PLMN Selection Using Access-Specific Signal Thresholds for IoT

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IoT devices often select public land mobile networks (PLMNs) with poor signal quality, leading to suboptimal service experiences.

Innovation Solution

A network selection method where core network devices and terminals utilize signal thresholds corresponding to access technologies to guide IoT devices in selecting PLMNs with sufficient signal strength and quality, ensuring better service experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If IoT devices automatically select PLMNs without signal threshold constraints, then network selection speed is improved, but signal quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork selection speedVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces signal threshold parameters (first signal threshold and second signal threshold) that dynamically change the network selection criteria. The terminal compares signal strengths against these thresholds to determine whether to select a PLMN, thereby transforming automatic selection into threshold-based intelligent selection that ensures minimum signal quality while maintaining speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If signal thresholds are introduced for PLMN selection, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidselection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal autonomously performs PLMN selection by comparing measured signal strengths against pre-configured thresholds without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. The device self-determines the best PLMN based on intrinsic signal measurements and stored threshold values, maintaining simplicity while ensuring quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simple threshold parameters (first signal threshold and second signal threshold) rather than complex selection algorithms. These parameter-based rules provide a straightforward decision-making mechanism that enhances signal quality without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple signal thresholds are used for different access technologies, then network selection accuracy is improved, but information processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork selection accuracyVSAvoidparameter management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes different signal thresholds specifically for different access technologies (first signal threshold for first access technology, second signal threshold for second access technology). This parameter differentiation enables accurate technology-specific selection while maintaining manageable complexity through clear categorization and separate threshold management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260052457A1Method for selecting network, communication device, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD

AI summary

A method for selecting network, performed by a first core network device, including: acquiring a network access parameter, and sending the network access parameter to a terminal, wherein the network access parameter comprises a signal threshold corresponding to access technology, and the network access parameter is used for the terminal to select a public land mobile network (PLMN).