ARFCN Table for Wireless System Selection Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3GPP wireless network deployments, mobile devices face a lengthy initialization process due to the need to scan a wide range of frequencies to determine the appropriate Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN) for accessing the network, which delays user access.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a wireless mobile device stores an ARFCN table based on location data, allowing it to determine the appropriate ARFCN for system selection, reducing the need for exhaustive scanning by using pre-provisioned or updated tables generated by a server, incorporating MCC, MNC, and GPS data for efficient frequency selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wireless mobile device performs an exhaustive frequency scan to determine the appropriate ARFCN during initialization, then the device can reliably access the network, but the system access time is significantly delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-provisioning ARFCN tables in the wireless mobile device before network access is needed. The device stores location data and corresponding ARFCN mappings in advance, so when initialization occurs, the device can immediately look up the appropriate ARFCN based on its location rather than performing an exhaustive scan. This pre-prepared information eliminates the time-consuming frequency scanning process while ensuring reliable network access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless mobile device scans a wide frequency range to determine the appropriate ARFCN, then the device can identify available networks, but the initialization process becomes lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-populates the device with ARFCN tables containing location data and corresponding frequency information before the device needs to access the network. During initialization, the device uses its location data to quickly look up the appropriate ARFCN from the pre-stored table, eliminating the need for wide frequency scanning. This maintains the device's ability to identify available networks while dramatically reducing initialization duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary ARFCN table that acts as a lookup mechanism between the device's location data and the actual network frequencies. Instead of directly scanning wide frequency ranges, the device uses the ARFCN table as an intermediary to translate location information into specific frequency channels, significantly reducing the time required for network identification while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If a wireless mobile device performs a full reset and re-sync to the network, then the device can re-establish connection, but the device must again scan frequencies delaying re-access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains ARFCN tables in the device's memory that persist through reset events. When a full reset occurs and the device needs to re-sync to the network, the previously stored location data and ARFCN mappings are still available in memory. The device can immediately retrieve the appropriate ARFCN from the pre-stored table based on its location, avoiding the need to perform another exhaustive frequency scan and significantly reducing re-access time while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for improved system selection by wireless mobile devices in 3GPP networks is provided. Location data is retrieved by the wireless device to estimate an initial system on which the wireless mobile device will attempt initialization. Using the location data, an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN) associated with the location data is determined from an ARFCN table stored in memory in the wireless mobile device. The wireless mobile device can then perform system selection using the determined ARFCN. A server generates and maintains the ARFCN table which is initially provided to the wireless mobile device at manufacturer, during provisioning or as an over-the-air update.