PLMN Search Timer for Satellite Discontinuous Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, terminals face challenges in selecting the most appropriate Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) when experiencing discontinuous coverage, particularly in satellite networks, which affects connection reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a terminal connecting to a higher priority PLMN upon interruption of the current connection, utilizing a higher priority PLMN search timer that is set considering the discontinuous coverage of satellite networks. This timer can be set by the HPLMN operator, indicated by the network, or determined directly by the terminal based on ephemeris orbital data and location information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a terminal performs continuous PLMN searching to ensure connection reliability, then connection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic PLMN searching based on eDRX (extended Discontinuous Reception) cycles. The terminal performs PLMN searches at specific intervals rather than continuously, using the eDRX on-duration timer to define when searching should occur. This periodic approach maintains connection reliability by regularly checking for available networks while significantly reducing power consumption during idle periods when searching is suspended.
2Speed
If a terminal performs frequent PLMN searches to quickly find available networks, then connection establishment speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses eDRX periodic intervals to balance search frequency with power saving. The terminal performs PLMN searches at the beginning of each eDRX on-duration period, ensuring relatively quick reconnection when coverage becomes available while avoiding continuous searching that would drain battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the eDRX cycle length and on-duration timer values to optimize the balance between search speed and power consumption. By modifying these timing parameters, the system can adapt to different coverage conditions and service requirements, performing searches more frequently when needed and less frequently when power conservation is prioritized.
3Measurement precision
If a terminal monitors all available PLMNs continuously to ensure optimal network selection, then network selection accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and prioritizes specific PLMN searching based on subscription information and network conditions. Instead of monitoring all available PLMNs continuously, the terminal focuses on searching for PLMNs that match its subscribed networks and current service requirements, reducing processing complexity while maintaining accurate network selection for relevant networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic PLMN monitoring at eDRX intervals rather than continuous monitoring. This approach maintains network selection accuracy by regularly checking available networks at defined periods while significantly reducing the processing burden of constant monitoring and evaluation of all PLMNs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating a terminal in a wireless communication system may comprise the terminal connecting to a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) or a higher priority PLMN, based on the connection to the PLMN to which the terminal is connected being interrupted, performing a PLMN search having a higher priority than the PLMN to which the terminal is connected based on a higher priority PLMN search timer, and performing a connection to an available PLMN having a highest priority based on the PLMN search. Based on the terminal operating based on a satellite network, the higher priority PLMN search timer may be set by considering discontinuous coverage of the satellite network.