Mobile Network Selection Using NAS Reception Measurement Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication networks face inefficiencies in network selection due to inappropriate setting of operator-controlled signal thresholds, leading to delayed or incorrect network choices based on predefined SENSE-levels that are not adapted to the user equipment's specific reception conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method where a mobile station transmits reception measurement data to its home mobile communication network via non-access stratum signaling, allowing the home network to adjust the SENSE-levels or operator-controlled signal thresholds based on actual reception conditions, thereby improving network selection efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operator-controlled signal thresholds (SENSE-levels) are set to ensure reliable network selection, then network selection reliability is improved, but network selection time increases due to delayed or incorrect network choices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork selection reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork selection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the mobile station transmit reception measurement data back to the home network. The home network uses this feedback to dynamically adjust SENSE-levels, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes network selection thresholds based on actual reception conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms static, preconfigured SENSE-levels into dynamic thresholds that adapt to changing reception conditions. The home network adjusts SENSE-levels in real-time based on reception measurement data from mobile stations, enabling the system to optimize both reliability and selection time according to current radio environment conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If predefined SENSE-levels are used for network selection, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to specific reception conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability to reception conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the home network as an intermediary that performs the complex task of dynamic SENSE-level adjustment. Instead of embedding complex adaptive algorithms in each mobile station, the home network acts as a centralized mediator that receives reception measurement data and computes optimal SENSE-levels, maintaining low device complexity while achieving high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from mobile stations' reception measurement data to enable the home network to adapt SENSE-levels to specific reception conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain simplicity at the device level while achieving adaptability through network-side processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If reception measurement data is transmitted to home network for dynamic SENSE-level adjustment, then network selection efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork selection efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages existing non-access stratum signaling infrastructure to transport reception measurement data, making the signaling channel multi-functional. Instead of creating a dedicated new signaling protocol, the system uses existing signaling paths for their intended purpose plus the additional function of conveying measurement data, thereby improving efficiency while minimizing additional overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4503752B1Transmission of reception measurement data for subsequent network selection by a mobile station according to an enhanced cell selection criterion based on an operator-controlled signal threshold
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP4503752B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4503752B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for transmitting reception measurement data and/or for subsequently conducting network selection by a mobile station being in a radio environment comprising a plurality of available radio cells of a plurality of mobile communication networks, each one of these available radio cells being associated, respectively, to at least one mobile communication network of the plurality of mobile communication networks, wherein the mobile station is related or associated to a home mobile communication network, and wherein, while being in the considered radio environment, the mobile station is able to measure or to detect reception conditions regarding the plurality of available radio cells, wherein regarding cell selection, a cell selection criterion is able to be applied, regarding a considered radio access technology, in order to consider a radio cell to be a suitable radio cell, wherein regarding network selection by the mobile station an enhanced network selection criterion is able to be applied, wherein, in order to transmit reception measurement data and/or in order to subsequently conduct network selection, the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, the mobile station measures or detects the reception conditions regarding the plurality of available radio cells and, based thereon, generates reception measurement data, -- in a second step, the mobile station is provided with connectivity to the home mobile communication network and transmits the reception measurement data to the home mobile communication network via non-access stratum signaling.