Dual-Network Terminal Architecture for Seamless 2G and 3G Handoff

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing dual-mode handoff strategy between 2G and 3G networks in mobile communication systems experiences frequent failures such as reselection, power consumption issues, dropped calls, and network disconnections, leading to poor user experience and inadequate confidence in the TD-SCDMA network due to inferior 3G coverage compared to GSM.

Innovation Solution

A dual-network and dual-standby terminal architecture that uses a single SIM card, comprising a 3G wireless communication subsystem, a 2G wireless communication subsystem, and an identification card management module, which selects the appropriate network based on service type and signal intensity, switching between 2G and 3G networks to maintain communication and optimize service delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dual-mode handoff strategy is implemented between 2G and 3G networks, then network coverage and service continuity are improved, but network stability deteriorates due to frequent reselection and dropped calls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidnetwork stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network selection process by separating 2G and 3G network operations into independent subsystems. Each subsystem (2G wireless communication subsystem and 3G wireless communication subsystem) operates autonomously with its own communication module, avoiding the instability caused by frequent handoff between integrated dual-mode systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic network selection where the terminal can switch between 2G and 3G networks based on service requirements and signal conditions. The application subsystem dynamically selects which network subsystem to use for different services, providing adaptability without forcing continuous handoff between networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual-mode handoff strategy is implemented between 2G and 3G networks, then network coverage and service continuity are improved, but power consumption increases due to frequent reselection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the communication system into separate 2G and 3G subsystems that can operate independently, the terminal avoids the high power consumption associated with frequent handoff operations. Each subsystem maintains its own connection state, eliminating the need for repeated authentication and network reselection procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous communication service by allowing either 2G or 3G subsystem to remain active based on service type, avoiding the interruption and re-establishment of connections that occurs during handoff. This continuity reduces the energy expenditure related to repeated connection setup and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If single SIM card is used for both 2G and 3G networks, then device complexity is reduced, but network authentication becomes problematic due to shared authentication resources

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSIM card managementVSAvoidauthentication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication process by providing separate authentication pathways for 2G and 3G subsystems. The identification card management module contains distinct authentication logic for each network type, allowing independent authentication procedures even though a single SIM card is physically shared between subsystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The identification card management module acts as an intermediary between the single SIM card and the two separate wireless communication subsystems. It manages the SIM card resources and provides network-specific authentication services to each subsystem, resolving the conflict between shared hardware and separate authentication requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8989749B2Method and apparatus for a dual-network terminal to perform communication
Publication Date: 2015.03.24 ZTE CORP
  • US8989749B2 patent drawing
  • US8989749B2 patent drawing
  • US8989749B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for performing communication by a dual-network terminal is disclosed by the present invention, wherein the dual-network terminal is a dual-network and dual-standby terminal, and the dual-network and dual-standby terminal comprises an application subsystem, a 3G wireless communication subsystem, a 2G wireless communication subsystem and an identification card management module. The identification card management module is connected with an identification card, which stores information used for the 2G network and 3G network to perform identity authentication, and the 3G wireless communication subsystem is connected with the application subsystem and the identification card management module, and the 2G wireless communication subsystem is connected with the application subsystem and the identification card management module. A method for performing communication by a dual-network terminal is also disclosed by the present invention. The invention is beneficial to the design of hardware and structure, thus saving the cost.