Automatic PLMN Selection for Dual-Mode Wireless Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In IOPS-capable wireless communication systems, existing methods for automatic PLMN selection fail to maintain both normal-mode and IOPS mode communications effectively, leading to connectivity issues between user equipment under different network modes.

Innovation Solution

A method where user equipment selects a primary PLMN and performs a PLMN search to detect a secondary PLMN that can provide connectivity, allowing registration on both PLMNs to maintain communication across different network modes, including normal and IOPS modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If user equipment selects only a primary PLMN for registration, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but connectivity to both normal-mode and IOPS-mode networks cannot be maintained simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePLMN selection simplicityVSAvoidconnectivity reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The PLMN selection process is segmented into primary PLMN selection for normal operation and secondary PLMN detection for IOPS mode support. The UE maintains separate registration states for primary and secondary PLMNs, allowing independent management of each network connection without complicating the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary PLMN search and detection before actual network outages occur. By proactively identifying and storing information about secondary PLMNs that provide IOPS mode connectivity, the UE is prepared to maintain dual registrations when needed, ensuring connectivity reliability without requiring complex real-time decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If user equipment performs comprehensive PLMN search to detect secondary PLMNs, then connectivity reliability is improved, but the time and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity reliabilityVSAvoidPLMN search time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of performing a complete exhaustive PLMN search, the system performs a partial search focusing specifically on detecting secondary PLMNs that provide IOPS mode connectivity. This targeted approach achieves the necessary reliability improvement without the full time cost of a comprehensive search of all available PLMNs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The PLMN search for secondary PLMNs is performed periodically rather than continuously. The UE conducts PLMN searches at scheduled intervals or triggered by specific events (such as primary PLMN registration), balancing the need for connectivity reliability with the consumption of time and energy resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If user equipment registers on both primary and secondary PLMNs, then adaptability to different network modes is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork mode adaptabilityVSAvoidregistration management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The registration management is segmented into distinct primary PLMN registration and secondary PLMN registration processes. Each registration type has its own management rules and procedures, allowing the UE to handle dual registrations systematically without creating overwhelming complexity. The primary registration handles normal-mode connectivity while the secondary registration handles IOPS-mode connectivity independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If existing automatic PLMN selection methods are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the ability to maintain both normal-mode and IOPS-mode communications is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic selection easeVSAvoiddual mode communication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic PLMN selection method is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it selects primary PLMNs for normal operation, detects secondary PLMNs for IOPS mode, and manages dual registrations simultaneously. This multi-functional approach maintains the ease of automatic operation while adding the adaptability to support both normal-mode and IOPS-mode communications through a single integrated process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9820122B2Method of performing automatic PLMN selection in IOPS-capable wireless communication system

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 GENERAL VIDEO LLC

AI summary

A wireless communication system includes an LOPS-capable user equipment, an LOPS-mode eNB and a normal-mode eNB. When the user equipment is under the coverage of both the LOPS-mode eNB and the normal-mode eNB, the user equipment is configured to perform automatic PLMN by registering on both the IOPS-mode eNB and the normal-mode eNB so as to maintain both normal-mode communications and IOPS mode communications.