SIM Card Network Blacklisting for Data Service Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current roaming mechanisms in mobile telephony fail to provide a simple and universal backup solution for data service deficiencies, as they rely on the GSM hook for network selection, limiting their effectiveness in ensuring continuous data service when voice service is operational but data service is disrupted.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a subscriber identification card with data processing and storage means to temporarily blacklist networks with data service deficiencies, allowing the terminal to automatically switch to alternative networks with operational data services, and resetting the list once a valid connection is established, thereby ensuring continuous data service.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If roaming mechanisms rely on GSM connectivity for network selection, then voice service continuity is maintained, but data service availability deteriorates when the primary network experiences data service deficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata service continuityVSAvoidnetwork selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network selection process into two independent evaluation dimensions: GSM connectivity (voice service) and data service availability. By checking data service status separately from GSM connectivity, the system can identify networks that maintain voice service while lacking data service, and switch to alternative networks that provide both services, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining voice continuity and ensuring data availability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new evaluation parameter (data service status) to the traditional network selection process that only considered GSM connectivity. This parameter change enables the terminal to differentiate between networks based on their data service capabilities, allowing intelligent selection of networks that satisfy both voice and data service requirements, thereby improving data service continuity without sacrificing network selection flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If manual network selection is implemented to circumvent data service deficiencies, then data service availability improves, but device complexity increases due to application layer intelligence requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata service availabilityVSAvoidapplication layer complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the SIM card to autonomously perform network selection based on data service status without requiring application layer intelligence. The SIM card independently checks data service availability, determines network suitability, and executes switching decisions, thereby improving data service availability while avoiding the complexity of application layer implementations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the SIM card as an intermediary between the terminal and mobile networks for network selection decisions. The SIM card acts as a mediator that implements the network evaluation and switching logic, freeing the application layer from complexity while ensuring reliable data service through intelligent network selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If existing roaming standards are maintained without modification, then standard compliance is preserved, but the ability to provide backup data service solutions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandard complianceVSAvoiddata service backup capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the SIM card universally capable of performing both traditional GSM connectivity checking and new data service status evaluation. By enhancing the SIM card's functionality to include data service awareness and network selection based on data availability, the system maintains standard compliance while adding backup data service capability that works across different networks and operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2862391B1Method of roaming in the event of deficiency of the data service of a mobile telephone network
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 BOUYGUES TELECOM
  • EP2862391B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of roaming for a terminal (10) connected to a first mobile telephone network (1a), the method being characterized in that it comprises the implementation by processing means of a subscriber identification card (11) of the terminal (10) of steps of: (a) detection of a deficiency affecting the data service of the first network (1a) to which the terminal (10) is connected; (b) inscribing of said first network (1a) for which a deficiency of the data service has been detected in a list of prohibited networks (FPLMN) that is stored in storage means of the subscriber identification card (11); (c) selection of a new network (1b, 1c) and connection of the terminal (10) to said new network (1b, 1c); (d) removal of said first network (1a) from said list of prohibited networks (FPLMN). The present invention relates moreover to a subscriber identification card and to a terminal.