Prioritizing Terrestrial Networks Over Non-Terrestrial Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in effectively prioritizing Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) over terrestrial networks, especially in scenarios where both have the same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and frequency bands, leading to inefficient service selection and potential delays in emergency services due to repeated attempts on non-supporting networks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of methods and systems that allow user equipment (UE) to identify and prioritize terrestrial networks over non-terrestrial networks by distinguishing between them based on network type, services, and frequency bands, optimizing power consumption, and managing emergency service requests by maintaining lists of non-operational PLMNs and using specific timers to manage access attempts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If satellite PLMN is added to OPLMN list, then UE can access NTN, but UE may prioritize NTN over available terrestrial networks

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNTN access capabilityVSAvoidNetwork selection priority

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PLMN list into different categories: HPLMN/EHPLMN (highest priority), OPLMN (operator preferred), and NTN PLMN (non-terrestrial network). This segmentation ensures that terrestrial networks are prioritized over NTN networks while still allowing NTN access when needed, resolving the contradiction between NTN accessibility and proper network prioritization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different priority qualities to different PLMN types based on their local characteristics. Terrestrial networks receive higher priority (first entry) while NTN networks receive lower priority (second entry), allowing the system to adapt to local network availability and quality requirements without forcing NTN selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If satellite PLMN is not in OPLMN list, then UE follows normal PLMN selection, but UE cannot be guided to prefer terrestrial networks over NTN

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDefault PLMN selection behaviorVSAvoidNTN prioritization control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the PLMN list with terrestrial networks (HPLMN/OPLMN) before NTN networks. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when UE performs PLMN selection, it naturally prefers terrestrial networks unless they are unavailable, while still maintaining the ability to access NTN networks when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If UE searches all PLMNs including random PLMNs, then UE can find available networks, but UE may waste time on networks that do not support required services

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNetwork search efficiencyVSAvoidTime for repeated service attempts

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE first determine service support capability for candidate PLMNs before initiating full registration procedures. The UE checks whether a PLMN supports required services (voice, data, emergency services) before attempting registration, preventing wasted time on incompatible networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE receives information about PLMN service capabilities from the network side. This feedback allows the UE to adjust its selection criteria and avoid attempting registration on PLMNs that do not support required services, improving search efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If UE repeatedly attempts registration on PLMN that rejected service, then UE ensures service availability, but UE wastes resources on non-supporting networks

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveService availability assuranceVSAvoidPower consumption for repeated attempts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback from registration rejection messages to update the UE's knowledge base about which PLMNs do not support required services. When a PLMN rejects service with specific cause codes, the UE records this information and avoids attempting registration on the same PLMN again, reducing energy waste while maintaining reliability through alternative PLMN selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent discards (avoids) repeated attempts on PLMNs that have proven unable to provide required services, while recovering (re-attempts) on PLMNs that have successfully provided service or are likely to do so based on their prioritization status and service capability indicators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS20240236833A1Systems and methods for selecting non-terrestrial networks in communication networks

Publication Date: 2024.07.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method and a system for selecting Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) in communication networks are provided. The method includes prioritizing a random terrestrial network (TN) over other NTNs, changing the scan pattern to accommodate combination of Bands, radio access technologies (RATS), and public land mobile networks (PLMNs), and pre-configuring PLMN priorities at the user equipment (UE).