Wireless Device Call Re-routing via Stronger Signal Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices (WCDs) often experience call drops due to low signal strength when operating in their own carrier's network, even though a competitor's network offers stronger signals, as the preferred roaming list (PRL) may prevent roaming to a competitor's system if the current system's signal strength is not low enough.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that allows WCD users to manually override the PRL and reroute incoming calls to a stronger competitor's network by detecting low signal strength in their own carrier's system and high signal strength in a competitor's system, prompting the user for confirmation, and then re-routing the call through a mediation server to the competitor's system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the WCD follows the preferred roaming list (PRL) to remain in its own carrier's system, then network loyalty and service policy are maintained, but call reliability deteriorates due to low signal strength
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the WCD's network selection behavior based on call state. During active calls, the WCD is allowed to override PRL restrictions and connect to competitor networks with stronger signals, while maintaining PRL compliance during non-call periods. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible when reliability is critical (during calls) while preserving network loyalty policies during other times.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the WCD by temporarily modifying its PRL restrictions during active calls. The system monitors signal strength parameters and, when below threshold, automatically permits connection to alternative networks despite PRL restrictions. This parameter change enables the WCD to maintain call reliability through stronger external signals while preserving normal PRL-based network selection during non-call periods.
2Reliability
If the WCD automatically roams to a competitor's system with stronger signal, then call reliability improves, but the preferred roaming list (PRL) policy is violated
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the WCD's signal strength from its serving base station and comparing it against predefined thresholds. When signal strength falls below the threshold during an active call, the system automatically triggers a handoff to a competitor network with stronger signals. This feedback mechanism simplifies network management by automating the decision-making process, eliminating the need for complex manual PRL configuration adjustments while maintaining call reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the WCD stays in its own carrier's system with low signal strength, then PRL policy is maintained, but call quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively monitoring signal strength trends and predicting potential call quality degradation before it occurs. When signal strength approaches problematic thresholds, the system pre-emptsively initiates handoff procedures to competitor networks, ensuring call quality is maintained before deterioration can occur. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain both PRL policy compliance and high call quality by addressing signal strength issues before they impact call performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, device, and system for re-routing an incoming call via a stronger serving system. When a wireless communication device such as a cell phone is receiving an incoming call via a first serving system with which it is registered, the device may detect that a second serving system (possibly a competing carrier's system) would provide improved signal strength. In response, the device may prompt its user to request the call be re-routed to the device via the other serving system. If the user approves, the device may then signal to the network to cause the call to be re-routed to the device, and the device may register with the new serving system. That way, as the network sets up the call to the device again, the call will extend via the new (improved signal strength) serving system to the device, thus reducing the likelihood of a call drop.