Active Mobile Network Search via Virtual Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile network search methods in roaming scenarios are passive and do not consider user preferences or network priorities effectively, leading to suboptimal network connections and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An active mobile network search method utilizing a virtual application server instance that selects and connects to higher prioritized networks based on user-defined preferences, including radio access technologies, and restarts applications to ensure continuous optimal network connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a timer-based passive network search method is used, then the mobile station can maintain basic network connectivity, but the network connection quality remains suboptimal and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidnetwork connection quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile station proactively stores a prioritized list of PLMNs and radio access technologies before needing network service, enabling immediate connection to the best available network without waiting for timer-based detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts network selection based on real-time conditions by comparing current network quality against the pre-stored prioritized list, allowing the mobile station to actively switch to superior networks when available

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the mobile station searches for higher prioritized networks more frequently, then network connection quality improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connection qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The prioritized network list is prepared in advance and stored in the mobile station, eliminating the need for continuous scanning and reducing power consumption while maintaining high connection quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile station autonomously manages network selection using its internal prioritized list, eliminating the need for energy-intensive continuous external network scanning while maintaining optimal connectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile station does not consider radio access technology preferences, then network availability improves, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork availabilityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The prioritized network list includes specific radio access technology preferences tailored to the user's needs, allowing the mobile station to connect to networks that optimize for specific functions such as power saving or data speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the network selection parameters by incorporating radio access technology preferences into the prioritized list, enabling the mobile station to select networks that match specific operational requirements such as low power consumption or high data rate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3402254B1Active mobile network search
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 VODAFONE GMBH
  • EP3402254B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for an active mobile network search for a mobile station in a telecommunications network, characterized in that the mobile station comprises a virtual application server instance in which an application can be executed (100) that is adapted to receive a list of PLMNs from the SIM of the mobile station and/or a non-volatile memory of the mobile station based on the operator's configurations, the application selects (101) a specific PLMN from the received list of PLMNs, the application provides (102) the selected specific PLMN to the mobile station, and the mobile station, respectively its modem, connects (202) to the selected specific PLMN if it is not already connected (201) to it.