Multi-mode Wireless Network Selection via Unified RAT Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices supporting both GSM and CDMA face challenges in simultaneously scanning and selecting the best available wireless network, leading to potential service disruptions and limited service modes due to the disjoint nature of CDMA and GSM network information and lack of intelligence in multi-mode scanning.
Innovation Solution
A method in a mobile device that maintains an indication of current wireless network services and automatically scans for both GSM and CDMA networks to acquire a service not currently provided, using a RAT integration function to determine the need for scanning and select the optimal network based on service availability and history information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mobile device scans for both GSM and CDMA networks simultaneously, then the device can acquire better service by selecting the optimal network, but the scanning process becomes more complex and time-consuming due to the disjoint nature of network information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the disjoint CDMA PRL and GSM PLMN list into a unified network information structure. The RAT integration function combines scanning procedures for both radio access technologies into a single integrated scan mode, allowing the device to simultaneously evaluate GSM and CDMA networks without treating them as separate disjoint processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal scanning mechanism that handles both GSM and CDMA networks through a single RAT integration function. This multi-functional approach allows the device to automatically determine service availability across different network types using unified criteria, eliminating the need for separate scanning procedures for each technology.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device uses separate PRL and PLMN lists for CDMA and GSM scanning, then the device can maintain compatibility with both network types, but the device lacks a-priori knowledge about GSM/CDMA overlay and service availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PRL and PLMN list functions into a unified network information structure that the RAT integration function processes. This merging allows the device to maintain compatibility with both CDMA and GSM networks while simultaneously gaining knowledge about service availability across different network types through integrated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the RAT integration function continuously monitors service availability information from both GSM and CDMA networks. The system uses this feedback to automatically determine when scanning is needed and selects the optimal network based on real-time service availability, enabling adaptive network selection.
3Reliability
If the device performs periodic scanning for preferred systems, then the device can find better service, but the scanning is limited to the currently acquired RAT and may cause service disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically determining before scanning whether the current service is sufficient. The RAT integration function evaluates service availability in advance and only initiates scanning when necessary, preventing unnecessary service disruptions. The system proactively assesses whether switching networks would improve service before executing the scan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the scanning process dynamic by allowing the device to adaptively adjust scanning behavior based on current service conditions. The RAT integration function dynamically determines when scanning is needed and can switch between different scanning modes (periodic vs. event-triggered) based on the acquired service quality, optimizing the balance between service quality improvement and service disruption avoidance.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for wireless network selection by multi-mode devices. A mobile device maintains an indication of any wireless network services currently provided to the mobile device. According to an embodiment of the application, the mobile device automatically scans for both GSM wireless networks and CDMA wireless networks in order to acquire a wireless network that can provide a service that is not currently provided to the mobile device. Therefore, the mobile device avoids partial service or limited service when better service is available.