EHPLMN Scanning Geofence Priority
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting a communications network in 4G LTE and 5G NR systems do not efficiently prioritize Equivalent Home Public Land Mobile Networks (EHPLMNs) based on geofencing, leading to suboptimal network selection and increased battery drain due to unnecessary scanning.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where User Equipment (UE) dynamically adjusts the scanning period and prioritizes geofenced EHPLMN entries over non-geofenced entries, even if they have higher priority, and discontinues scanning when camped on the highest priority geofenced EHPLMN, using a HPPLMN timer that can be adjusted based on location, battery state, and other factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE scans for all EHPLMN entries in priority order, then network selection completeness is improved, but battery consumption increases due to unnecessary scanning of non-geofenced networks
Solution Approach 1:
The EHPLMN list is segmented into geofenced and non-geofenced entries. The UE applies different scanning behaviors to different segments: it prioritizes scanning geofenced EHPLMN entries and can skip or reduce scanning of non-geofenced entries when already camped on a geofenced network, thereby reducing unnecessary battery consumption while maintaining reliability for location-based network selection
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning behavior is made dynamic based on the UE's current state and location. When the UE is camped on a geofenced EHPLMN, it dynamically adjusts by discontinuing scans for lower-priority geofenced entries and focusing only on higher-priority geofenced entries, rather than continuously scanning all EHPLMN entries in static priority order
2Measurement precision
If the UE prioritizes geofenced EHPLMN entries over non-geofenced entries, then location-based network selection accuracy is improved, but scanning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs preliminary actions by checking the geofenced status and priority level of EHPLMN entries before initiating scans. The system pre-determines which entries warrant scanning based on their geofenced status and priority, and prepares the scanning sequence in advance, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The geofenced status acts as an intermediary criterion that mediates between the EHPLMN priority list and the actual scanning behavior. This intermediary layer simplifies the scanning logic by providing a clear rule: geofenced entries with higher priority are scanned first, and scanning decisions are made based on the interaction between geofenced status and priority level rather than complex multi-factor analysis
3Use of energy by moving object
If the UE discontinues scanning when camped on the highest priority geofenced EHPLMN, then battery life is extended, but network switching responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely discontinuing scans, the UE implements periodic scanning of higher-priority geofenced EHPLMN entries even when camped on a high-priority geofenced network. This periodic action maintains battery efficiency by reducing scan frequency while preserving the ability to detect and switch to higher-priority networks when they become available
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the UE continuously monitors for changes in network availability and priority status. When a higher-priority geofenced EHPLMN becomes available, the feedback loop triggers a network switch, ensuring responsiveness is maintained despite reduced scanning activity. The scanning behavior adapts based on feedback about network conditions and priority changes
Data Source
AI summary
A User Equipment (UE) device, such as a cellular telephone, configured to store Higher Priority Public Land Mobile Network (HPPLMN) timer setting values and enterprise geofence information associated with the entries on its Equivalent Home Public Land Mobile Network (EHPLMN) list is disclosed. When the UE is camped on an EHPLMN, the UE may search/scan for higher priority EHPLMNs using the HPPLMN timer setting values associated with the entries on the list that have higher priority than the current EHPLMN. The rate of the scans may be set based on the shortest HPPLMN timer entry of the higher priority entries on the EHPLMN list. The UE may also or instead be configured to search for geofenced EHPLMNs on the list for which entrance criteria are currently satisfied, even when the current EHPLMN has higher priority than the geofenced EHPLMNs.