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

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration reliabilityVSAvoidservice activation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork selection accuracyVSAvoidregistration completion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12225423B2Method to avoid bad user experience by using rapid initial IMS registration
Publication Date: 2025.02.11 MEDIATEK INC
  • US12225423B2 patent drawing
  • US12225423B2 patent drawing
  • US12225423B2 patent drawing

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.