CN111066348A

CN111066348A - Network access method and terminal equipment

Info

Publication number: CN111066348A
Application number: CN201880056666.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 刘辉
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-03-28
Filing date: 2018-04-11
Publication date: 2020-04-24
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-11
Also published as: WO2019184009A1; CN111066348B

Abstract

A network access method and terminal equipment are used for solving the problem of service limitation of a main virtual SIM card. In the method, the terminal device stores the main virtual SIM cards of a plurality of data service providers, so that the terminal device can select the main virtual SIM card of one data service provider of the plurality of data service providers to carry out network residence, thereby accessing the network. Through the scheme, the terminal equipment can select the main virtual SIM card of the data service provider with higher success rate of accessing the network to carry out network residence. Therefore, the scheme can overcome the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a traditional single data service provider, thereby ensuring the network quality of the terminal equipment and improving the mobile data service experience of a user.

Description

Network access method and terminal equipment

The present application claims priority of chinese patent application with application number 201810266986.5 entitled "a network access method and terminal device" filed by chinese patent office on 28/03/2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of mobile communications technologies, and in particular, to a network access method and a terminal device.

Background

Currently, a mobile operator uses a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card as an identity card for accessing a terminal device to a network. When each user selects a service and service access network of a certain operator, the user needs to purchase a SIM card of the operator in advance. Therefore, the terminal equipment can read the identity identification information of the SIM card for authentication, and can access the network for wireless communication after passing.

A conventional SIM card is mainly a physical SIM card, which is a card containing a chip. With the development of communication technology, a virtual SIM card is currently presented, and the virtual SIM card mainly realizes the communication function of a physical SIM card through software data, in other words, the virtual SIM card is a collection of data that should be originally stored in the physical SIM card.

In a common scheme, the virtual SIM card contains two types: a primary virtual SIM card and a secondary virtual SIM card. The master virtual SIM card supports roaming of a plurality of service areas and is used for downloading the slave virtual SIM card; while the sub-virtual SIM card supports a single service area with the functionality of the physical SIM card of that service area.

Typically, the data service provider presets a provided primary virtual SIM card in the terminal device. Before removing a certain service area outside a local service area (namely a service area supported by a network operator to which a physical SIM card installed in the terminal equipment belongs), a user purchases a mobile data service package from a data service provider; then, after the user arrives at the service area, activating the main virtual SIM card for network residence in the virtual SIM card management (APP) of the terminal device, and after the terminal device roams and accesses to the network provided by the network operator of the service area, downloading the sub virtual SIM card supporting the service area; and when the user starts the package, activating the sub-virtual SIM card in the virtual SIM card management APP of the terminal equipment, so as to enjoy local mobile data service through the sub-virtual SIM card.

In the scheme, the main virtual SIM cards preset in the terminal equipment belong to a single data service provider, so that the service limit of the main virtual SIM cards can be caused by the factors of the single data service provider, the service capability, the range of a support service area, the service level and the like, and finally the mobile data service experience of a user is reduced. For example: the data service provider is not signed with all network operators in the service area, and once a network provided by the network operator signed with the data service provider fails, the master virtual SIM card cannot successfully reside in the network, so that the terminal device cannot download the slave virtual SIM card. Also for example, a network or operation failure of the data service provider may also result in the primary virtual SIM card not being successfully camped. For another example, in the service area, the network quality provided by the network operator subscribed to the data service provider in the service area is difficult to guarantee.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the application provides a network access method and terminal equipment, which are used for solving the problem of service limitation of a main virtual SIM card.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network access method, which is applied to a terminal device, where primary virtual subscriber identity modules SIM cards of multiple data service providers are stored in the terminal device, and the method may include the following steps:

after acquiring an identifier of a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) in a user environment (hereinafter referred to as a first PLMN list) and an identifier of a PLMN supported by each of the plurality of data service providers (hereinafter referred to as a second PLMN list), the terminal device matches the first PLMN list with the acquired plurality of second PLMN lists, thereby determining a target PLMN list in the plurality of second PLMN lists, wherein an identifier of a PLMN included in the target PLMN list matches an identifier of a PLMN included in the first PLMN list; then, the terminal equipment selects an identifier of a target PLMN from the target PLMN list, and the identifier of the target PLMN is matched with the identifier of the PLMN contained in the first PLMN list; finally, the terminal device may determine, from the stored primary virtual SIM cards of the multiple data service providers, that the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider that supports the target PLMN list is the target primary virtual SIM card, and perform network camping through the target primary virtual SIM card to access the target PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the target PLMN. Wherein the first PLMN list includes: the identifier of the PLMN where the physical SIM card in the terminal equipment resides, and/or the identifier of the PLMN in a network searching result generated by the terminal equipment in the network searching process; the second PLMN list supported by any one of the data service providers comprises: and the terminal equipment can access the identifier of the PLMN through the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider.

In the method, the terminal device stores the primary virtual SIM cards of a plurality of data service providers, so that the terminal device can select the primary virtual SIM card of one data service provider of the plurality of data service providers to perform network residence, thereby accessing the network. Through the scheme, the terminal equipment can select the main virtual SIM card of the data service provider with higher success rate of the access network to carry out network residence through the matching of the identifier of the PLMN in the user environment and the identifier of the PLMN supported by each data service provider. Therefore, the scheme can overcome the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider, thereby ensuring the network quality of the terminal equipment and improving the mobile data service experience of a user.

In one possible design, when the terminal device determines that the identifier of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list matches the identifier of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list in an exact matching manner, the identifier of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list is the same as the identifier of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list; when the terminal device determines that the identifier of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list matches the identifier of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list in a fuzzy matching manner, the mobile country code MCC in the identifier of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list is the same as the MCC in the identifier of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list.

Through the design, the terminal device may specifically match the first PLMN list and the plurality of second PLMN lists by using an exact matching method, a fuzzy matching method, or a method of first exact matching and then fuzzy matching.

In one possible design, the terminal device may determine the target PLMN list among the second PLMN lists by:

the terminal equipment determines W PLMN lists to be selected in the second PLMN list, wherein W is a positive integer, and the identifier of the PLMN contained in each PLMN list to be selected is matched with the identifier of the PLMN contained in the first PLMN list; then, the terminal device selects the target PLMN list from the W candidate PLMN lists.

By this design, the terminal device may find a target PLMN list that matches the first PLMN list. In addition, when W is greater than or equal to 2, if the subsequent terminal device fails to camp on the network through the target primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list, the terminal device may directly select a new target PLMN list from the W candidate PLMN lists, thereby determining that the new target primary virtual SIM card is camped on the network again.

In a possible design, in a case that the terminal device stores the priority of each of the second PLMN lists in the plurality of second PLMN lists, when W is greater than or equal to 2, the terminal device may adopt the following steps to select the target PLMN list from the W candidate PLMN lists:

the terminal equipment acquires the priority of each PLMN list in the W PLMN lists to be selected;

and the terminal equipment selects the candidate PLMN list with the highest priority as the target PLMN list from the W candidate PLMN lists.

By means of the design, the terminal device can quickly select the target PLMN list according to the priority of the second PLMN list.

In one possible design, the priority of any one of the second PLMN lists may be determined based on at least one of the following information of the data service providers supporting the second PLMN list: network access cost, network signal strength, network coverage, quality of service, and business policies.

Through the design, the terminal device selects the target PLMN list according to the priority of the second PLMN list, and performs network residence through the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list, so that the following effects can be achieved: the network access cost of the user is reduced, the network residence success rate of the terminal equipment and the network quality after the terminal equipment is accessed to the network are guaranteed, the service planning of data service providers is met, and the benefits among the data service providers are balanced.

In a possible implementation manner, the priority of each second PLMN list is set for a service area in which the terminal device is currently located. In other words, the manufacturer of the terminal device or the terminal device sets the corresponding priority configuration information for each service area in all service areas around the world in advance. In this way, the priority configuration is more targeted. In the service area where the terminal device is currently located, the terminal device may obtain priority configuration information set for the service area, so as to determine the priority of each second PLMN list.

In one possible implementation, the priority of each second PLMN list is set for all service areas around the world.

When the terminal equipment fails to stay in the network through the target main virtual SIM card, the method also comprises the following procedures:

the terminal equipment selects a PLMN list to be selected with the highest priority level from the W PLMN lists to be selected as a new target PLMN list; then, the terminal equipment selects an identifier of a new target PLMN from the new target PLMN list; finally, the terminal device determines, in the primary virtual SIM cards of the multiple data service providers, the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider that supports the new target PLMN list as a new target primary virtual SIM card, and performs network camping through the new target primary virtual SIM card to access the new target PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the new target PLMN.

Through the design, after the terminal equipment selects the main virtual SIM card of one data service provider and is limited by service, the main virtual SIM card of another data service provider can be selected to continue network residence. Therefore, the scheme can further solve the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a traditional single data service provider, and further improve the network-residing success rate of the terminal equipment.

In one possible design, the failure of the terminal device to camp on the network through the target primary virtual SIM card includes the following two cases:

in the first case: the terminal equipment fails to access the target PLMN;

in the second case: the terminal device is successfully accessed to the target PLMN, and the terminal device determines that the signal strength of the received network signal from the target PLMN is lower than a set signal strength threshold.

In the second case, the terminal device may determine whether network camping has failed according to the signal strength of the received network signal, so as to avoid that the terminal device accesses the target PLMN with lower signal strength for a long time, thereby reducing the network quality. In addition, the terminal device determines that the network camping fails when the signal strength of the network signal is low, so that the terminal device can continue to select a new target main virtual SIM card for network camping subsequently, and the terminal device is enabled to access the PLMN with high signal strength. Obviously, the scheme can also improve the access quality of the terminal equipment, thereby also obviously improving the network quality of the terminal equipment.

In one possible design, in a case where a data service provider supporting the target PLMN list sets a produced primary virtual SIM card as a plurality of hash combinations for its own benefit, the terminal device determines the target primary virtual SIM card, including the steps of:

the terminal equipment acquires a hash combination of the data service providers supporting the target PLMN list from primary virtual SIM cards of the data service providers, wherein the hash combination comprises the primary virtual SIM cards; then, the terminal device randomly selects one main virtual SIM card as the target main virtual SIM card in the hash combination. And the identity identification information contained in each main virtual SIM card in the hash combination is different.

Through the design, different terminal devices select the target main virtual SIM card in a random mode. Therefore, even if different terminal devices need to select the target main virtual SIM card from the main virtual SIM cards of the same data service provider, the probability that the different terminal devices simultaneously select the main virtual SIM cards with the same identity identification information is very low, and obviously, the design can reduce the probability of network access conflict.

In one possible design, the primary virtual SIM card produced is set to multiple hash combinations for its own benefit at the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list. In addition, in order to manage and maintain the hash combination, the data service provider divides the main virtual SIM card in the hash combination into a plurality of sub-combinations when setting the hash combination. In this case, then, the terminal device determines the target primary virtual SIM card, including the following steps:

the terminal equipment acquires a hash combination of the data service providers supporting the target PLMN list from main virtual SIM cards of the data service providers, wherein the hash combination comprises a plurality of sub-combinations, and each sub-combination comprises a plurality of main virtual SIM cards; then, the terminal equipment randomly selects one sub-combination from the plurality of sub-combinations; and finally, the terminal equipment randomly selects one main virtual SIM card as the target main virtual SIM card in the selected sub-combination.

Through the design, different terminal devices select the sub-combinations in a random mode, and then continue to select the target main virtual SIM card in the random mode. Therefore, even if different terminal devices need to select the target main virtual SIM card from the main virtual SIM cards of the same data service provider, the probability that the different terminal devices simultaneously select the main virtual SIM cards with the same identity identification information is very low, and obviously, the method can also reduce the probability of network access conflict.

In one possible design, a sum of service areas supported by all of the plurality of data service providers is equal to all service areas worldwide, and at least one of the data service providers supports a service area that is less than all service areas worldwide.

Through the design, the terminal equipment can be ensured to be successfully resident in any service area of the world, and the coverage requirement of a single data service provider is reduced, so that the selection range of the network access method for the data service provider can be greatly expanded.

In one possible design, each data service provider supports a service area that is less than all of the service area around the world.

By this design, the coverage requirements of each data service provider can be further reduced.

In one possible design, there may be an overlap of service areas supported by different ones of the plurality of data service providers.

Through the design, when different data service providers support the service area where the terminal device is currently located, the terminal device can select the main virtual SIM card of one data service provider to perform network residence when performing network access. Further, if a network-residence failure occurs, the terminal device may further select a primary virtual SIM card of another data service provider to perform network residence. Obviously, the scheme can further solve the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider, and improve the probability of successful network residence of the terminal equipment.

In one possible design, the service areas supported by each data service provider in the plurality of data service providers overlap with the service areas supported by other data service providers.

By this design, the overlapping service areas can be extended. Therefore, the terminal equipment solves the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider in more service areas, and improves the probability of successful network residence.

In one possible design, each service area within the all-world service area is supported by a different data service provider of the plurality of data service providers.

Through the design, the terminal equipment in each service area around the world can be accessed to a local network through the main virtual SIM cards of a plurality of data service providers for network residence. Therefore, the scheme can solve the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider to the maximum extent, and improve the probability of successful network residence of the terminal equipment.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a terminal device, which includes a unit configured to perform the steps of the first aspect.

In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a terminal device, including at least one processing element and at least one storage element, where the at least one storage element is used to store programs and data, and the at least one processing element is used to execute the method provided in the first aspect of the present application.

In a fourth aspect, the present application further provides a computer storage medium having computer instructions stored therein, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method provided in the above first aspect.

In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program, which when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in the above first aspect.

In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, where the chip is used to read a computer program stored in a memory, and implement the method in the above first aspect.

In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, where the chip system includes a processor, configured to support a terminal device to implement the functions recited in the foregoing first aspect. In one possible design, the system-on-chip further includes a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the device. The chip system may be constituted by a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

In the embodiment of the application, the terminal device stores the master virtual SIM cards of a plurality of data service providers, so that the terminal device can select the master virtual SIM card of any one of the plurality of data service providers to perform network residence, thereby accessing the network. Through the scheme, after the terminal equipment selects the main virtual SIM card of one data service provider and is limited by service, the main virtual SIM card of another data service provider can be selected for network residence, so that the scheme can overcome the problem of the service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider, thereby ensuring the network quality of the terminal equipment and improving the mobile data service experience of a user.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a structural diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 is an exemplary diagram of an application scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 3 is a flowchart of a network access method according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 4 is an exemplary diagram of a terminal device matching an identifier of a PLMN according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary hash combination arrangement;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another hash combination arrangement provided in an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 7 is a flowchart of an example of network access provided in an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a service area supported by a data service provider according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of another data service provider supported service area provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of another data service provider supported service area provided by an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 11 is a structural diagram of another terminal device according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 12 is a structural diagram of another terminal device according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

The embodiment of the application provides a network access method and terminal equipment, which are used for solving the problem of service limitation of a main virtual SIM card. The method and the device are based on the same inventive concept, and because the principles of solving the problems of the method and the device are similar, the implementation of the method and the device can be mutually referred, and repeated parts are not described again.

In the embodiment of the application, the terminal device stores the master virtual SIM cards of a plurality of data service providers, so that the terminal device can select the master virtual SIM card of one data service provider of the plurality of data service providers to perform network residence, thereby accessing the network. Through the scheme, the terminal equipment can select the main virtual SIM card of the data service provider with higher success rate of accessing the network to carry out network residence. Therefore, the scheme can overcome the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider, thereby ensuring the network quality of the terminal equipment and improving the mobile data service experience of a user.

Hereinafter, some terms in the present application are explained to be understood by those skilled in the art.

A terminal device, which has a wireless connection function and can provide voice and/or data connectivity to a user, may also be referred to as a User Equipment (UE), a Mobile Station (MS), a Mobile Terminal (MT), or the like. Currently, some examples of terminal devices include: a mobile phone (mobile phone), a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm top computer, a Mobile Internet Device (MID), a wearable device, a Virtual Reality (VR) device, an Augmented Reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control (industrial control), a wireless terminal in self driving (self driving), a wireless terminal in remote surgery (remote medical supply), a wireless terminal in smart grid (smart grid), a wireless terminal in transportation safety (smart security), a wireless terminal in city (smart city), a wireless terminal in home (smart home), a vehicle-mounted device, and the like.

Alternatively, the terminal device may have a SIM card slot. The terminal device may provide voice and/or data connectivity services to the user by installing a physical SIM card in the SIM card slot.

The local service area supported by the network operator is the area where the terminal device is located when the terminal device can access the network provided by the network operation without roaming. The network operator deploys network equipment within its supported local service area to provide the network. Of course, the various service tariffs that the network operator sets within its local service area are low.

The service area supported by the data service provider is the sum of local service areas supported by all network providers contracted with the data service provider.

A physical SIM card is a card that contains a chip. The chip stores various data which can enable the terminal equipment to access a network, and the data comprises the following data: identification information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), authentication Key (KI), authentication and encryption algorithm, etc.), data related to network access by the terminal device, and other information stored by the user. The network is provided by the network provider to which the physical SIM card belongs.

The virtual SIM card corresponds to the physical SIM card, is a set of data originally stored in the physical SIM card, and can realize the communication function of the physical SIM card. Therefore, the virtual SIM card also includes identification information and data related to network access of the terminal device.

According to the functional division, the virtual SIM cards can be divided into a main virtual SIM card and a sub virtual SIM card. Wherein,

the main virtual SIM card supports the roaming of a plurality of service areas simultaneously and is mainly used for downloading the sub virtual SIM card. The plurality of service areas include: a local service area supported by each network operator subscribed to the data service provider to which the primary virtual SIM card belongs. The network (i.e. PLMN) that the terminal device can access through the primary virtual SIM card is a network provided in a respective local service area by all network operators subscribed to the data service provider.

Therefore, the terminal device may access a network provided by any one of the network operators subscribed to the data service provider through the primary virtual SIM card to download the sub virtual SIM card of the network operator. The specific process is as follows: when the terminal equipment storing the main virtual SIM card is positioned in one of the service areas, the terminal equipment activates the main virtual SIM card, performs network residence through the main virtual SIM card, accesses a network provided by a target network operator, and downloads the sub virtual SIM card of the target network operator through the accessed network. The target network operator is a network operator which has a contract with a data service provider to which the main virtual SIM card belongs and takes the service area as a local service area. And after the terminal equipment successfully downloads the sub-virtual SIM card, deactivating the main virtual SIM card to enable the main virtual SIM card to enter a dormant state.

As can be seen from the above description, the main virtual SIM card is activated only when the sub virtual SIM card is downloaded, and thus the life cycle is short (e.g. in the order of minutes).

The sub-virtual SIM card supports only network access in a single service area, and has a communication function of a physical SIM card issued by a network operator who uses the service area as a local service area. The terminal equipment activates the sub-virtual SIM card, and performs network residence through the sub-virtual SIM card, and can access to a network provided by the network operator. Therefore, the user of the terminal equipment can enjoy the local mobile data service in the service area, and the mobile data service experience of the user is improved, and simultaneously the expense consumed by the mobile data service can be reduced.

Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) are networks of a certain standard provided by a certain network operator supporting a certain service area (i.e., country or region). In the embodiment of the present application, the "network provided by the network operator" is "PLMN provided by the network operator", and both have equivalent meaning and can be replaced with each other.

Each PLMN has a unique identifier for identifying the PLMN, and the identifiers of different PLMNs are different.

The PLMN identifier generally consists of two parts: mobile Country Codes (MCC) and Mobile Network Codes (MNC). Wherein the MCC is used to identify a country of the PLMN and the MNC is used to identify a network operator within the country that provides the PLMN.

It should also be noted that a country typically has an MCC and one or more network operators within a country. And each network within each country operates with one or more MNCs.

And/or, describing the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, a and/or B, may represent: a exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character "/" generally indicates that the former and latter associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

Plural means two or more.

In addition, it is to be understood that the terms first, second, etc. in the description of the present application are used for distinguishing between the descriptions and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order.

The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a structure diagram of a possible terminal device to which the network access method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied. Referring to fig. 1, the terminal device 100 includes: a Radio Frequency (RF) circuit 110, a power supply 120, a processor 130, a memory 140, an input unit 150, a display unit 160, a wireless fidelity (WiFi) module 190, a sensor 170, an audio circuit 180, and the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the structure of the terminal device shown in fig. 1 does not constitute a limitation of the terminal device, and the terminal device provided in the embodiments of the present application may include more or less components than those shown, or may combine some components, or may be arranged in different components.

The following describes each component of the terminal device 100 in detail with reference to fig. 1:

the RF circuit 110 may be used for receiving and transmitting data during a communication or conversation. Specifically, the RF circuit 110 sends the downlink data of the base station to the processor 130 for processing. In addition, the RF circuit 110 may also transmit uplink data to be transmitted to a base station. Generally, the RF circuit 110 includes, but is not limited to, an antenna, an amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), a duplexer, and the like.

In addition, the RF circuitry 110 may also communicate with networks and other devices provided by network operators via wireless communications. The wireless communication may use any communication standard or protocol, including but not limited to: global system for mobile communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), email, Short Message Service (SMS), and the like.

The WiFi technology belongs to a short-distance wireless transmission technology, and the terminal device 100 can connect to an Access Point (AP) through the WiFi module 190, so as to achieve access to a data network. The WiFi module 190 may be used for receiving and transmitting data during communication.

Optionally, the terminal device 100 may further include a communication interface for physically connecting with other devices. Optionally, the communication interface is connected to the communication interface of the other device through a cable, so as to implement data transmission between the terminal device 100 and the other device.

In the embodiment of the present application, in order to implement the terminal device 100, it is necessary to have a data transmission function, and therefore, the terminal device 100 needs to include a communication module inside. Although fig. 1 shows communication modules such as the RF circuit 110, the WiFi module 190, etc., it is understood that at least one of the above components or other communication modules (such as a bluetooth module, a Near Field Communication (NFC) module, etc.) for implementing communication exist in the terminal device 100 to perform data transmission.

For example, when the terminal device 100 is a mobile phone or a wearable device, the terminal device 100 may include the RF circuit 110 and may further include the WiFi module 190. When the terminal device 100 is a computer, the terminal device 100 may include the communication interface, and may further include the WiFi module 190. When the terminal device 100 is a tablet computer, the smart terminal device 100 may include the WiFi module 190.

The memory 140 may be used to store program instructions and data. The processor 130 executes various functional applications and data processing of the terminal device 100 by executing program instructions stored in the memory 140. Among the program instructions, there are program instructions that can cause the processor 130 to execute the network access method provided in the following embodiments of the present application.

Alternatively, the memory 140 may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The storage program area can store an operating system, various application programs, program instructions and the like; the storage data area may store data created according to the use of the smart terminal device, etc., such as a virtual SIM card.

In addition, the memory 140 may include high speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as a magnetic disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid state storage device.

The input unit 150 may be used to receive numeric or character information input by a user and generate an input signal corresponding to a function key.

Optionally, the input unit 150 may include a touch panel 151 and other input devices 152.

The touch panel 151 is also referred to as a touch screen. The touch panel 151 may collect a touch operation of a user (for example, an operation of the user on or near the touch panel 151 using an object such as a finger or a stylus) and drive a corresponding connection device according to a preset program. Alternatively, the touch panel 151 may include two parts, i.e., a touch detection device and a touch controller. The touch detection device detects the touch direction of a user, detects a signal brought by touch operation, and transmits the signal to the touch controller. The touch controller acquires touch information from the touch detection device, converts the touch information into touch point coordinates, sends the touch point coordinates to the processor 130, and can receive and execute commands sent by the processor 130. In addition, the touch panel 151 may be implemented in various types, such as a resistive type, a capacitive type, an infrared ray, and a surface acoustic wave.

Optionally, the other input devices 152 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of a physical keyboard, function keys (e.g., volume control keys, switch keys, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, a joystick, and the like.

The display unit 160 may be used to display information input by a user, information provided to the user, or contents of various menus of the terminal device 100, etc. The display unit 160 is a display system of the terminal device 100, and is configured to present a user interface to implement human-computer interaction.

The display unit 160 may include a display panel 161. Alternatively, the display panel 161 may be configured in the form of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or the like.

Further, the touch panel 151 may cover the display panel 161, and when the touch panel 151 detects a touch operation on or near the touch panel, the touch panel transmits the touch operation to the processor 130 to determine the type of the touch event, and then the processor 130 provides a corresponding visual output on the display panel 161 according to the type of the touch event.

The processor 130 is a control center of the terminal device 100, and connects the respective components using various interfaces and lines. The processor 130 may perform various functions of the terminal device 100 by executing program instructions stored in the memory 140 and calling data stored in the memory 140.

Optionally, the processor 130 may include one or more processing units. Alternatively, the processor 130 may integrate an application processor, which mainly handles operating systems, user interfaces, application programs, etc., and a modem, which mainly handles wireless communications. It will be appreciated that the modem may not be integrated into the processor 130, but may be deployed as a separate component in the terminal device 100. The modem may obtain information in a physical SIM card installed in a SIM card slot of the terminal device 100, or load a virtual SIM card stored in the memory 140 to perform network camping, thereby implementing network access.

The terminal device 100 may also include one or more sensors 170, such as light sensors, motion sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and other sensors. The functional description of each sensor in the embodiments of the present application is not repeated.

Audio circuitry 180 (including speaker 181, microphone 182) may provide an audio interface between a user and the terminal device 100. The audio circuit 180 may transmit the electrical signal converted from the received audio data to the speaker 181, and the electrical signal is converted into a sound signal by the speaker 181 and output. On the other hand, the microphone 182 converts the collected sound signals into electrical signals, which are received by the audio circuit 180 and converted into audio data for further processing, such as transmission or storage.

The terminal device 100 further comprises a power supply 120, such as a battery, for powering the various components. Optionally, the power supply 210 may be logically connected to the processor 130 through a power management system, so as to implement functions of managing charging, discharging, power consumption, and the like through the power management system.

Although not shown, the terminal device 100 may further include a camera and the like, which are not described in detail herein.

Currently, global network operators generally provide mobile data services for users according to service areas, and each network operator has a local service area supported by the network operator, for example, the local service area moved in china is china. Alternatively, the service area may be divided according to factors such as the range of the network operator providing the mobile data service or the administrative area. Each network operator deploys network equipment within its supported local service area to provide the network. For example, as shown in fig. 2, the local service area of network provider a is service area a, the local service area of network provider b is service area b, and the local service area of network provider c is service area c.

As shown in fig. 2, when the terminal device is in the resident service area a, the user of the terminal device typically purchases a physical SIM card issued by the network provider a and installs the physical SIM card in the SIM card slot of the terminal device. In this way, the terminal device can perform network residence through the physical SIM card to connect with the network device of the network provider a and access the network provided by the network provider a, thereby enjoying local network services. Typically, each network provider provides a higher quality network within its supported local service area and the terminal device consumes less of the tariff for enjoying mobile data services.

However, many network providers do not support roaming services in other service areas, and even if some network providers support roaming services, the terminal device enjoys the roaming services, which causes a high tariff. As shown in fig. 2, when the terminal device residing in the service area a moves to the service area c and resides in the service area c for a short period of time, if the network device of the network provider a continues to be connected to implement the mobile data service, the network quality of the terminal device is difficult to be guaranteed, and a high tariff is caused.

Obviously, it is more desirable for the terminal device to access the network device of the network provider c to enjoy the mobile data service, however, the user of the terminal device has some difficulty in handling the physical SIM card issued by the network provider c. Accordingly, the terminal device can briefly access the network device of the network provider c through the roaming service using the pre-stored primary virtual SIM card and download the sub virtual SIM card issued by the network provider c. The terminal device can perform network residence through the sub-virtual SIM card, connect with the network device of the network provider c, and access to the network provided by the network provider c. Finally, the terminal device can enjoy local network services in the service area c, which not only can ensure the network quality of the terminal device, but also can reduce the cost consumed by the terminal device for enjoying the network services.

Therefore, how the terminal device accesses the network device of the network provider c for a short time and ensures the network quality during the access, so that the terminal device can download the sub-virtual SIM card successfully, which is a key factor for improving the mobile data service experience of the user.

Based on the above description, referring to fig. 3, in a case that the terminal device is in a local service area of a certain network provider, the embodiment of the present application provides a network access method. The method can ensure that the terminal equipment can be accessed to the network of the network provider for a short time, and ensure the network quality during the access, so that the terminal equipment can successfully download the sub-virtual SIM card of the network provider.

The terminal device related to the embodiment of the present application may be the terminal device 100 shown in fig. 1, which is not limited in this application.

In the embodiment of the application, the terminal device stores master virtual SIM cards of a plurality of data service providers. Optionally, the primary virtual SIM card of each data service provider may be pre-stored in the terminal device by a manufacturer of the terminal device, or acquired from a server of the corresponding data service provider for the terminal device, which is not limited in this application.

In both the conventional network access method and the network access method provided in the embodiments of the present application, as long as the terminal device stores a primary virtual SIM card of a data service provider, before using the primary virtual SIM card to perform network camping, the terminal device needs to match the identifier of the PLMN in the user environment with the identifier of the PLMN supported by the data service provider to determine a target PLMN accessed during network camping.

The user environment includes: the network environment of the terminal equipment in the current service area, and/or the historical residence PLMN record of the physical SIM card, etc.

As is known, in the case where the terminal device has a SIM card slot and a physical SIM card is installed or is still installed, the terminal device stores an identifier of a PLMN in which the physical SIM card resides. Generally, when the terminal device does not access the network, the terminal device will try to access the stored PLMN where the physical SIM card resides, so as to seek to quickly camp on the network and access the PLMN.

In addition, the terminal device may perform a network searching result generated by the network searching process in the current service area, and the network environment of the terminal device in the current service area may be embodied.

In summary, the identification of the PLMN in the ue may include: the identifier of the PLMN where the physical SIM card in the terminal device resides, and/or the identifier of the PLMN in the network searching result generated by the terminal device executing the network searching process in the current service area.

For convenience of description and differentiation, in the following embodiments, the identification of PLMNs in the user environment is referred to as a first PLMN list, and the identification of PLMNs supported by the data service provider is referred to as a second PLMN list supported by the data service provider.

Although the terminal device has multiple data service provider primary virtual SIM cards to choose from, how the terminal device selects one data service provider primary virtual SIM card (i.e., the target primary virtual SIM card) to camp on and how to select a target network (i.e., the target PLMN) accessed through the primary virtual SIM card still remains a problem to be solved.

To solve this problem, a second PLMN list supported by each of the plurality of data service providers is stored in the terminal device. In this way, the terminal device may select a target primary virtual SIM card of a target data service provider for network camping by matching the first PLMN list and the plurality of second PLMN lists, and determine a target PLMN to be accessed through the target primary virtual SIM card. The specific implementation process of the network access method provided in this embodiment of the present application will be described in detail, and details thereof are not repeated here.

Wherein, the second PLMN list supported by any data service provider comprises: an identity of a PLMN provided by a network operator subscribed to the data service provider within the respective local service area. At the same time, the identifiers of these PLMNs are also identifiers of PLMNs that the terminal device can access through the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider. Since there may be differences with the different data service providers contracted to the network provider, there may also be differences in the identities of the PLMNs comprised by the different second PLMN lists.

Optionally, the plurality of second PLMN lists may be pre-stored in the terminal device by a manufacturer of the terminal device. Or, the second PLMN list supported by each data service provider is obtained by the terminal device from the server of each data service provider, which is not limited in this application.

A network access method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described below. Referring to fig. 3, the flow of the method includes:

s301: the terminal equipment acquires a first PLMN list.

Based on the above description, the first PLMN list includes: the identifier of the PLMN where the physical SIM card in the terminal device resides, and/or the identifier of the PLMN in the network searching result generated by the terminal device executing the network searching process in the current service area.

When the first PLMN list includes the identifier of the PLMN in the network search result, the terminal device may match the identifier of the PLMN in the network search result with a second PLMN list supported by the data service provider. In this way, when the terminal device determines that the identifier of the target PLMN in the second PLMN list supported by the target data service provider matches the PLMN identifier in the network searching result, the terminal device may select the primary virtual SIM card of the target data service provider to perform network camping and access the target PLMN. Since the target PLMN is matched with the PLMN identifier in the network searching result, the PLMN existing in the service area where the terminal device is currently located has a high probability of including the target PLMN. Obviously, the probability of successful access of the terminal device to the target PLMN is high.

Because the identifier of the PLMN where the physical SIM card in the terminal device resides is stored inside the terminal device, and a certain time is required for the terminal device to perform the network searching process, the time consumed by the terminal device for acquiring the identifier of the PLMN where the physical SIM card resides is shorter than the time consumed by the terminal device for acquiring the network searching result. Thus, when the first PLMN list includes the identifier of the PLMN where the physical SIM card in the terminal device resides, the terminal device may match the identifier of the PLMN where the physical SIM card in the terminal device resides with the second PLMN list supported by the data service provider under the condition that the network searching process is not completed, and if the matching is successful, the network residing speed of the terminal device may be increased; if the matching is unsuccessful, the identifier of the PLMN in the network searching result of the terminal device may be used for matching after the network searching process is executed.

Of course, the first PLMN list may also include the above two items at the same time, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. In this way, the identities of the PLMNs in the first PLMN list are increased, which may increase the probability of successfully selecting a target PLMN list in a plurality of second PLMN lists.

S302: the terminal device obtains a second PLMN list supported by each of the plurality of data service providers.

Wherein, the second PLMN list supported by any data service provider comprises: an identity of a PLMN provided by a network operator subscribed to the data service provider within the respective local service area. At the same time, the identifiers of these PLMNs are also identifiers of PLMNs that the terminal device can access through the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider.

S303: and the terminal equipment matches the first PLMN list with the obtained second PLMN lists, and determines a target PLMN list from the second PLMN lists. Wherein the identity of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list matches the identity of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list.

Optionally, the terminal device may execute, but is not limited to, S303 by the following method:

a method comprises the following steps: the terminal device matching the first PLMN list with the plurality of second PLMN lists;

and the terminal equipment determines W PLMN lists to be selected from the second PLMN lists. W is a positive integer, and the identifier of the PLMN contained in each to-be-selected PLMN list is matched with the identifier of the PLMN contained in the first PLMN list;

and the terminal equipment selects the target PLMN list from the W PLMN lists to be selected.

In the method, the terminal device matches the first PLMN list with the plurality of second PLMN lists, so that the number of candidate PLMN lists determined by the terminal device may be one or more. Therefore, depending on the number of the candidate PLMN lists, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following embodiments:

in one embodiment:

w is greater than or equal to 2. The terminal device may select the target PLMN list by:

the terminal equipment acquires the priority of each PLMN list to be selected in the W PLMN lists to be selected;

and the terminal equipment selects the PLMN list to be selected with the highest priority as a target PLMN list from the W PLMN lists to be selected.

In this embodiment, the terminal device stores the priority of each of the plurality of second PLMN lists (including the to-be-selected PLMN list).

Optionally, the priority of each second PLMN list may be determined according to at least one of the following information of the data service providers supporting the second PLMN list: network access cost, network signal strength, network coverage, quality of service, and business policies.

The network access cost is used for showing the charge generated when the terminal equipment accesses the network by using a main virtual SIM card of a data service provider. Generally, the lower the network access cost of the data service provider, the higher the priority of the second PLMN list it supports. And determining the priority of the second PLMN list supported by the data service provider according to the network access cost of the data service provider, so that the terminal equipment can select the main virtual SIM card of the data service provider with lower network access cost to carry out network residence, thereby reducing the network access cost of the user.

Network signal strength is used to characterize the quality of the network signal for the data service provider within the service area that it supports. Generally, the greater the network signal strength of the data service provider, the higher the priority of the second PLMN list it supports. The priority of the second PLMN list supported by the data service provider is determined according to the network signal strength of the data service provider, so that the terminal equipment can select the main virtual SIM card of the data service provider with higher network signal strength to carry out network residence, and the success rate of network residence of the terminal equipment and the network quality after the terminal equipment is accessed to a network are guaranteed.

Network coverage is used to represent the geographic scope of roaming services provided by data service providers. Generally, the greater the network coverage of the data service provider, the higher the priority of the second PLMN list it supports. The priority of the second PLMN list supported by the data service provider is determined according to the network coverage of the data service provider, so that the terminal equipment can select the main virtual SIM card of the data service provider with larger network coverage for network residence, and the success rate of network residence of the terminal equipment and the network quality after network access are ensured.

The service quality is used for embodying the network response speed of the data service provider and/or a network operator contracted with the data service provider, the stability of the mobile data service and the like. Generally, the higher the quality of service of the data service provider, the higher the priority of the second PLMN list it supports. The priority of the second PLMN list supported by the data service provider is determined according to the service quality of the data service provider, so that the terminal equipment can select the main virtual SIM card of the data service provider with higher service quality to carry out network residence, and the success rate of network residence of the terminal equipment and the network quality after the network is accessed are ensured.

Business policies are used to embody service plans of data service providers and/or interests between data service providers. And determining the priority of the second PLMN list supported by the data service provider according to the business strategy of the data service provider, so that the terminal equipment can select the main virtual SIM card of the data service provider which is more in line with the business strategy of the data service provider to carry out network residence, thereby meeting the service plan of the data service provider and balancing the benefits among the data service providers.

In an example of this embodiment, the priority of each second PLMN list is set for a service area in which the terminal device is currently located.

In other words, the manufacturer of the terminal device or the terminal device sets the corresponding priority configuration information for each service area in all service areas around the world in advance. In this way, the priority configuration is more targeted. In the service area where the terminal device is currently located, the terminal device may obtain priority configuration information set for the service area, so as to determine the priority of each second PLMN list.

In another example of this embodiment, the priorities of the plurality of data service providers are set for all service areas around the world.

In another embodiment:

and the terminal equipment randomly selects one PLMN list to be selected from the W PLMN lists to be selected as a target PLMN list.

In another embodiment:

w is equal to 1. And the terminal equipment directly takes the PLMN list to be selected as a target PLMN list.

The other method comprises the following steps: the terminal equipment sequentially matches the first PLMN list with different second PLMN lists;

when the terminal device determines that the identifier of the PLMN included in a second PLMN list matches the identifier of the PLMN included in the second PLMN list for the first time, the terminal device determines that the second PLMN list is the target PLMN list.

In the above method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may be implemented in the following matching manners, as shown in fig. 4:

the first matching mode is as follows: and (4) precise matching.

The terminal equipment judges whether the identifier of the PLMN contained in the first PLMN list exists in a second PLMN list or not. If the terminal device determines that the identifiers of the N PLMNs included in the second PLMN list are the same as the identifiers of the N PLMNs included in the first PLMN list, the terminal device may determine that the second PLMN list is a candidate PLMN list or a target PLMN list. Wherein N is a positive integer.

At this time, PLMNx in the second PLMN list is matched with PLMNx in the first PLMN list, where the PLMNx is one of the identifiers of the N PLMNs.

When the terminal device performs list matching by using the first matching method, the identifier of the target PLMN determined by the terminal device in the subsequent process is completely the same as the identifier of one PLMN in the first PLMN list. Therefore, the probability that the terminal device can successfully access the target PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the target PLMN subsequently is higher.

The second matching mode is as follows: and (5) fuzzy matching. Optionally, the terminal device may implement fuzzy matching by, but not limited to, the following two examples:

one example is: the terminal device may determine MCCs in the identities of all PLMNs included in the first PLMN list (hereinafter referred to as a first MCC list) and MCCs in the identities of all PLMNs included in the second PLMN list (hereinafter referred to as a second MCC list) before matching the first PLMN list with any of the second PLMN lists. Then, the terminal device determines whether the MCC included in the first MCC list exists in the second MCC list. If the terminal device determines that the P MCCs included in the second MCC list are the same as the P MCCs included in the second MCC list, the terminal device may determine that the second PLMN list is a target PLMN list or a candidate PLMN list. Wherein P is a positive integer.

At this time, the PLMNx containing MCCi in the second PLMN list is matched with the PLMNy containing MCCi in the first PLMN list, where MCCi is one of the above-mentioned P MCCs.

Another example is: before the process of matching the first PLMN list with a second PLMN list, the terminal device first determines the MCC in the identifier of the first PLMN to be matched in the first PLMN list;

then the terminal device judges whether the identifier of the PLMN containing the MCC exists in the second PLMN list:

if the terminal device determines that the identifier of the PLMN including the MCC exists in the second PLMN list, determining that the identifier of the PLMN including the MCC in the second PLMN list matches with the identifier of the PLMN to be matched; otherwise, the terminal equipment determines that no PLMN identification matched with the identification of the PLMN to be matched exists in the second PLMN list;

and the terminal equipment determines the MCC in the identifier of the next PLMN to be matched in the first PLMN list, and repeatedly executes the process until all the PLMN identifiers in the first PLMN list are matched.

After the matching process, if the identifiers of the X PLMNs in the first PLMN list are respectively matched with the Y identifiers in the second PLMN list₁、Y₂……Y_XThe identities of the PLMNs are matched, the terminal equipment can determine the second PLMNThe PLMN list is a target PLMN list or a candidate PLMN list. Wherein, X, Y₁、Y₂、Y_XAre all positive integers.

When the terminal device performs list matching using the second matching method, the target PLMN list or the candidate PLMN list can be determined as long as the matching method determines that the identifiers of PLMNs in the first PLMN list and the second PLMN list include the same MCC. Therefore, the matching mode can improve the probability that the terminal equipment can successfully select the target PLMN list or the candidate PLMN list.

The third matching mode is as follows: and (4) carrying out precise matching and fuzzy matching.

The terminal equipment matches the first PLMN list with each second PLMN list in an accurate matching mode, and if a target PLMN list or a PLMN list to be selected can be selected, fuzzy matching is not needed; and if the target PLMN list or the PLMN list to be selected is not selected yet after the process is finished, continuing to select the target PLMN list or the PLMN list to be selected in a fuzzy matching mode.

The specific process of the terminal device performing the precise matching may refer to the description in the first matching manner, and is not described herein again. The specific process of the terminal device performing the fuzzy matching may refer to the description in the second matching method, and is not described herein again.

On the one hand, since the terminal device preferentially performs the exact matching, the third matching method can ensure the probability that the terminal device successfully accesses the PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the target PLMN; on the other hand, since the terminal device may further perform fuzzy matching when the target PLMN list or the candidate PLMN list cannot be determined after performing the exact matching, the third matching method may also ensure a probability that the terminal device can successfully select the target PLMN list or the candidate PLMN list.

Since in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may adopt any one of the above matching manners, it can be known from the above description that the identifier of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list matches the identifier of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list, including the following two cases:

in the first case: the identity of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list is the same as the identity of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list.

In the second case: the MCC in the identities of PLMNs included in the target PLMN list is the same as the MCC in the identities of PLMNs included in the first PLMN list.

S304: and the terminal equipment selects the identifier of the target PLMN from the target PLMN list. Wherein the identity of the target PLMN matches the identity of a PLMN included in the first PLMN list.

Optionally, the terminal device may determine the identifier of the target PLMN through the following steps:

the terminal equipment determines the identifier of the PLMN, which is matched with the identifier of the PLMN contained in the first PLMN list, in the target PLMN list as the identifier of the PLMN to be selected;

and the terminal equipment selects the identifier of the target PLMN from the identifiers of the PLMNs to be selected.

S305: and the terminal equipment determines the main virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list as a target main virtual SIM card in the stored main virtual SIM cards of the multiple data service providers, and performs network residence through the target main virtual SIM card so as to access the target PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the target PLMN.

As can be seen from the above description, the terminal device stores therein the primary virtual SIM cards of the multiple data service providers and the second PLMN list supported by each of the multiple data service providers, so as to ensure that the terminal device can pass through the target PLMN list, the terminal device may determine the primary virtual SIM card, but is not limited to storing the above two items by the following forms:

one form is: the terminal device stores the correspondence between each data service provider and the master virtual SIM card, as shown in table 1. The terminal device further stores a correspondence between each data service provider and the second PLMN list, as shown in table 2.

TABLE 1

Data service provider	Main virtual SIM card
Data service provider 1	Primary virtual SIM card for data service provider 1
Data service provider 2	Primary virtual SIM card for data service provider 2
……	……
Data service provider M	Primary virtual SIM card for data service provider M

TABLE 2

Data service provider	Second PLMN list
Data service provider 1	Second PLMN list supported by data service provider 1
Data service provider 2	Second PLMN list supported by data service provider 2
……	……
Data service provider M	Second PLMN list supported by data service provider M

In another form: the terminal device stores the correspondence between the primary virtual SIM card and the second PLMN list, as shown in table 3. Wherein, the data service provider to which the primary virtual SIM card in one correspondence belongs is the same as the data service provider supporting the second PLMN list in the correspondence. The first column in table 3 (data service provider column) is optional.

TABLE 3

According to the different forms of the terminal device storing the primary virtual SIM cards of the multiple data service providers and the second PLMN list supported by each data service provider, the process of the terminal device determining the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list in S305 is also different.

In the case where the terminal device stores the two contents in the form of, for example, table 1 and table 2, the procedure of determining, by the terminal device, the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider that supports the target PLMN list is as follows:

the terminal equipment firstly determines the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list according to the corresponding relation between the data service provider and the second PLMN list shown in Table 2;

the terminal device determines the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider determined in the previous step through the correspondence between the data service provider and the primary virtual SIM card as shown in table 1.

In the case where the terminal device stores the two items of content in the form of, for example, table 3, the process of the terminal device determining the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider that supports the target PLMN list is as follows:

the terminal device determines the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list directly from the correspondence between the primary virtual SIM card and the second PLMN list as shown in table 3.

Furthermore, it should be understood that, in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device performs network camping through the determined primary virtual SIM card to access the target PLMN, specifically including the following steps:

the modem of the terminal equipment loads the main virtual SIM card and reads data in the main virtual SIM card;

the modem uses the identity identification information in the data to carry out authentication;

and after the authentication is passed, the modem continues to access the target PLMN by using the rest data related to the network access in the data.

Through the above steps, if the terminal device can successfully access the target PLMN, it is indicated that the target PLMN is a network provided by a network provider that uses the service area where the terminal device is currently located as a local service area. In this way, the terminal device may download the sub-virtual SIM card provided by the network provider through the target PLMN, and then enjoy the local mobile data service of the service area after the terminal device loads the sub-virtual SIM card.

Due to various uncertain factors in a real scene, after the terminal equipment performs network residence through the target main virtual SIM card, the terminal equipment still has possibility of network residence failure. The network residence failure comprises the following two conditions:

in the first case: and the terminal equipment fails to access the target PLMN.

In an example, in a case that the terminal device determines the target PLMN list at S303 by using the first embodiment of the first method, after S305, when the terminal device fails to camp on the network through the target primary virtual SIM card, the method further includes the following steps:

the terminal equipment selects a PLMN list to be selected with the highest priority level from the W PLMN lists to be selected as a new target PLMN list;

the terminal equipment determines the identifier of the PLMN which is matched with the identifier of the PLMN contained in the first PLMN list in the new target PLMN list as the identifier of the PLMN to be selected, and selects the identifier of the new target PLMN from the identifiers of the PLMN to be selected;

the terminal equipment determines a primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the new target PLMN list as a new target primary virtual SIM card in the primary virtual SIM cards of the data service providers;

and the terminal equipment performs network residence through the new target main virtual SIM card so as to access the new target PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the new target PLMN.

In another example, in a case that the terminal device determines the target PLMN list by using the second embodiment of the first method at S303, after S305, when the terminal device fails to camp on the network through the determined target primary virtual SIM card, the terminal device may further randomly select another candidate PLMN list other than the target PLMN list from the W candidate PLMN lists as a new target PLMN list. The process executed by the terminal device after selecting the new PLMN list is the same as the process in the previous example, and is not described here again.

By the two examples, after the terminal device selects the primary virtual SIM card of one data service provider and is subject to service limitation, the terminal device may select the primary virtual SIM card of another data service provider to continue network residence. Therefore, the scheme can further solve the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider, and further improve the network-residing success rate of the terminal equipment.

Based on the above description, embodiments of the present application provide a network access method, in which a terminal device stores master virtual SIM cards of multiple data service providers, so that the terminal device may select a master virtual SIM card of one data service provider of the multiple data service providers to camp on a network, thereby accessing the network. Through the scheme, the terminal equipment can select the main virtual SIM card of the data service provider with higher success rate of accessing the network to carry out network residence. Therefore, the scheme can overcome the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider, thereby ensuring the network quality of the terminal equipment and improving the mobile data service experience of a user. In addition, after the terminal device selects the main virtual SIM card of one data service provider and is subject to service limitation, the terminal device may select the main virtual SIM card of another data service provider to continue network residence, so that the solution may further solve the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider in the conventional technology.

As is known, in practical applications, the cardinality of terminal devices in working states in the same time period in the world is huge, and each terminal device needs to be implemented by using one main virtual SIM card when it is on the network. If the data service provider ensures that each terminal device stores a primary virtual SIM card with unique identification information, the data service provider needs to produce a larger-scale primary virtual SIM card containing unique identification information, which may cause production pressure of the data service provider.

Further, since the life cycle of the main virtual SIM card in the terminal device is short, and the time that the terminal device itself is in other service areas except the local service area is relatively short, the usage rate of the main virtual SIM card is low, which is not beneficial to the benefit of the data service provider.

In order to protect the interests of the data service providers, many data service providers adopt a master virtual SIM card sharing strategy, that is, when the data service providers produce master virtual SIM cards for each piece of identification information, the data service providers produce a plurality of copies of the master virtual SIM cards with the same identification information, and store the master virtual SIM cards with the same identification information in different terminal devices.

Optionally, the data service provider sets a plurality of hash combinations for the produced primary virtual SIM card. Each hash combination may include the same or different number of primary virtual SIM cards, which is not limited in this application. Alternatively, to facilitate administrative maintenance by the data service provider, each hash combination may contain the same number of primary virtual SIM cards, as shown with reference to fig. 5. The identity information contained in each main virtual SIM card in a hash combination is different, that is, the main virtual SIM cards having the same identity information need to be set in different hash combinations.

The subsequent data service provider can distribute the multiple hash combinations to different terminal devices respectively when the terminal device requests to acquire the main virtual SIM card; or the data service provider assigns each hash combination to an unused terminal device by the manufacturer of the terminal device. For example, as shown in fig. 5, the data service provider sets a hash combinations, where each hash combination contains b primary virtual SIM cards; in this way, the data service provider can configure the a hash combinations into a terminal devices, respectively, by the above means.

As can be seen from the above description, the primary virtual SIM cards having the same identification information need to be set in different hash combinations, so that different terminal devices may store the primary virtual SIM cards having the same identification information. Because the probability that different terminal devices are simultaneously located in other service areas except the corresponding local service area is relatively low, the probability that at least two terminal devices storing the main virtual SIM cards containing the same identity identification information use the main virtual SIM cards with the same identity identification information to perform network residence (i.e., network access collision) at the same time is very low, and is almost 0.

When the data service provider sets hash combinations, and the number of the primary virtual SIM cards included in each hash combination is small (for example, b takes a value of 5, 6, 7, … …, 20, etc.), it is easier for the data service provider and/or the terminal device to manage and maintain the primary virtual SIM cards in the hash combinations.

However, in general, the data service provider sets the data size of the primary virtual SIM card included in each hash combination to be large (for example, b takes a value of 100, 150, … …, 200, etc.), and at this time, it is difficult for the data service provider and/or the terminal device to manage and maintain the primary virtual SIM card in the hash combination. In order to facilitate the data service provider and/or the terminal device to manage and maintain the main virtual SIM card in the hash combination, in the embodiment of the present application, when the data service provider sets the hash combination, the data service provider divides the main virtual SIM card in the hash combination into a plurality of sub-combinations at the same time.

Wherein the number of primary virtual SIM cards contained in different sub-combinations within the same hash combination may be the same or different. The number of sub-combinations contained within different hash combinations of the same data service provider may be the same or different, and is not limited in this application.

Optionally, in order to further ensure efficiency of the data service provider and/or the terminal device in managing and maintaining the master virtual SIM cards in the hash combinations, the number of sub-combinations included in different hash combinations of the same data service provider is the same, and the number of master virtual SIM cards included in different sub-combinations within the same hash combination is also the same, as shown in fig. 6. The number of the primary virtual SIM cards included in each word combination is usually set to be small (e.g., e is 3, 4, 5, … …, 10, etc.).

As can be seen from the above description, in the case that the data service provider sets the hash combination in the manner of fig. 5 or fig. 6, the terminal device stores the hash combination of the data service provider, that is, the terminal device stores a plurality of primary virtual SIM cards of the data service provider.

Therefore, in the embodiment shown in fig. 3 of the present application, when each data service provider (or the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list) sets the hash combination in the manner shown in fig. 5 or fig. 6, the number of the primary virtual SIM cards of the data service providers supporting the target PLMN list stored in the terminal device is multiple. The terminal device, in performing the process of determining that the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list is the target primary virtual SIM card in S305, includes the following steps:

a. the terminal equipment acquires a hash combination of the data service providers supporting the target PLMN list from stored primary virtual SIM cards of the data service providers, wherein the hash combination comprises a plurality of primary virtual SIM cards;

b. and the terminal equipment selects one main virtual SIM card as the target main virtual SIM card in the hash combination.

However, since the data service provider usually produces a large number of copies of the primary virtual SIM card with the same identification information for the benefit maximization, the number of terminal devices that subsequently store the primary virtual SIM card with the same identification information is also large, which in turn increases the probability of network access collisions. How to ensure that different terminal devices avoid selecting the target main virtual SIM cards with the same identity identification information at the same time in the step b is an effective way for reducing the probability of network access conflict. Optionally, the present application further provides the following embodiments to reduce network access conflicts.

In one embodiment: the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list sets the hash combinations in the manner shown in fig. 5. In this case, the terminal device performs step b by:

and the terminal equipment randomly selects a main virtual SIM card as the target main virtual SIM card in the hash combination.

By the method provided by the embodiment, different terminal devices select the target main virtual SIM card in a random mode. Therefore, even if different terminal devices need to select the target main virtual SIM card from the main virtual SIM cards of the same data service provider, the probability that the different terminal devices simultaneously select the main virtual SIM cards with the same identity identification information is very low, and obviously, the method can further reduce the probability of network access conflict.

In another embodiment: the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list sets the hash combinations in the manner shown in fig. 6. In this case, after the terminal device performs step a, the hash combination obtained by the terminal device includes multiple sub-combinations, where each sub-combination includes multiple primary virtual SIM cards. The terminal equipment executes the step b by the following method:

the terminal equipment randomly selects one sub-combination from the plurality of sub-combinations contained in the hash combination;

and the terminal equipment randomly selects a main virtual SIM card as the target main virtual SIM card in the selected sub-combination.

By the method provided by the embodiment, different terminal devices select the sub-combinations in a random manner, and then continue to select the target master virtual SIM card in the random manner. Therefore, even if different terminal devices need to select the target main virtual SIM card from the main virtual SIM cards of the same data service provider, the probability that the different terminal devices simultaneously select the main virtual SIM cards with the same identity identification information is very low, and obviously, the method can further reduce the probability of network access conflict.

Based on the above embodiments, the present application further provides an example of network access, which is shown in fig. 7. This example applies to a terminal device as shown in fig. 1, which contains a memory, a processor and a modem inside. When the manufacturer of the terminal equipment generates the terminal equipment, the main virtual SIM cards of a plurality of data service providers are not prestored in the terminal equipment. When a user uses the terminal device in a resident service area, the user generally purchases a physical SIM card of a network provider having the service area as a local service area, and enjoys a local mobile data service through the physical SIM card.

Since the terminal device does not store the primary virtual SIM cards of the multiple data service providers, the terminal device needs to download the primary virtual SIM cards of the multiple data service providers before the user removes the other service areas outside the local service area. Wherein, the downloading process of the terminal device downloading the primary virtual SIM card of any one data service provider can refer to S700a-S700d in fig. 7:

s700 a: after the processor of the terminal device runs the virtual SIM card to manage the APP, the processor interacts with the server of the data service provider (for convenience of description, the "first server" is hereinafter referred to), and opens a service.

In this step, the processor needs to interact with the first server to complete the processes of user registration and authentication, and the like, so as to successfully open the service. In this way, the processor may download the primary virtual SIM card from the first server.

S700 b: the processor sends a primary virtual SIM card download request to a server of the data service provider.

S700 c: and after receiving the downloading request of the primary virtual SIM card, the first server sends a hash combination of the data service provider and a second PLMN list supported by the data service provider to the processor.

Wherein the data service provider may set the hash combination in the manner shown in fig. 5 or fig. 6.

As in the above description, the second PLMN list is an identifier of a PLMN provided by a network operator subscribed to the data service provider in a respective local service area. At the same time, the identifiers of these PLMNs are also identifiers of PLMNs that the terminal device can access through the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider.

S700 d: and after receiving the hash combination and the second PLMN list sent by the first server, the processor stores the hash combination and the second PLMN list in a memory inside the terminal equipment.

For clarity of illustration and ease of understanding, FIG. 7 illustrates only one data service provider's server by way of example. It will be appreciated that in this process the terminal device needs to interact with the servers of a plurality of data service providers. The interaction process of the terminal device and the server of each data service provider can be referred to the above steps.

After the user arrives at other service areas except the local service area, the terminal device may download the sub-virtual SIM cards of the local network operator (the other service area is taken as the network operator of the local service area) by performing network camping using the stored main virtual SIM cards of the plurality of data service providers.

S701: and the processor acquires a first PLMN list after running the virtual SIM card management APP.

As described in the above embodiments, the first PLMN list includes: and the identifier of the PLMN where the physical SIM card resides, and/or the identifier of the PLMN in the network search result generated by the terminal device executing the network search process in the other service area.

S702: the processor reads from the memory a list of second PLMNs supported by each of a plurality of data service providers.

S703: the processor matches the first PLMN list with the read plurality of second PLMNs. For a specific matching process, reference may be made to the description in S303 in the embodiment shown in fig. 3, which is not described herein again.

S704: the processor determines a target PLMN list among the plurality of second PLMN lists according to the matching result of S703. Wherein the identity of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list matches the identity of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list. After determining the target PLMN list, the processor selects an identification of a target PLMN in the target PLMN list.

Wherein the identity of the target PLMN matches the identity of a PLMN contained in the first PLMN list.

S705: the processor reads from the memory a hash combination of data service providers that support the target PLMN list.

When the memory stores the correspondence of each data service provider and the primary virtual SIM card (hash combination) in the form as table 1 and the correspondence of each data service provider with the second PLMN list it supports in the form as table 2, the processor may perform S705 by:

the processor reads the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list in the correspondence shown in table 2;

the processor reads the hash combination of the data service provider in the correspondence shown in table 1.

When the memory stores the correspondence between the second PLMN list supported by the data service provider and the primary virtual SIM card (hash combination) of the data service provider in the form as shown in table 3, the processor may perform S705 by:

the processor reads a hash combination of the data service providers supporting the target PLMN list in the correspondence shown in table 3.

S706: the processor determines a target primary virtual SIM card from a plurality of primary virtual SIM cards contained in the hash combination.

Optionally, when the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list sets the hash combination in the manner shown in fig. 5, the processor may randomly select one primary virtual SIM card from the plurality of primary virtual SIM cards as the target primary virtual SIM card.

Optionally, when the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list sets the hash combination in the manner shown in fig. 6, the processor may select the target primary virtual SIM card by:

the processor randomly selects one sub-combination from a plurality of sub-combinations contained in the hash combination;

the processor randomly selects one main virtual SIM card as the target main virtual SIM card in the selected sub-combination.

By adopting the scheme, the processor can reduce the probability of network access conflict of the terminal equipment by randomly selecting the target main virtual SIM card.

S707: and the processor sends the determined target main virtual SIM card to a modem of the terminal equipment.

S708: and the modem loads the target main virtual SIM card to access the target PLMN.

S709: the modem informs the processor of the result of the network residence. The step is an optional step, and the processor may obtain the network residing result in other manners. For example, the processor may determine the network camping result by determining whether a network signal of the target PLMN is received.

S710 a: when the processor determines that the network camping fails, the units in the terminal device re-execute S704-S709 to select a new target PLMN list, thereby selecting an identifier of the new target PLMN and a new target primary virtual SIM card, so that the modem loads the new target primary virtual SIM card to access the new target PLMN.

S710 b: when the processor determines that the network residence is successful, the processor interacts with a server (which may be referred to as a second server) of a local network operator through the accessed target PLMN, and executes a process of downloading the sub-virtual SIM card of the network operator.

And after the processor acquires the sub-virtual SIM card from the second server, the sub-virtual SIM card is loaded through a modem to carry out network residence, the target PLMN is accessed, and local mobile data services are enjoyed.

Since in conventional network access methods the stored primary virtual SIM card of the terminal device is from a single data service provider. However, according to the global market demand, a single data service provider needs to support all service areas around the world, i.e., the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supports all service area roaming around the world, as shown in fig. 8.

In fig. 8 and subsequent fig. 9 and 10, one MCC may represent one service area. The PLMNs that are connected by a ray with MCCs supported by a certain data service provider are: within the MCC, the PLMN is accessible to terminal devices through the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider. In other words, the PLMN is a PLMN provided by a network operator having the MCC as a local service area, which is subscribed to the data service provider.

Since each data service provider needs to support all service areas of the world, the conventional network access method has a high coverage requirement for the data service provider, which also increases the roaming cost of the data service provider and increases the production cost of the primary virtual SIM card.

The network access method provided by the above embodiment of the present application can overcome the problem of service limitation of the primary virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider. Then, on that basis, the present application also provides an embodiment in order to reduce the coverage requirements for the data service provider.

In this embodiment, the sum of the service areas supported by all of the plurality of data service providers is equal to all of the service areas around the globe, and the service area supported by at least one of the data service providers is less than all of the service areas around the globe.

Each data service provider is the data service provider to which the main virtual card stored in the terminal device belongs in the above embodiments.

By the embodiment, the terminal equipment can be ensured to be successfully resident in any service area of the world, and the coverage requirement of a single data service provider is reduced, so that the selection range of the network access method provided by the embodiment of the application to the data service provider can be greatly expanded.

In one example of this embodiment, each data service provider supports a service area that is less than all of the service area around the world. For example, as shown in fig. 9, the data service provider 1 supports a part of all service areas (MCC1, MCC2 and MCC3) around the world; data service provider 2 also supports a portion of all service areas around the world (MCC4, MCC5 and MCC 6); and a portion of the global total service area (MCC (n-2), MCC (n-1), and MCCn) also supported by the data service provider g.

With the approach provided by this example, the coverage requirements of each data service provider can be further reduced.

In another example of this embodiment, there is an overlap of service areas supported by different data service providers. For example, as shown in fig. 10, both data service provider 1 and data service provider 2 support MCC3 and MCC 4.

By the scheme provided by the example, when different data service providers support the service area where the terminal device is currently located, the terminal device may select a primary virtual SIM card of one of the data service providers to camp on the network when performing network access. Further, if a network-residence failure occurs, the terminal device may further select a primary virtual SIM card of another data service provider to perform network residence. Obviously, the scheme can further solve the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider, and improve the probability of successful network residence of the terminal equipment.

Based on the above example, the present application also provides another example. In this example, in the plurality of data service providers, there is an overlap of the service area supported by each data service provider with the service area supported by the other data service providers.

With the scheme provided by this example, the overlapping service areas can be extended. Therefore, the terminal equipment solves the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider in more service areas, and improves the probability of successful network residence.

Based on the above example, the present application also provides another example. In this example, each service area within all service areas around the world is supported by a different data service provider.

By the scheme provided by the example, the terminal equipment in each service area around the world can be accessed to the local network by network residence through the main virtual SIM cards of a plurality of data service providers. Therefore, the scheme can solve the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider to the maximum extent, and improve the probability of successful network residence of the terminal equipment.

Based on the above embodiments, the present application embodiment further provides a terminal device, where the terminal device may apply the application scenario shown in fig. 2, so as to implement the network access method shown in fig. 3. Referring to fig. 11, the terminal device 1100 includes: a storage unit 1101 and a processing unit 1102, wherein,

a storage unit 1101, configured to store primary virtual SIM cards of a plurality of data service providers, and a second PLMN list supported by each data service provider in the plurality of data service providers, where the second PLMN list supported by any data service provider includes: an identification of a PLMN that the terminal device 1100 can access through the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider;

a processing unit 1102 configured to:

obtaining a first PLMN list, wherein the first PLMN list comprises: an identifier of a PLMN where a physical SIM card in the terminal device 1100 resides, and/or an identifier of a PLMN in a network search result generated by the processing unit 1102 during executing a network search process;

obtaining the plurality of second PLMN lists from the storage unit 1101;

matching the first PLMN list with the plurality of second PLMN lists, and determining a target PLMN list in the plurality of second PLMN lists; wherein the identity of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list matches the identity of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list;

selecting an identifier of a target PLMN from the target PLMN list, wherein the identifier of the target PLMN is matched with the identifier of the PLMN contained in the first PLMN list;

determining, among the primary virtual SIM cards of the plurality of data service providers stored in the storage unit 1101, a primary virtual SIM card of a data service provider that supports the target PLMN list as a target primary virtual SIM card; and performing network residence through the target main virtual SIM card to access the target PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the target PLMN.

In one implementation, matching the identifier of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list with the identifier of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list includes:

the identifier of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list is the same as the identifier of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list; or

The mobile country code MCC in the identities of PLMNs comprised in the target PLMN list is the same as the MCC in the identities of PLMNs comprised in the first PLMN list.

In an implementation manner, when the processing unit 1102 determines the target PLMN list from the plurality of second PLMN lists, specifically, is configured to:

determining W PLMN lists to be selected in the second PLMN list, wherein W is a positive integer, and the identifier of the PLMN contained in each PLMN list to be selected is matched with the identifier of the PLMN contained in the first PLMN list;

and selecting the target PLMN list from the W PLMN lists to be selected.

In one implementation, the storage unit is further configured to: storing a priority for each of the plurality of second PLMN lists;

when W is greater than or equal to 2, when the processing unit 1102 selects the target PLMN list from the W candidate PLMN lists, specifically:

acquiring the priority of each PLMN list in the W candidate PLMN lists from the storage unit 1101;

and selecting the candidate PLMN list with the highest priority as the target PLMN list from the W candidate PLMN lists.

In one implementation, the priority of any one of the second PLMN lists may be determined according to at least one of the following information of the data service providers supporting the second PLMN list:

network access cost, network signal strength, network coverage, quality of service, and business policies.

In one implementation, the priority of each second PLMN list is set for the service area where the terminal device 1100 is currently located; or

The priority of each second PLMN list is set for all service areas around the world.

In one implementation, the processing unit 1102 is further configured to:

after determining that network residence is failed through the target main virtual SIM card, selecting a PLMN list to be selected with the highest priority level from the W PLMN lists to be selected as a new target PLMN list;

selecting an identity of a new target PLMN from the new target PLMN list, wherein the identity of the new target PLMN matches the identity of a PLMN contained in the first PLMN list;

determining, among the plurality of data service provider primary virtual SIM cards stored in the memory, a data service provider primary virtual SIM card supporting the new target PLMN list as a new target primary virtual SIM card;

and performing network residence through the new target main virtual SIM card to access the new target PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the new target PLMN.

In an implementation manner, when determining that network camping via the target primary virtual SIM card fails, the processing unit 1102 is specifically configured to:

access to the target PLMN fails; or

And successfully accessing the target PLMN, and determining that the signal strength of the received network signals from the target PLMN is lower than a set signal strength threshold.

In an implementation manner, when determining that the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list is the target primary virtual SIM card, the processing unit 1102 is specifically configured to:

acquiring a hash combination of the data service providers supporting the target PLMN list from the primary virtual SIM cards of the data service providers stored in the storage unit 1101, wherein the hash combination includes a plurality of primary virtual SIM cards;

in the hash combination, one master virtual SIM card is randomly selected as the target master virtual SIM card.

acquiring a hash combination of the data service providers supporting the target PLMN list from the primary virtual SIM cards of the multiple data service providers stored in the storage unit 1101, wherein the hash combination includes multiple sub-combinations, and each sub-combination includes multiple primary virtual SIM cards;

randomly selecting one sub-combination from the plurality of sub-combinations;

randomly selecting one master virtual SIM card as the target master virtual SIM card in the selected sub-combination.

In one implementation, a sum of service areas supported by all of the plurality of data service providers is equal to all of the service areas worldwide, and a service area supported by at least one data service provider is less than all of the service areas worldwide.

In one implementation, there is an overlap in service areas supported by different ones of the plurality of data service providers.

In one implementation, in the plurality of data service providers, each data service provider supports a service area that overlaps with service areas supported by other data service providers.

In one implementation, each service area within the all-world service area is supported by a different data service provider of the plurality of data service providers.

The embodiment of the application provides terminal equipment, wherein the terminal equipment stores master virtual SIM cards of a plurality of data service providers, so that the terminal equipment can select the master virtual SIM card of one data service provider of the plurality of data service providers to carry out network residence, and then access a network. Through the scheme, the terminal equipment can select the main virtual SIM card of the data service provider with higher success rate of accessing the network to carry out network residence. Therefore, the scheme can overcome the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider, thereby ensuring the network quality of the terminal equipment and improving the mobile data service experience of a user. In addition, after the terminal device selects the main virtual SIM card of one data service provider and is subject to service limitation, the terminal device may select the main virtual SIM card of another data service provider to continue network residence, so that the solution may further solve the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider in the conventional technology.

It should be noted that, the division of the modules in the embodiments of the present application is schematic, and is only a logical function division, and in actual implementation, there may be another division manner, and in addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated in one processing unit, or may exist alone physically, or two or more units are integrated in one unit. The integrated unit can be realized in a form of hardware, and can also be realized in a form of a software functional unit.

The integrated unit, if implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as a stand-alone product, may be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solution of the present application may be substantially implemented or contributed by the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution may be embodied in a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, a network device, or the like) or a processor (processor) to execute all or part of the steps of the method according to the embodiments of the present application. And the aforementioned storage medium includes: various media capable of storing program codes, such as a usb disk, a removable hard disk, a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

Based on the above embodiments, the present application further provides a terminal device, which may be applied in the application scenario shown in fig. 2, is used to implement the network access method shown in fig. 3, and has the function of the terminal device 1100 shown in fig. 11. Referring to fig. 12, the terminal apparatus 1200 includes: a processor 1201 and a memory 1202. Wherein the processor 1201 and the memory 1202 are connected to each other.

Optionally, the terminal device 1200 further includes a transceiver 1203, and the transceiver 1203, the processor 1201 and the memory 1202 are connected to each other through a bus 1204. The bus 1204 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, or the like. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is shown in FIG. 12, but this is not intended to represent only one bus or type of bus.

The transceiver 1203 is configured to receive and transmit data, so as to implement communication with other devices. Optionally, the transceiver 1203 may be a communication module such as an RF circuit, a WiFi module, a bluetooth module, and an NFC module, which is not limited in this application.

The memory 1202 is configured to store primary virtual subscriber identity module SIM cards of a plurality of data service providers and a second PLMN list supported by each data service provider of the plurality of data service providers, where the second PLMN list supported by any data service provider includes: the identity of the PLMN accessible to the terminal device 1200 via the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider.

The processor 1201 is configured to implement the network access method provided in the embodiment shown in fig. 3, and includes:

obtaining a first PLMN list, wherein the first PLMN list comprises: an identifier of a PLMN where a physical SIM card in the terminal device 1200 resides, and/or an identifier of a PLMN in a network search result generated by the processor 1201 during execution of a network search process;

obtaining the plurality of second PLMN lists from the memory 1202;

matching the first PLMN list with the obtained second PLMN lists, and determining a target PLMN list in the second PLMN lists; wherein the identity of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list matches the identity of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list;

determining, among the plurality of data service provider primary virtual SIM cards stored in the memory 1202, a data service provider primary virtual SIM card supporting the target PLMN list as a target primary virtual SIM card; and performing network residence through the target main virtual SIM card to access the target PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the target PLMN.

In one implementation, when the processor 1201 determines the target PLMN list from the plurality of second PLMN lists, it is specifically configured to:

and selecting the target PLMN list from the W PLMN lists to be selected.

In one implementation, the memory 1202 is further configured to: storing a priority for each of the plurality of second PLMN lists;

when W is greater than or equal to 2, the processor 1201 is specifically configured to, when selecting the target PLMN list from the W candidate PLMN lists:

obtaining the priority of each PLMN list in the W candidate PLMN lists from the memory 1202;

In one implementation, the priority of each second PLMN list is set for the service area where the terminal device 1200 is currently located; or

In one implementation, the processor 1201 is further configured to:

determining, as a new target primary virtual SIM card, a primary virtual SIM card of a data service provider that supports the new target PLMN list, among the plurality of data service provider's primary virtual SIM cards stored by the memory 1202;

In an implementation manner, when determining that the network camping via the target primary virtual SIM card fails, the processor 1201 is specifically configured to:

access to the target PLMN fails; or

In an implementation manner, when determining that the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list is the target primary virtual SIM card, the processor 1201 is specifically configured to:

obtaining a hash combination of data service providers supporting the target PLMN list from the primary virtual SIM cards of the data service providers stored in the memory 1202, wherein the hash combination includes a plurality of primary virtual SIM cards;

obtaining a hash combination of the data service providers supporting the target PLMN list from the primary virtual SIM cards of the data service providers stored in the memory 1202, wherein the hash combination includes a plurality of sub-combinations, and each sub-combination includes a plurality of primary virtual SIM cards;

randomly selecting one sub-combination from the plurality of sub-combinations;

In one implementation, when the processor 1201 does not integrate the function of a modem, the terminal device 1200 further includes a modem 1205, in which case the processor 1201 performs network hosting through the target primary virtual SIM card, specifically configured to:

the processor 1201 sends the target primary virtual SIM card and the identity of the target PLMN to the modem 1205;

the modem 1205 is specifically configured to: and loading the target main virtual SIM card to access the target PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the target PLMN.

The memory 1202 is also used for storing computer programs, instructions, and the like. In particular, the computer program, instructions may comprise program code comprising computer operating instructions. Memory 1202 may comprise Random Access Memory (RAM) and may also include non-volatile memory (e.g., at least one disk memory). The processor 1201 executes the computer program and the instructions stored in the memory 1202 to implement the above functions, thereby implementing the network access method provided by the above embodiments.

Based on the above embodiments, the present application provides a computer program, which, when running on a computer, causes the computer to execute the network access method provided by the above embodiments.

Based on the foregoing embodiments, the present application provides a computer storage medium, in which computer instructions are stored, and when the computer instructions are executed by a computer, the computer is caused to execute the network access method provided by the foregoing embodiments.

Based on the above embodiments, the present application provides a chip, which is used to read and execute the computer program stored in the memory, so as to implement the network access method in the above embodiments.

Based on the foregoing embodiments, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, where the chip system includes a processor, and is used to support a terminal device to implement corresponding functions related in the foregoing embodiments. In one possible design, the system-on-chip further includes a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the terminal device. The chip system may be constituted by a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

In summary, the embodiments of the present application provide a network access method and a terminal device. In this scheme, the terminal device stores the primary virtual SIM cards of multiple data service providers, so that the terminal device can select the primary virtual SIM card of one data service provider of the multiple data service providers to camp on the network, thereby accessing the network. Through the scheme, the terminal equipment can select the main virtual SIM card of the data service provider with higher success rate of accessing the network to carry out network residence. Therefore, the scheme can overcome the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider, thereby ensuring the network quality of the terminal equipment and improving the mobile data service experience of a user. In addition, after the terminal device selects the main virtual SIM card of one data service provider and is subject to service limitation, the terminal device may select the main virtual SIM card of another data service provider to continue network residence, so that the solution may further solve the problem of service limitation of the main virtual SIM card caused by a single data service provider in the conventional technology.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, embodiments of the present application may be provided as a method, system, or computer program product. Accordingly, the present application may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present application may take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, and the like) having computer-usable program code embodied therein.

The present application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the application. It will be understood that each flow and/or block of the flow diagrams and/or block diagrams, and combinations of flows and/or blocks in the flow diagrams and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart flow or flows and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function specified in the flowchart flow or flows and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart flow or flows and/or block diagram block or blocks.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made in the embodiments of the present application without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present application. Thus, if such modifications and variations of the embodiments of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is also intended to encompass such modifications and variations.

Claims

A network access method applied to a terminal device, wherein primary virtual subscriber identity module SIM cards of a plurality of data service providers are stored in the terminal device, the method comprising:

the terminal equipment acquires a first Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) list, wherein the first PLMN list comprises: the identifier of the PLMN where the physical SIM card in the terminal equipment resides, and/or the identifier of the PLMN in a network searching result generated by the terminal equipment in the network searching process;

the terminal device obtains a stored second PLMN list supported by each of the plurality of data service providers, where the second PLMN list supported by any one of the data service providers includes: the identifier of the PLMN that the terminal equipment can access through the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider;

the terminal equipment matches the first PLMN list with the obtained second PLMN lists, and determines a target PLMN list in the second PLMN lists; wherein the identity of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list matches the identity of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list;

the terminal equipment selects an identifier of a target PLMN from the target PLMN list, wherein the identifier of the target PLMN is matched with the identifier of a PLMN contained in the first PLMN list;

the terminal equipment determines a primary virtual SIM card of a data service provider supporting the target PLMN list as a target primary virtual SIM card in the stored primary virtual SIM cards of the plurality of data service providers; and performing network residence through the target main virtual SIM card to access the target PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the target PLMN.
The method of claim 1, wherein the identification of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list matches the identification of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list, comprising:

the identifier of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list is the same as the identifier of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list; or

The mobile country code MCC in the identities of PLMNs comprised in the target PLMN list is the same as the MCC in the identities of PLMNs comprised in the first PLMN list.
The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal device determining the target PLMN list among the plurality of second PLMN lists comprises:

the terminal equipment determines W PLMN lists to be selected in the second PLMN list, wherein W is a positive integer, and the identifier of the PLMN contained in each PLMN list to be selected is matched with the identifier of the PLMN contained in the first PLMN list;

and the terminal equipment selects the target PLMN list from the W PLMN lists to be selected.
The method of claim 3, wherein the terminal device stores a priority for each of the plurality of second PLMN lists;

when W is greater than or equal to 2, the terminal device selects the target PLMN list from the W candidate PLMN lists, including:

the terminal equipment acquires the priority of each PLMN list in the W PLMN lists to be selected;

and the terminal equipment selects the candidate PLMN list with the highest priority as the target PLMN list from the W candidate PLMN lists.
The method of claim 4, wherein the priority of any one of the second PLMN lists is determined based on at least one of the following information of data service providers supporting the second PLMN list:

network access cost, network signal strength, network coverage, quality of service, and business policies.
The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the priority of each second PLMN list is set for the service area in which the terminal device is currently located; or

The priority of each second PLMN list is set for all service areas around the world.
The method of any one of claims 4-6, further comprising:

after the terminal equipment fails to stay in the network through the target primary virtual SIM card, selecting a PLMN list to be selected with the highest priority level from the W PLMN lists to be selected as a new target PLMN list;

the terminal equipment selects an identifier of a new target PLMN from the new target PLMN list, wherein the identifier of the new target PLMN is matched with the identifier of the PLMN contained in the first PLMN list;

the terminal equipment determines a primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the new target PLMN list as a new target primary virtual SIM card in the primary virtual SIM cards of the data service providers;

and the terminal equipment performs network residence through the new target main virtual SIM card so as to access the new target PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the new target PLMN.
The method of claim 7, wherein the failure of the terminal device to camp on the network through the target primary virtual SIM card comprises:

the terminal equipment fails to access the target PLMN; or

The terminal device is successfully accessed to the target PLMN, and the terminal device determines that the signal strength of the received network signal from the target PLMN is lower than a set signal strength threshold.
The method according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the terminal device determining, among the stored primary virtual SIM cards of the plurality of data service providers, that the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list is a target primary virtual SIM card, comprises:

the terminal equipment acquires a hash combination of the data service providers supporting the target PLMN list from primary virtual SIM cards of the data service providers, wherein the hash combination comprises the primary virtual SIM cards;

and the terminal equipment randomly selects one main virtual SIM card from a plurality of main virtual SIM cards contained in the hash combination as the target main virtual SIM card.
The method according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the terminal device determining, among the stored primary virtual SIM cards of the plurality of data service providers, that the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list is a target primary virtual SIM card, comprises:

the terminal equipment acquires a hash combination of the data service providers supporting the target PLMN list from main virtual SIM cards of the data service providers, wherein the hash combination comprises a plurality of sub-combinations, and each sub-combination comprises a plurality of main virtual SIM cards;

the terminal equipment randomly selects one sub-combination from a plurality of sub-combinations contained in the hash combination;

and the terminal equipment randomly selects one main virtual SIM card as the target main virtual SIM card from the plurality of main virtual SIM cards contained in the selected sub-combination.
The method of any of claims 1-10, wherein a sum of service areas supported by all of the plurality of data service providers is equal to all service areas worldwide, and at least one data service provider supports a service area that is less than all service areas worldwide.
The method of claim 11, wherein there is an overlap in service areas supported by different ones of the plurality of data service providers.
The method of claim 12, wherein in the plurality of data service providers, each data service provider supports an area of service that overlaps with areas of service supported by other data service providers.
The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein each service area within the global universe of service areas is supported by a different data service provider of the plurality of data service providers.
A terminal device, comprising:

a memory for storing primary virtual Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards of a plurality of data service providers and a list of second Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) supported by each of the plurality of data service providers, wherein the list of second PLMNs supported by any one of the plurality of data service providers comprises: the identifier of the PLMN that the terminal equipment can access through the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider;

a processor to:

obtaining a first PLMN list, wherein the first PLMN list comprises: the identifier of the PLMN where the physical SIM card in the terminal equipment resides, and/or the identifier of the PLMN in the network searching result generated by the processor in the network searching process;

obtaining the plurality of second PLMN lists from the memory;

matching the first PLMN list with the obtained second PLMN lists, and determining a target PLMN list in the second PLMN lists; wherein the identity of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list matches the identity of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list;

selecting an identifier of a target PLMN from the target PLMN list, wherein the identifier of the target PLMN is matched with the identifier of the PLMN contained in the first PLMN list;

determining, among the plurality of data service provider primary virtual SIM cards stored in the memory, a data service provider primary virtual SIM card supporting the target PLMN list as a target primary virtual SIM card; and performing network residence through the target main virtual SIM card to access the target PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the target PLMN.
The terminal device of claim 15, wherein the identification of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list matches the identification of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list, comprising:

the identifier of the PLMN included in the target PLMN list is the same as the identifier of the PLMN included in the first PLMN list; or

The mobile country code MCC in the identities of PLMNs comprised in the target PLMN list is the same as the MCC in the identities of PLMNs comprised in the first PLMN list.
The terminal device of claim 15 or 16, wherein the processor, when determining the target PLMN list among the plurality of second PLMN lists, is specifically configured to:

determining W PLMN lists to be selected in the second PLMN list, wherein W is a positive integer, and the identifier of the PLMN contained in each PLMN list to be selected is matched with the identifier of the PLMN contained in the first PLMN list;

and selecting the target PLMN list from the W PLMN lists to be selected.
The terminal device of claim 17, wherein the memory is further configured to: storing a priority for each of the plurality of second PLMN lists;

when W is greater than or equal to 2, the processor is specifically configured to, when selecting the target PLMN list from the W candidate PLMN lists:

acquiring the priority of each PLMN list in the W PLMN lists to be selected from the memory;

and selecting the candidate PLMN list with the highest priority as the target PLMN list from the W candidate PLMN lists.
The terminal device of claim 18, wherein the priority of any one of the second PLMN list is determined based on at least one of the following information of data service providers supporting the second PLMN list:

network access cost, network signal strength, network coverage, quality of service, and business policies.
The terminal device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the priority of each second PLMN list is set for a service area in which the terminal device is currently located; or

The priority of each second PLMN list is set for all service areas around the world.
The terminal device of any of claims 18-20, wherein the processor is further configured to:

after determining that network residence is failed through the target main virtual SIM card, selecting a PLMN list to be selected with the highest priority level from the W PLMN lists to be selected as a new target PLMN list;

selecting an identity of a new target PLMN from the new target PLMN list, wherein the identity of the new target PLMN matches the identity of a PLMN contained in the first PLMN list;

determining, among the plurality of data service provider primary virtual SIM cards stored in the memory, a data service provider primary virtual SIM card supporting the new target PLMN list as a new target primary virtual SIM card;

and performing network residence through the new target main virtual SIM card to access the new target PLMN corresponding to the identifier of the new target PLMN.
The terminal device of claim 21, wherein the processor, when determining that the network camping via the target primary virtual SIM card fails, is specifically configured to:

access to the target PLMN fails; or

And successfully accessing the target PLMN, and determining that the signal strength of the received network signals from the target PLMN is lower than a set signal strength threshold.
The terminal device according to any of claims 15-22, wherein the processor, when determining that the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list is a target primary virtual SIM card, is specifically configured to:

obtaining a hash combination of the data service providers supporting the target PLMN list from the primary virtual SIM cards of the plurality of data service providers stored in the memory, wherein the hash combination comprises the plurality of primary virtual SIM cards;

randomly selecting one of the plurality of primary virtual SIM cards included in the hash combination as the target primary virtual SIM card.
The terminal device according to any of claims 15-22, wherein the processor, when determining that the primary virtual SIM card of the data service provider supporting the target PLMN list is a target primary virtual SIM card, is specifically configured to:

obtaining a hash combination of the data service providers supporting the target PLMN list from primary virtual SIM cards of the data service providers stored in the memory, wherein the hash combination comprises a plurality of sub-combinations, and each sub-combination comprises a plurality of primary virtual SIM cards;

randomly selecting one sub-combination from a plurality of sub-combinations contained in the hash combination;

and randomly selecting one main virtual SIM card from the plurality of main virtual SIM cards contained in the selected sub-combination as the target main virtual SIM card.
The terminal device of any of claims 15-24, wherein a sum of service areas supported by all of the plurality of data service providers is equal to all service areas around the world, and at least one data service provider supports a service area that is less than all service areas around the world.
The terminal device of claim 25, wherein there is an overlap in service areas supported by different ones of the plurality of data service providers.
The terminal device of claim 26, wherein in the plurality of data service providers, there is an overlap of service areas supported by each data service provider with service areas supported by other data service providers.
The terminal device of claim 26 or 27, wherein each service area within said all-world service area is supported by a different data service provider of said plurality of data service providers.
A computer program, characterized in that it causes a computer to carry out the method as provided in any one of claims 1 to 14, when said computer program is run on the computer.
A computer storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method provided in any one of claims 1 to 14.