Enhanced service continuity with MUSIM

Abstract

1. An apparatus and method comprising: receiving, by a user equipment of a first mobile network from a network node of a first mobile network of a communications network, an indication (610) of approaching a coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between a first public land mobile network and the user equipment, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, a first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber module connected to a network node associated with the first mobile network; and, based on the receiving, performing proactive preparation to enable a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment to proactively prepare (620) to switch to a second mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on the approaching coverage limit of the coverage area. Further, there may be a determination by a network node of a first mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks of the communications network that a coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network and the user equipment is being approached, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, the first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber module being connected to the network node associated with the first public land mobile network; and based on the determining, sending information to a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment toward the user equipment including an indication to make proactive preparations to enable proactive preparations by the second subscriber identity module to switch to a second mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on the approaching coverage limit of the coverage area.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The teachings of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to enhanced service continuity operations, and more particularly to enhanced service continuity operations utilizing multiple universal subscriber identity modules. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to provide a background or context for the claimed invention. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but not necessarily those that have been previously conceived or pursued. Thus, unless specifically indicated herein, anything described in this section is not prior art to the specification and claims of this application, and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Certain abbreviations found in the specification and / or drawings are defined herein as follows: 3GPP: 3rd Generation Partnership Project AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function DSDA: Dual SIM Dual Active DSDS: Dual SIM Dual Standby eSIM: Electronic Subscriber Identity Module HPLMN: Home PLMN IMSI: International Mobile Subscriber Identity LTE: Long Term Evolution MUMA: Multi USIM Multi Active MUMS: Multi USIM Multi Standby MUSIM: Multi Universal Subscriber Identity Module NR:New Radio PLMN: Public Land Mobile Network RAN: Radio Access Network RAT: Radio Access Technology RLF: Radio Link Failure RLM: Radio Link Monitoring RRC: Radio Resource Control RRM: Radio Resource Management SEP: Standard Essential Patent SIM: Subscriber Identity Module SUPI: Subscription Permanent Identifier UC: Centralized Unit UE: User Equipment USIM: Universal Subscriber Identity Module

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication capabilities to devices, including user equipment and other network devices, that use the multiple access systems of the network to communicate with each other. Examples of such multiple access systems include 4G systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) type systems, and 5G systems, sometimes referred to as New Radio (NR) systems. Wireless multiple access communication systems may include several base stations or network access nodes to support these communication devices and systems.

[0005] In certain cases, a communication device such as a UE may include multiple Universal Subscriber Identity Modules (USIMs) or Multiple Universal Subscriber Identity Modules (MUSIMs), which provide various functions for performing operations for authentication and access to network devices such as base stations and / or network access nodes. These operations may include identifying and authenticating a user's subscription, generating security keys for access, etc.

[0006] Typically, MUSIM devices are referred to as two main types, depending on the simultaneous RRC_states supported by the USIM: · Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) or Multi USIM Multi Standby (MUMS) A MUSIM device that is registered with two or more independent subscriber identities (USIMs) and is capable of being in RRC_IDLE mode with all the USIMs, but can only be in RRC_CONNECTED mode with a single USIM at any given time. · Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) or Multi USIM Multi Active (MUMA) A MUSIM device that is registered to two or more independent subscriber identities (USIMs) and is capable of entering RRC_IDLE mode on all USIMs, and the device is capable of maintaining RRC_CONNECTED mode activity on all USIMs.

[0007] Furthermore, the behavior of the UE with respect to simultaneous processing of multiple USIMs may depend on the capabilities of the UE, as listed below: · SingleRx / SingleTx : The UE can only receive traffic from and / or transmit traffic to one network at a time (Type 1) · DualRx / SingleTx : The UE can simultaneously receive traffic from two networks at a time, but can only transmit to one network (Type 2) · DualRx / DualTx : The UE is capable of transmitting to and / or receiving from two networks simultaneously (Type 3)

[0008] Furthermore, if the UE experiences a network outage, the UE follows one of the following two options: 1) Loses connectivity and starts scanning the spectrum to identify potential alternative network candidates to serve the UE. Once such an alternative network is identified, the UE starts the registration procedure to the new network. This procedure is sequential and each attempt made to an identified network takes a few seconds. In case of roaming, the whole registration process depends on the UE configuration from the Home PLNM (HPLMN), since the sequence of UE registration attempts can be configured based on the roaming agreement and error handling timers; 2) Performing inter-operator handover: Current standardized solutions support inter-operator HO, which requires the deployment of N14 interfaces between operators and exposes the network topology, so an agreement between operators is required.

[0009] As mentioned above with regard to service continuity, when a V2XUE accesses a service, for example cross-border, if inter-operator handover is not supported, it may experience service interruptions as it reaches a temporary network outage.

[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein address at least these problems and improve related operations associated with the use of multiple USIMs for a network device, such as user equipment, by a network node, such as a base station. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In an exemplary aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a user equipment side apparatus, including: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code, in conjunction with the at least one processor, configured to cause the apparatus to at least: receive, by the user equipment, from a network node of a communications network, an indication of approaching a coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between a first mobile network and the user equipment, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, a first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber module being connected to a network node associated with the first mobile network; and based on receiving, proactively prepare to enable a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment to proactively prepare to switch to a second mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on approaching the coverage limit of the coverage area.

[0012] In another example aspect of the invention, a method includes: receiving, by a user equipment of a first public land mobile network from a network node of the communications network, an indication of approaching a coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between a first mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks of the communications network and the user equipment, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, the first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber module being connected to a network node associated with the first mobile network; and based on the receiving, performing proactive preparation to enable a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment to proactively prepare to switch to a second mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on approaching the coverage limit of the coverage area.

[0013] Further exemplary embodiments are apparatus and methods including the method and apparatus of the above paragraphs, where the preparation is based on an indication from a network node that the user equipment is moving out of coverage area, the proactive preparation includes making early measurements based on information related to radio conditions of the communication network, the information related to outage knowledge of a database of cells collected by the network node, the information including an indication of at least one condition to be satisfied before establishing a further connection to another mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks, the at least one condition based on at least one of expiry of a timer, a precise location of the user equipment, or radio resource management measurements, the information including assistance information regarding a suitable plurality of mobile networks for the further connection, the assistance information including an identification of the other mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks, the assistance information being based on an agreement between operators of the communication networks to instruct the user equipment to switch to the other mobile network, and making the proactive preparation. the user equipment is connected to the first mobile network and a second subscriber identity module of the user equipment is caused to perform proactive preparations for switching to another mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks to which the user equipment also subscribes, based on radio conditions that a cell in a first mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks to which a first subscriber identity module is connected is approaching a coverage limit of a coverage area, the first subscriber identity module is registered with the first mobile network of the communications network, and the second subscriber identity module is one of camped on the mobile network or in a roaming mode, the proactive preparations including identifying, with the first subscriber identity module, that switching to another mobile network associated with the first subscriber identity module is not preferred based on radio conditions, and based on the identifying, transmitting to the second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module aIn response to determining service continuity of at least one application in the user equipment, a different mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks of the communication network associated with the second subscriber identity module may be identified as being suitable for switching, the determining being based on at least one of knowledge of an outage, a failure of a network node, network management information, or a change of country, the indication to perform proactive preparation may be based on at least one of abstract location knowledge or precise location knowledge by the network node, the indication being based on at least one of radio resource management or radio link monitoring measurements, and a request message and a report related to the switching by the second subscriber identity module of the user equipment based on the proactive preparation may be communicated by the user equipment.

[0014] A non-transitory computer readable medium storing program code, which when executed by at least one processor performs at least the method described in the paragraph above.

[0015] In another example aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided that: receives, by a user equipment of the first mobile network from a network node of a first mobile network of a plurality of public land mobile networks of a communications network, an indication of approaching a coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network and the user equipment, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, the first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber module being connected to the network node associated with the first mobile network; and includes means for performing proactive preparation based on the receiving, to enable a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment to proactively prepare to switch to a second mobile network of the plurality of public land mobile networks in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on approaching the coverage limit of the coverage area.

[0016] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, at least the means for receiving and performing includes a network interface and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0017] In an exemplary aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a network side apparatus, including: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code, in conjunction with the at least one processor, configured to cause the apparatus to at least: determine, by a network node of a first mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks of a communication network, an approaching coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network and a user equipment, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, the first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber module being connected to the network node associated with the first mobile network; and based on the determining, cause a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment to send information toward the user equipment including an indication to make proactive preparations to enable preparation by the second subscriber identity module to switch to a second mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on the approaching coverage limit of the coverage area.

[0018] In another example aspect of the invention, a method includes: determining, by a network node of a first mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks of a communication network, an approaching coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network and a user equipment, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, the first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber module being connected to the network node associated with the first mobile network; and based on the determining, sending information to a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment toward the user equipment including an indication to make proactive preparations to enable proactive preparations by the second subscriber identity module to switch to a second mobile network of the plurality of public land mobile networks in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment and the first public land mobile network based on the approaching coverage limit of the coverage area.

[0019] Further exemplary embodiments include apparatus and methods including the apparatus and methods of the above paragraphs, wherein at least one of the first mobile network or the second mobile network comprises a public land mobile network, and determining is based on determining by the network node that the user equipment is moving out of a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network and the user equipment, and the proactive preparation includes making early measurements based on information including radio channel conditions associated with at least one of the first mobile network or another mobile network of the communication network, the information being based on information related to outage knowledge of a database of cells collected by the network node, the first subscriber identity module is registered with the first mobile network of the communication network and the second subscriber identity module is one of camped on the mobile network or in a roaming mode, and the proactive preparation includes determining whether the user equipment is moving out of a coverage area associated with the link between the first mobile network and the user equipment, the proactive preparation includes performing early measurements based on information including radio channel conditions associated with at least one of the first mobile network or another mobile network of the communication network, the information being based on information related to outage knowledge of a database of cells collected by the network node, the first subscriber identity module is registered with the first mobile network of the communication network and the second subscriber identity module is one of camped on the mobile network or in a roaming mode, and the proactive preparation includes determining whether the user equipment is moving out of a coverage area associated with the first subscriber identity module. and identifying, using a first subscriber identity module, that switching to the mobile network of the communication network associated with the second subscriber identity module is unfavorable based on radio conditions, and based on the identifying, causing a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module to identify whether a different mobile network of the communication network associated with the second subscriber identity module is suitable for switching to in response to determining for service continuity of the at least one application in the user equipment; and the indication for performing proactive preparation is based on a radio condition that a first mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks to which the first subscriber identity module is connected is approaching a coverage limit of a coverage area, the user equipment is connected to the first mobile network, and the second subscriber identity module of the user equipment is prepared to switch to another mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks to which the user equipment also subscribes, and the information includes:The method includes: receiving an indication of at least one condition to be satisfied before establishing a further connection to another mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks, the at least one condition being based on at least one of an expiry of a timer, a precise or abstract location of the user equipment, or a radio resource management measurement; the information including assistance information regarding suitable cells for switching to the other mobile network, the assistance information including an identification of the other mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks, the assistance information being based on an inter-operator agreement of the communication network to instruct the user equipment to use one of the suitable cells for switching to the other mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks; the indication to perform proactive preparation may be based on at least one of abstract or precise location knowledge by the network node; and receiving from the user equipment a user equipment request message and a report related to switching to the other mobile network by the second subscriber identity module based on the proactive preparation.

[0020] A non-transitory computer readable medium storing program code, which when executed by at least one processor performs at least the method described in the paragraph above.

[0021] In another example aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes: means for determining, by a network node of a first mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks of a communication network, an approaching of a coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network and a user equipment, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, the first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber module being connected to the first mobile network; and means for sending information to a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment based on the determining, information including an indication to make proactive preparations to enable preparation by the second subscriber identity module to switch to another mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on the approaching of the coverage limit of the coverage area, towards the user equipment.

[0022] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, at least the determining and sending means includes a network interface and computer program code stored on a computer readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0023] A communication system including a network side device and a user equipment side device that perform the above-mentioned operations.

[0024] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to designate like or equivalent elements, and in which: The drawings are illustrated to facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating DSDA UE switching operators for a scenario with partial overlapping coverage in scenario 1 and a scenario with overlapping coverage of two different PLMNs in scenario 2. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows a high level block diagram of various devices that may be used in implementing various aspects of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 illustrates a message exchange according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for directing a DSDA UE from PLMN1 to PLMN2 without inter-operator agreement upon a predicted network outage. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 illustrates a message exchange according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for directing a DSDA UE from PLMN1 to PLMN2 upon a predicted network outage and with inter-operator agreement. [Diagram 5] 1 is a table illustrating an example of an RRC release request with report message according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 illustrates a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention that may be performed by an apparatus. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 illustrates a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention that may be performed by an apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least a method and apparatus are proposed for enhanced service continuity operation of network devices utilizing multiple universal subscriber identity modules.

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be viewed primarily in the context of supporting multi-USIM devices in 5G NR and LTE.

[0028] In many cases, inter-operator handover is not supported, thus resulting in service interruptions that worsen the user's quality of experience. If the UE is a vehicle UE, this can cause serious safety issues (e.g., the user / vehicle is unaware of a dangerous situation).

[0029] It is noted that with multi-SIM technology, dual-SIM UEs can facilitate the reduction of service interruption times in the above cases without requiring the deployment of inter-operator handovers. However, MUSIM devices are primarily used to provide two independent subscriptions to a user, operating as two independent UEs, one for each USIM to the same or different PLMN (depending on the MNO of the USIM). Thus, the service interruption challenge is the same for each subscription of the UE, regardless of the presence of other USIMs with potentially different / better NW coverage for the same device. Thus, service interruption delay still poses a significant challenge in serving low latency services.

[0030] On the other hand, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a solution is provided that includes enabling the serving network to instruct the dual USIM UE to switch to another network (that of the second USIM card) if available, when a network outage is foreseen by the network, in order to reduce such service interruption delay time. This type of outage knowledge can come from previous history, which may be stored in a database in the network, and can be used to trigger proactive preparation.

[0031] The exemplary embodiment of the present invention can use a DSDA device having DualRx / DualTx capabilities. Note that in this application, the term UE refers to a UE configured with a DSDA device having DualRx / DualTx capabilities.

[0032] Before describing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail, reference is made to FIG. 2 for illustrating a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of one possible, non-limiting, exemplary system in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be practiced. In FIG. 2, a user equipment (UE) 10 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 1 or network 1 as in FIG. 2. The wireless network 1 or network 1 as in FIG. 2 may include a communication network, such as a mobile network, such as a mobile network 1 or a first mobile network as disclosed herein. Any reference herein to a wireless network 1 as in FIG. 2 may be considered as a reference to any wireless network as disclosed herein. Furthermore, the wireless network 1 as in FIG. 2 may also include hardwired functionality as may be required by the communication network. The UE is a wireless, typically mobile device, capable of accessing a wireless network. The UE may be, for example, a mobile phone (or referred to as a "cellular" phone) and / or a computer with mobile terminal functionality. For example, the UE or mobile terminal may be a portable, pocket, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile device, and performs verbal signaling and / or data exchange with the RAN.

[0034] The UE 10 includes one or more processors DP 10A, one or more memories MEM 10B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 10D interconnected through one or more buses. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 10D includes a receiver and a transmitter. Furthermore, each of the transceivers 10D is associated with a subscriber identity module 10E. The subscriber identity module 10D can be associated with two or more identity subscriber modules SIM 10E, each SIM as shown in FIG. 2 being configured to perform the exemplary embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein. The one or more buses may be address, data, or control buses and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fibers or other optical communication devices. The one or more transceivers TRANS 10D may be optionally connected to one or more antennas 11 and 18 for communication to the NN 12 and NN 13, respectively. The one or more memories MEM 10B include computer program code PROG 10C. The UE 10 communicates with the NN 12 and / or the NN 13 via a wireless link 11 .

[0035] The NN12 (NR / 5G Node B, evolved NB, or LTE device) is a network node such as a master or secondary node base station (e.g., NR or LTE Long Term Evolution) that communicates with devices such as the NN13 and UE10 of FIG. 2. The NN12 provides wireless devices such as the UE10 with access to the wireless network 1. The NN12 includes one or more processors DP12A, one or more memories MEM12C, and one or more transceivers TRANS12D interconnected through one or more buses. According to an exemplary embodiment, these TRANS12D may include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for use in performing the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS12D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more transceivers TRANS12D may be optionally connected to one or more antennas for communication over at least link 11 with the UE10. The one or more memories MEM12B and computer program code PROG12C are configured to cause the NN12, using the one or more processors DP12A, to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The NN12 may communicate with another gNB or eNB, or a device such as the NN13, such as via link 14. Furthermore, the link 11, link 14 and / or other links may be wired or wireless or both, for example, implementing an X2 or Xn interface. Furthermore, the link 11 and / or link 14 may be through other network devices, such as, but not limited to, NCE / SGW / AMF / UPF devices, such as the NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14 of FIG. 2. The NN12 may perform functions of an MME (Mobility Management Entity) or SGW (Serving Gateway), such as user plane functions and / or access management functions for LTE and similar functions for 5G.

[0036] The NN13 may be associated with a mobility function device such as an AMF or SMF, and may further include a base station such as a master or secondary node base station (e.g., NR or LTE Long Term Evolution) that communicates with devices such as an NR / 5G Node B or possibly evolved NB, the NN12 and / or the UE10 and / or the radio network 1. The NN13 includes one or more processors DP13A, one or more memories MEM13B, one or more network interfaces, and one or more transceivers TRANS12D interconnected through one or more buses. According to an exemplary embodiment, these network interfaces of the NN13 may include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for use in performing the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS13D includes a receiver and a transmitter that may be optionally connected to one or more antennas. The one or more memories MEM13B include computer program code PROG13C. For example, the one or more memories MEM13B and computer program code PROG13C are configured to cause the NN13, using the one or more processors DP13A, to perform one or more of the operations described herein. The NN13 may communicate with the NN12 and another mobility function device, such as the UE10, and / or an eNB, or any other device, using, for example, the link 11 or another link. The link 14 as shown in FIG. 2 may be used for communication between the NN12 and the NN13. These links may be wired or wireless or both, and may implement, for example, an X2 or Xn interface. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the link 11 and / or the link 14 may be through other network devices, such as, but not limited to, NCE / MME / SGW devices, such as the NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14 of FIG. 2.

[0037] 2 may be address, data, or control buses and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fiber or other optical communications equipment, wireless channels, etc. For example, one or more of the transceivers TRANS12D, TRANS13D, and / or TRANS10D may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) with other elements of NN12 in a different physical location than the RRH, and one or more of the buses 157 may be implemented in part as fiber optic cables for connecting the other elements of NN12 to the RRH.

[0038] It should be noted that although FIG. 2 shows network nodes such as NN12 and NN13, any of these nodes could incorporate or could incorporate an eNodeB or eNB or gNB, such as for LTE and NR, and still be configurable to perform the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] Also, it should be noted that while the description herein indicates that a "cell" performs the functions, it should be clear that there are gNBs forming the cells and / or user equipment and / or mobility management function devices performing the functions. Furthermore, a cell forms part of a gNB, and there may be multiple cells per gNB.

[0040] The radio network 1, or any network it may represent, may or may not include an NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14, which may include a (NCE) network control element function, an MME (mobility management entity) / SGW (serving gateway) function, and / or a serving gateway (SGW), and / or an MME (mobility management entity) / SGW (serving gateway) function, and / or a user data management function (UDM), and / or a PCF (policy control) function, and / or an access and mobility management (AMM) function, and / or a session management (SMF) function, and / or an authentication server (AUSF) function, which provide connectivity with further networks, such as telephone networks and / or data communication networks (e.g. the Internet), which are configured at the time of this application to perform any 5G and / or NR operations in addition to or instead of other standard operations. The NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14 is configurable to perform operations according to example embodiments of the present invention in any of LTE, NR, 5G and / or any standards-based communication technologies in operation or under discussion at the time of this application. Furthermore, it is noted that operations according to example embodiments of the present invention performed by the NN 12 and / or NN 13 may also be performed in the NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14.

[0041] The NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14 includes one or more processors DP14A, one or more memories MEM14B, and one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F(s)) interconnected through one or more buses coupled to links 13 and / or 14. According to an exemplary embodiment, these network interfaces may include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for use in performing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The one or more memories MEM14B include computer program code PROG14C. The one or more memories MEM14B and computer program code PROG14C are configured to cause the NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14, using the one or more processors DP14A, to perform one or more operations that may be required to support operation according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] The wireless network 1 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization and is often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is classified as either external, combining many networks or parts of networks into virtual units, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. It should be noted that the resulting virtualized entity of network virtualization is still implemented at some level using hardware such as processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and / or DP14A and memories MEM10B, MEM12B, MEM13B, and / or MEM14B, and that such virtualized entity produces a technology effect.

[0043] The computer-readable memories MEM12B, MEM13B, and MEM14B may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memories, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memories, and removable memories. The computer-readable memories MEM12B, MEM13B, and MEM14B may be means for performing storage functions. The processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and DP14A may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. The processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and DP14A may be means for performing functions such as controlling the UE10, NN12, NN13, and other functions as described herein.

[0044] Note that any reference to a network in this document may refer to any cell that may or may not be nearby and may belong to any PLMN as discussed herein. For example, a network may include any PLMN, such as a home PLMN for a first subscription, of which a network device, such as a UE, may be a part. Additionally, a network device may be a visitor that uses this PLMN as a VPLMN.

[0045] As also indicated above, one solution according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to enable the serving network to instruct the dual USIM UE to switch to another network (that of the second USIM card) if available, when a network outage is foreseen by the network, in order to reduce service interruption time.

[0046] Additionally, as also indicated above, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may use a DSDA device having DualRx / DualTx capabilities. Note that in this application, the term UE refers to a UE configured with a DSDA device having DualRx / DualTx capabilities.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when a UE is activated, it will register with the networks corresponding to each of its USIM cards. If the UE is roaming, it will try to register with the networks configured by the home PLMN in its USIM card. If these networks are not available, the UE will try to register with other available networks. In this solution: USIM1 operates a local (home) network, USIM1 registers with the HPLMN (PLMN1) and the UE accesses services from this network; and / or USIM2 goes into roaming mode; and / or If the coverage of the two PLMNs overlap, USIM2 can reside in the HPLMN. This is what is expected.

[0048] According to the idea of ​​this exemplary embodiment of the invention, when the UE reaches the coverage limit of PLMN1, the network indicates to a UE configured for MUSIM operation that it has reached the network coverage limit and recommends it to switch to another network (Figure 1). This indication may also include additional assistance information about suitable cells for switching to another PLMN. USIM1 then informs USIM2 about this trigger; due to the approaching of the network coverage limit, the latter will attempt to register with its HPLMN (PLMN2) if available or if not already done as in the case of overlapping coverage. When this procedure is finalized, USIM2 informs USIM1 that it has successfully registered with another network and when the radio conditions become suitable USIM2 will switch to PLMN2. Before this process, it informs PLMN1 that it is leaving and potentially adds its latest measurements (if newer than the A2 event report) for NW recording and optimization.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the USIM of the device that the application is initially using (e.g., USIM1) may be in a cell belonging to its HPLMN, and another USIM to which the application of the device is switching, e.g., USIM2, may camp on the same cell as a visitor and use this PLMN as the VPLMN. Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment, the switch may be from USIM1 to USIM2 or from USIM2 to USIM1.

[0050] The procedures as described above may be appropriate for a UE crossing a region / country border, but similar principles can be followed when the UE moves within a country having two PLMNs with partially overlapping coverage.

[0051] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a DSDA UE switching operator with a scenario with partial overlapping coverage and a scenario with overlapping coverage of two different PLMNs.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, there are two scenarios with a DSDA capable MUSIM device with two subscriptions in different PLMNs. In each of these scenarios in Figure 1, the device is configured with a MUSIM. In each of these scenarios, USIM1 of the MUSIM configured device is in an RRC connection with PLMN1 with an ongoing application and another USIM, such as USIM2 of the MUSIM configured device, is in an RRC idle / inactive state with PLMN2. In each of these scenarios, an application according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention supports traffic switching. Two different scenarios are shown in Figure 1: Scenario 1: Showing overlapping coverage of two different PLMNs. Example: Macro and small cell coverage provided by different PLMNs, or coverage holes in indoor / outdoor or rural areas. In this case, the UE is registered in both PLMNs and may switch from PLMN1 to PLMN2 when approaching a cell border; and Scenario 2: Showing non-overlapping coverage, e.g. cross-border between two countries.

[0053] With further reference to FIG. 1, application setup according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention involves: Scenario 1: Overlapping coverage: After completing independent registration with each PLMN, the UE obtains IP addresses IP1, IP2 from PLMN-1 and PLMN-2 respectively; · The application may be configured to route traffic via IP-1 / PLMN-1; · In case of a problem reported on IP-1, the application triggers the setup of the radio link and packet transmission via IP-2; Scenario 2: Non-overlapping coverage: Registration to both PLMNs cannot be completed in advance. Only when the radio link between USIM-1 and PLMN-1 starts to weaken will the UE be able to detect and register to PLMN-2. The focus is on DSDA devices, so the UE can measure and register on PLMN-2 without damaging USIM-1 / PLMN-1 may include.

[0054] An exemplary embodiment of this invention includes a SEP associated with SIP entitled "UE IMPLEMENTATION FOR ENHANCED SERVICE CONTINUITY UTILIZING MUSIM". The two inventions address the same problem of enhanced service continuity using MUSIM. SEP is based on network directionality, i.e. it requires standard changes, whereas SIP is based on autonomous UE implementation based on existing 3GPP standard specifications.

[0055] A detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention as discussed herein will now be provided.

[0056] With respect to service continuity, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can provide and monitor service continuity and service continuity failures. This service continuity can include continuity for all elements of data files and / or audio files of any communication session, such as a multimedia session or any service type of communication, in any local or wide area network, such as a 3GPP network. Furthermore, it is noted that the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be used to determine a service continuity failure of at least one application in a network device, such as a user equipment, and is capable of determining a service continuity failure.

[0057] As mentioned above, when a network outage is experienced in the first network, the procedure of initiating a connection to the second network (using the second USIM) can be very time consuming and has several delay components associated with it.

[0058] If a (dual SIM) UE is notified of an expected outage, it may omit certain delay components such as RLF detection and corresponding re-establishment procedures, UE camping procedures, radio link setup and PDP context resumption that may be performed in advance to reduce service interruption time.

[0059] If the NW can predict that the UE is going to move out of coverage in time, the network imposes or recommends a change to the network operator of the second USIM. This can be based on knowledge of an outage due to a lack of gNB (e.g., gNB failure, network management information, country change, etc.).

[0060] The recommendation to the UE to switch to another operator is: · Abstract location knowledge (e.g., cell level); Knowledge of the exact location; and / or RRM and RLM measurements may be based on

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, any prediction operations as disclosed herein may be performed at least by monitoring radio signal quality or radio coverage changes over a predetermined time period and using at least one threshold to determine a radio signal quality or radio coverage trend on a particular link and / or from a particular cell of a PLMN, which determined trend may be used for any prediction as disclosed herein.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, proactive preparation for application switching together with an inter-PLMN neighbor table / database allows for reduced disruption of wireless components.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the database may have information related to the current serving cell and neighboring cells for measuring. In this case, the UE may measure in any cell configured by the NW. The database in the NW may contain information of cells such as near-by cells and is used to estimate whether the UE is approaching a cell edge of a cell such as the current serving cell. The database may be used to proactively trigger the UE to prepare a connection to a better cell using another USIM of the UE.

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a network device such as a UE is not only approaching a cell edge, but also the entire PLMN coverage area itself. As an example, the PLMN associated with a first USIM may not have its own neighboring cells to use in a normal / legacy HO manner, triggering the UE to prepare to move service to another PLMN using the other USIM.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that proactive preparation is performed. The operations according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are: - UE-centric solution: in this case the UE identifies a potential coverage problem in a PLMN during an RRC connection and proactively initiates an RRC connection with the PLMN of its second USIM and prepares the IP handover; and / or - Network-centric solutions: In this case, the network identifies a potential coverage problem and initiates preparations for IP handover to another PLMN. may include.

[0066] The details of one proposal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are captured in the message sequence chart of Figure 3. Figure 3 illustrates a message exchange according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for directing a DSDA UE from PLMN1 to PLMN2 without inter-operator agreement upon a predicted network outage.

[0067] Additionally, it should be noted that an RRC connection may be proactively initiated to another cell, which may be from another PLMN, such as another home cell for the second subscription.

[0068] The procedure as shown in FIG. 3 includes the following steps: 1) The UE uses USIM1 to perform its registration to PLMN1. This registration is based on 3GPP Rel.16 procedures. In addition to the standard registration, the UE indicates that it is a MUSIM. This is stored in the UE context of the AMF (PLMN1_AMF) and in the UE context of the gNB of the serving PLMN; 2) The UE is served by PLMN1 using USIM1; 3) The gNB of the serving PLMN (PLMN1_BS) configures the UE RRM measurements. These may include storing the following parameter list: o Radio measurements (e.g. RSRP, RSRQ, CQI, SINR for the serving cell, etc.); ○ UE location; o Frequency / periodicity of the measurements; and o Cause of serving PLMN / USIM change (e.g. upcoming or predicted radio link failure); 4) During the connection to PLMN1, it provides measurements to its serving gNB according to the RRM measurement configuration in step 3; 5) The gNB identifies that the UE is expected to go out of coverage of PLMN1. This may be identified using one or more of the following criteria: o The UE is attached to a border gNB. This is known information at the gNB that applies to any UE using this gNB as a serving cell; ○ Precise location of the UE; RRM measurements; and A combination of the above; 6) The gNB informs the UE of the fact that it is connected in a border cell and at the same time provides the conditions for switching to another network; this condition may be based on time (i.e. timer expiry), precise location, and / or RRM measurements. The NW may use a new RRC message to send this information to the UE; 7) USIM1 instructs USIM2 (inside the UE) to register with PLMN2 if it is not already registered. Note that USIM2 may already be registered with PLMN2 without needing an indication from USIM1. An indication from USIM1 to USIM2 is necessary in case of partial coverage of two PLMNs (i.e. PLMN1 and PLMN2) or for energy saving purposes; 8) USIM1 and USIM2 perform RRM measurements according to their respective configurations; 9) Once PLMN2 has good coverage, USIM2 registers with PLMN2 (if not already registered) and indicates that the UE is a MUSIM UE as in step 1; 10) Once the registration is finalized, USIM2 notifies USIM1; 11) USIM1 performs RRM measurements until the condition in step 6 is met; 12) When the condition is met, USIM1 informs USIM2 of the connection; 13) USIM2 connects to PLMN2; 14) If the conditions of step 6 are met, USIM1 requests to release resources and transitions to RRC_IDLE state. At the same time, according to the RRM measurement configuration of step 3: o Radio measurements (e.g. RSRP, RSRQ, CQI, SINR for the serving cell), Location, o Cause for changing the serving PLMN / USIM (e.g. upcoming or predicted radio link failure); providing a measurement report including: 15) PLMN1_gNB sends a release request (as indicated in 3GPP rel.16 RRC or similar radio control protocol) to USIM1.

[0069] Step 14 in Figure 3 reports: Radio measurements (e.g. RSRP, RSRQ, CQI, SINR for the serving cell), Location, and Cause of serving PLMN / USIM change (e.g. upcoming or predicted radio link failure) The form of the table includes:

[0070] Figure 4 provides an alternative implementation of a solution like the proposed one. This implementation allows the network to command the UE to switch to PLMN2 based on an agreement between the two operators. In this case, steps 1-5 and 8-15 in Figure 4 remain unchanged from Figure 3. The main difference between Figure 3 and Figure 4 is in steps 6 and 7 where the PLMN2 ID is provided by PLMN1_gNB to USIM1 and by USIM1 to USIM2. USIM2 then uses this information to perform measurements and registration to PLMN2.

[0071] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if additional information is available in PLMN1 (such as a cell ID of PLMN2), for example based on an agreement between the two operators, it is provided to USIM1 and provided by USIM1 to USIM2.

[0072] In another alternative implementation, the UE may, at its initial registration, provide a SUPI or IMSI linked to each USIM to inform PLMN1 and PLMN2 of the presence of multiple USIM cards.

[0073] 5 shows a table of an example of an RRC release request with report message according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. An example of such a message can be found in FIG.

[0074] 6A illustrates operations that may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a user device (e.g., UE 10 as in FIG. 2). As shown in step 610 of FIG. 6A, an indication may be received by a user equipment of a first mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks of the communication network from a network node of the communication network of approaching a coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network of the communication network and the user equipment, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, the first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber module being connected to a network node associated with the first mobile network. Then, as shown in step 620 of FIG. 6A, based on the receiving, a proactive preparation may be performed to enable a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment to proactively prepare to switch to a second mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on approaching the coverage limit of the coverage area.

[0075] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, the preparation is based on an indication from a network node of the first mobile network that the user equipment is moving out of its coverage area.

[0076] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraphs, proactive preparation involves making early measurements based on information related to radio conditions of the communication network.

[0077] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the information relates to outage knowledge of a data base of cells collected by the network node.

[0078] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, the information includes an indication of at least one condition to be satisfied before establishing a further connection to another mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks.

[0079] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the at least one condition is based on at least one of the following: expiration of a timer, a precise location of the user equipment, or a radio resource management measurement.

[0080] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, the information includes assistance information regarding a plurality of suitable mobile networks for further connectivity, the assistance information including an identification of another mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks.

[0081] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the assistance information is to instruct the user equipment to switch to another mobile network based on an agreement between operators of the communication networks.

[0082] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, performing the proactive preparation is based on a radio condition that a first mobile network of the multiple mobile networks to which the first subscriber identity module is connected is approaching a coverage limit of a coverage area.

[0083] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, a user equipment is connected to a first mobile network and a second subscriber identity module of the user equipment is adapted to proactively prepare for switching to another of the multiple mobile networks to which the user equipment also subscribes.

[0084] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, a first subscriber identity module is registered with a first mobile network of a communication network, and a second subscriber identity module is either camped on the mobile network or in a roaming mode.

[0085] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, the proactive preparation includes identifying, using the first subscriber identity module, that a switch to another mobile network associated with the first subscriber identity module is not preferred based on radio conditions.

[0086] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, based on the identifying, a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module may be caused to identify whether a different mobile network among a plurality of mobile networks of the communication network associated with the second subscriber identity module is suitable for switching in response to determining a service continuity failure of the at least one application in the user equipment.

[0087] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, the determining is based on at least one of knowledge of an outage, a failure of a network node, network management information, or a change of country.

[0088] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the indication to perform proactive preparation is based on at least one of abstract location knowledge or precise location knowledge by the network node.

[0089] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the indication is based on at least one of radio resource management or radio link monitoring measurements.

[0090] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, a request message and a report related to switching by the second subscriber identity module of the user equipment based on proactive preparation may be communicated by the user equipment.

[0091] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention described above, there is provided an apparatus including: means (TRANS10D, MEM10B, PROG10C and DP10A in FIG. 2) for receiving an indication by a user equipment (UE10 in FIG. 2) of a first mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks of a communication network (network 1 in FIG. 2) of approaching a coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network and the user equipment from a network node (NN12 or NN13 in FIG. 2) of the first mobile network, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, a first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber module being connected to the first mobile network. Next, as shown in step 620 of FIG. 6A, based on receiving, proactive preparations may be made to a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment to enable preparation for switching to another mobile network of the multiple mobile networks in response to an upcoming failure of a link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on approaching a coverage limit of the coverage area (TRANS 10D, MEM 10B, PROG 10C, and DP 10A of FIG. 2).

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention according to the above paragraph, at least the means for receiving and performing includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium [MEM10B in FIG. 2] encoded with a computer program [PROG10C in FIG. 2] executable by at least one processor [DP10A in FIG. 2].

[0093] 6B illustrates operations that may be performed by a network device such as, but not limited to, network nodes NN12 and / or NN13, as in FIG. 2, or an eNB. As shown in step 650 of FIG. 6B, a network node of a first mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks of a communication network may determine an approaching coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network and a user equipment, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, the first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber module being connected to the first mobile network. Then, as shown in step 650 of FIG. 6B, based on the determining, a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment may send information toward the user equipment including an indication to make proactive preparations to enable the second subscriber identity module to prepare for a switch to a second mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on the approaching coverage limit of the coverage area.

[0094] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, the determining is based on determining, by the network node, that the user equipment is moving out of a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network and the user equipment.

[0095] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, the proactive preparation includes making early measurements based on information including radio channel conditions associated with at least one of the first mobile network or another mobile network of the communication network.

[0096] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the information is based on information related to outage knowledge of a database of cells collected by the network node.

[0097] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, a first subscriber identity module is registered in a first mobile network of a communication network, and a second subscriber identity module is camped on the mobile network or in a roaming mode.

[0098] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, the proactive preparation includes identifying, using the first subscriber identity module, that a switch to another mobile network associated with the first subscriber identity module is not preferred based on radio conditions.

[0099] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, based on the identifying, a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module may be caused to identify whether a different mobile network of the communication network associated with the second subscriber identity module is suitable for switching in response to determining for service continuity of the at least one application in the user equipment.

[0100] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, the indication to perform proactive preparation is based on a radio condition that a first mobile network of the multiple mobile networks to which the first subscriber identity module is connected is approaching a coverage limit of a coverage area.

[0101] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, a user equipment is connected to a first mobile network and a second subscriber identity module of the user equipment is prepared to switch to another mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks to which the user equipment also subscribes.

[0102] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, the information includes an indication of at least one condition to be satisfied before establishing a further connection to another mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks.

[0103] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, the at least one condition is based on at least one of the following: expiration of a timer, a precise or abstract location of the user equipment, or a radio resource management measurement.

[0104] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, the information includes assistance information regarding a cell suitable for switching to another mobile network, the assistance information including an identification of the other mobile network among the plurality of mobile networks.

[0105] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the assistance information is to instruct the user equipment to use one of the suitable cells to switch to another mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks based on an inter-operator agreement of the communication network.

[0106] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the above paragraph, the indication to perform proactive preparation is based on at least one of abstract location knowledge or precise location knowledge by the network node.

[0107] According to the exemplary embodiment described in the paragraph above, a user equipment request message and a report may be received from the user equipment related to switching to another mobile network via the second subscriber identity module based on proactive preparation.

[0108] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (MEM12B and / or MEM13B in FIG. 2) stores program code (PROG12C and / or PROG13C in FIG. 2), which is executed by at least one processor (DP12A and / or DP13A in FIG. 2) to perform at least the operations described in the above paragraphs.

[0109] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention as described above, there is provided a method for determining, by a network node (NN12 or NN13 in FIG. 2) of a first mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks of a communication network (network 1 in FIG. 2), that a coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network and a user equipment (UE10 in FIG. 2) is being approached (TRANS12D and / or TRANS13D, DP12A and / or DP13A, PROG12C and / or PROG13C, and MEM12B and / or MEM13B in FIG. 2), the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, a first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber module being connected to a network node associated with a first public land mobile network; and a means for sending information to the user equipment (TRANS12D and / or TRANS13D, DP12A and / or DP13A, PROG12C and / or PROG13C, and MEM12B and / or MEM13B in FIG. 2 ) including an indication to make proactive preparations to enable preparation of a switch by the second subscriber identity module to another mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks (TRANS12D and / or TRANS13D, DP12A and / or DP13A, PROG12C and / or PROG13C, and MEM12B and / or MEM13B in FIG. 2 ) in response to an upcoming failure of a link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on approaching a coverage limit of the coverage area.

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention according to the above paragraph, at least the determining and sending means comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium [MEM12B and / or MEM13B in FIG. 2] encoded with a computer program [PROG12C and / or PROG13C in FIG. 2] executable by at least one processor [DP12A and / or DP13B in FIG. 2].

[0111] It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may require standardization in the RRC specifications, after which proof of usage is straightforward.

[0112] Furthermore, it is seen that an update of the NAS signaling is required. Finally, an interaction between two USIM cards in the device is required. In particular, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least the following interactions can be standardized: Indication to the network that the UE is dual SIM; · Configuration of UE measurements from the network for DSDA UE; Border cell indication with switching indication; RRC release with report; and / or Interaction between two USIM cards (i.e. registration indication, successful registration, connection to PLMN2); Interaction for the creation of at least one database of supported cells and previous failures in different PLMNs of the network. The at least one database may have information related to the current serving cell and other neighbouring cells of a particular PLMN to measure against and may include information about such cells or PLMNs, such as cell edge information for a particular PLMN and / or near-by cells or PLMNs, for use in estimating whether the UE is approaching a coverage limit or a particular PLMN cell.

[0113] Note that a cell can belong to a PLMN. Furthermore, a single PLMN or network can know its own coverage and therefore its edges. When a UE reaches a cell edge belonging to this PLMN, it also knows that it is the (last) cell in its coverage, i.e. there are no other "its own" cells to trigger HO.

[0114] Furthermore, based on a generated database and / or agreement across PLMN owners (MNOs), the network may know that the UE is moving into the coverage of another PLMN, and although it cannot provide measurement information, it may use the information available to that PLMN on the UE's other USIM to trigger the UE to camp on (if not already) and move to RRC_connected with that PLMN.

[0115] Further, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is a circuit for performing operations according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein. The circuit may include any type of circuit, including content encoding circuit, content decoding circuit, processing circuit, image generating circuit, data analysis circuit, etc. Furthermore, the circuit may include discrete circuit, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and / or field programmable gate array circuit (FPGA), etc., as well as processors specifically configured by software to perform the respective functions, or dual core processors with software and corresponding digital signal processors, etc. Furthermore, necessary inputs to and outputs from the circuit, functions performed by the circuit, and interconnections of the circuit (possibly via inputs and outputs) with other components, which may include other circuits, are provided to perform the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described herein.

[0116] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the "circuitry" provided may include at least one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations using only analog and / or digital circuitry); (b) Combinations of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable): (i) A combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware; and (ii) any portion of software (including digital signal processors), hardware processors having software and memory that cooperate to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or a server, to perform various functions, such as functions or operations according to exemplary embodiments of the invention (disclosed herein); and (c) A hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or part of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may be absent when not necessary for operation.

[0117] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is suitable circuitry for performing at least the novel operations as disclosed herein, and as used herein "circuitry" refers to at least the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation (e.g., an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuitry); and (b) combinations of circuitry and software (and / or firmware), such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of a processor, or (ii) a portion of a processor / software (including a digital signal processor), software, memory, that work together to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or a server, to perform various functions; and (c) Any circuit that requires software or firmware for its operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present, such as a microprocessor or part of a microprocessor.

[0118] This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" also covers simply a processor (or processors) or part of a processor and its (their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term "circuitry" also covers, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or an application processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone, or similar integrated circuits in a server, cellular network device, or other network device, if applicable to the particular claim element.

[0119] In general, various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the invention is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in, by way of non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing device, or any combination thereof.

[0120] Embodiments of the present invention can be practiced in a variety of components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is generally a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available to convert logic level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready to be etched onto semiconductor substrates.

[0121] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All embodiments described in this detailed description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0122] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of the best method and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention, by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adaptations will become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention.

[0123] It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any connection or coupling, direct or indirect, between two or more elements and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0124] Moreover, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of this invention may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features.As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention and not in limitation thereof.

Claims

1. At least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to include at least: receiving, by a user equipment, from a network node of a communications network, an indication that the user equipment is approaching a coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between a first mobile network of the communications network and the user equipment, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, a first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module being connected to a network node associated with the first mobile network; and causing a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment to proactively prepare to enable preparation for switching to a second mobile network in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the first mobile network and the user equipment based on the user equipment approaching the coverage limit of the coverage area. The apparatus is configured so as to

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the indication comprises an indication from the network node that the user equipment is moving towards an area outside of the coverage area.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the proactive preparation comprises making early measurements based on information related to radio conditions of the communications network.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the information relates to outage knowledge of a database of cells collected by the network node.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the information includes an indication of at least one condition to be satisfied before establishing a further connection to a mobile network other than the first mobile network.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the at least one condition is based on at least one of the following: expiration of a timer, a precise location of the user equipment, or a radio resource management measurement.

7. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the information includes additional information regarding suitable mobile networks for further connectivity, the additional information including an identification of a mobile network other than the first mobile network of the communications network.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the additional information is to instruct the user equipment to switch to the other mobile network based on an agreement between operators of the communication networks.

9. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the performing the proactive preparation is based on a radio condition that the user equipment is approaching a coverage limit of the coverage area of ​​a cell of the first mobile network to which the first subscriber identity module is connected.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the user equipment is connected to the first mobile network and the second subscriber identity module of the user equipment is adapted to proactively prepare for switching to another mobile network than the first mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks of the communication network to which the user equipment also subscribes.

11. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first subscriber identity module is registered with the first mobile network of the communication network, and the second subscriber identity module is one of camped on the mobile network or in a roaming mode.

12. The proactive preparation includes identifying, using the first subscriber identity module, that switching to a network node of a mobile network associated with the first subscriber identity module is undesirable based on the user equipment approaching a coverage limit of the first mobile network; and based on said identifying, causing said second subscriber identity module of said multi-subscriber identity module to identify whether any mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks of said communications network associated with said second subscriber identity module is suitable for switching in response to an indication of said user equipment approaching said coverage limit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first mobile network or the second mobile network comprises a public land mobile network.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the indication to perform proactive preparation is based on at least one of abstract location knowledge or precise location knowledge by the network node.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the indication is based on at least one of radio resource management or radio link monitoring measurements.

16. and communicating, by the user equipment, a request message and a report associated with switching by the second subscriber identity module of the user equipment based on the proactive preparation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

17. receiving, by a user equipment, an indication from a network node of a communications network that the user equipment is approaching a coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between a first mobile network of the communications network and the user equipment, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, a first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module being connected to a network node associated with the first mobile network; based on said receiving, proactively preparing a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment to enable preparation for switching to a second mobile network in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment, the first mobile network, and the user equipment based on the user equipment approaching the coverage limit of the coverage area; A method comprising:

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the indication comprises an indication from the network node that the user equipment is moving towards an area outside of the coverage area.

19. The method of claim 17 , wherein the proactive preparation comprises making early measurements based on information related to radio conditions of the communications network.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the information relates to outage knowledge of a data base of cells collected by the network node.

21. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the information includes an indication of at least one condition to be satisfied before establishing a further connection to a mobile network other than the first mobile network.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one condition is based on at least one of the following: expiration of a timer, a precise location of the user equipment, or a radio resource management measurement.

23. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the information includes additional information regarding suitable mobile networks for further connectivity, the additional information including an identification of a mobile network other than the first mobile network.

24. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the additional information is to instruct the user equipment to switch to the other mobile network based on an agreement between operators of the communication networks.

25. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the proactive preparation is based on a radio condition that the user equipment is approaching a coverage limit of the coverage area of ​​a cell of the first mobile network of a plurality of public land mobile networks to which the first subscriber identity module is connected.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the user equipment is connected to a first public land mobile network and the second subscriber identity module of the user equipment is adapted to proactively prepare for switching to another mobile network than the first mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks to which the user equipment also subscribes.

27. the first subscriber identity module is registered with the first mobile network of the communication network, and the second subscriber identity module is one of camped on the mobile network or in a roaming mode; 20. The method of claim 17.

28. The proactive preparation includes identifying, using the first subscriber identity module, that switching to another mobile node of a mobile network associated with the first subscriber identity module is not preferred based on the user equipment approaching the coverage limit of the first mobile network; and causing the second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module to identify, based on the identifying, whether any mobile network among a plurality of mobile networks of the communications network associated with the second subscriber identity module is suitable for switching in response to an indication of the user equipment approaching the coverage limit.

20. The method of claim 17, comprising:

29. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first mobile network or the second mobile network comprises a public land mobile network.

30. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the indication to perform the proactive preparation is based on at least one of abstract location knowledge or precise location knowledge by the network node.

31. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the indication is based on at least one of radio resource management or radio link monitoring measurements.

32. and communicating, by the user equipment, a request message and a report associated with switching by the second subscriber identity module of the user equipment based on the proactive preparation.

20. The method of claim 17.

33. At least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to include at least: determining, by a network node of a first mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks of a communications network, that a coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network and a user equipment, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, a first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module being connected to a network node associated with the first mobile network; Based on the determining, sending information to the user equipment including an indication to enable proactive preparation at the user equipment to switch to a second mobile network in response to an upcoming failure of a link between the first mobile network and the user equipment based on the user equipment approaching a coverage limit of the coverage area. The apparatus is configured so as to

34. 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first mobile network or the second mobile network comprises a public land mobile network.

35. 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the proactive preparation includes making early measurements based on information including radio channel conditions associated with at least one of the first mobile network or another mobile network of the communications network.

36. 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the indication to perform the proactive preparation is based on at least one of abstract location knowledge or precise location knowledge by the network node.

37. 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the indication is based on at least one of radio resource management or radio link monitoring measurements.

38. The at least one memory containing the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, provides the device with: receiving, from the user equipment, a request message and a report related to switching by a second subscriber identity module of the user equipment based on the proactive preparation; 34. The apparatus of claim 33 configured to:

39. determining, by a network node of a first mobile network of a plurality of mobile networks of a communications network, that the user equipment is approaching a coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network and a user equipment, the user equipment including a multi-subscriber identity module, a first subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module being connected to a network node associated with the first mobile network; sending, based on said determining, to a second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module of the user equipment, information including an indication to the user equipment to perform proactive preparation to enable proactive preparation of the user equipment to switch to a second mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on the user equipment approaching a coverage limit of the coverage area; A method comprising:

40. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein at least one of the first mobile network or the second mobile network comprises a public land mobile network.

41. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the proactive preparation includes making early measurements based on information including radio channel conditions associated with at least one of the first mobile network or another mobile network of the communications network.

42. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the information including radio channel conditions is based on information relating to outage knowledge of a data base of cells collected by the network node.

43. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the first subscriber identity module is registered with the first mobile network of the communications network and the second subscriber identity module is one of camped on a mobile network or in a roaming mode.

44. The proactive preparation includes identifying, using the first subscriber identity module, that a switch to another mobile network than the first mobile network associated with the first subscriber identity module is not preferred based on radio conditions of cells of the plurality of mobile networks; causing the second subscriber identity module of the multi-subscriber identity module to identify whether any mobile network of the communication network associated with the second subscriber identity module is suitable for switching in response to determining for a service continuity failure of at least one application in the user equipment based on the identifying; 40. The method of claim 39, comprising:

45. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the indication to perform proactive preparation is based on a radio condition that the user equipment is approaching a coverage limit of the coverage area of ​​the first mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks to which the first subscriber identity module is connected.

46. 46. ​​The method of claim 45, wherein the user equipment is connected to the first mobile network and the second subscriber identity module of the user equipment is prepared to switch to another mobile network than the first mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks to which the user equipment also subscribes.

47. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the information includes an indication of at least one condition to be satisfied before establishing a further connection to a mobile network other than the first mobile network of the plurality of mobile networks.

48. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the at least one condition is based on at least one of the following: expiration of a timer, a precise or abstract location of the user equipment, or a radio resource management measurement.

49. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the information includes additional information regarding a cell suitable for switching to a mobile network other than the first mobile network, the additional information including an identification of a mobile network other than the first mobile network among the plurality of mobile networks.

50. 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the additional information is to instruct the user equipment to use one of an appropriate cell to switch to the other of the plurality of mobile networks based on an inter-operator agreement of the communications network.

51. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the indication to perform proactive preparation is based on at least one of abstract location knowledge or precise location knowledge by the network node.

52. 40. The method of claim 39, comprising receiving a user equipment request message and a report from the user equipment related to switching to a mobile network other than the first mobile network by the second subscriber identity module based on the proactive preparation.

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