User Equipment Multi-Network Connectivity via Single RF Chain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user equipment is incapable of managing simultaneous connectivity to multiple mobile networks, leading to issues with resource allocation and parameterization, particularly in dynamic environments like V2X communication.
Innovation Solution
A user equipment and network entity system that allows simultaneous connection to multiple cellular networks using a single RF chain by managing states through a unified control protocol, exchanging information about network restrictions, and synchronizing communication resources across networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a user equipment uses a single RF chain to connect to mobile networks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the capability to manage simultaneous connectivity to multiple networks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic state management where the single RF chain can be dynamically allocated between different networks based on connectivity states. The system transitions between IDLE and CONNECTED states for different networks, allowing flexible resource allocation without requiring multiple physical RF chains. This dynamic approach enables multi-network support while maintaining hardware simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connectivity management into separate state machines for different networks (e.g., RRC state machines for HPLMN and VPLMN). Each network's connectivity state is independently managed, allowing the single RF chain to be selectively activated for specific networks based on current operational requirements, thus supporting multiple networks without simultaneous physical connection.
2Loss of time
If a user equipment pre-registers to multiple mobile networks, then the switching time between networks is minimized, but the difficulty of managing connection states increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-registration mechanisms where the user equipment maintains registration information with multiple networks in advance. By pre-establishing connectivity parameters and state information for potential networks, the system enables rapid switching without full re-registration procedures, thus reducing network switching time while managing complexity through structured state maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a user equipment manages connectivity to more than two mobile networks, then the adaptability to dynamic environments is improved, but the device complexity exceeds current dual-SIM capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal connectivity management framework where a single RF chain and unified state machine architecture can handle multiple networks beyond the traditional dual-SIM limitation. The system uses network-agnostic state management principles that can accommodate any number of networks, making the solution scalable and adaptable to dynamic environments without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a user equipment (110) configured to be connected to a first cellular communication network (120) and a second cellular communication network (130), wherein the user equipment (110) comprises: a communication interface (113) configured to transmit a first message to the second communication network (130), when the user equipment (110) is connected to the first communication network (120) and is triggered to connect additionally to the second communication network (130), wherein the first message comprises information about the first communication network (120).