Terminal Device Network Scan Throughput Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile terminal devices lack the ability to effectively determine the achievable data throughput in detected networks during a network scan, limiting their ability to select the most suitable network configuration for high-throughput requirements, especially in scenarios where multiple frequency bands and technologies like LTE and multi-carrier HSDPA offer similar theoretical maximum throughput.
Innovation Solution
The method involves attempting synchronization with predefined control channels across all receivable frequency bands, ascertaining network configuration information, estimating achievable data throughput, and providing output indicative of throughput estimates, allowing users to select the most suitable network configuration based on throughput requirements, with optional registration using local or remote authentication and identification records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If informal network scan is used to detect signal strengths of GSM and UMTS network cells, then network coverage detection is achieved, but the ability to determine achievable data throughput is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization with control channels and extraction of network configuration information before actual data transmission occurs. This allows the terminal to determine achievable throughput in advance by analyzing control channel parameters (such as modulation schemes, coding rates, bandwidth) without needing to perform full data transmission tests, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If synchronization with control channels and throughput estimation is performed, then achievable data throughput can be determined, but network scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary control channel parameters (modulation scheme, coding rate, bandwidth, signal strength) from the full network scan process. By taking out only these critical parameters rather than performing complete data transmission tests, the system achieves accurate throughput estimation while significantly reducing the time required compared to full transmission testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters being measured from actual data transmission performance to control channel synchronization parameters. By measuring control channel parameters (which are readily available during network scan) and using them to estimate throughput, the system avoids time-consuming data transmission tests while maintaining estimation accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency bands and network configurations are scanned, then network selection options increase, but user decision complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides feedback to the user in the form of throughput estimates for each network configuration option. By displaying estimated throughput values alongside available network configurations, the system enables users to make informed decisions based on quantitative performance data rather than having to manually evaluate multiple technical parameters, thus maintaining versatility while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises an operating method of a terminal device, which is configured for radio communication via different frequency bands, in performing a network scan, the method comprising: receiving a command for starting a network scan; in response to receiving the command, attempting a synchronization with predefined control channels on all frequency bands receivable by the terminal device or on a subset thereof comprising a plurality of the frequency bands, and, upon successful synchronization with a respective one of the control channels, ascertaining respective network-configuration information provided via the respective control channel by a respective network; determining, using the network-configuration information ascertained, an estimate of a quantity indicative of an achievable data throughput, hereinafter throughput estimate, associated with the respective ascertained network-configuration information; generating and providing an output, which is indicative of at least one of the determined throughput estimates for the respective network configurations.