Adaptive Mobile Network Search Parameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile communications networks face inefficiencies in managing the frequency of PLMN searches by mobile terminals, leading to battery drain and potential ping-pong effects between home and visited networks, especially when microcells and macrocells are operated by different organizations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dynamically adjusting the MinimumPeriodicSearchTimer parameter based on various factors such as time since connection to a VPLMN, number of recent network switches, location, battery condition, and user preferences, allowing the network operator to balance search frequency with battery life and network efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the mobile terminal frequently searches for the home network, then the home network can be discovered quickly, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the search frequency adaptive rather than fixed. The MinimumPeriodicSearchTimer parameter is dynamically adjusted based on multiple conditions including time since connection to visited network, number of recent network switches, location information, battery condition, and user preferences. This allows the system to optimize between quick home network discovery and battery conservation by changing search behavior according to current operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the MinimumPeriodicSearchTimer value based on different operational conditions. When the timer is shortened, search frequency increases for faster home network discovery. When extended, search frequency decreases to conserve battery. The system evaluates multiple parameters and adjusts the timer accordingly, transforming a static parameter into a dynamic one that responds to changing conditions.
2Speed
If the mobile terminal searches for home network frequently, then network switching responsiveness improves, but ping-pong effects between networks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by monitoring the number of recent network switches and using this information to adjust future search behavior. When frequent switching is detected, the system extends the MinimumPeriodicSearchTimer to reduce search frequency and prevent ping-pong effects. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from past switching patterns and adjust behavior to avoid oscillation between networks while maintaining responsiveness when appropriate.
3Productivity
If the network operator implements dynamic search frequency adjustment, then network efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a multi-functional evaluation system that considers multiple factors (time since connection, network switch history, location, battery condition, user preferences) within a single unified framework. Rather than implementing separate specialized mechanisms for each factor, the system integrates them all into one dynamic parameter adjustment process, improving network efficiency while managing complexity through consolidation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method for more efficiently managing a mobile communications network by varying the frequency with which a mobile terminal searches for a home network in accordance with the state of a preffered mobile communications network.