MUSIM Gap Configuration for Dual-Network UE Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack standardized support for Multiple Universal Subscriber Identity Modules (MUSIM) in wireless communications, leading to inefficiencies in managing multiple subscriptions and maintaining connections across different networks.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a method where a first network node, operating as a Centralized Unit (CU), determines a selected gap configuration to maintain a connection between a User Equipment (UE) and a first network while the UE performs actions on a second network. This configuration is then sent to a second network node, operating as a Distributed Unit (DU), to facilitate simultaneous communication with both networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a UE communicates simultaneously towards two networks using dual receiver and transmitter chains, then the capability to maintain connections on both networks is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to maintain connections on both networksVSAvoiddual receiver and transmitter chains

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between single-receiver and dual-receiver modes based on network conditions and UE capabilities. The system adapts the receiver configuration in real-time, using dual receivers only when simultaneous communication on both networks is required, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal communication framework that can operate with either single or dual receiver chains depending on the scenario. The same base station and UE can dynamically adjust their configuration to handle different network situations, making the system universally applicable without requiring dedicated hardware for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a UE uses single receiver architecture to reduce complexity, then device simplicity is improved, but the ability to simultaneously communicate with multiple networks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceiver architecture simplicityVSAvoidability to simultaneously communicate with multiple networks

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic time-sharing where the single receiver alternates between monitoring different networks in scheduled intervals. The base station coordinates these periodic switching patterns, allowing the UE to maintain connections with multiple networks by periodically tuning to each network's frequency at predetermined times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The base station performs preliminary configuration of gap patterns and switching schedules before the UE needs to communicate on multiple networks. By pre-planning the receiver switching sequence and notifying the UE in advance, the system enables single-receiver UEs to participate in multi-network communication without real-time decision complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If gap configurations are implemented to allow UE to switch between networks, then network switching capability is improved, but communication continuity and reliability deteriorate due to potential interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork switching capabilityVSAvoidcommunication continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base station continuously monitors the UE's communication status and network conditions, then provides feedback to adjust gap configurations in real-time. When communication quality degrades or network conditions change, the base station modifies the gap pattern to minimize interruptions, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving switching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements cushioning mechanisms by preparing alternative communication paths and buffering data transmissions before gap periods. The base station pre-sends critical data before the UE switches networks and maintains ready-state connections that can quickly resume, reducing the impact of switching gaps on overall communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250168704A1Systems and methods for supporting multiple universal subscriber identity modules gap

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method (700) performed by a first network node (1100, 910) operating as a Centralized Unit, CU, includes determining (702) at least one selected gap configuration by the first network node operating as the CU. The first network node sends (704), to a second network node (1100, 910) operating as a Distributed Unit, DU, the at least one selected gap configuration. The at least one selected gap configuration is selected for maintaining a first connection between a user equipment, UE (1000, 912), and a first network associated with a first subscriber identity of the UE while the UE performs actions on a second network associated with a second subscriber identity of the UE.