MUSIM Coverage-Limit Detection for Proactive Network Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems with Multi Universal Subscriber Identity Module (MUSIM) devices experience service interruptions due to network outages, particularly in cases where inter-operator handover is not supported, leading to delays in switching to alternative networks and affecting service continuity, especially for vehicular UEs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable proactive preparation for switching to a secondary mobile network by a MUSIM device when approaching the coverage limit of a primary network, utilizing network predictions and database knowledge to minimize service interruptions by initiating early measurements and registrations with the secondary USIM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a MUSIM device waits for network outage to occur before switching to an alternative network, then the device maintains simple operation and low power consumption, but service interruption time increases and service continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network node performs preliminary actions by determining that the UE is approaching a coverage limit and proactively provides an indication to the UE to initiate network switching procedures before the actual network outage occurs. This allows the UE to perform measurements and registrations with the alternative network in advance, reducing service interruption time when switching is required
2Reliability
If a MUSIM device performs sequential registration with alternative networks upon detecting network outage, then the device uses minimal resources, but the registration process takes several seconds causing service delays
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs preliminary measurements and registration procedures with the alternative network before the current network actually fails. Upon receiving the indication from the network node that it is approaching the coverage limit, the UE initiates RRC connection with the alternative network and performs necessary registrations in advance, so that when the current network fails, the switching can occur much faster without waiting for sequential registration procedures
3Reliability
If inter-operator handover is deployed to enable seamless network switching, then service continuity improves, but network complexity and deployment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the network switching functionality by utilizing multiple independent USIMs in the UE, where each USIM is registered with a different network operator. This allows the UE to independently manage connections to multiple networks without requiring complex inter-operator handover protocols, as each USIM operates autonomously with its own authentication and registration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The MUSIM device provides universal functionality by supporting multiple network operators through multiple USIMs, enabling the UE to switch between different networks without requiring operator-specific handover agreements. This multi-functionality approach allows any combination of networks to be used without additional complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method to perform receiving from a network node of a first mobile network of more than one mobile network of a communication network, by a user equipment of the first mobile network, an indication (610) of an approaching coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between the first public land mobile network and the user equipment wherein the user equipment includes a multi subscriber identity module, and wherein a first subscriber identity module of the multi subscriber module is connected to a network node associated with the first mobile network; and based on the receiving, performing pro-active preparation for causing (620) a second subscriber identity module of the multi subscriber identity module of the user equipment to enable pro-active preparation of switching to a second mobile network of the more than one mobile network in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on the approaching coverage limit of the coverage area. Further, there is determining, by a network node of a first mobile network of more than one mobile network of a communication network, an approaching coverage limit for a coverage area associated with a link between the first mobile network and a user equipment, wherein the user equipment includes a multi subscriber identity module and wherein a first subscriber identity module of the multi subscriber module is connected to a network node associated with the first public land mobile network; and based on determining, sending towards the user equipment information including an indication to perform pro-active preparation for causing a second subscriber identity module of the multi subscriber identity module of the user equipment to enable pro-active preparation for switching by the second subscriber identity module to a second mobile network of the more than one mobile network in response to an upcoming failure of the link between the user equipment and the first mobile network based on the approaching coverage limit of the coverage area.