Dual-SIM Network Selection via Shared Protocol Stack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) wireless devices face increased power consumption due to executing multiple protocol stacks, which limits their performance and battery life, especially during network scans and neighbor cell detection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a single protocol stack is used to search for and select available networks for both SIMs, with the first SIM communicating via home or roaming networks and the second SIM via local networks, and activating a second protocol stack only after selecting a local network, allowing at most one full multi-mode protocol stack to operate at a time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocol stacks are executed for each SIM, then network communication capability for both SIMs is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the network search and selection functions of both SIMs into a single shared protocol stack. Instead of running separate protocol stacks for each SIM, the system uses one protocol stack to perform PLMN scans and network selection for both SIMs, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining full network communication capability for both SIMs
Solution Approach 2:
The single protocol stack is designed to be universal, handling network search, selection, and communication functions for both SIMs. This multi-functional approach allows the same protocol stack to serve multiple purposes and multiple SIMs, eliminating the need for separate dedicated stacks for each SIM
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocol stacks are executed for each SIM, then network search and selection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the network search and selection operations for both SIMs into a single protocol stack instance. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant protocol stack implementations while preserving the ability to search for and select networks for both SIMs independently
3Adaptability or versatility
If a second protocol stack is activated for the second SIM, then communication capability via local network is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic protocol stack activation strategy where the second protocol stack is activated only when the second SIM actually communicates via a local network. During periods when the second SIM uses roaming networks, the second protocol stack remains inactive. This dynamic approach maintains communication capability while minimizing power consumption by activating additional stacks only when necessary
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed relating to operating multi-SIM mobile devices. In some embodiments, a UE comprises at least first and second SIMs where the first SIM is configured to communications via a home network or one or roaming networks and the second SIM is configurable for communications via local networks other than the home network. In these embodiments, the UE is configured to execute a first protocol stack for communications using the first SIM via a home network or a roaming network. In these embodiments, the UE is further configured to search for available networks for the second SIM using the first protocol stack and select an available local network for the second SIM using the first protocol stack. This may reduce power consumption and/or improve communication quality during the search, in some embodiments.