UE Connection Release Logging for Multi-PLMN Ambiguity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless networks lack standardized support for multi-SIM user equipment (UEs) managing concurrent subscriptions to different public land mobile networks (PLMNs, leading to issues during state transitions and connection management, which can cause network performance degradations due to misinterpretation of connection releases.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods for UEs to log and report connection releases between PLMNs, allowing the first PLMN to distinguish between UE-initiated releases and actual link failures, thereby informing network adjustments and preventing unnecessary tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE manages concurrent subscriptions to multiple PLMNs without standardized support, then the UE can maintain multiple network connections, but connection release management becomes ambiguous causing network performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE logs connection release information and provides it back to the network. The network can request logged information from the UE about connection releases, and the UE responds with detailed logs including timestamps, cell identities, and release causes. This feedback loop enables the network to distinguish between UE-initiated releases and actual link failures, resolving the ambiguity in connection management for multi-PLMN scenarios.
2Loss of information
If the network lacks information about UE-initiated connection releases, then connection management remains simple, but the network cannot distinguish between UE-initiated releases and actual link failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary logging actions where the UE proactively logs connection release information before the network needs it. The UE maintains a log of connection releases with detailed information including timestamps, cell identities, and release causes. When the network requests this information, it is already prepared and available, eliminating the need for complex real-time tracking while preserving all necessary details.
3Speed
If the UE autonomously releases connections without notification, then the UE can quickly switch between PLMNs, but the network experiences unexplained connection losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary logging mechanism that captures connection release information without interfering with the rapid switching process. The UE logs release details autonomously and quickly, then provides this information to the network when requested. This intermediary log serves as a mediator between the UE's need for fast switching and the network's need for information, allowing both requirements to coexist without conflict.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods for a user equipment (UE) configured with user credentials for a plurality of public land mobile networks (PLMNs). Such methods include, while registered in first and second PLMNs and having a first connection with the first PLMN, releasing the first connection and logging information relating to the release of the first connection. Such methods include, after subsequently establishing a second connection with the first PLMN, sending to the first PLMN a first report including the logged information relating to the release of the first connection with the first PLMN. Other embodiments include complementary methods for a first network node of the first PLMN and a second network node of a second PLMN, as well as UEs and network nodes configured to perform such methods.