Multi-SIM UE Radio Resource Utilization via Frequency Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment (UE) devices with multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) face inefficiencies in throughput and radio resource utilization due to frequent frequency re-tuning and wasted resources when switching between active and idle SIM states, especially when SIMs are registered to different carriers or the same carrier.
Innovation Solution
A network node and UE device configuration that selects and reconfigures serving frequencies to minimize frequency re-tuning events and optimize RF chain usage by transmitting page scheduling information and controlling RF chain activity based on denial probability thresholds and dual connectivity states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE frequently switches between active and idle SIM states to handle multiple subscriptions, then multi-SIM functionality is enabled, but throughput and radio resource utilization deteriorate due to frequent frequency re-tuning
Solution Approach 1:
The network node pre-configures the UE with multiple serving frequencies corresponding to different SIM states before the UE actually switches between them. This allows the UE to quickly retune to the pre-configured frequency without performing full frequency search and measurement procedures, thereby maintaining multi-SIM functionality while reducing throughput degradation during state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the serving frequency based on the current SIM state (active or idle) by selecting from pre-configured frequencies. The UE and network node coordinate to ensure the RF chain operates at the appropriate frequency for the current SIM state, enabling adaptive frequency management that optimizes throughput while supporting multi-SIM operations.
2Speed
If the UE maintains RF chain readiness for frequent SIM state switching, then response time for state transitions is improved, but radio resource utilization deteriorates due to wasted resources
Solution Approach 1:
The network node provides advance notification to the UE about upcoming SIM state transitions and the corresponding serving frequencies. This allows the UE to prepare the RF chain in advance by tuning to the target frequency before the actual state transition occurs, achieving fast response times without requiring the RF chain to remain continuously active at multiple frequencies, thus improving radio resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-configured frequency information to skip the lengthy frequency search and measurement procedures that would normally be required during SIM state transitions. By directly jumping to the pre-determined serving frequency, the UE achieves rapid state transitions while minimizing the time the RF chain spends in transitional states, thereby reducing radio resource waste.
3Device complexity
If the UE uses a single RF chain for both connected and idle SIM monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but throughput deteriorates due to page monitoring interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system assigns different quality characteristics to different time periods by configuring specific serving frequencies for connected and idle states. When the SIM is in connected state, the RF chain operates at the connected serving frequency optimized for data throughput. When transitioning to idle state, the RF chain switches to the idle serving frequency optimized for page monitoring. This local optimization of frequency characteristics for each operational mode allows a single RF chain to efficiently handle both connected and idle SIM monitoring without compromising throughput during active communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) includes first and second subscriber identity modules (SIMs), possibly subscribed to different carriers. When the first SIM is in a connected state and the second SIM is in an idle state, the UE may need to periodically tune away a radio from a first frequency used for communication under the first SIM to a second frequency used for idle mode activity under the second SIM. The UE may provide to the network of the first SIM the second SIMs traffic activity pattern and/or serving frequency so that the network may provide coordinated configuration and/or scheduling for the UE device, e.g., in order to make the action of tuning away (and tuning back) the radio more efficient and/or to decrease the network impact of such radio tune aways (e.g., to decrease wasted uplink scheduling and wasted downlink transmissions for the first SIM).