Terminal Network Mode Switching for Unstable 5G SA Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

5G mobile communication systems experience network instability and dropped calls due to imperfect or unstable standalone (SA) networks, particularly in areas with incomplete SA network coverage, leading to frequent network switching between SA and non-standalone (NSA) modes, which increases power consumption and disrupts connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for setting the network mode of an electronic terminal that monitors network area changes, acquires network status information, and adjusts the network mode based on availability, prioritizing standalone (SA) mode in stable areas and non-standalone (NSA) mode in unstable areas, utilizing local lists and server updates to optimize network settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic terminal is set to SA mode in areas with imperfect base station layout, then 5G service coverage is expanded, but network stability deteriorates causing frequent disconnections and dropped calls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve5G service coverageVSAvoidnetwork stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic network mode switching between SA and NSA modes based on real-time network conditions. The terminal automatically adjusts its operating mode according to signal quality metrics (RSRP, SINR) and network availability, transitioning from static mode selection to dynamic adaptation. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the terminal to exploit SA mode benefits in good conditions while falling back to NSA mode in poor conditions, maintaining both coverage expansion and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors network parameters (signal strength, quality, availability) and uses this feedback to adjust network mode settings. When SA network quality degrades below thresholds, the terminal receives feedback indicating poor conditions and switches to NSA mode. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain reliability while preserving adaptability to different network environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic terminal frequently switches between SA and NSA networks due to imperfect SA network, then network coverage is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage maintenanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes predefined switching thresholds and decision criteria before network mode changes occur. By setting advance thresholds for RSRP, SINR, and network availability, the system avoids frequent oscillations between modes. The preliminary configuration of switching parameters and hysteresis margins prevents premature or unnecessary mode transitions, reducing power consumption while maintaining coverage through controlled adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If real-time network monitoring is implemented to dynamically switch network modes, then network stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal autonomously performs network mode selection and switching based on its own measurements of signal quality and network conditions. The device monitors its own operating parameters, evaluates network status, and independently decides when to switch modes without requiring complex external control systems. This self-service approach maintains high reliability through continuous monitoring while minimizing device complexity by using simple decision logic based on predefined thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12615527B2Method and device for setting network mode of electronic terminal
Publication Date: 2026.04.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12615527B2 patent drawing
  • US12615527B2 patent drawing
  • US12615527B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and a device for setting a network mode of an electronic terminal are provided. The method includes monitoring whether a mobile communication network area where the electronic terminal is located has been changed, acquiring network status information of a current network area, in response to the mobile communication network area being changed, and setting the network mode based on the network status information of the current network area.