Guard Timer for Rapid IMS Registration on Alternative Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing IMS registration process in wireless communication networks often results in delayed service activation due to connection issues between user equipment (UE) and the EPC/5GC network over preferred access networks like WiFi, leading to poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a guard timer mechanism in user equipment (UE) that initiates IMS PDN setup over a preferred access network and aborts the process if the timer expires, subsequently attempting IMS PDN setup on an alternative access network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE retries IMS registration over WiFi multiple times before switching to alternate RAN, then the registration reliability is improved, but the service activation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a maximum retry count parameter in the UE before the IMS registration process begins. This allows the device to have a predetermined limit on retry attempts, preventing indefinite retry loops while ensuring adequate attempt coverage for reliable registration. The UE can quickly determine when to switch to alternate RAN based on this pre-set criterion, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time by establishing a clear stopping condition.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the UE continues retrying IMS registration over the preferred access network, then the connection stability is improved, but the user experience deteriorates due to service unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the retry behavior adaptive rather than static. The UE dynamically adjusts its registration strategy based on the outcome of each retry attempt, using the maximum retry count as a dynamic threshold. When the retry count reaches this threshold, the system automatically transitions from persistent retrying to switching access networks, creating a flexible response that balances connection stability attempts with user experience protection.
3Measurement precision
If the UE implements a retry procedure with multiple attempts before concluding WiFi is unavailable, then the network selection accuracy is improved, but the registration completion time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the retry count parameter to a specific maximum value that optimizes the balance between accuracy and speed. This parameter adjustment allows the UE to perform sufficient retry attempts to accurately determine WiFi availability while preventing excessive delays. By tuning this parameter, the system achieves both accurate network selection and acceptable registration completion time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of improving user experience for initial IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) registration is proposed. When a UE boots up or leaves flight mode, the processor of the UE determines a period Tn of time for IMS PDN initial setup on a single Access-Stratum Network, starting from sending IMS PDN setup request. Upon expiration of Tn, the UE aborts the IMS PDN set up request, and performs IMS PDN set up on another Access-Stratum Network. As a result, it allows the UE to rapidly use IMS service when boots up or leaves flight mode.


