Multi-SIM Shared Synchronization for Reduced Duplicate Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-SIM phone architectures lead to inefficiencies such as duplicate signaling and underutilization of radio resources, contributing to battery drain and network congestion due to independent SIM card operations.
Innovation Solution
Introduce the Inter-network Resource Sharing (IRS) Gateway and the SIM Interaction Mapping Server (SIMSer) to optimize resource allocation and minimize redundant processes, enabling seamless communication and coordination between multiple SIMs in a single UE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each SIM card independently performs registration and authentication procedures, then each SIM can maintain independent network connectivity, but duplicate signaling occurs and network resources are underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the initial access procedures of multiple SIMs by having one SIM perform synchronization signal block (SSB) monitoring and registration on behalf of other SIMs. The gNB is informed of multiple SIMs through RRC signaling, and a single RRC connection is established that carries data for multiple SIMs, eliminating duplicate registration and authentication procedures while maintaining independent connectivity for each SIM.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal RRC connection that serves multiple SIMs simultaneously. This single connection performs multiple functions: it carries data for different SIMs, maintains connectivity for multiple network registrations, and enables shared uplink/downlink resources. The system becomes multi-functional, handling what would traditionally require separate dedicated connections for each SIM.
2Reliability
If each SIM card independently manages registration and authentication, then each SIM maintains separate network control, but battery drain increases due to redundant processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power management benefits of independent SIM control with the energy efficiency of shared resources. Multiple SIMs share a single RRC connection and uplink/downlink resources, reducing the number of times power-intensive operations like SSB monitoring and random access procedures must be executed. This merging reduces overall battery consumption while preserving the ability of each SIM to maintain its own network control and registration state.
3Reliability
If separate RRC connections are established for each SIM, then each SIM has dedicated network resources, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple RRC connections into a single shared connection. Instead of establishing separate RRC connections for each SIM, the system establishes one RRC connection that is shared among multiple SIMs. This is achieved by informing the gNB of multiple SIMs through RRC signaling and using a single connection to carry data for all SIMs, thereby reducing device complexity and RRC message overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying mechanisms to extend the functionality of a single RRC connection to multiple SIMs. Data and control information are copied and multiplexed over the shared connection, allowing one connection to serve multiple purposes. This approach avoids the complexity of managing multiple separate connections while maintaining the ability to address and control each SIM individually through copying of relevant data streams.
4Reliability
If multiple SIMs perform independent SSB monitoring and initial access, then each SIM can independently synchronize with the network, but radio resources are underutilized and network congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the SSB monitoring and initial access functions for multiple SIMs into a single coordinated process. One SIM performs SSB monitoring and establishes synchronization with the gNB, while other SIMs benefit from this synchronization without independently performing the same resource-intensive monitoring. The gNB is informed of multiple SIMs, and a single RRC connection is established that serves all SIMs, thereby reducing radio resource usage while maintaining reliable synchronization for each SIM.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple subscriber identity module (multi-SIM) compliant user equipment (UE), comprising: a first SIM; a second SIM which is different than the first SIM; a transceiver configured to receive a synchronization signal block (SSB) associated with a first network, based on information of the first SIM; the transceiver configured to perform initial access and to establish a connection with the first network; the transceiver configured to transmit a data signal for processing by a second network, wherein the signal is transmitted based on the established connection with the first network; wherein communication with the first network and the second network is based on an overlap in an initial network handshake with the first network and the second network. In embodiments, the UE does not monitor for an SSB on the second network.