the plurality of WCMs are not necessarily the same. The description that each of the plurality of WCMs supports the same frequency band is for illustrative purposes only.

[0060] In process 301, processing unit 206 identifies available frequency bands in the geographical area where network node 200 is located. The available frequency bands must be frequency bands supported by a WCM, such as WCM 201a, connected to network node 200 and provided by the MNO corresponding to the SIM connected to WCM 201a. For example, WCM 201a is connected to SIM 202a. The MNO of SIM 202a is It provides data connectivity to any connected device over frequency bands B2, B4, and B 12. Since WCM 201a does not support frequency band B12, the available frequency bands for WCM 201a are B2 and B4.

[0061] In process 302, the network node 200 uses the WCM 201a to communicate with the MNO via the selected frequency band. The selected frequency band is selected from available frequency bands. The selected frequency band is set in the WCM 201a via a network interface, user interface (UI), application programming interface (API), command line interface, or console. For example, AT commands or the Qualcomm MSM Interface (QMI) are used to set the frequency band in the WCM 201a. Details of the QMI protocol will be discussed later.

[0062] In one example, the frequency bands may be selected for testing in ascending order. In another example, the frequency bands may be selected for testing in descending order. In another example, the frequency bands may be selected for testing randomly.

[0063] In process 303, the WCM 201a establishes a data connection with a host accessible via the Internet via the selected frequency band. For example, the WCM 201a may establish a data connection with the server 101 accessible via the Internet via the selected frequency band B2.

[0064] In process 304, processing unit 206 evaluates the performance of the data connection established in process 303. Thereafter, in process 305, processing unit 206 records the performance in the form of a performance matrix. The performance matrix can be stored in auxiliary storage device 205 of network node 200 or in a host accessible via Internet 100. The performance matrix includes one or more of the following criteria: speed, latency, throughput, jitter, packet loss, interference level, noise, signal strength, delay, etc. There is no limitation on the techniques that can be used to evaluate the performance of a data connection. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous methods for evaluating the performance of a data connection. For example, performance can be evaluated by sending Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) messages to a host and receiving ICMP echo replies.

[0065] For example, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SINAD), signal-to-interference ratio (SIR), signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SINR), interference level, and / or receiver signal strength indicator (RSSI) level of a selected frequency band may be used to evaluate the performance matrix.

[0066] In process 306, processing unit 206 determines whether all available frequency bands have been tested. If all available frequency bands have been tested, the process terminates in process 307. If any available frequency bands have not been tested, process 302 is performed again, and the subsequent processes are repeated until all available frequency bands have been tested. If the number of available frequency bands is N, the process is performed N times. For example, if only two available frequency bands, B2 and B4, were identified in process 301, processes 302-306 are performed twice.

[0067] Example 2

[0068] The method of embodiment 2 according to embodiment 1 further includes executing a process for all WCMs 201 accommodated in network device 200. If the number of available frequency bands per SIM for connecting to all WCMs is N and the number of WCMs is M, then Figure 3 The illustrated processes 302-306 may be performed N*M times. There is no limit to the number of available frequency bands for each SIM connected to the WCM 201. The description that all SIMs 202 connected to each of the plurality of WCMs 201 have N available frequency bands is made for illustrative purposes only.

[0069] In one example, for each of the SIMs 202 connected to the WCM 201, only B2 and B4 are available bands. The MNOs of the SIMs connected to the multiple WCMs 201a-201e can be the same or different. Therefore, 5 WCMs need to be tested. Since 5 WCMs need to be tested with 2 available bands, Figure 3 The process 302-306 shown in FIG. 3 may be performed (5×2) 10 times.

[0070] In another example, B2 and B4 are available frequency bands for each of SIMs 202a and 202b connected to WCMs 201a and 201b, respectively, and B1, B2, and B4 are available frequency bands for each of SIMs 202c-e connected to WCMs 201c-e, respectively. Figure 3 The illustrated process 302 - 306 may be performed (2×2+3×3) 13 times.

[0071] Example 3

[0072] According to the method of embodiment 1, embodiment 3 further comprises a process for executing a process for all SIMs 202 connected to the wireless communication module. If the number of available frequency bands for each SIM connected to the WCM is N and the number of SIMs connected to the WCM is P, then Figure 3 The illustrated processes 302 - 306 may be performed N*P times.

[0073] For example, B1, B2, and B4 are available frequency bands for each of the SIMs 202d and 202f connected to the WCM 201d. Figure 3 The illustrated processes 302 - 306 may be performed (3×2) 6 times because there are two SIMs connected to the WCM 201 d and each of the two SIMs has three available frequency bands.

[0074] Given that Figure 2B , the selector 220 is connected to the five WCMs of the WCM 211, so each of the plurality of SIMs 212 can connect to any of the five WCMs. Therefore, for each available frequency band of the SIM, the processes 302-306 may be performed five times. For example, when the available frequency band for each of the plurality of SIMs 212 is N equal to 3, the number of SIMs 212 is P equal to 5, and the number of WCMs is M equal to 5, then Figure 3 The illustrated processes 302 - 306 may be performed N*P*M times, ie (3×5×5) 75 times.

[0075] Example 4

[0076] According to the method of embodiment 1, embodiment 4 further comprises a process for performing a process for all antenna elements 203 connected to the WCM. If the number of available frequency bands for each SIM connected to the WCM is N and the number of antenna elements connected to the WCM is Q, then Figure 3 The processes 302-306 shown in FIG. 3 may be performed N*Q times.

[0077] For example, when B2 and B4 are available frequency bands for SIM 202a to connect to WCM 201a, Figure 3 The processes 302-306 shown in FIG. 2 may be performed N*Q times, ie, (2×1)2 times, because there is only one antenna element connected to the WCM 201a.

[0078] Example 5

[0079] The method of embodiment 1, embodiment 5 further comprises a process for performing different directions of antenna elements connected to the WCM. If the number of available frequency bands for each SIM connected to the WCM is N and the pointing direction of the antenna elements connected to the WCM is R, then Figure 3 The process 302-306 shown in FIG. 3 may be performed N*R times.

[0080] For example, when the number of pointing directions of the antenna element 203a connected to the WCM 201a is 2, and the number of available frequency bands of the SIM 202a for connecting to the WCM 201a is 2, then Figure 3 The processes 302-306 shown in FIG. 3 may be performed N*R times, ie (2×2)4 times.

[0081] Example 6

[0082] According to the method of embodiment 1, embodiment 6 further includes a process for performing a test for the WCM and different hosts. If the number of available bands for each SIM connected to the WCM is N, and the number of hosts used for testing is S, then Figure 3 The illustrated processes 302 - 306 may be performed N*S times.

[0083] For example, when the number of hosts for testing is 5 and the number of available bands for the SIM 202a connected to the WCM 201a is 2, then Figure 3 The processes 302-306 shown in FIG. 3 may be performed N*S times, ie (2×5)10 times.

[0084] Example 7

[0085] According to the method of embodiment 1, embodiment 7 further includes a process for the WCM to perform testing in different time slots. If the number of available frequency bands for each SIM connected to the WCM is N, and the number of time slots used for testing is T, then Figure 3 The process shown in can be performed N*T times.

[0086] For example, when the test is performed every 10 minutes, the number of time slots used to perform the processes 302-306 per hour is 6, and the number of available frequency bands for the SIM 202a connected to the WCM 201a is 2, then Figure 3 The illustrated processes 302 - 306 may be performed N*T times per hour, ie (2×6) 12 times.

[0087] Example 8

[0088] According to the method of embodiment 1, embodiment 8 further includes a process for WCM to be executed in different geographical areas. If the number of available frequency bands for each SIM connected to the WCM is N, and the number of geographical areas for testing is G, then Figure 3 The process shown in can be performed N*G times.

[0089] For example, when the number of geographical areas for testing is 3, and the number of available frequency bands for SIM 202a connected to WCM 201a is 2, then Figure 3 The processes 302-306 shown in FIG. 3 may be performed N*G times, ie (2×3)6 times.

[0090] Example 9

[0091] Embodiment 9 further comprises a process for performing any combination of the methods of embodiments 2 to 8 according to the method of embodiment 1. In one variation, Figure 3 The processes 302-306 shown in FIG are performed with respect to all WCMs accommodated in the network device 200. For example, when the number M of WCMs accommodated in the network device 200 is equal to 5, the number P of SIMs connected to the five WCMs is equal to 5, the available frequency band N for each of the five SIMs is equal to 2, and the number Q of antenna elements connected to each of the five WCMs is equal to 2, then Figure 3 The processes 302-306 shown in FIG. 3 may be performed M*P*N*Q times, ie (5×5×2×2)100 times.

[0092] After testing all the aforementioned possibilities according to an embodiment, the processing unit 206 may select a base station to establish a wireless connection. The base station is selected based on the performance record in process 305.

[0093] In some exemplary scenarios, it is possible that more than one WCM 201 housed in a network node 200 is connected to the same base station via the same frequency band. In these cases, connectivity may be affected because the network node 200 uses multiple WCMs to perform data communications via the same frequency band. Therefore, the method disclosed in the present invention can improve the connectivity of the network node.

[0094] Directional antenna

[0095] According to one embodiment of the present invention, network node 200 has at least one antenna element 203 arranged in a different orientation than the other antenna elements. For example, antenna element 203a may be mounted on one side of network node 200, while antenna elements 203b-e may be mounted on another side of network node 200. In another example, antenna element 203a may be mounted on a first side of network node 200, antenna element 203b may be mounted on a second side of network node 200, and antenna elements 203c-e may be mounted on a third side of network node 200. A user or administrator can manually adjust the orientation of the antenna elements via an input interface. The input interface may be a network interface, a user interface, an application programming interface, or an input device such as a touch-sensitive surface, a pointing input device, a keypad, a keyboard, a stylus, a sensor, or a joystick. Network node 200 may receive instructions from the user and / or administrator via a LAN or WAN interface.

[0096] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of improving connectivity of network nodes connected to an identified base station using more than one WCM over the same frequency band. Figure 2C As illustrated in FIG, three WCMs connected to antenna elements 203c-e housed in network node 200 are connected to base station 106e. If more than one WCM is identified as being connected to the same base station, connectivity to the base station is improved by maintaining only one WCM connected to the base station. For example, it is identified that base station 106e is connected to more than one WCM of network node 200.

[0097] In process 401, processing unit 206 selects a WCM from the plurality of WCMs 201c-e to maintain a connection between the identified base station 106e and the selected WCM. The selected WCM is selected based on one or more of the following criteria: connectivity, performance, and availability. For illustrative purposes, processing unit 206 selects WCM 201c to maintain a connection with the identified base station 106e. In another variation, the selected WCM is randomly selected from a plurality of WCMs connected to the same base station.

[0098] In process 402, the remaining WCMs connected to the identified base station 106e are disconnected. Since only WCMs 201c-e are connected to the identified base station 106e, and WCM 201c is selected to maintain the connection with base station 106e, WCMs 201d and 201e are disconnected from base station 106e.

[0099] In process 403, the antenna elements of disconnected WCMs 201d and 201e are adjusted to point in a direction different from the antenna elements of WCM 201c. Adjusting the orientation of the antenna elements of the disconnected WCMs enables the antenna elements to detect base stations other than the base station from which the WCMs were disconnected, thereby adjusting the orientation of the antenna elements of the disconnected WCMs. Adjusting the orientation of the antenna elements of the disconnected WCMs in this manner is intended to increase the probability that the disconnected WCMs will connect to base stations other than the base station from which they were disconnected when they reconnect.

[0100] For example, antenna element 203d is adjusted to point in a different direction. In process 404, the disconnected WCM is reconnected to at least one base station. The base station to be connected to antenna elements 203d and 203e should be within the coverage area of ​​antenna elements 203d and 203e.

[0101] In one variation, Figure 4 The method disclosed in

[0045] is executed based on one or more triggering events. For example, a triggering event occurs whenever processing unit 206 identifies a base station connected to more than one WCM. Processing unit 206 may periodically monitor events in network node 200 to determine whether a triggering event has occurred. In another variant, process 403 is not performed, and thus the orientation of the antenna element does not need to be changed.

[0102] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for improving connectivity of network nodes connected to a base station over the same frequency band using more than one WCM. Figure 5 Similar to Figure 4 .However, Figure 5 Additional procedures are performed in order to determine whether the base station is connected to more than one WCM. Figure 5 The process disclosed in is performed in network node 200 , but is also applicable to network node 210 .

[0103] In process 500, processing unit 206 of network node 200 determines all base stations connected to the plurality of WCMs in network node 200. In one variation, processing unit 206 also determines base stations connected to a WCM that is externally or remotely connected to network node 200. For illustrative purposes, processing unit 206 determines all base stations connected to WCMs 201a-e. A base station connected to a WCM 201a-e can be identified by a base station identification code (BSIC). The BSIC can be formed from two code sets, including a 3-digit network color code (NCC) and a 3-digit base station color code (BCC). Information about the BSIC of a WCM 201a-e can be received from a carrier of the connected base station via a broadcast control channel (BCCH) via broadcast information.

[0104] In process 501, processing unit 206 selects a base station from among the base stations connected to WCMs 201a-e of network node 200 to determine whether the selected base station is connected to more than one WCM. The base station selected in process 501 should be a base station that has not yet been selected. If more than one WCM of network node 200 is connected to the selected base station, processes 401-404 are executed. Thereafter, process 504 is executed, followed by process 404. Figure 4 Details of processes 401-404 are discussed.

[0105] However, if there is only one WCM connected to the selected base station, the processing unit 206 maintains the connection between the selected base station and the WCM, as disclosed in process 503 .

[0106] In process 504, the processing unit 206 determines whether all base stations connected to the WCM 201a-e have been selected at least once. If all base stations connected to the WCM 201a-e have been selected at least once, then Figure 5 The method shown in FIG2 terminates at process 505. If there is still a base station connected to the WCM 201a-e that has not been selected at least once, process 501 is performed again to select another base station from the base stations connected to the WCM 201a-e, and the subsequent processes are repeated until all base stations connected to the WCM 201a-e have been selected at least once. In one variant, Figure 5 The method shown in can be restarted periodically after a certain time interval.

[0107] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for improving connectivity of network nodes connected to a base station using more than one WCM over the same frequency band. For illustration purposes, Figure 6 The process disclosed in is performed in network node 200 , but is also applicable to network node 210 .

[0108] In process 600, processing unit 206 of network node 200 identifies all base stations connected to WCMs of more than one network node 200. In process 601, when processing unit 206 identifies more than one base station, it selects a base station from the identified base stations and then performs processes 401-404. Figure 4 The details of processes 401-404 are discussed in detail in .

[0109] On the other hand, when only one base station is identified as a WCM connected to multiple network nodes 200, process 601 and subsequent processes may be omitted. In another scenario, when no base station is identified as a WCM connected to multiple network nodes 200, the process is terminated. Figure 6 However, for the purpose of illustration, it is assumed that more than one base station is identified as a plurality of WCMs connected to the network node 200.

[0110] In process 602, processing unit 206 determines whether all identified base stations have been selected at least once. If all identified base stations have been selected at least once, the process terminates in process 603. If an identified base station has not been selected at least once, process 601 is performed again to select another base station from the identified base stations, and the subsequent process is repeated until all identified base stations have been selected at least once.

[0111] In one variation, the processing unit 206 may determine whether each of the plurality of WCMs connected to the selected base station satisfies one or more conditions before process 401. To determine whether the selected frequency band meets the communication requirements, the SNR, SINAD, SIR, SINR, and RSSI levels of the selected frequency band are evaluated. Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment described in , this step may be applied before process 401.

[0112] In one variant, after a certain threshold number of repetitions, the processing unit 206 does not perform steps 401-404. The threshold number of repetitions may be pre-configured by the manufacturer of the network node 200, input by an administrator of the network node 200, or retrieved from a remote server connected to the network node 200. The threshold number is set to prevent the processing unit 206 from performing steps 401-404 for too long, because in some scenarios it is still possible for a base station to be connected to more than one WCM 201. This scenario may occur when the number of base stations is less than the number of WCMs in the network node.

[0113] When more than one WCM is connected to a base station, such as the base station 106c, in the network node 200, the processing unit 206 allows only one of the WCMs to maintain a connection with the base station according to conditions.

[0114] In one embodiment, only the connection to the WCM with the highest SNR is maintained. The antenna elements 203 of the remaining WCMs of WCM 201 are disconnected from the base station 106c. For example, WCMs 201b and 201c are connected to the base station 106c via antenna elements 203b and 203c, respectively. Antenna element 203b receives the signal with the highest SNR compared to antenna element 203c. Therefore, the processing unit 206 allows WCM 201b connected to antenna element 203b to maintain the connection with the base station 106c, and WCM 201c is disconnected from the base station 106c. Figure 4 As disclosed in , the processing unit 206 can reconnect the disconnected WCM 201c to the base station.

[0115] In one variation, one or more antenna elements 203 are allowed to remain connected to the base station 106c when a signal having an SNR level above a threshold SNR level is received. The threshold SNR level may be set by the processing unit 206 to a predetermined value.

[0116] Figure 7 1 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for improving connectivity of a network node connected to a base station. The network node is placed in a moving vehicle and continuously searches for available base stations of an MNO corresponding to a SIM card that is not connected to a base station. The SIM card is all or part of a plurality of SIM cards housed in the network node. For illustrative purposes, the network node is network node 200 and the plurality of SIM cards is SIM card 202.

[0117] In one variant, if the SIM is an eSIM, the moving vehicle continuously searches for base stations corresponding to the MNO-specific information stored in one or more eSIM profiles of the eSIM.

[0118] Network node 200 may also include a GPS, allowing a user or administrator to determine the geographic coordinates of base stations. This base station's geographic coordinates can then be stored in a database within network node 200, eliminating the need to retrieve and verify this information each time the network node 200 attempts to establish a connection with the same base station while visiting the same geographic area along a particular route. This geographic coordinate information may include, but is not limited to, information related to the latitude and longitude of the network node within the geographic area. In one variation, when a vehicle housing a network node first visits a geographic area, data communication performance information for each available base station within the geographic area is recorded in the database. This communication performance information can be obtained by running a test data communication with each base station within the geographic area. Therefore, when the network node detects that the vehicle housing the network node visits the same geographic area again, the network node automatically connects to a base station within the geographic area based on the information in the database. The method disclosed herein thus reduces the time required to establish a connection with the best-performing base station within the visited geographic area. Furthermore, the method conserves energy and resources used to search for and determine the best-performing base station within the visited geographic area.

[0119] In process 701, the processing unit 206 of the network node 200 searches for available base stations based on the MNOs of the available SIM cards. For example, SIM cards 202d and 202f are owned by MNOs and WCM 201d is not connected to any base station but is connected to SIM 202d and 202f. Network node 200 may only search for and A base station that provides connectivity.

[0120] In process 702, the processing unit 206 of the network node 200 collects the current geographic coordinate information of the network node 200. In one variation, the processing unit 206 collects the geographic coordinate information along with other relevant information. The relevant information may include the beam width and output strength of the base station, the distance between the base station and the network node, the size of the service area, the geographic area information of the service area, connection information, and optimization information.

[0121] In process 703, processing unit 206 compares the current geographic coordinate information of network node 200 with data stored in a database to determine whether the vehicle has revisited the same geographic area. The database may be a database stored in auxiliary storage device 205 of network node 200 or a database accessible via the Internet. In one example, if the latitude and longitude are the same as those in the database, then the current geographic area is a match.

[0122] In one variation, the current geographic region is considered a match if the distance or displacement between the current geographic coordinates and the geographic coordinates recorded in the database is within a predetermined value. For example, if the difference in latitude or longitude information between the record and the current geographic region is less than a distance threshold, the current geographic region is still considered previously visited. If the latitude of the current geographic region is the same as that recorded in the database, and the difference between the corresponding longitude and the longitude of the current geographic region is less than a distance threshold, the current geographic region is still considered previously visited.

[0123] In process 704, if the geographic area has been previously visited, the direction of the antenna element is adjusted based on information stored in the database to improve connectivity. Processing unit 206 then updates the database with information about available base stations in the current geographic area in process 705. If the geographic area has not been previously visited, at least one antenna element connected to at least one WCM housed in network node 200 is adjusted through trial and error to improve connectivity in process 706. Subsequently, in process 707, the current geographic coordinate information of network node 200 and information about available base stations in the current geographic area are recorded in the database.

[0124] In one variation, the database also stores characteristic information for the various antenna elements connected to the WCM housed in network node 200. The characteristic information for the antenna elements may include, for example, the gain (dbi), impedance, radiation pattern, beamwidth, and polarization of antenna element 203. There is no limitation on the type of characteristic information for the antenna elements stored in the database. The characteristic information may also include the identified MNO, model, and / or serial number of the antenna element.

[0125] In one variation, each of the base stations can provide wireless communications over multiple frequency bands within its coverage area. The number of available frequency bands can vary depending on one or more of the following: the MNO, the frequency bands supported by the network node, regional, and national regulations. For example, when the network node 200 is connected to the base station 106c, the processing unit 206 can limit the number of WCMs that can connect to the base station 106c over the same available frequency band. For illustrative purposes, only one WCM is allowed to connect to the base station 106c over the same frequency band.

[0126] Figure 8 A method for improving the connectivity of network nodes connected to a base station according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8 The method shown in . Figure 8 The method shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The process 401-404 disclosed in the above is replaced. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, only one frequency band is available in processes 401-404.

[0127] In process 801, the method begins when more than one WCM in WCM 201 is connected to a base station. The base station can be the base station selected as described in process 502, or the base station in process 601. For illustrative purposes, the base station is base station 106c, which supports wireless communication services in one or more frequency bands.

[0128] In process 802, the processing unit 206 may determine whether more than one WCM 201 in the network node 200 is connected to the base station 106c in the same frequency band. If only one WCM is connected to the base station 106c, the procedure ends in process 803.

[0129] If more than one WCM 201 is identified as connected to base station 106c using the same frequency band, processing unit 206 allows only one WCM to connect to base station 106c using the same frequency band in process 804. In one variant, process 804 is performed when all WCMs in network node 200 are connected to base station 106c using the same frequency band.

[0130] In process 805, processing unit 206 instructs the non-allowed WCM to disconnect from base station 106c. In one variation, process 805 is performed before process 804. In another variation, processing unit 206 may further repeat steps 801 to 805 until each of the available WCMs 201 is connected to a base station in a different frequency band.

[0131] The present invention does not limit WCM 201 to establishing a connection with only one base station. Base stations with multiple frequency bands are used herein for illustrative purposes only. Each of the multiple WCMs 201 can connect to a different base station using the same or different frequency bands. If more than one base station with the multiple frequency bands is available, processing unit 206 can determine whether a particular number of WCMs 201 in network node 200 are connected to the same base station using the same frequency band.

[0132] In one variation, the WCMs 201 are grouped into multiple groups according to one or more grouping strategies, and the processing unit 206 can determine whether a specific number of WCMs 201 in the same group are connected to the base station 106c using the same frequency band. The one or more grouping strategies can be based on one or more of the following: regional coverage area, connection bandwidth, time, network identity, MNO, usage price, and signal quality. One of the benefits of grouping the WCMs 201 according to one or more grouping strategies is to improve connectivity between WCMs in the same group. For example, if the WCMs are grouped by the MNO, all WCMs in the same group can communicate using the same frequency band. There are multiple ways to group WCMs. There is also no limit on the number of WCMs in a WCM group.

[0133] SIM cards used by the same WCM group can be used simultaneously based on changes in network conditions, such as changes in geographic region. In one exemplary scenario, when the geographic region of network node 200 changes, a handover condition may be met. Network node 200 can then switch from a WCM 201 group using one set of SIM cards to another WCM 201 group using a different set of SIM cards to achieve better network performance. The geographic region can be determined based on network signal strength or network identity, or using a GPS sensor.

[0134] For illustrative purposes, WCMs 201a-b are grouped into a first group, WCMs 201c-d are grouped into a second group, and WCM 201e is grouped into a third group.

[0135] In one example, the first group (WCM 201a-b) is used in step 802. In another example, any non-first group is used. In addition, any two or all three of the three groups may also be used simultaneously or in chronological order or in any order.

[0136] In one variation, each group of the plurality of WCMs 201 is used in a time-sequential manner. For example, WCMs 201a-b belonging to the first group are first activated to establish a connection. Then, WCMs 201c-d belonging to the second group are activated to establish a connection. Then, WCM 201e belonging to the third group is activated to establish a connection.

[0137] Figure 9 Show Figure 8 A more detailed flowchart of process 805 is provided. Figure 9The process in FIGURE 1 illustrates blacklisting frequency bands such that when a frequency band on the blacklist is used to connect to a base station, one or more non-allowed WCMs are disconnected from the base station. Only one base station is used for illustration purposes. If more base stations need to be considered during blacklisting, then base station and frequency band combinations should be considered, rather than just frequency bands.

[0138] The program begins at process 901. When processing unit 206 determines that an unauthorized WCM is connected to a base station, processing unit 206 may disconnect the unauthorized WCM from the base station. For example, after process 802, it is determined that only WCM 201b is allowed to maintain a connection to base station 106c using frequency band B1. Since frequency band B1 is already being used by a WCM to connect to base station 106c, frequency band B1 is stored in a blacklist. While frequency band B1 is on the blacklist, no other WCM is allowed to maintain a connection to base station 106c using frequency band B1. The blacklist, which includes data and information, is stored in network node 200 by a user or administrator to disconnect an unauthorized WCM from a base station. The data and information relate to frequency bands, WCMs, and / or base stations.

[0139] In process 902, processing unit 206 updates the blacklist by updating the frequency bands on the blacklist. In process 903, processing unit 206 determines whether any unauthorized WCMs are connected to the base station using the frequency bands on the blacklist. If processing unit 206 determines that no unauthorized WCMs are connected to the frequency bands on the blacklist, the process ends in process 907.

[0140] In process 904, if the processing unit 206 determines that one or more non-allowed WCMs are connected to a blacklisted frequency band, the processing unit 206 disconnects the non-allowed WCMs from the blacklisted frequency band.

[0141] Process 905 configures the disallowed WCMs to reestablish connections. Since WCM 201 may not be able to select a band for connection, it is possible that one or more of the disallowed WCMs may reconnect to a band on the blacklist. Therefore, there is no restriction that a disallowed WCM cannot connect back to a band on the blacklist.

[0142] In one variation, each of the non-allowed WCMs is forced to connect to the base station with a frequency band that is not on the blacklist. In one example, the frequency band can be set using an AT command.

[0143] In another example, the QMI protocol can be used to set the frequency band. For example, in order to set the frequency band for the WCM 201, the QMI protocol related library "libqmi" can be used to communicate with the WCM 201 under the category of "Network Access (NAS) Set System Selection Preference Request": qmi_message_nas_set_system_selection_preference_input_set_extend_lte_band_preference( qmiMessageNasSetSystemSelectionPreferenceInput*self, guint64 value_extended_lte_band_preference_mask_low, guint64 value_extended_lte_band_preference_mask_mid_low, guint64 value_extended_lte_band_preference_mask_mid_high, guint64 value_extended_lte_band_preference_mask_high, gError**error);

[0144] In process 906, processing unit 206 determines whether the non-allowed WCM has reconnected to a frequency band on the blacklist. If processing unit 206 determines that one of the non-allowed WCMs 201 has reconnected to a frequency band on the blacklist, processing unit 206 repeats processes 904 through 906 until the non-allowed WCM is connected to a frequency band not on the blacklist. If processing unit 206 determines that one of the non-allowed WCMs 201 has reconnected to a frequency band not on the blacklist, processing unit 206 repeats processes 902 through 907 until each currently active WCM in WCM 201 is connected to the base station via a frequency band not on the blacklist.

[0145] In process 907, when the processing unit 206 determines that each of the non-allowed WCMs has established a connection with a frequency band not on the blacklist, the process ends. In one variation, the processing unit 206 may terminate at process 904 and not execute the remaining processes after process 904.

[0146] Figure 10The blacklist table of different WCMs connected to the base station via the same or different frequency bands in different cycles is shown. The processing unit 206 performs processes 801-805 for each cycle.

[0147] For illustrative purposes, the blacklist table is created by processing unit 206 . Figure 10 Should Figure 9 The blacklist is maintained by the processing unit 206 and can be stored as a database in a storage medium such as the auxiliary storage device 205 of the network node 200. Alternatively, the blacklist can also be stored in a remote server accessible to the network node 200 via the Internet 100.

[0148] Figure 10 Three cycles of blacklisting frequency bands are shown when multiple WCMs are connected to a base station.For illustrative purposes, frequency bands are blacklisted in three cycles for three WCMs with three frequency bands.

[0149] For each cycle, column 1001 indicates the number of repetitions. Column 1002 indicates the available WCMs that can establish a wireless connection with the base station using different frequency bands. Column 1003 indicates the frequency band used by WCM 201 to connect to the base station during the cycle. Column 1004 indicates the status of the WCM after attempting to connect to the base station using the frequency band in the cycle. Column 1005 indicates the collective status of all WCMs after the WCM attempts to connect to the base station using the frequency band in the cycle. Column 1006 indicates the frequency bands that are on the blacklist after the WCM attempts to connect to the base station using the frequency band in the cycle.

[0150] During the first cycle, WCMs 201a-c may be used to establish a connection with a base station, such as base station 106a. Figure 8 Following process 802, processing unit 206 may further execute process 804 only if more than one WCM is connected to the base station 106a using the same frequency band. For illustrative purposes, only WCM 201a is connected to base station 106a via frequency band B1 in cycle 1. Processing unit 206 then allows WCM 201a to maintain its connection to base station 106a via frequency band B1 in process 804. Cells 1004a and 1005a illustrate the status and collective status of WCMs 201a-c after cycle 1.

[0151] In process 805, processing unit 206 blacklists frequency band B1 to prevent unauthorized WCMs 201b-c from connecting to base station 106a using frequency band B1. The frequency bands on the blacklist were updated in process 902 and are shown in cell 1006a. Processing unit 206 then disconnects WCMs 201b-c from the base station.

[0152] During the second cycle, WCMs 201b-c may be used to establish a connection with base station 106a. For illustrative purposes, WCM 201c is connected to base station 106a via frequency band B1, and WCM 201b is connected to base station 106a via frequency band B2. Since frequency band B1 becomes a blacklisted frequency band after cycle 1, processing unit 206 may disconnect WCM 201c from base station 106a. Since frequency band B2 is not blacklisted, processing unit 206 may allow WCM 201b to maintain a connection with base station 106a. Cells 1004b and 1005b illustrate the status of WCMs 201a-b and the collective status of WCMs 201a-c, respectively, after cycle 2.

[0153] During the third cycle, WCM 201c may establish another connection with base station 106a via frequency band B3. For illustrative purposes, WCM 201c is connected to base station 106a via frequency band B3. Because frequency band B3 is not listed on the blacklist, processing unit 206 may allow WCM 201c to maintain its connection with base station 106a. Elements 1004c and 1005c illustrate the state of WCM 201c and the collective state of WCMs 201a-c after the cycle.

[0154] In one variant, a combination of frequency bands and base stations is considered instead of just frequency bands. The combination of frequency bands and base stations is considered in the same or separate blacklist tables. Figure 8 and Figure 9 There is no limit to how many cycles are performed in the process shown in FIG. For illustrative purposes, Figure 10 Only 3 loops are executed.

[0155] Figure 11 1 is a flow chart illustrating a process according to an embodiment of the present invention. As mentioned previously, WCMs can be divided into different groups. In process 1101, WCMs 201 are grouped according to MNOs. For example, if SIMs 202a-b are owned by MNOs If provided, then WCM 201a-b is divided into the first group; if SIM 202c-d is provided by If provided, then WCM 201c-d is divided into the second group; and if SIM 202e is provided by If provided, then WCM 201e is classified into the third group. There is no restriction on which group can be marked as the first group, the second group or the third group.

[0156] In process 1102, the processing unit 206 identifies more than one WCM connected to the same base station via the same frequency band based on identification information for each WCM in the same group in the WCM 201. The identification information may include operator ID, base station ID, and frequency-related information.

[0157] As previously explained, libqmi is used here to implement the QMI protocol to identify the operator ID and base station ID. For example, to identify the base station ID of the base station to which the WCM is connected, libqmi can be used to communicate with the WCM 201 under the category of "NAS Set System Selection Preference Request": qmi_indication_nas_serving_system_output_get_cid_3gpp (QmiIndicationNasServingSystemOutput*self, guint32*cid_3gpp, GError**error);

[0158] If the processing unit 206 determines that none of the multiple WCMs 201 are connected to the same base station via the same frequency band, the program ends at process 1106 .

[0159] In process 1103, if the processing unit 206 determines that multiple WCMs 201 are connected to the same base station via the same frequency band, the processing unit 206 only allows one of the multiple WCMs 201 to connect to the same base station via the same frequency band. In process 1104, the processing unit 206 further instructs the WCM that is not allowed to disconnect from the base station.

[0160] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A method of connecting to a base station at a network node, wherein the network node comprises a first wireless communication module, The method comprises: a. Establish a first connection using the first wireless communication module; b. Update the frequency band on the blacklist; c. Determine whether there is a second wireless communication module; d. If it is determined that the second wireless communication module exists: i. Disconnect the second wireless communication module from the connected frequency band; ii. Using the second wireless communication module to establish a second connection. iii. If it is determined that at least one of the second wireless communication modules has been reconnected to the frequency band on the blacklist, repeating steps c to e; as well as iv. If it is determined that all the second wireless communication modules have been reconnected to the frequency band not on the blacklist, repeating steps b to e; e. If it is determined that the second wireless communication module is connected to a frequency band other than the frequency band on the blacklist, subsequent steps are not performed; wherein the first wireless communication module includes the second wireless communication module; wherein the connected frequency band is a frequency band on the blacklist; and The second wireless communication module is one or more wireless communication modules connected to the frequency band on the blacklist. 2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the data and information of the blacklist are stored in the network node. 3 . The method according to claim 2 , wherein the data and the information are related to a frequency band used by the second wireless communication module to establish the second connection, the first wireless communication module and / or the base station. The method of claim 3 , wherein the frequency band is set using an AT command. The method of claim 3 , wherein the frequency band is set using a QMI protocol. The method of claim 1 , wherein the blacklist is created and maintained by at least one processing unit of the network node.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the base station supports wireless communication services in one or more of the frequency bands. The method of claim 1 , wherein the base station is a fixed base station.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the blacklist is stored in a remote server accessible to the network node via the Internet.

10. The method according to claim 3, wherein the blacklist further includes a combination of the frequency band and the base station.

11. A system for connecting to a base station at a network node, wherein the network node comprises: at least one processing unit; Multiple wireless communication modules; at least one antenna element; Multiple subscriber identity module interfaces; as well as At least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing program instructions, wherein the program instructions are executable by the at least one processing unit to perform the following steps: a. establish a first connection using a first wireless communication module; b. Update the frequency band on the blacklist; c. Determine whether there is a second wireless communication module; d. If it is determined that the second wireless communication module exists: i. Disconnect the second wireless communication module from the connected frequency band; ii. establishing a second connection using the second wireless communication module; iii. If it is determined that at least one of the second wireless communication modules has been reconnected to the frequency band on the blacklist, repeating steps c to e; as well as iv. If it is determined that all the second wireless communication modules have been reconnected to the frequency band not on the blacklist, repeating steps b to e; e. If it is determined that the second wireless communication module is connected to a frequency band other than the frequency band on the blacklist, subsequent steps are not performed; wherein the plurality of wireless communication modules include the first wireless communication module; wherein the first wireless communication module includes the second wireless communication module; wherein the connected frequency band is a frequency band on the blacklist; and The second wireless communication module is one or more wireless communication modules connected to the frequency band on the blacklist.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the data and information of the blacklist are stored in the network node. 13 . The system according to claim 12 , wherein the data and the information are related to a frequency band used by the second wireless communication module to establish the second connection, the first wireless communication module and / or the base station. The system of claim 13 , wherein the frequency band is set using an AT command. The system of claim 13 , wherein the frequency band is set using a QMI protocol.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the blacklist is created and maintained by the at least one processing unit of the network node.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the base station supports wireless communication services in one or more of the frequency bands.

18. The system of claim 11, wherein the base station is a fixed base station.

19. The system of claim 11, wherein the blacklist is stored in a remote server accessible to the network node via the Internet.

20. The system of claim 13, wherein the blacklist further comprises a combination of the frequency band and the base station.

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