Parallel PLMN Registration with Single SIM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly LTE, face challenges in efficiently managing concurrent cellular communication links with multiple networks using a single subscriber identity module (SIM), leading to limitations in data offloading and network resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable a user equipment (UE) to establish and maintain concurrent cellular communication links with both a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) and an offload public land mobile network (OPLMN) using a single subscriber identifier, allowing for dynamic IP packet transmission between these networks without disconnecting from the HPLMN, and utilizing a dual radio protocol stack to manage separate security contexts for each network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single SIM is used to establish concurrent communication links with multiple cellular networks, then network resource utilization and data offloading capability are improved, but device complexity and security context management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security context management by creating separate security contexts for each cellular network (HPLMN and OPLMN) while using a single SIM. The UE maintains distinct security contexts including separate authentication credentials and encryption keys for each network, allowing independent security management without requiring multiple physical SIMs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a unified security context manager that coordinates between the single SIM and multiple cellular networks. This manager handles the complexity of maintaining multiple security contexts by providing a centralized control point that manages authentication, key derivation, and security parameter storage across different networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If concurrent communication links with HPLMN and OPLMN are maintained, then network capacity and user experience are enhanced, but control plane signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control plane signaling management for both HPLMN and OPLMN connections through a unified signaling manager. This single management entity coordinates registration, mobility management, and session establishment across both networks, reducing the complexity that would arise from separate management systems while maintaining the benefits of concurrent connectivity.
3Productivity
If dynamic IP packet transmission between networks is enabled, then data offloading efficiency is improved, but network resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network resource management by enabling the UE to flexibly switch data transmission between HPLMN and OPLMN based on real-time network conditions, traffic requirements, and available resources. The system dynamically adjusts routing decisions, bandwidth allocation, and connection priorities without requiring complex manual configuration, thereby improving data offloading efficiency while keeping resource management adaptable rather than statically complex.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus establishes a first cellular communication link with a first cellular network based on a subscriber identifier, establishes a second cellular communication link with a second cellular network based on the subscriber identifier, and maintains the first cellular communication link concurrently with the second cellular communication link.