AMF Dynamic PLMN Search Interval for Discontinuous Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio communication technologies, such as 3GPP LTE and emerging New Radio (NR) systems, face challenges in efficiently managing user equipment (UE) registration and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) search intervals, particularly in scenarios with discontinuous coverage.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus are provided for an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to determine and manage the PLMN search interval time for a UE based on analytics information received from an analytics functional node, ensuring optimal network selection and power management in discontinuous coverage environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the UE frequently searches for HPLMN in discontinuous coverage environments, then the reliability of network selection is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork selection reliabilityVSAvoidUE power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the PLMN search interval based on multiple factors including analytics information about coverage patterns, UE mobility state, and service requirements. The AMF dynamically determines the search interval parameter and updates it based on changing conditions, allowing the system to optimize between reliability and power consumption in real-time rather than using fixed intervals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of PLMN search interval from a fixed value to a dynamically adjustable parameter. By modifying this parameter based on analytics information and network conditions, the system achieves optimal balance between search reliability and power consumption for different operational scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the UE uses a fixed PLMN search interval, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to discontinuous coverage environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch mechanism complexityVSAvoidadaptability to discontinuous coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the AMF acts as a mediator between the UE and the PLMN search process. The AMF receives analytics information, determines appropriate search interval parameters, and provides guidance to the UE, thereby enabling adaptive behavior without requiring complex decision-making logic within the UE itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis by the AMF of coverage patterns and network conditions before the UE executes the PLMN search. This advance preparation allows the UE to follow simplified instructions while still achieving adaptive behavior appropriate for discontinuous coverage environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4550892A1Communication related to PLMN search interval
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4550892A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4550892A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4550892A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

One disclosure of the present disclosure provides a method by which an AMF performs communication. The method may comprise the steps of: receiving a registration request message from a UE; transmitting a registration accept message to the UE; transmitting an analytics service subscription request message to an analytics function node; receiving analytics information from the analytics function node; and determining a PLMN search interval time of the UE on the basis of the analytics information.