Terminal Network Search Optimization via Cell Change Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 4G wireless communication networks, there are issues with seamless coverage and frequent disconnections, leading to excessive power consumption and delayed reconnection to the 4G network due to blind network searching by mobile terminals.
Innovation Solution
A network search method that detects changes in serving or adjacent cells to initiate targeted searches for the 4G network, utilizing a timer and area updates to optimize power usage and reduce blind searching, allowing terminals to quickly reconnect to the 4G network when re-entering its coverage area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the UE continuously searches for the 4G network to ensure rapid reconnection, then the reconnection speed is improved, but the power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic network searching by using a timer to trigger searches at specific intervals rather than continuously. The timer is started when the UE enters a second network, and network searching is performed periodically based on timer expiration, which reduces power consumption while still allowing the UE to detect when it re-enters 4G coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cell change detection mechanisms that are already part of normal network operation to trigger network searches. By monitoring serving cell or adjacent cell changes (which occur naturally during mobile operation), the system can initiate targeted 4G network searches without requiring continuous active searching, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining reconnection capability.
2Reliability
If the UE performs blind network searching to ensure connection to the 4G network, then the network access reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases and standby time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary network searches when specific conditions are met, such as when the UE enters a second network or when cell changes are detected. By proactively searching for the 4G network at these predetermined moments rather than continuously, the system ensures network access reliability while avoiding unnecessary power consumption during periods when 4G coverage is unlikely to be available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages existing network operations (cell selection, cell reselection, and cell change reporting) to trigger targeted network searches. These self-service mechanisms allow the UE to automatically initiate 4G network searches when environmental conditions suggest 4G coverage may be available, improving reliability without requiring continuous active searching.
3Loss of time
If the UE continuously monitors for network coverage to ensure rapid reconnection, then the reconnection timeliness is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a timer-based periodic monitoring mechanism where the UE checks for 4G network availability at regular intervals rather than continuously. The timer is configured to expire at intervals that balance reconnection timeliness with power conservation, allowing the UE to detect coverage changes promptly while avoiding excessive power consumption from constant monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes existing cell change detection and reporting mechanisms to trigger network searches. When the UE detects a serving cell or adjacent cell change (which occurs naturally during movement), it can initiate a targeted 4G network search, reducing the need for continuous active monitoring while still achieving timely reconnection when entering coverage areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A network search method is provided. The network search method includes: keeping a terminal residing in a second network when the terminal is disconnected from a first network or has not registered to the first network; and performing a search operation for the first network by the terminal, when a serving cell and/or an adjacent cell corresponding to the terminal in the second network change. A network search device and a terminal are also provided. By utilizing the network search method, the network search device and the terminal, according to location change of the terminal, not only the network search frequency or search times for the first network can be reduced, to avoid a blind network search which may result in wasting power consumption of the terminal, but also the terminal can be connected to a specific network as soon as possible, and user experience is improved.