Multi-SIM Service Switching for Discontinuous NTN Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In a multi-SIM operation scenario, users experience service interruptions due to discontinuous satellite coverage on the default SIM, leading to poor user experience, especially for critical services like emergency calls.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for multi-SIM operation in a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) that detects discontinuous coverage on the default SIM and proactively switches ongoing services to a secondary SIM with available terrestrial or NTN coverage, using parameters like unavailability period and satellite coverage availability information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE uses a default SIM for services under NTN satellite coverage, then service continuity is maintained during satellite availability, but service interruption occurs during discontinuous satellite coverage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs preliminary actions by detecting discontinuous coverage parameters and predicting coverage loss before it actually occurs. The system proactively switches services to alternative SIMs or terrestrial networks in advance, preventing service interruption rather than reacting after coverage is lost. This is achieved through monitoring satellite ephemeris data and calculating upcoming coverage gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a service switching system that acts as a mediator between the default SIM and alternative service sources (secondary SIM or terrestrial network). When discontinuous coverage is detected, this intermediary automatically routes services through alternative channels, ensuring continuous service delivery without user awareness of the transition.
2Reliability
If the UE manually switches SIM for service continuity during discontinuous coverage, then service interruption is avoided, but user convenience deteriorates due to manual intervention requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling the UE to automatically detect discontinuous coverage conditions, predict service interruptions, and switch between SIMs without user intervention. The device autonomously monitors satellite coverage parameters, makes switching decisions based on predefined criteria, and executes service migration, completely eliminating the need for manual user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the UE continuously monitors satellite coverage status, service quality metrics, and network conditions. This real-time feedback enables the system to dynamically adjust service routing, automatically switching back to the default SIM when coverage is restored or when alternative services are no longer needed, creating a closed-loop control system.
3Reliability
If the UE attempts to register on different RATs/PLMNs during satellite coverage loss, then service availability is restored, but service restoration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary registration and service setup on alternative SIMs or terrestrial networks before satellite coverage is completely lost. By pre-establishing service contexts and maintaining ready-state connections on backup channels, the system enables instantaneous service restoration without the time-consuming registration process when coverage failure occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping service contexts active on alternative SIMs during satellite coverage periods. Rather than completely terminating services and restarting them after coverage loss, the system sustains background service operations, data synchronization, and connection states on backup channels, enabling seamless continuation without restoration delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a user equipment (UE) may comprise: receiving one or more discontinuous coverage parameters associated with a first SIM of the UE, identifying a default SIM of at least one service as the first SIM of the UE over a first non-terrestrial network (NTN), estimating a time period for completion of the at least one service based on one or more service parameters associated with the at least one service, configuring a second SIM of the UE to provide the at least one service based on the time period and the one or more discontinuous coverage parameters, and switching the default SIM of at least one service from the first SIM to the second SIM of the UE.