WO2005117468A1

WO2005117468A1 - A method of selecting a network by multimode terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2005117468A1
Application number: PCT/CN2005/000740
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jie Wang
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-05-27
Filing date: 2005-05-27
Publication date: 2005-12-08
Also published as: CN1705400A; CN100499913C

Abstract

A method of selecting a network by multimode terminal includes the steps of the following: setting priorities for all access modes supported by the multimode terminal, and setting priorities for networks under each access mode; and selecting an access mode according to the set priorities of access mode, selecting a network according to the priorities of networks under the selected access mode and accessing to the selected network. The method of the present invention solves the problem that the prior multimode terminal can not automatically select access mode, and make the multimode terminal to realize the function of automatically selecting access mode by setting the priorities of access modes and the priorities of networks under each access mode.

Description

Method for selecting network by multi-mode terminal

Technical field

The present invention relates to wireless access technology, and in particular, to a method for a multi-mode terminal to select a network. Background of the invention

With the development of wireless communication technology, more and more wireless access methods can be selected by users. The well-known wireless access methods are: Global Mobile Communication (GSM), Total Access Network (TACS), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) ), Code division multiple access (CDMA), code division multiple access 2000 (cdma 2000 wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth (Bluetooth), etc.) These access methods are in terms of transmission rate, coverage, network construction cost, security, etc. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Multiple access networks can use the same access method. For example, the three access networks of UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), GSM, and GSM COMPACT all use the GSM / WCDMA access method.

Because different access methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, in order to be able to take into account the advantages of various access methods, user terminals that support multiple access methods, that is, multi-mode terminals, have appeared in recent years. For example, a dual-mode mobile phone compatible with PHS and GSM / WCDMA allows users to enjoy the advantages of PHS and the network advantages of GSM / WCDMA. It is compatible with the second-generation mobile communication (2G) network and the first The dual-mode mobile phone of the third generation mobile communication (3G) network can realize seamless transfer and work smoothly in two systems of GSM and WCDMA.

Although there are currently some multi-mode terminals that can simultaneously access multiple networks using different access methods, most multi-mode terminals can only access one network under one access method at a time, so , Most multi-mode terminals must make network selection, that is, choose an interface Enter a network in the mode and connect to the selected network.

Generally, a multi-mode terminal selects a network through an access mode identification and a public land mobile communication network (PLMN) identification. An access mode identifier indicates an access mode, and a PLMN identifier indicates a network.

Information related to network selection is stored in a subscriber identity module (USIM) on a multi-mode terminal's user identification module (SIM) card. The information mainly includes: home network, access mode identification list, and each access mode List of PLMN priorities. The PLMN priority list is also referred to as a network priority list. The list is the PLMN identification of the networks sorted by priority. The access mode identification list includes the identifications of the access modes supported by all multi-mode terminals. Sort.

Multi-mode terminal network selection has two modes: manual and automatic. In the manual network selection mode, the user first selects an access method from the access method list, and then selects one of the access methods from all networks in which the multi-mode terminal detects a signal under the selected access method. Network, and initiate an access request to the network.

The following describes a method for automatically selecting a network by a multi-mode terminal. FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for automatically selecting a network by a multi-mode terminal in the prior art. As can be seen from FIG.

Step 101: Display a list of access modes on the screen of the multi-mode terminal for the user to select, until it is recognized that the user has selected an access mode.

Step 102: Select the network with the highest priority from the network priority list under the access method selected by the user.

Step 103: Determine whether the selected network is currently reachable, and if yes, go to step 104; otherwise, go to step 105.

Step 104: Initiate an access request to the selected network, and if the selected network is successfully accessed, end; otherwise, perform step 105. Step 105: Determine whether the priority of the selected network is the lowest in the network priority list, and if yes, go to step 107; otherwise, go to step 106.

Step 106: Select the next network in the network priority list that has a lower priority than the current network, and then perform step 103.

Step 107: Display a network selection failure message on the screen of the multi-mode terminal, and then end. It can be known from the technical solutions of the prior art that when a multi-mode terminal enters an automatic selection mode, a user must first manually select an access mode, and then the multi-mode terminal automatically selects all access networks in the access mode. Therefore, the multi-mode terminal cannot implement a completely automatic network selection. If the user's desired access method is unreachable at a certain time, after the network quality of the access method is improved, the user can only switch to the user's desired access method manually, and the multi-mode terminal cannot automatically select the network through Automatically switch to the ideal access method for users. Therefore, users cannot conveniently access the networks they wish to access, which causes great inconvenience for users to use multi-mode terminals. Summary of the invention

The main object of the present invention is to provide a method for a multi-mode terminal to select a network, so that the multi-mode terminal can automatically select an access mode.

The object of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solutions:

A method for a multi-mode terminal to select a network includes:

A. Set the priority for the access modes supported by the multi-mode terminal, and set the priority for the network in each access mode;

B. Select an access method according to the set access method priority, and select a network and access the selected network according to the set network priority under the selected access method.

Wherein, setting the priority for the access method described in step A is: setting at least one access method priority list, Steps A and B include: establishing a candidate access mode priority list according to the access mode priority list,

The selection of the access method described in step B is: selecting the access method according to the established priority list of candidate access methods.

Wherein, setting the priority list of the access method as described in step A is: according to the user's selection as: the access method sets the priority and saves it in the access method priority list, or sets the priority for the access method according to the operator's selection And saved in the access method priority list,

Between step A and step B: use the access mode priority list as a candidate access mode priority list.

Wherein, setting the priority list of the access method in step A is: setting the priority for the access method according to the user's selection and storing it in the first access method priority list, and setting the priority for the access method according to the operator's selection And is stored in the priority list of the second access mode. Steps A and B include:

Pl. Establish a candidate access mode priority list according to the first and second access mode priority lists.

Wherein, the specific steps of establishing the candidate access mode priority list described in step P1 are: P11. The access mode included in the first access mode priority list is determined according to the access mode included in the first access mode priority list. The priority order is copied to the top of the priority list of candidate access modes;

P22. The access methods included in the priority list of the second access method but not included in the priority list of the first access method are arranged in the order of priority in the priority list of the second access method. After the access method that already exists in the candidate access method priority list.

Wherein, setting the priority for the network in each access mode as described in step A is: setting at least one network priority list in each access mode,

Step A and step B include: according to at least one network in each access mode ' The priority list establishes a candidate network priority list in a corresponding access mode, and the selecting network in step B is: selecting a network according to the established candidate network priority list in the selected access mode.

Wherein, setting the network priority list in each access mode as described in step A is: setting a priority for the network in each access mode according to the user's selection and storing it in the network priority list in each access mode, or Set the priority for the network in each access method according to the operator's selection and save it in the network priority list for each access method.

Between step A and step B: use the network priority list in each access mode as the candidate network priority list in the corresponding access mode.

Wherein, before Step B:

Detect network signals in current access modes;

Arranging the detected networks in each access mode but not included in the first or second network priority list in the corresponding access mode in the candidate network priority list in the corresponding access mode. After the network exists.

'Wherein, the step of setting the network priority list in each access method as described in step A is: setting a priority for the network in each access method according to the user's selection and storing the first network priority list in each access method According to the operator's choice, set the priority for the network in the ^ I entry mode and save it in the second network priority list in each access mode.

Between Step A and Step B:

P2. According to the first and second network priority lists in each access mode, a candidate network priority list in each access mode is established.

The specific steps of establishing the candidate network priority list in the entry mode described in step P2 are:

P2 copies the network included in the first network priority list in each access mode to the candidate in the corresponding access mode according to its priority order in the first network priority list Select the top of the network priority list;

P22. Networks that are included in the second network priority list in each access mode but are not included in the first network priority list in the corresponding access mode according to their priority in the second network priority list The rank order is arranged behind the networks that already exist in the candidate network priority list in the corresponding access mode.

Wherein, before step P21, the method includes: detecting a network signal in each current access mode; after step P22, the method includes: detecting the first and first signals in each access mode but not included in the corresponding access mode. The networks in the second network priority list are arranged in accordance with their own arbitrary priority order after the networks that already exist in the candidate network priority list in the corresponding access mode.

Step B includes:

Bl. Select the access mode with the highest priority.

B2. Select the network and request access in the order of the network priority from the selected access method. If the access is successful, exit this process. If all networks in the selected access method fail to access Then, perform step B3;

B3. Select an access method with an access priority lower than the selected access method, and then perform step B2.

The steps between steps B2 and B3 include: determining whether the priority of the selected access method is the lowest among the access method priorities; if so, displaying a network selection failure message, and then exiting this process; otherwise, performing step B3 .

Step B2 includes:

B21: Select the network with the highest network priority in the selected access mode;

B22. Request access to the selected network, if the selected network is successfully accessed, exit this process; otherwise, go to step B23;

B23. Determine whether the priority of the selected network is the network priority of the selected access method Lowest, if yes, go to step B3; otherwise, select a network whose network priority is only lower than the selected network, and then return to step B22.

As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the present invention provides a method for a multi-mode terminal to select a network, which includes: setting priorities for all access modes supported by the multi-mode terminal and all networks in each access mode, Select an access method according to the set access method priority, and select a network and access the selected network according to the set network priority under the selected access method. In the prior art method, the priority is set only for the network in each access mode, and there is no priority set for all access modes, so the user can only manually from the access mode list displayed by the multi-mode terminal. Selecting an access method does not enable automatic selection. Therefore, the method of the present invention solves the problem that the multi-mode terminal cannot automatically select an access mode in the prior art. By setting the priority of the access mode and combining the existing network priority in the multi-mode terminal, the multi-mode terminal is truly Achieve automatic network selection.

Moreover, in the prior art, when a user selects a network, it may be necessary to perform more complicated repetitive operations before being able to access a network with ideal signals or a desired access. The method of the present invention can simplify the use of a multi-mode terminal by the user. When searching for an ideal access method and network, it is possible that the more complicated operations that need to be repeatedly performed, just enter the automatic selection mode, and the user can be connected to the ideal network according to the user's needs and network signal quality. Therefore, the present invention provides a more convenient method for users to search and select a network. Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a conventional multi-mode terminal automatically selecting a network;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a multi-mode terminal automatically selecting a network according to the present invention. Mode of Carrying Out the Invention

In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the following is combined with the accompanying drawings and drawings. Embodiments further describe the present invention.

The method of the present invention is to set priorities for all access modes supported by a multi-mode terminal, and set priorities for all networks in each access mode; select an access mode according to the set access mode priority, and Set the network priority under the selected access method to select the network and access the selected network.

Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method for a multi-mode terminal to automatically select a network according to the present invention. As can be seen from Figure 2, the method includes the following steps:

Step 201: Set the access mode priority list on the multi-mode terminal and save it.

The access mode priority list may be a user-defined access mode priority list or a network operator-defined access mode priority list. A multi-mode terminal may include one or both of the above two lists.

As shown in Table 1, the access mode priority list includes multiple access mode identifiers sorted by priority:

Table 1: Priority list of access methods

― Access technology identification 1 (highest priority)

_ Access technology identification 2

― Access technology identification 3

Access technology identification 4 Access technology identification N (lowest priority) In the access method priority list, access technology identification 1 is a required parameter, and the remaining access technology identifications are optional parameters. For example, access technology identifier 1 indicates the 3GPP access method; access technology identifier 2 indicates the 3GPP2 access method; access technology identifier 3 indicates the WLAN access method; access technology identifier 4 indicates the PHS access method; access technology identifier 5 indicates the Bluetooth access method.

In addition, a multi-mode terminal sets a network priority list corresponding to each access method, The network priority list contains PLMN IDs sorted by priority. Similar to the access mode priority list, the network priority list in each access mode also has two types of network priority lists defined by the user and the network operator. A multi-mode terminal may include one or all of the above two types of network priority 'lists.

Preferably, the access mode priority list and the network priority list in each access mode are stored in the SIM card of the multi-mode terminal.

Step 202: When the multi-mode terminal enters the automatic selection mode, the multi-mode terminal establishes a candidate access mode priority list according to the access mode priority list set in step 201 ′, and detects signals of all networks in each access mode according to the detection. The result and the network priority list in each access mode establish a candidate network priority list in each access mode.

If one of the user-defined and network operator-defined access method priority lists is stored on the multimode terminal, the candidate access method priority list is the access method priority list stored by the multimode terminal; if The multi-mode terminal stores the above two access method priority lists, then the candidate access method priority list includes all the access methods included in the two access method priority lists, and the user accesses from the user-defined priority list. The priority of the method is higher than the priority of the access method in the priority list defined by the network operator. The priority of the access method at the intersection of the two lists is the priority in the user-defined priority list of access methods.

For example, the user-defined access method priority list includes access methods X and Y, and the priority order is X is higher than Y; the network operator-defined access method list includes access methods Y, X, and ZO , The priority order is y, x, z, then, the candidate access method priority list is arranged in the order of priority from high to low as the access methods x, y, z.

Similar to the candidate access mode priority list, the candidate network priority list of each access mode can also be established in the order of the user-defined network and the network operator's network, that is, if the multimode terminal includes a network Priority list, the candidate network priority list is the saved network priority list; if the multi-mode terminal includes the above two types of network priorities List, the candidate network priority list includes all networks included in the two types of network priority lists, and the priority of the network in the user-defined priority list is higher than the priority of the network in the priority list defined by the network operator, The priority of the access method at the intersection of the two lists is the priority in the user-defined network priority list.

However, the candidate network priority list may also include a network that is not included in the user-defined and / or network operator-defined network priority list but the multi-mode terminal detects a signal. In this case, the multi-mode terminal Networks that detect a signal but are not included in the user-defined and / or network operator-defined network priority list are arranged at the end of the candidate network priority list.

For example, the networks detected by the multi-mode terminal include networks A, B, C, D, E, and F, where the networks B and D are included in the user-defined network priority list, and the priority order is networks B, D Networks C, E, and B are included in the network priority list defined by the network operator, and their priority order is network C, E, and B; Networks A and F are detected by the multi-mode terminal and are not included in the two networks mentioned above Networks in the priority list, then, in the candidate network priority list, each network is ranked as a network in the order of priority from high to low ^ D, C, E, A, F, of which the priorities of networks A and F The order is interchangeable.

Step 203: Read the candidate access method priority list and select the access method with the highest priority.

Step 204: Read the candidate network priority list under the selected access method, and select the network with the highest priority.

Step 205: Determine whether the selected network is currently reachable, and if so, perform step 206; otherwise, perform step 207.

'Generally, the network is reachable by detecting the signal strength of the network. If the signal strength of the network is greater than or equal to the signal interpretation value, the network is reachable; if the signal strength of the network is less than the signal threshold, the network is unreachable. The reason is that the network signal strength represents the current network signal strength. Quality. If the signal strength is greater than the signal threshold, the quality of the current network signal is good; if the signal strength is less than the signal threshold, the quality of the current network signal is poor.

Alternatively, the network is reachable by detecting whether the network is in an abnormal state. If the network is not in an abnormal state, the network is reachable; if the network is in an abnormal state, the network is unreachable. There are many reasons why the network is in an abnormal state. For example, the network is in a congested state. When the network is in an abnormal state, multi-mode terminals are generally not allowed to access.

Or, determine whether the network is reachable by detecting the signal strength of the network and whether the network is in an abnormal state. If the network signal strength is greater than or equal to the signal threshold and the network is not in an abnormal state, the network is reachable; if the network signal strength is less than the signal cabinet Value or the network is in an abnormal state, the network is unreachable.

Step 206: Initiate an access request to the selected network. If the multi-mode terminal passes the authentication of the selected network, it successfully accesses the selected network and ends the process of selecting the network. If the multi-mode terminal fails the authentication of the selected network Rights authentication, the access to the selected network is unsuccessful, and step 207 is performed.

Step 207: Determine whether the priority of the current network is the lowest in the candidate network priority list, and if yes, go to step 209; otherwise, go to step 208.

Step 208: Select a network with a priority lower than the current network in the candidate network priority list, and then perform step 205.

Step 209: Determine whether the priority of the current access method is the lowest in the candidate access method priority list, and if yes, perform step 211; otherwise, perform step 210.

Step 210: Select an access method with a priority lower than the current access method in the candidate access method priority list, and then perform step 204.

Step 211: Display the network selection failure message on the screen of the multi-mode terminal, and then end. The above is the specific process of the multimode terminal automatically selecting the network of the present invention. The key lies in setting priorities for all access modes supported by the multimode terminal, so that the multimode terminal can automatically Select the access method. If the user cannot access the desired network at a certain time, the user can automatically select the network with the ideal current signal, and then try to access the desired network by starting automatic network selection. Of course, the user can also try to access the network he wants to access at any time by manually selecting a method.

The user can add, delete, and modify the access methods and networks in the user-defined access method priority list and network priority list according to actual needs. For example, the user can add a new connection to the access method priority list. Access mode, or delete an existing access mode, or adjust the priority order of each access mode in the access mode priority list.

In the specific implementation process, the method according to the present invention can be appropriately improved to meet the specific needs of specific situations. Therefore, it can be understood that the specific implementation manner according to the present invention is merely exemplary, and is not used to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claim

1. A method for selecting a network by a multi-mode terminal, comprising:

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, setting the priority for the access method in step A is: setting at least one access method priority list,

Steps A and B include: establishing a candidate access mode priority list according to the access mode priority list,

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the setting the access method priority list in step A is: setting a priority for the access method according to a user's selection and storing the priority in the access method priority list, Or, set the priority for the access method according to the operator's selection and save it in the access method priority list.

Between step A and step B: Use the set access mode priority list as the candidate access mode priority list.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the setting the access method priority list in step A is: setting a priority for the access method according to a user selection and storing the priority in the first access method priority list , Setting a priority for the access method according to the selection of the operator and storing the priority in the second access method priority list,

Steps A and B include:

P1. Establish a candidate access mode priority list according to the first and second access mode priority lists.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, in step -1, the specific steps of establishing a priority list of candidate access modes are:

P 11. Copy the access methods included in the first access method priority list to the front of the candidate access method priority list according to their priority order in the first access method priority list;

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in step A, setting a priority for a network in each access mode is: setting at least one network priority in each access mode List,

Step A and step B include: establishing a candidate network priority list corresponding to the access mode according to the at least one network priority list in each access mode,

The selecting network described in step B is: selecting a network according to the established candidate network priority list of the selected access mode.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, in step A, setting the network priority list in each access mode is: setting a priority for a network in each access mode according to a user's selection and storing the priority in the network. In the network priority list in each access method, or set the priority for the network in each access method according to the operator's selection and save it in the network priority list in each access method,

Between step A and step B: Use the set network priority list for each access mode as the candidate network priority list for each access mode.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein before step B, the method comprises: detecting a network signal in each current access mode;

Optimize network detected in each access method but not included in the corresponding access method The networks in the priority list are arranged behind the already existing networks in the candidate network priority list in the corresponding access mode.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, in step A, setting a network priority list in each access mode is: setting a priority for a network in each access mode according to a user's selection and storing the priority in the network. In the first network priority list in each access mode, set the priority for the network in each access mode according to the operator's selection and save it in the second network priority list in each access mode.

Between Step A and Step B:

P2. According to the set first and second network priority lists in each access mode, a candidate network priority list in each access mode is established.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the specific steps of establishing the candidate network priority list in each access mode in step P2 are:

P21. Copy the network included in the first network priority list in each access mode according to its priority order in the first network priority list to the front of the candidate network priority list in the corresponding access mode ;

P22 Networks included in the second network priority list in each access method, but not included in the first network priority list in the corresponding access method according to their priority order in the second network priority list It is arranged behind the networks that already exist in the candidate network priority list in the corresponding access mode.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein before step B, the method comprises:

• Detect network signals in current access modes;

The networks in each access mode for which a signal is detected but not included in the first and second network priority lists of the corresponding access mode are arranged in the corresponding access mode candidates according to their own priority order After the network that already exists in the network priority list.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein step B comprises: Bl, selecting an access method with the highest priority for the access method;

B2. Select the network and request access in the order of the network priority from the selected access method. If the access is successful, exit this process; if all networks in the selected access method fail to access Then, perform step B3;

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein between steps B2 and B3 comprises: judging whether the priority of the selected access method is the lowest among the access method priorities, and if yes, displaying the network selection Failure message, and then exit this process; otherwise, go to step B3 „

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein step B2 comprises: B21. Select a network with a highest network priority in the selected access mode;

B23. Determine whether the priority of the selected network is the lowest among the network priorities of the selected access method, and if yes, go to step B3; otherwise, select a network whose network priority is only lower than the selected network, and then return Step B22.