Geo-Location PLMN Selection Across Multi-Country Satellite Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in accurately selecting a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) when a user equipment (UE) moves across large satellite cell coverage areas that span multiple countries, leading to potential roaming agreement violations, incorrect Public Warning System message reception, and improper routing of emergency calls due to reliance on Mobile Country Code (MCC) for geographic territory determination.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus that utilize the UE's geo-location to limit PLMN selection to networks within the current geographic territory, ensuring compliance with territorial boundaries by using geo-location information to select or recommend PLMNs based on the UE's actual country, and potentially incorporating validity periods for satellite access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the system relies on Mobile Country Code (MCC) for geographic territory determination, then the network selection process is simplified, but the accuracy of geographic location identification deteriorates when satellite cells span multiple countries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the geographic territory identification by introducing geo-location information as a separate, more precise layer alongside the MCC-based system. The UE determines its geo-location independently (via GPS or other positioning methods) and uses this segmented approach to select PLMNs, allowing accurate country identification even when satellite cells border multiple countries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces geo-location information as an intermediary between the MCC and PLMN selection. Instead of directly using MCC to determine PLMN, the system uses geo-location as a mediator to first identify the current country, then select appropriate PLMNs. This intermediary layer resolves the ambiguity when satellite cells cover multiple countries.
2Area of stationary object
If the satellite cell coverage area is expanded to provide broader coverage, then the area served increases, but the ability to accurately determine the UE's country deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to location determination by introducing geo-location coordinates (latitude, longitude) as a separate dimensional reference system. Instead of relying solely on the two-dimensional MCC code, the system uses multi-dimensional geo-location data to precisely determine which country the UE is in, even when the satellite cell coverage area spans multiple country borders.
3Productivity
If the UE selects PLMN based on MCC without considering geo-location, then the selection process is faster, but roaming agreement violations may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE determine its geo-location and identify the current country before proceeding with PLMN selection. This preliminary geo-location check ensures that the UE selects only PLMNs from countries where it has roaming agreements, preventing compliance violations while maintaining efficient selection through pre-filtering based on geographic location.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises when a user equipment has moved from a first geographic territory to a second geographic territory, causing the user equipment to move from a first public land mobile network associated with the first geographic territory to a second public land mobile network associated with the second geographic territory.