PLMN Selection Method Using Segmented Forbidden Lists
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The current 3GPP standard protocol for network selection in User Equipment (UE) is inadequate, as it cannot implement user-preferred wireless access technologies, results in slow network selection, and restricts access to Forbidden Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) across all technologies, leading to poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for selecting a PLMN that allows users to configure wireless access technologies and PLMN lists, enabling quick network selection by determining the supported wireless access technology and allowing PLMNs listed in the FPLMN list to be accessed through other technologies, thus overcoming the limitations of the standard protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wireless access technology is stored in a SIM card as per 3GPP standard protocol, then the network selection follows the standard procedure, but the user cannot implement their preferred wireless access technology and the selection speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the FPLMN list into multiple lists based on different wireless access technologies (e.g., GSM FPLMN list, UMTS FPLMN list, LTE FPLMN list). This allows the system to maintain separate forbidden network lists for each technology type, enabling users to selectively forbid or access networks based on specific technologies rather than all technologies uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which FPLMN list to use based on the currently active wireless access technology. When the UE switches between different access technologies (2G, 3G, 4G), the corresponding FPLMN list is dynamically activated, allowing flexible and technology-specific network selection control.
2Productivity
If the current FPLMN list mechanism is used, then network selection is simplified, but all wireless access technologies of a forbidden PLMN are blocked including those that should be accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single FPLMN list into multiple technology-specific FPLMN lists (GSM FPLMN list, UMTS FPLMN list, LTE FPLMN list, etc.). Each list contains PLMNs that are forbidden for that specific wireless access technology. This segmentation allows the system to forbid a PLMN on one technology while still allowing access on other technologies, resolving the over-blocking issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different forbidden network configurations to different wireless access technologies locally. Each access technology has its own FPLMN list with technology-specific settings, allowing customized network selection policies for each technology type rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
3Ease of manufacture
If new operators establish only one wireless access technology network, then network deployment is simplified, but the standard protocol causes long network selection time by attempting multiple technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring technology-specific FPLMN lists and pre-determining the preferred wireless access technology. When network selection is needed, the system quickly checks the FPLMN list corresponding to the preferred technology first, avoiding unnecessary attempts on other technologies and reducing selection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the network selection process based on the available wireless access technologies. When only one technology is available or preferred, the system focuses selection efforts on that technology's FPLMN list, dynamically adjusting the selection process to match the network environment and reduce unnecessary search time.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A method, device and terminal for selecting a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) are disclosed. The device includes a wireless access technology module for storing one or more wireless access technologies supported by the terminal and select a wireless access technology for accessing a PLMN, a list module for generating a PLMN list according to the wireless access technology selected by the wireless access technology module, and a network selecting module for searching and selecting a PLMN according to the PLMN list. The method includes determining a wireless access technology for accessing a PLMN; generating a PLMN list according to the wireless access technology; and, searching and selecting a PLMN according to the PLMN list. Through implementation of the disclosure, the problem that a wireless access technology expected by a user can not be implemented due to use of a network selecting method provided by a current 3GPP standard protocol can be better solved, and the user experience is enhanced.