Residential Gateway Network Selection in UMTS Mobile Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for a mobile terminal to automatically select a public cellular network associated with residential gateways in a UMTS system are either non-deterministic, require manual intervention, or involve unnecessary energy consumption and require new subscriber identification cards, while also impacting existing roaming agreements and network infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses proactive USIM cards and AT command sets to automatically and immediately select the public cellular network associated with residential gateways by recording location identifiers in the mobile terminal's memory, allowing for deterministic and automated connection without manual intervention, reuse of existing subscriber identification cards, and no impact on macro public cellular networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile terminal uses cell reselection procedure to attach to the residential gateway, then the terminal can select between macro network and residential gateway cells, but the selection is not guaranteed and depends on signal quality comparison
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the mobile terminal with the public cellular network code for the residential gateway network before the terminal actually needs to attach. This is done by provisioning the USIM card with the residential gateway's PLMN code, so when the terminal enters the coverage area, the network code is already prepared and immediately available for selection, eliminating the need for real-time network discovery or manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the mobile terminal to automatically detect and select the residential gateway network based on its current location and the pre-configured network codes. The terminal autonomously performs the attachment decision without requiring manual intervention from the subscriber, using its own processing capabilities to compare available networks and execute the attachment procedure.
2Extent of automation
If a dedicated public cellular network code is assigned to residential gateways, then automatic selection can be implemented, but new subscriber identification cards must be provisioned and existing roaming agreements are impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the USIM card multi-functional, allowing it to store multiple public cellular network codes including both the macro network code and the residential gateway network code. This enables a single USIM card to support both traditional macro network operations and the new residential gateway attachment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate cards or complex system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically selecting which network code to use based on the terminal's current operational context. The system can switch between using the macro network code or the residential gateway code depending on the attachment scenario, allowing flexible adaptation without requiring permanent changes to the card or network infrastructure.
3Loss of time
If the mobile terminal continuously searches for the public cellular network, then immediate attachment is possible, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing intermittent network searching instead of continuous searching. The mobile terminal performs network availability checks at specific intervals or triggered by location changes, rather than maintaining constant radio transmission. This periodic approach reduces energy consumption significantly while still enabling timely attachment when the terminal enters the residential gateway coverage area.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method comprising the step of connecting a first communication device, that can be identified using a first identifier, to at least a second communication device, the method being characterised in that, with the first identifier being memorised in memory means included in a system connected to said second device, it further comprises the step of recording at least one second identifier in the memory means included in said first device. DRAWING: Fig. 1: