Mobile Device Network Selection via Generic Access Gateway
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for controlling the selection of communication networks for mobile devices in GAN mode are too limiting, potentially increasing roaming charges and not effectively managing network connections between WLANs and WWANs.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device maintains a service connection with a visited PLMN through a GAN, periodically attempts to reconnect with a home PLMN, and if unsuccessful, selects alternative visited PLMNs from a priority list or switches to a WWAN for a more suitable network connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile device maintains service connection with visited PLMN through GAN, then network coverage and service continuity are improved, but roaming charges increase and network selection flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection where the mobile device periodically attempts to reconnect with the home PLMN while maintaining service through the visited PLMN. The device can switch between GAN mode and direct PLMN connection based on real-time network availability, transforming a static network selection approach into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of network selection priority by introducing a priority list of visited PLMNs and periodically attempting reconnection with the home PLMN. This parameter change allows the device to optimize between maintaining service continuity through visited networks and reducing costs by reconnecting to the home network when possible.
2Ease of operation
If the mobile device uses conventional network selection methods, then network selection simplicity is maintained, but network selection flexibility and cost optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a priority list of visited PLMNs before the device needs to select a network. This allows the device to quickly reference and select from pre-evaluated networks rather than performing complex real-time analysis, maintaining operational simplicity while improving selection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the mobile device monitors service connection status with the home PLMN and adjusts its network selection accordingly. The device receives feedback about network availability and uses this information to dynamically switch between GAN mode and direct connection, optimizing both flexibility and cost without complicating user operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the mobile device frequently attempts to reconnect with home PLMN, then cost optimization is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing scheduled reconnection attempts with the home PLMN at predetermined intervals rather than continuously or on-demand. This periodic approach reduces device complexity and power consumption compared to constant monitoring while still achieving cost optimization through timely network switching.
4Reliability
If the mobile device maintains service connection through visited PLMN, then service availability is improved, but network optimization and cost efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection where the mobile device periodically attempts to reconnect with the home PLMN while maintaining service through the visited PLMN. The device can switch between GAN mode and direct PLMN connection based on real-time network availability, transforming a static network selection approach into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of network selection priority by introducing a priority list of visited PLMNs and periodically attempting reconnection with the home PLMN. This parameter change allows the device to optimize between maintaining service continuity through visited networks and reducing costs by reconnecting to the home network when possible.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for use by a mobile communication device in controlling the selection of communication networks for communications are described. In one illustrative example, the mobile device maintains a communication link with a radio access network (RAN) (e.g. an IEEE 802.11-based wireless network). The RAN is part of a generic access network (GAN) which further includes a gateway controller. The mobile device maintains, via the GAN, a service connection for a voice and/or data service with a core network of a visited Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). The mobile device repeatedly performs actions while the service connection with the core network associated with the visited PLMN is maintained. Specifically, the mobile device operates to set and run a timer and, in response to an expiration of the timer, the mobile device sends, to a gateway controller via the RAN, a service connection request for a service connection with a core network of a home PLMN of the mobile device. If the service connection request is accepted, the mobile device operates to establish and maintain, via the GAN, a service connection with the core network of the home PLMN for communications. If this service connection request is not accepted, however, the mobile device operates to select an alternative visited PLMN from a preferred list of visited networks if the alternative visited PLMN has a higher priority in the list than the visited PLMN. In this case, the mobile device sends to a gateway controller a service connection request for a service connection with a core network of the alternative visited PLMN.