UE Network Selection Using Operator Signal Threshold Criteria
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network selection mechanisms in wireless communication systems often result in conflicts and unpredictable outcomes due to conflicting priorities between PLMN prioritization, cell-provided cell selection criteria, and access-technology-specific criteria, leading to suboptimal network choices and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing access-technology-specific signal-level thresholds and cell-provided cell selection criteria in conjunction with signal-quality centric mechanisms to guide UE network selection, allowing for more stable and efficient PLMN and serving cell choices based on operator-controlled criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PLMN prioritization is used for network selection, then higher priority networks are selected, but conflicts with access-technology-specific criteria lead to unpredictable selection outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameters by introducing access-technology-specific signal-level thresholds that override PLMN prioritization. Instead of selecting based on PLMN priority alone, the system evaluates signal metrics against technology-specific thresholds, making the selection criteria more deterministic and reducing conflicts between different selection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring signal metrics and comparing them against access-technology-specific thresholds. This feedback mechanism allows the UE to make informed network selection decisions based on current signal conditions, ensuring consistent and predictable outcomes rather than relying solely on static PLMN prioritization lists.
2Reliability
If periodic PLMN selection is performed to find higher priority networks, then network priority is optimized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by performing network selection at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The UE conducts PLMN selection periodically based on configured thresholds and signal metrics, which reduces unnecessary measurements and processing while still ensuring that higher priority networks are discovered when available. This periodic approach balances network optimization with power conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by using access-technology-specific signal-level thresholds to trigger network selection events. Instead of performing periodic selection regardless of signal conditions, the UE evaluates current signal metrics against thresholds and only initiates selection when criteria are met, reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining network priority optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple selection criteria (PLMN prioritization, cell selection criteria, access-technology criteria) are used, then comprehensive network evaluation is achieved, but selection outcomes become unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network selection process into distinct evaluation stages: first evaluating access-technology-specific signal-level thresholds, then PLMN prioritization, and finally cell selection criteria. This segmentation creates a hierarchical decision framework where each criterion is applied in a specific order, making the overall selection process more predictable while maintaining comprehensive evaluation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by establishing a clear priority hierarchy among selection criteria. Access-technology-specific signal-level thresholds are evaluated first and can override PLMN prioritization, creating a deterministic evaluation flow. This parameter ordering ensures that while multiple criteria are considered, the selection outcome remains predictable based on the established evaluation sequence.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-readable media, for a network selection by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system. The UE obtains access-technology-specific signal-level criteria that include at least a first technology-specific signal-level threshold for a first access technology (1110). The UE selects one or more a public land mobile networks (PLMNs) that include one or more candidate cells having signal metrics satisfying network selection criteria that is based, at least in part, on the first technology-specific signal-level threshold for the first access technology (1120). The UE registers with a first PLMN of the one or more PLMNs that satisfy the network selection criteria (1130). The UE sets a condition for a subsequent network selection after the registering with the first PLMN (1140).