PLMN Search Using PRS Assistance Data for Faster Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved methods and systems to optimize the registration process with public land mobile networks (PLMNs) in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, to enhance user equipment (UE) and network entity interactions for efficient PLMN selection and positioning reference signal (PRS) assistance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus at the UE and network entity are configured to obtain and transmit PRS assistance data for selecting and searching a subset of PLMNs based on measurements, facilitating efficient PLMN registration and search processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE performs a comprehensive search of all available PLMNs to ensure complete network coverage and selection options, then the reliability of PLMN registration is improved, but the time and computational resources required for the search process increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity performs preliminary actions by generating and providing assistance data containing PRS configuration information, frequency lists, and PLMN identifiers before the UE initiates its PLMN search. This pre-prepared information allows the UE to focus its search on specific frequencies and networks rather than performing a comprehensive blind search across all possible PLMNs, thereby reducing search time while maintaining registration reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces assistance data as an intermediary between the network entity and the UE. This intermediary contains pre-processed information about available PLMNs, frequencies, and PRS configurations that guides the UE's search process. The assistance data acts as a mediator that translates the network's comprehensive knowledge into targeted search instructions for the UE, resolving the contradiction between thorough search and time efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE searches all frequency bands and PLMNs to ensure comprehensive network selection, then the completeness of network options is improved, but the energy consumption and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PLMN search process into distinct phases: receiving assistance data with specific frequency and PLMN information, performing measurements on indicated PRS resources, and searching only the subset of networks identified in the assistance data. This segmentation allows the UE to avoid exhaustive searching across all frequency bands and PLMNs, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to select from comprehensive network options through the guided approach
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the UE to perform a complete exhaustive search of all possible PLMNs and frequency bands, the patent applies partial action by having the UE search only the specific subset of networks identified in the assistance data. The assistance data provides sufficient information for the UE to perform a targeted partial search that achieves practical network selection completeness without the excessive energy cost of a full exhaustive search
3Measurement precision
If the network entity provides detailed PRS assistance data for all PLMNs to enable precise measurements and selection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the amount of data transmission and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing assistance data with specific PRS configuration information, frequency details, and PLMN identifiers tailored to the local network environment and UE position. Rather than providing generic comprehensive data for all possible networks, the assistance data contains precisely the measurement parameters needed for the specific subset of networks relevant to the UE, improving measurement precision while reducing unnecessary data processing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) may be configured to obtain an indication of a set of public land mobile networks (PLMNs). The UE may be configured to receive positioning reference signal (PRS) assistance data from a network entity. The PRS assistance data may be associated with a set of PRSs for the set of PLMNs. The UE may be configured to select a subset of PLMNs in the set of PLMNs based on the PRS assistance data or at least one measurement for the set of PRSs. The UE may be configured to initiate a search for the subset of PLMNs based on the PRS assistance data or the at least one measurement for the set of PRSs.