Wireless Device Carrier Selection Using Signal Quality and PRL
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices often experience service disruptions or poor connectivity due to reliance on preferred wireless carriers with inadequate signal quality or unsupported services, despite the availability of better networks, as current systems prioritize contractual preferences over actual network capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device system that selects a carrier based on signal quality and service compatibility, using a modified Preferred Roaming List (PRL) to map available services and prioritize networks that offer the required services and better signal quality, allowing for dynamic selection among multiple available carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless device selects the preferred carrier based on contractual relationships, then the carrier can control network selection and prioritize home network infrastructure, but the service subscriber may be denied service or connected to a network with unacceptable signal quality despite better networks being available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection by allowing the wireless device to switch between preferred and non-preferred carriers based on real-time signal quality assessment. The system dynamically adjusts carrier selection criteria by first evaluating preferred carriers from the PRL, then falling back to non-preferred carriers when signal quality thresholds are not met, ensuring both contractual preferences and service reliability are maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection parameter from static carrier preference to dynamic signal quality measurement. By introducing signal quality thresholds and measurements as decision parameters, the system transitions from purely contractual carrier selection to a hybrid approach that incorporates actual network performance metrics, allowing the device to select carriers based on both preference and signal adequacy
2Device complexity
If the wireless carrier uses a Preferred Roaming List to control network selection, then the carrier can simplify business relationships and cost management, but the service subscriber may be connected to a network that does not offer desired services despite better networks being available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the wireless device pre-assess signal quality and service availability of potential carriers before establishing connections. The device performs signal quality measurements and service capability checks in advance, filtering out carriers that cannot meet minimum requirements, thereby ensuring service compatibility is verified before network selection is finalized
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the wireless device continuously monitors signal quality and service availability of selected carriers. When the preferred carrier fails to meet signal quality thresholds or service requirements, the system provides feedback to switch to alternative carriers from the PRL or even non-PRL carriers, ensuring ongoing service compatibility and performance
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wireless device connects to the preferred carrier regardless of signal quality, then the carrier can maintain contractual agreements, but Machine-to-Machine applications may experience service disruptions due to inadequate signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic carrier selection specifically tailored for M2M applications by introducing signal quality thresholds that must be met before connecting to preferred carriers. The system dynamically adjusts between maintaining contractual preferences and ensuring service reliability by falling back to non-preferred carriers when signal quality is insufficient, thereby maintaining both agreement stability and M2M service continuity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method in a wireless communication device for receiving a System Identification Number (SID) from multiple wireless carriers operating within communication range of the wireless communication device, determining a signal quality level associated with each of the wireless carriers, determining a preference level for each of the wireless carriers based on a Preferred Roaming List (PRL), and selecting one of the wireless carriers based on the signal quality level of each wireless carrier and based further on the preference level for each wireless carrier.