Dynamic Search Timer for UE Handover Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices experience delays and increased power consumption when performing inter-operator handovers between networks operated by different operators, as they typically wait for a predetermined time to search for alternative networks, leading to inefficient transitions and battery depletion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamically-triggered search timer value that allows user equipment (UE) to initiate a handover search based on the presence of a high-priority network, reducing the wait time from minutes to seconds, and storing this value along with a high-priority PLMN identifier at the UE's universal subscriber identity module (USIM) to facilitate quicker network transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the mobile device waits for a predetermined time (e.g., 6 minutes) before performing a network search, then power consumption is reduced, but handover delay increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the search timer value adaptive rather than fixed. The timer dynamically adjusts between a minimum periodic value (for power saving) and a dynamically-triggered value (for rapid handover) based on network conditions and UE state, resolving the contradiction between power consumption and handover delay
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of search timer value from a static predetermined time to a variable parameter that can take different values (minimum periodic timer vs. dynamically-triggered timer) depending on whether the UE is in idle mode or connected mode, allowing optimization of both power consumption and handover delay in different operational states
2Loss of time
If the mobile device performs frequent handover searches to reduce delay, then handover speed improves, but power consumption increases and depletes the power source
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment of search timer values based on UE operational state prevents excessive searching in idle mode (saving power) while enabling rapid searching in connected mode (reducing delay), thus resolving the contradiction between handover speed and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic network searches at the minimum periodic timer interval when the UE is in idle mode, providing a balanced approach that prevents complete inactivity (which would cause excessive delay) while avoiding continuous searching (which would deplete power), thus resolving the contradiction
3Stability of the object's composition
If the mobile device stays on the first network with greater transmission power, then connection stability is maintained, but transition to the preferred second network is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from measurement reports containing signal strength indicators (RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI) to trigger handover searches. When the UE detects that a second network is available and meets signal quality thresholds, this feedback initiates the handover process, resolving the contradiction between maintaining stable connection and enabling timely transition to preferred network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurements and generates measurement reports even before handover is definitively triggered. This preliminary action allows the system to have network search readiness prepared in advance, so when conditions are met, the transition to the preferred network can occur rapidly without significant delay
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing handovers for a user equipment (UE) include storing a dynamically-triggered search timer value and a high priority public land mobility network (PLMN) identifier at the UE (e.g., using a universal subscriber identity module (USIM). The UE generates a periodic measurement report with a list of PLMN identifiers associated with nearby access network nodes. In response to entering idle mode, the UE 102 determines whether the list of PLMN identifiers includes the high priority PLMN. In response to the list of PLMN identifiers including the high priority PLMN, the UE 102 initiates a dynamically-triggered search for a handover at a time indicated by the dynamically-triggered search timer value rather than by a larger minimum periodic search timer value. Accordingly, the dynamically-triggered search occurs quickly (e.g., between 5 and 30 seconds) after the UE enters the idle mode as compared to minimum periodic search timer-based handover searches.