Multi-Network Call Switching for NR Fallback Failures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices registered with a 5G network using a stand-alone structure and new radio (NR) communication may fail to establish a call connection due to unsupported call functions, leading to disconnection or delay when EPS fallback to 4G communication fails.

Innovation Solution

The device includes first and second communication circuitry supporting NR and LTE, respectively, and a processor that registers with the NR network, identifies potential call connections via wireless LAN, and establishes calls over WLAN if NR or LTE connections fail.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic device uses NR communication for call connection, then call quality and network capacity are improved, but call connection reliability deteriorates when the network does not support call functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall connection reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device is configured to support multiple communication networks (NR, LTE, and WLAN) and can selectively switch between them based on network capabilities. The processor determines whether the current network supports call functions and switches to alternative networks if needed, making the device adaptable to different network environments while maintaining reliable call connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device falls back to LTE communication when NR call function is not supported, then call function compatibility is improved, but call connection success rate deteriorates when LTE registration fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall function compatibilityVSAvoidcall connection success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The processor performs preliminary determination of network call support capabilities before attempting call connection. When NR network is registered, the device first checks whether the network supports call functions, and proactively switches to LTE or WLAN networks in advance if call support is unavailable, preventing call connection failures rather than reacting after failure occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system dynamically switches between different networks (NR, LTE, WLAN) based on real-time network conditions and capabilities. The processor continuously monitors network status and adjusts the active communication network accordingly, enabling flexible adaptation to changing environmental conditions to maintain reliable call connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If the electronic device establishes call connection through NR network, then data transfer rate is improved, but call connection stability deteriorates due to EPS fallback failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidcall connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device prepares alternative communication paths (LTE and WLAN networks) in advance as backup options when using NR network. If NR call connection fails or becomes unstable, the processor can quickly switch to pre-configured alternative networks, cushioning against connection failures and maintaining stable call connectivity without significant interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12477429B2Electronic device for providing call function and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus and method for providing a call function in an electronic device. The electronic device includes first communication circuitry, second communication circuitry, and a processor. The processor registers with a network using NR communication through the first communication circuitry, identifies whether a call connection using a network using the wireless LAN communication is possible, based on determination that establishment of a communication link related to a call connection with an external electronic device using the network using the NR communication and/or a network using LTE communication fails, and connects a call with the external electronic device over the network using the wireless LAN communication, based on determination that the call connection using the network using the wireless LAN communication is possible. Other embodiments may be possible.