Remote PLMN Selection via Signal Quality Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for localizing subscriber entities in mobile networks, such as eSIMs, often result in connectivity failures due to insufficient signal quality or unavailable operator profiles, leading to roaming issues and connectivity failures when devices move to new countries.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for remote provision of a subscriber entity to a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) that involves obtaining a list of PLMN IDs with satisfactory signal quality, providing this list along with the eUICC ID to a network server, and receiving a filtered list for efficient remote provisioning, allowing the subscriber entity to select a suitable PLMN for connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the subscriber entity automatically selects a local operator when entering a new country, then localization efficiency is improved, but connectivity failures occur due to insufficient signal quality or unavailable operator profiles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization efficiencyVSAvoidconnectivity reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the subscriber entity reports signal quality measurements and operator profile availability to a remote server. The server uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the PLMN selection strategy, comparing signal quality against thresholds and checking profile availability before finalizing localization decisions, thereby resolving the contradiction between rapid localization and connectivity reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Before finalizing PLMN selection for localization, the system performs preliminary actions including measuring signal quality of available PLMNs, checking operator profile availability in the target country, and validating against selection criteria. This preliminary assessment ensures that automatic localization only proceeds when both signal quality and profile availability conditions are satisfied, preventing connectivity failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device localizes to a local operator profile, then network access compliance is improved, but signal quality may be insufficient leading to connectivity failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access complianceVSAvoidconnectivity reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the selection parameters from purely operator-profile-based to a combined criteria including signal quality thresholds, profile availability, and country-specific regulations. By adjusting these parameters and requiring all conditions to be met, the system ensures both network access compliance and sufficient signal quality for reliable connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual configuration of operator profiles is used, then connectivity reliability is improved, but localization efficiency deteriorates due to user intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity reliabilityVSAvoidlocalization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service automation where the subscriber entity autonomously performs signal quality measurements, retrieves operator profile availability information, applies selection criteria, and configures the appropriate PLMN without user intervention. This automated self-service process maintains connectivity reliability through rigorous criterion checking while dramatically improving localization efficiency by eliminating manual user actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the subscriber entity scans for available PLMNs, then network coverage options are improved, but time consumption increases due to signal quality measurements and server communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage optionsVSAvoidlocalization time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by scanning for and evaluating only those PLMNs that meet predefined signal quality thresholds and are relevant to the target country, rather than exhaustively scanning all available networks. This selective partial scanning reduces time consumption while maintaining comprehensive coverage options by focusing resources on promising candidates that satisfy the dual criteria of signal quality and profile availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10952064B2Remote provision of a subscriber entity

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

There is provided mechanisms for remote provision of a subscriber entity to a PLMN in a communications network. A method is performed by the subscriber entity. The method comprises obtaining a first list of PLMN IDs in the communications network for which a signal quality criterion is fulfilled. The method comprises providing the first list of PLMN IDs and eUICC ID of the subscriber entity to a network server. The method comprises receiving a third list of PLMN IDs from the network server, wherein the third list of PLMN IDs is based on the first list of PLMN IDs. The method comprises selecting, when the third list of PLMN IDs is a non-empty list, one PLMN from the third list of PLMN IDs to remotely provision the subscriber entity.