PLMN Search Optimization Using Location-Based Priority Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PLMN searching methods are inefficient as they scan all frequencies, wasting time and resources by not distinguishing between frequencies belonging to the same PLMN, leading to unnecessary scanning and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A UE system and method that sequentially scans identity information sets for mobile network identities, decodes System Information 3 (SI3) to identify location codes, and uses a hash table to mark scanned frequencies, ceasing the scan once a prioritized PLMN is identified or all networks are scanned, optimizing the search process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE scans all predetermined frequencies to ensure complete PLMN coverage, then the reliability of network selection is improved, but the time and resources consumed increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using location data (GPS coordinates, cell tower triangulation) to pre-identify the PLMN most likely to be available before scanning frequencies. The UE determines an initial system based on location information and prioritizes scanning frequencies associated with that identified PLMN, rather than scanning all frequencies equally. This preliminary identification based on location data reduces the time required while maintaining reliable network selection.
2Reliability
If the UE scans all frequencies in the band of operation to ensure no PLMN is missed, then the completeness of network identification is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses location data to preliminarily identify which PLMN is most likely available in the current geographic area before initiating frequency scanning. By determining an initial system based on location information (such as GPS coordinates or cell tower triangulation data), the UE can prioritize scanning frequencies associated with that identified PLMN, reducing the total number of frequencies that need to be scanned and thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining identification completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the scanning process adaptive to the local geographic environment. Instead of uniformly scanning all frequencies across the entire band, the UE adjusts the scanning priorities based on location-specific information. Frequencies associated with the initially identified PLMN (determined from location data) are scanned with higher priority, while other frequencies are scanned with lower priority or skipped, creating a non-uniform scanning strategy optimized for the local area.
3Reliability
If the UE scans frequencies sequentially without prioritization to ensure systematic coverage, then the thoroughness of the search is improved, but the productivity of the network selection process decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining an initial system based on location data before the frequency scanning begins. This preliminary identification allows the UE to establish a prioritized scanning order where frequencies associated with the initially identified PLMN are scanned first, followed by other frequencies in descending order of priority. This approach maintains systematic thoroughness while significantly improving the speed of network selection by focusing resources on the most likely candidates first.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to public land mobile network searching. A device, method, and/or system may include for each of at least one mobile network identity, each mobile network identity separately associated to a different mobile network, sequentially assessing, with a processor, for each mobile network identity, identity information sets corresponding to one of the at least one mobile network identity for a location code corresponding to the mobile network associated with the one of the mobile network identities, presenting, on a user interface, information related to the mobile network corresponding to the location code as identified. Upon the location code corresponding to the mobile network having been identified, the processor ceases assessing identity information sets corresponding to the mobile network identity for the location code.