Mobile Terminal PLMN Search Optimization via SIM Priority
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communications terminals face inefficiencies in network searching when moving between different Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs), leading to unsuitable radio access technology selection and increased battery consumption due to random selection processes.
Innovation Solution
A method optimizing PLMN search by prioritizing radio access technologies based on user and company preferences, utilizing a nonvolatile memory and SIM card to associate MCC codes with preferred radio access technologies, with default settings for unlisted countries, allowing for efficient network reselection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile communications terminal searches for a PLMN that is not listed in the SIM card, then a radio access technology is randomly selected, but this random selection does not suit user needs and communications company characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-registers multiple radio access technologies (GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G) in priority order in the nonvolatile memory before the terminal needs to select a network. When searching for an unlisted PLMN, the terminal sequentially checks these pre-registered technologies instead of random selection, ensuring reliable and appropriate network attachment that suits user needs and company characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection parameter from random choice to priority-based sequential selection. The nonvolatile memory stores multiple radio access technology types with assigned priorities, allowing the terminal to dynamically select based on registered preferences rather than random assignment, thereby improving adaptability and reliability.
2Productivity
If a mobile communications terminal searches for a new network when losing coverage, then it must scan multiple radio access technologies, but this increases battery power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-registers the preferred radio access technology priorities in nonvolatile memory before network search is needed. During network search, the terminal only scans technologies in the pre-defined priority sequence, avoiding exhaustive scanning of all possible technologies. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces search time and battery consumption during actual network selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial scanning by limiting the network search to only those radio access technologies registered in nonvolatile memory, rather than scanning all possible technologies. This partial action approach achieves sufficient network selection capability while minimizing energy consumption and search time.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for optimizing a search of a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) by a mobile terminal having a nonvolatile memory and a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. The method includes: searching for a PLMN based on priority information registered in the SIM; regarding the PLMN that has been found, determining whether the SIM card includes any priority information about at least one particular radio access technology associated with the PLMN; when priority information is included, selecting a cell of the PLMN; when priority information is not included, determining whether the nonvolatile memory includes any information about at least one particular radio access technology to be selected on a priority basis in a country of the PLMN; when priority information is included, selecting a cell of the PLMN for which the particular radio access technology has been developed; and when priority information is not included, selecting a cell where a radio access technology, which is set beforehand by default in the nonvolatile memory for all countries that are not listed in the nonvolatile memory, has been developed.