Subscriber Module PLMN ID for Correct Network Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices in mobile communication networks often incorrectly attach to non-home radio access networks, leading to undue roaming costs due to the current IMSI number structure, which identifies the infrastructure provider rather than the correct radio access network.
Innovation Solution
Associating device identification numbers with specific radio access providers in a subscription database and setting them as preferred roaming partners in subscriber modules, ensuring devices attach to the correct network infrastructure while allowing for easy switching between providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the IMSI number structure identifies the infrastructure provider rather than the radio access network, then devices can connect to the shared network infrastructure, but devices will incorrectly attach to non-home radio access networks leading to undue roaming costs
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the network identification function by introducing a separate PLMN ID field in the subscriber module that specifically identifies the home radio access network, distinct from the infrastructure provider identification in the IMSI number. This allows devices to distinguish between the shared infrastructure and their specific home network for attachment purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the PLMN ID field and preferred roaming partner indication) that mediates between the infrastructure provider identification and the device attachment process. This intermediary enables correct routing to the home radio access network while maintaining connection to the shared infrastructure.
2Loss of energy
If multiple radio access networks share the same infrastructure, then investment and operational costs are reduced, but devices may attach to incorrect networks generating roaming costs
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the cost structure by enabling precise device-to-home-network association through the PLMN ID field, ensuring that devices attached to their home radio access network do not generate roaming costs, while still allowing multiple networks to share the underlying infrastructure for cost efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification parameters in the subscriber module by adding the PLMN ID field and preferred roaming partner indication, which modifies how devices select and attach to radio access networks, thereby eliminating unwanted roaming costs while maintaining shared infrastructure benefits.
3Device complexity
If the subscriber module contains only infrastructure provider identification, then network sharing is simplified, but devices cannot attach to the correct home radio access network
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the identification data in the subscriber module by adding a separate PLMN ID field and preferred roaming partner indication alongside the existing IMSI number. This segmentation allows the module to provide both infrastructure provider identification and specific home radio access network identification without significantly increasing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and arrangement for supporting connectivity of a wireless device to a network infrastructure. An infrastructure provider associates a set of device identification numbers to a first radio access provider in a subscription database of the infrastructure provider. The infrastructure provider also sets the first radio access provider as a preferred roaming partner in a SIM that comprises a subscriber identifier with a network identifier of the infrastructure provider. The SIM is provided for use in the device, to enable access to the network infrastructure over a radio access network of the first radio access provider based on the subscriber identifier and the preferred roaming partner in the SIM.