Network Mode Selection for Wireless User Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network selection methods in user equipment (UEs) are inefficient as they search for and acquire service on multiple radio access technologies (RATs) regardless of the operating state and power consumption, leading to unnecessary power consumption and battery drainage, even when cellular data is disabled.
Innovation Solution
The UE determines its network mode of operation based on its operating state and power consumption associated with each RAT, using RAT power consumption data to selectively switch between networks and reduce power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE searches for and acquires service on multiple RATs regardless of operating state, then network connectivity and service availability are improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network mode selection that adapts the UE's RAT search and acquisition behavior based on the current operating state. When cellular data is disabled, the UE dynamically switches to a power-saving mode that limits RAT searches. When cellular data is enabled, the UE returns to normal multi-RAT acquisition. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making network connectivity behavior flexible rather than static, ensuring reliable connectivity when needed while conserving power when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the UE's network selection process based on the cellular data state. Specifically, it modifies the RAT search acquisition behavior parameter: in normal mode, the UE performs comprehensive RAT searches for all supported technologies; in power-saving mode (when cellular data is disabled), the UE suppresses or limits RAT searches. This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliability when required while reducing power consumption during idle periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE maintains multi-RAT network mode with all RF resources active, then adaptability to different network conditions is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network operation into distinct modes: normal multi-RAT mode and power-saving mode. In power-saving mode, the UE segments away from comprehensive RAT monitoring and switches to a limited operational state. This segmentation allows the UE to maintain full network adaptability when needed while dramatically reducing power consumption during periods when cellular data is disabled, effectively separating the high-power adaptability function from continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal network mode selection mechanism that can operate in multiple functional states. The same UE and RF resources that provide multi-RAT adaptability in normal mode are the same resources that are managed in power-saving mode when cellular data is disabled. The system universally applies the operating state check to determine whether to activate or suppress RAT search acquisition, making the adaptability mechanism itself flexible rather than fixed.
3Reliability
If the UE performs RAT search and acquisition continuously, then service availability is improved, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when cellular data is disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE continuously monitors its own operating state, specifically whether cellular data is enabled or disabled. Based on this feedback, the UE automatically adjusts its RAT search acquisition behavior. When the feedback indicates cellular data is disabled, the UE suppresses RAT searches to avoid unnecessary power consumption. When feedback shows cellular data is enabled, the UE resumes normal RAT acquisition to ensure service availability. This closed-loop feedback control resolves the contradiction by making power consumption dependent on actual service needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the UE to self-manage its power consumption by autonomously detecting its own operating state and making decisions about RAT search acquisition without external intervention. The UE serves itself by monitoring whether cellular data is disabled and independently suppressing unnecessary RAT searches, thereby eliminating wasteful power consumption. This self-service approach allows the device to optimize its own power usage based on its operational context.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus related to wireless communication, for example, methods and apparatus for network mode selection are described. In aspects, a method of wireless communication may include determining, by a user equipment (UE) while coupled to a first network using a first RAT, operation in a cellular data off mode, and determining whether to initiate selection or reselection to a second network using a second RAT based on a RAT power consumption data table. Numerous other aspects are provided.