APN Matching Method for Mobile Terminal Network Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing APN matching methods struggle when an operator adds a new Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) that is not stored in the terminal's preset list, leading to difficulties in establishing network connections, especially when the terminal is abnormal or not updated accordingly.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method performs APN matching by using a successfully registered PLMN from a second list when no corresponding APN is matched in the first list, ensuring high reliability across various generations of mobile communication technologies, including 5G, 4G, 3G, and 2G, by traversing the second list in chronological order of network construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal uses a preset list of PLMN-APN correspondences, then the terminal can establish network connections for known operators, but the terminal cannot match APN when the operator adds a new PLMN that is not in the preset list

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAPN matching success rateVSAvoidAdaptability to new PLMN
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static preset PLMN-APN correspondence list into a dynamic system by introducing a second list that stores successfully registered PLMNs. When APN matching fails using the first preset list, the system dynamically queries the second list for previously registered PLMNs and attempts matching with those entries. This dynamic adaptation allows the terminal to handle newly added PLMNs that were not in the original preset list, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing multiple PLMN identifiers in the second list that belong to the same operator. When the terminal needs to match APN, it first tries the preset first list, and if that fails, it queries the second list for pre-stored PLMN alternatives. This preliminary preparation of alternative PLMN identifiers enables the system to adapt to new PLMNs without requiring real-time updates to the preset list, thus improving both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the terminal maintains a comprehensive preset list of all possible PLMN-APN correspondences, then the terminal can match APN for any operator, but the device complexity and memory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAPN matching coverageVSAvoidPreset list size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PLMN-APN correspondence data into two distinct lists: a first list containing preset PLMN-APN correspondences for common operators, and a second list containing successfully registered PLMN identifiers. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a compact first list for日常使用 while using the second list to handle edge cases and newly added PLMNs, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive matching coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the terminal to automatically query and learn new PLMN identifiers through the second list without requiring manual updates or external intervention. When APN matching fails with the preset first list, the system autonomously queries the second list for alternative PLMNs and performs matching, thereby maintaining comprehensive coverage without increasing preset list size or device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4021083B1APN matching method, terminal and storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4021083B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4021083B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4021083B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of this application relate to an APN matching method, a terminal, and a storage medium. The APN matching method includes: obtaining a home public land mobile network HPLMN; performing PLMN network attach, and after the attach is successful, performing APN matching in a first list by using the HPLMN, where the first list stores a correspondence between at least one PLMN and an APN; and performing APN matching in the first list by using a PLMN in a second list if no APN corresponding to the HPLMN is matched in the first list, where the PLMN in the second list is a registered PLMN. The method can increase a success rate of the APN matching when an operator adds a new PLMN and the newly added PLMN is not stored in a list for storing a correspondence between an operator PLMN and an APN in a terminal, or when the terminal is abnormal.