Mobile Network Selection via Home-Network Reception Data for Legacy Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network selection methods in mobile communication networks are cumbersome and inefficient, particularly for legacy devices, requiring frequent updates of remotely provisioned parameters and lacking flexibility in adapting to rapidly changing roaming environments.
Innovation Solution
A method where mobile stations transmit reception measurement data to their home network, allowing the home network to provide updated network selection data, enabling flexible and dynamic network selection even for legacy devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile stations use remotely provisioned parameters for network selection, then network selection can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient requiring frequent updates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile station autonomously performs frequency scanning, measures reception conditions of available radio cells, and selects networks based on locally stored criteria (user preferred network list, operator preferred network list) without requiring continuous network operator intervention or frequent parameter updates. This self-service approach eliminates the need for cumbersome remote parameter updates while maintaining efficient network selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy devices are used for network selection, then device compatibility is maintained, but flexibility in adapting to rapidly changing roaming environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts network selection criteria through software-based parameter updates stored in the mobile station's memory (USIM card), allowing legacy hardware devices to respond to rapidly changing roaming environments without physical hardware modifications. The mobile station can update its network selection preferences and criteria software-wise, enabling flexibility while maintaining device simplicity.
3Reliability
If frequently updated remotely provisioned parameters are used, then network selection remains current, but overhead communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile station performs preliminary frequency scanning and measurement of reception conditions locally before making network selection decisions. By pre-measuring and evaluating available radio cells against stored criteria, the system achieves reliable network selection without requiring frequent communication with the network operator for parameter updates, thereby reducing communication overhead and energy consumption.
4Measurement precision
If mobile stations perform frequent frequency scans and measurements, then reception conditions are accurately assessed, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile station performs frequency scanning and reception condition measurements periodically rather than continuously, evaluating available radio cells against stored network selection criteria at appropriate intervals. This periodic measurement approach maintains sufficient measurement precision for accurate network selection while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for 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, in order to 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, -- in a third step, the mobile station receives network selection data, from the home mobile communication network, -- in a fourth step, the mobile station registers with a selected radio cell of the available radio cells belonging to or being part of a selected mobile communication network.