Dynamic Network Search Parameter Adjustment for Mobile Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile communications networks with both femtocells and macrocells, mobile terminals face inefficiencies in searching for their home network due to fixed search frequency parameters, leading to battery drain and potential 'ping-pong' effects between networks, especially when roaming between different operator networks.

Innovation Solution

The method involves dynamically adjusting the network search parameter, MinimumPeriodicSearchTimer, based on factors such as time connected to a macrocell, number of recent network switches, location, battery life, and user preferences, allowing the network operator to balance search frequency with battery conservation and quick network reconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the network search frequency is increased to enable quicker reconnection to the home network, then the reconnection speed is improved, but the battery consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconnection speedVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the network search parameter variable rather than fixed. The MinimumPeriodicSearchTimer is dynamically adjusted based on multiple factors including time connected to visited network, number of recent network switches, location, battery life, and user preferences. This allows the system to optimize the balance between reconnection speed and battery consumption adaptively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the MinimumPeriodicSearchTimer value based on different conditions. The network search parameter is changed from a static value to a dynamic one that adapts to network conditions, device state, and user preferences, thereby resolving the contradiction between fast reconnection and battery conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the network search frequency is increased to reduce ping-pong effects between networks, then the network stability is improved, but the battery consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the search frequency based on the number of recent network switches. When ping-pong effects are detected (frequent switching between networks), the parameter is modified to stabilize the connection, reducing unnecessary searches while maintaining network stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring network switching behavior and using this information to adjust the MinimumPeriodicSearchTimer. The system learns from past network switching patterns and adapts the search frequency accordingly, preventing ping-pong effects while conserving battery energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If a fixed network search parameter is used, then the device operation is simplified, but the adaptability to different network conditions and user preferences is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to network conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by creating a multi-functional parameter adjustment system. The MinimumPeriodicSearchTimer serves multiple purposes: it adapts to different network conditions (femtocell/macrocell environments), responds to device state (battery level, connection duration), and respects user preferences. This single parameter handles diverse scenarios without complicating user operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3103285B1Method and apparatus for determining a network search parameter in a mobile communications network
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 BRITISH TELECOM PLC
  • EP3103285B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3103285B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3103285B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for more efficiently managing a mobile communications network by varying the frequency with which a mobile terminal searches for a home network.