ELECTRONIC DEVICE COMPRISING MULTIPLE SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MODULES AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF

An apparatus and/or a method for providing dual connectivity (DC) in an electronic device which may include multiple SIMs. An electronic device may include: a first SIM comprising first subscriber identity information; a second SIM comprising second subscriber identify information; a wireless communication circuit; and at least one processor operatively connected to the first SIM, the second SIM, and the communication circuit, wherein the at least one processor: connects to a first MCG network or a first SCG network, based on the first subscriber identity information when data communication using the first subscriber identity information is configured; identifies a state of communication with the first MCG network; restricts addition of a second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information when the state of communication with the first MCG network is a connected state; and allows addition of the second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information when the state of communication with the first MCG network is in an idle state. Other embodiments may be also possible.

BACKGROUND

Field

Various example embodiments relate to an apparatus for providing dual connectivity in an electronic device including multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs), and an operation method thereof.

Description of Related Art

An electronic device may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) for managing personal information related to various functions such as user authentication, charging, and security functions.

The electronic device may perform wireless communication based on subscriber identity information stored in the subscribe identity module. When the electronic device includes multiple subscriber identity modules, the electronic device may perform wireless communication based on subscriber identity information stored in each of the subscriber identity modules.

SUMMARY

When an electronic device includes multiple subscriber identity modules, the electronic device may independently perform wireless communication based on each of the subscriber identity modules. For example, the electronic device may perform wireless communication with a first cellular network, based on first subscriber identity information stored in a first subscriber identity module through a communication protocol stack related to the first subscriber identity module. For example, the electronic device may perform wireless communication with a second cellular network, based on second subscriber identity information stored in a second subscriber identity module through a communication protocol stack related to the second subscriber identity module.

An electronic device including multiple subscriber identity modules may support dual connectivity (DC) through a communication protocol stack related to each of the subscriber identity modules. When the electronic device simultaneously supports dual connectivity through communication protocol stacks related to the multiple subscriber identity modules, the complexity (e.g., hardware complexity and/or software complexity) of the electronic device for supporting dual connectivity of each of the communication protocol stacks and current consumption may increase.

Various example embodiments may provide an apparatus and/or a method for providing dual connectivity (DC) in an electronic device including multiple subscriber identity modules.

According to various example embodiments, an electronic device may include a first subscriber identity module including first subscriber identity information, a second subscriber identity module including second subscriber identity information, a wireless communication circuit, and at least one processor operatively connected, directly or indirectly, to the first subscriber identity module, the second subscriber identity module, and the communication circuit, wherein the at least one processor may connect, directly or indirectly, to a first MCG network or the first MCG network and a first SCG network, based on the first subscriber identity information when data communication using the first subscriber identity information is configured, identifies a state of communication with the first MCG network, restricts addition of a second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information when the state of communication with the first MCG network is a connected state, and allow addition of the second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information when the state of communication with the first MCG network is an idle state.

According to various example embodiments, an operation method of an electronic device including multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) may include connecting, directly or indirectly, to a first master cell group (MCG) network or the first MCG network and a first secondary cell group (SCG) network, based on the first subscriber identity information when data communication using the first subscriber identity information included in a first SIM among the multiple SIMs is configured, identifying a state of communication with the first MCG network, restricting addition of a second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information of a second SIM when the state of communication with the first MCG network is a connected state, and allowing addition of the second MCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information when the state of communication with the first MCG network is an idle state.

According to various example embodiments, an electronic device including multiple subscriber identity modules may selectively deactivate (or activate) dual connectivity (DC) with a first cellular network based on a first subscriber identity module used for data communication and a second cellular network based on a second subscriber identity module not used for data connection, based on a connected state of communication with the first cellular network, thereby reducing the complexity of the electronic device and current consumption due to unnecessary dual connectivity (DC) related to the second subscriber identity module, and enhancing the quality of data communication related to the first subscriber identity module.

According to various example embodiments, when data communication based on a first subscriber identity module is configured, an electronic device including multiple subscriber identity modules may be configured to switch, to an idle state, a connected state of communication with a third node (e.g., a second master cell group (MCG) or a second master node (MN)) based on a second subscriber identity module not used for data communication, thereby enhancing the quality of communication with a first node (e.g., a first MCG or a first MN) based on the first subscriber identity module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various example embodiments are described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

The antenna module197may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include an antenna including a radiating element including a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module190(e.g., the wireless communication module192) from the plurality of antennas.

The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module190and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module197.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various example embodiments may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer.

FIG.2is a block diagram200illustrating an example electronic device101supporting legacy network communication and 5G network communication according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.2, according to various embodiments, the electronic device101may include a first communication processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)212, a second communication processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)214, a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)222, a second RFIC224, a third RFIC226, a fourth RFIC228, a first radio frequency front end (RFFE)232, a second RFFE234, a first antenna module242, a second antenna module244, and an antenna248. The electronic device101may include the processor120and the memory130. The network199may include a first network292and a second network294. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may further include at least one component among the components illustrated inFIG.1, and the network199may further include at least one other network. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor212, the second communication processor214, the first RFIC222, the second RFIC224, the fourth RFIC228, the first RFFE232, and the second RFFE234may be at least a part of the wireless communication module192. According to an embodiment, the fourth RFIC228may be omitted, or may be included as a part of the third RFIC226.

The first communication processor212may establish a communication channel of a band to be used for wireless communication with the first network292, and may support legacy network communication via the established communication channel According to an embodiment, the first network292may be a legacy network including second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), or long-term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor214may establish a communication channel corresponding to a designated band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz to 60 GHz) among bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network294, and may support 5G network communication via the established communication channel According to an embodiment, the second network294may be a 5G network (e.g., new radio (NR)) defined in 3GPP. In addition, according to an embodiment, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214may establish a communication channel corresponding to another designated band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz or less) among bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network294, and may support 5G network communication via the established communication channel According to an embodiment, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214may be implemented in a single chip or a single package, together with the processor120, the sub-processor123, or the communication module190.

According to an embodiment, the first communication processor212may perform data transmission or reception with the second communication processor214. For example, data which has been classified to be transmitted via the second network294may be changed to be transmitted via the first network292.

In this instance, the first communication processor212may receive transmission data from the second communication processor214. For example, the first communication processor212may perform data transmission or reception with the second communication processor214via an inter-processor interface. The inter-processor interface may be implemented as, for example, a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) (e.g., a high speed-UART (HS-UART)) or a peripheral component interconnect bus express (PCIe), but the type of interface is not limited thereto. For example, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may exchange control information and packet data information using, for example, a shared memory. For example, the first communication processor212may perform transmission or reception of various types of information such as sensing information, information associated with an output strength, and resource block (RB) allocation information, with the second communication processor214.

Depending on implementation, the first communication processor212may not be directly connected to the second communication processor214. In this instance, the first communication processor212may perform data transmission or reception with the second communication processor214, via the processor120(e.g., an application processor). For example, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may perform data transmission or reception via the processor120(e.g., an application processor) and a HS-UART interface or a PCIe interface, but the type of interface is not limited. For example, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may exchange control information and packet data information using the processor120(e.g., an application processor) and a shared memory. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor212and the second communication processor214may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to various embodiments, the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214may be implemented in a single chip or a single package, together with the processor120, the sub-processor123, or the communication module190.

In the case of transmission, the first RFIC222may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor212into a radio frequency (RF) signal in the range of approximately 700 MHz to 3 GHz, which is used in the first network292(e.g., a legacy network). In the case of reception, an RF signal is obtained from the first network292(e.g., a legacy network) via an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module242), and may be preprocessed via an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE232). The first RFIC222may convert the preprocessed RF signal into a baseband signal so that the baseband signal is processed by the first communication processor212.

In the case of transmission, the second RFIC224may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214into an RF signal (hereinafter, a 5G Sub6 RF signal) in an Sub6 band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz or less) used in the second network294(e.g., a 5G network). In the case of reception, a 5G Sub6 RF signal may be obtained from the second network294(e.g., a 5G network) via an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module244), and may be preprocessed by an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE234). The second RFIC224may convert the preprocessed 5G Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal so that the signal may be processed by a corresponding communication processor among the first communication processor212or the second communication processor214.

The third RFIC226may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor214into an RF signal (hereinafter, a 5G Above6 RF signal) of a 5G Above6 band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz to 60 GHz) to be used in the second network294(e.g., a 5G network). In the case of reception, a 5G Above6 RF signal is obtained from the second network294(e.g., a 5G network) via an antenna (e.g., the antenna248), and may be preprocessed by the third RFFE236. The third RFIC226may convert the preprocessed 5G Above6 RF signal into a baseband signal so that the signal is processed by the second communication processor214. According to an embodiment, the third RFFE236may be implemented as a part of the third RFIC226.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include the fourth RFIC228, separately from or, as a part of, the third RFIC226. In this instance, the fourth RFIC228may convert a baseband signal produced by the second communication processor214into an RF signal (hereinafter, an IF signal) in an intermediate frequency band (e.g., approximately 9 GHz to 11 GHz), and may transfer the IF signal to the third RFIC226. The third RFIC226may convert the IF signal into a 5G Above6 RF signal. In the case of reception, a 5G Above6 RF signal may be received from the second network294(e.g., a 5G network) via an antenna (e.g., the antenna248), and may be converted into an IF signal by the third RFIC226. The fourth RFIC228may convert the IF signal into a baseband signal so that the second communication processor214is capable of processing the baseband signal.

According to an embodiment, the first RFIC222and the second RFIC224may be implemented as at least a part of a single chip or a single package. According to an embodiment, the first RFFE232and the second RFFE234may be implemented as at least a part of a single chip or single package. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first antenna module242or the second antenna module244may be omitted or may be combined with another antenna module, to process RF signals of a plurality of corresponding bands.

According to an embodiment, the third RFIC226and the antenna248may be disposed in the same substrate, and may form a third antenna module246. For example, the wireless communication module192or the processor120may be disposed in a first substrate (e.g., a main PCB). In this instance, the third RFIC226is disposed in apart (e.g., a lower part) of a second substrate (e.g., a sub PCB) different from the first substrate, and the antenna248is disposed in another part (e.g., an upper part), so that the third antenna module246may be formed. By disposing the third RFIC226and the antenna248in the same substrate, the length of a transmission line therebetween may be reduced. For example, this may reduce a loss (e.g., a diminution) of a high-frequency band signal (e.g., approximately 6 GHz to 60 GHz) used for 5G network communication, the loss being caused by a transmission line. Accordingly, the electronic device101may improve the quality or speed of communication with the second network294(e.g., a 5G network).

According to an embodiment, the antenna248may be implemented as an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements which may be used for beamforming. In this instance, the third RFIC226, for example, may include a plurality of phase shifters238corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements, as a part of the third RFFE236. In the case of transmission, each of the plurality of phase shifters238may shift the phase of a 5G Above6RF signal to be transmitted to the outside of the electronic device101(e.g., a base station of a 5G network) via a corresponding antenna element. In the case of reception, each of the plurality of phase shifters238may shift the phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal received from the outside via a corresponding antenna element into the same or substantially the same phase. This may enable transmission or reception via beamforming between the electronic device101and the outside.

The second network294(e.g., a 5G network) may operate independently (e.g., Standalone (SA)) from the first network292(e.g., a legacy network), or may operate by being connected thereto (e.g., Non-Standalone (NSA)). For example, in the 5G network, only an access network (e.g., 5G radio access network (RAN) or next generation RAN (NG RAN)) may exist, and a core network (e.g., next generation core (NGC)) may not exist. In this instance, the electronic device101may access the access network of the 5G network, and may access an external network (e.g., the Internet) under the control of the core network (e.g., an evolved packed core (EPC)) of the legacy network. Protocol information (e.g., LTE protocol information) for communication with the legacy network or protocol information (e.g., new radio (NR) protocol information) for communication with the 5G network may be stored in the memory130, and may be accessed by another component (e.g., the processor120, the first communication processor212, or the second communication processor214).

FIG.3illustrates a protocol stack structure of a network100of 4G communication and/or 5G communication according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.3, according to various embodiments, the network100may include the electronic device101, a 4G network392, a 5G network394, and the server108.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may include an Internet protocol312, a first communication protocol stack314, a second communication protocol stack316, a third communication protocol stack318, and a fourth communication protocol stack319. For example, the electronic device101may communicate with the server108via the 4G network392and/or 5G network394.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may perform Internet communication associated with the server108by using the Internet protocol312(e.g., a transmission control protocol (TCP), a user datagram protocol (UDP), or an Internet protocol (IP)). For example, the Internet protocol312may be executed by a main processor (e.g., the main processor121ofFIG.1) included in the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may perform wireless communication with the 4G network392by using the first communication protocol stack314and/or the third communication protocol stack318. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may perform wireless communication with the 5G network394by using the second communication protocol stack316and or the fourth communication protocol stack319. For example, the first communication protocol stack314, the second communication protocol stack316, the third communication protocol stack318, and the fourth communication protocol stack319may be executed by one or more communication processors (e.g., the wireless communication module192ofFIG.1) included in the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may include multiple subscriber identity modules (e.g., a first subscriber identity module and a second subscriber identity module). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may communicate with the 4G network392and/or 5G network394, based on subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identification (IMSI)) stored in each of the multiple subscriber identity modules (e.g., a first subscriber identity module and a second subscriber identity module).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may perform wireless communication for a first subscriber identity module by using the first communication protocol stack314and/or the second communication protocol stack316. According to an embodiment, the first communication protocol stack314may include various protocols for wireless communication with the 4G network392.

According to an embodiment, the second communication protocol stack316may include various protocols for wireless communication with the 5G network394. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may perform wireless communication with the 4G network392and/or the 5G network394by using the first communication protocol stack314and/or the second communication protocol stack316when performing communication by using the first subscriber identity module.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may perform wireless communication for a second subscriber identity module by using the third communication protocol stack318and/or the fourth communication protocol stack319. According to an embodiment, the third communication protocol stack318may include various protocols for wireless communication with the 4G network392. According to an embodiment, the fourth communication protocol stack319may include various protocols for wireless communication with the 5G network394. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may perform wireless communication with the 4G network392and/or the 5G network394by using the third communication protocol stack318and/or the fourth communication protocol stack319when performing communication by using the second subscriber identity module.

According to various embodiments, the server108may include an Internet protocol322. The server108may perform transmission and/or reception of data related to the Internet protocol322with the electronic device101via the 4G network392and/or 5G network394. According to an embodiment, the server108may include a cloud computing server existing outside the 4G network392or the 5G network394. According to another embodiment, the server108may include an edge computing server (or a mobile edge computing (MEC) server) located inside at least one of the 4G network392or the 5G network394.

According to various embodiments, the 4G network392may include a long-term evolution (LTE) base station340and an evolved packed core (EPC)342. The LTE base station340may include an LTE communication protocol stack344. The EPC342may include a 4G non-access stratum (NAS) protocol346. The 4G network392may perform LTE wireless communication with the electronic device101by using the LTE communication protocol stack344and the 4G NAS protocol346.

According to various embodiments, the 5G network394may include a new radio (NR) base station350and a 5th generation core (5GC)352. The NR base station350may include an NR communication protocol stack354. The 5GC352may include a 5G NAS protocol356. The 5G network394may perform NR wireless communication with the electronic device101by using the NR communication protocol stack354and the 5G NAS protocol356.

According to an embodiment, the first communication protocol stack314, the second communication protocol stack316, the third communication protocol stack318, the fourth communication protocol stack319, the LTE communication protocol stack344, and the NR communication protocol stack354may include a control plane protocol for transmitting or receiving a control message, and a user plane protocol for transmitting or receiving user data. For example, the control message may include a message related to at least one of security control, bearer setup, authentication, registration, or mobility management. For example, the user data may include data remaining after excluding the control message.

According to an embodiment, the control plane protocol and the user plane protocol may include a physical (PHY) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, or a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. For example, the PHY layer may perform channel coding and modulation of data received from a higher layer (e.g., the MAC layer), and transmit the same to a wireless channel, and may perform demodulation and decoding of data received via a wireless channel and transmit the same to a higher layer. The PHY layer included in the second communication protocol stack316and the NR communication protocol stack354may further perform an operation related to beamforming. For example, the MAC layer may logically/physically map data to a wireless channel to be transmitted or received, and may perform hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) for error correction. For example, the RLC layer may perform concatenation, segmentation, or reassembly of data, may identify the order of data, may perform reordering, and may perform redundancy checking. For example, the PDCP layer may perform an operation of ciphering control data and user data, and an operation related to data integrity. The second communication protocol stack316and the NR communication protocol stack354may further include a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). For example, the SDAP may manage wireless bearer allocation based on the quality of service (QoS) of user data.

According to various embodiments, the control plane protocol may include a radio resource control (RRC) layer and a non-access stratum (NAS) layer. For example, the RRC layer may process control data related to radio bearer setup, paging, or mobility management. For example, the NAS may process a control message related to authentication, registration, and mobility management.

FIGS.4A and4Bare examples illustrating a wireless communication system providing a 4G communication and/or a 5G communication network according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.4A and4B, according to various embodiments, a network environment100A and/or100B may include at least one of a 4G network and a 5G network. For example, the 4G network may include a 3GPP standard-based LTE base station440(e.g., eNodeB (eNB)) supporting radio access to the electronic device101, and an evolved packet core (EPC)442managing 4G communication. For example, the 5G network may include a new radio (NR) base station (e.g., a gNodeB (gNB))450supporting radio access to the electronic device101and a 5th generation core (5GC)452managing 5G communication of the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may transmit and/or receive a control message and user data via 4G communication and/or 5G communication. For example, the control message may include a message related to at least one of security control, bearer setup, authentication, registration, or mobility management of the electronic device101. For example, the user data may indicate user data remaining after excluding a control message transmitted and/or received between the electronic device101and a core network (e.g., the EPC442and/or the 5GC452).

Referring toFIG.4A, according to various embodiments, the electronic device101may perform transmission and/or reception of at least one of a control message and user data related to a second network (e.g., 5G network or 4G network) by using at least a part (e.g., the LTE base station440or the EPC442) of a first network (e.g., 4G network or 5G network).

According to various embodiments, the network environment100A may include a network environment in which a wireless communication dual connectivity (multi-radio access technology (RAT) dual connectivity (MR-DC)) to the LTE base station440and the NR base station450is provided (e.g., seeFIG.4B), and a control message is transmitted and/or received to and/or from the electronic device101via one core network430among the EPC442and the 5GC452.

According to various embodiments, in the MR-DC environment, one of the LTE base station440or the NR base station450may operate as a first node (e.g., a master node (MN) or a cell of a master cell group (MCG))410, and the other may operate as a second node (e.g., a secondary cell group (SCG) or a secondary node (SN))420. According to an embedment, the first node410may be connected, directly or indirectly, to the core network430, and may transmit and/or receive a control message. According to an embodiment, the first node410and the second node420are connected, directly or indirectly, via a network interface, and may perform transmission and/or reception of a message related to management of a radio resource (e.g., a communication channel).

According to an embodiment, the first mode410may include the LTE base station440, the second node420may include the NR base station450, and the core network430may include the EPC442(e.g., E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity (EN-DC)). For example, the electronic device101may transmit and/or receive a control message via the LTE base station440, and transmit and/or receive user data via the LTE base station440and the NR base station450.

According to an embodiment, the first node410may include the NR base station450, the second node420may include the LTE base station440, and the core network430may include the 5GC452(e.g., NR-E-UTRA dual connectivity (NE-DC)). For example, the electronic device101may transmit and/or receive a control message via the NR base station450, and transmit and/or receive user data via the LTE base station440and/or the NR base station450.

Referring toFIG.4B, according to various embodiments, the 4G network and the 5G network100B may independently transmit and/or receive data. For example, the electronic device101and the EPC442may transmit and/or receive a control message and/or user data via the LTE base station440. For example, the electronic device101and the 5GC452may transmit and/or receive a control message and/or user data via the NR base station450.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may be registered in at least one of the EPC442and the 5GC452, and transmit and/or receive a control message.

According to various embodiments, the EPC442or the 5GC452may also manage communication of the electronic device101through interworking. For example, movement information of the electronic device101may be transmitted and/or received via an interface (e.g., N26 interface) between the EPC442and the 5GC452.

Hereinafter, the electronic device101including multiple subscriber identity modules may support E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity (EN-DC) through each of the subscriber identity modules. For example, the EN-DC may include a state in which the electronic device101is connected (performs dual connectivity) to a first node (e.g., the first node410ofFIG.4Aor the LTE base station440ofFIG.4B) of a 4G network (e.g., a first cellular network), and a second node (e.g., the second node420ofFIG.4Aor the NR base station450ofFIG.4B) of a 5G network (e.g., a second cellular network). For example, the first node is a network element for transmitting and receiving a control message and/or data to and from the electronic device101during dual connectivity of the electronic device101, based on first subscriber identity information included in a first subscriber identity module, and may indicate a master node (MN) or a cell of a master cell group (MCG). For example, the second node is a network element for transmitting and receiving data to and from the electronic device101during dual connectivity of the electronic device101, based on first subscriber identity information included in a first subscriber identity module, and may indicate a secondary node (SN) or a cell of a secondary cell group (SCG). For example, the EN-DC may include an NR network having a non-stand alone (NSA) structure.

According to various embodiments, even in a case where another dual connectivity such as NR-E-UTRA dual connectivity (NE-DC) or NR-NR dual connectivity (NR-DC) is supported through each of the subscriber identity modules, the electronic device101may perform application (or operate) in the same manner as a case in which EN-DC is supported. For example, the NE-DC may include a state in which the electronic device101is connected, directly or indirectly, to the first node (e.g., the MN or the cell of the MCG) of the 5G network (e.g., the first cellular network) and the second node (e.g., the SN or the cell of the SCG) of the 4G network (e.g., the second cellular network) (e.g., a state in which the electronic device establishes dual connectivity). For example, the NR-DC may include a state in which the electronic device101is connected, directly or indirectly, to the first node (e.g., the MN or the cell of the MCG) supporting a first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of 5G network (e.g., the first cellular network) of and the second node (e.g., the SN or the cell of the SCG) supporting a second type (e.g., about 6 GHz or higher) of 5G network (e.g., the second cellular network) (e.g., a state in which the electronic device establishes dual connectivity).

FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device supporting multiple subscriber identity modules according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.5, according to various embodiments, an electronic device101may include a processor500, a first subscriber identity module (SIM)510, a second subscriber identity module520, a wireless communication circuit530, and/or a memory540. According to an embodiment, the processor500may be substantially identical to the processor120ofFIG.1, or may be included in the processor120. The first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520may be substantially identical to the subscriber identity module196ofFIG.1, or may be included in the subscriber identity module196. The wireless communication circuit530may be substantially identical to the wireless communication module192ofFIG.1, or may be included in the wireless communication module192. The memory540may be substantially identical to the memory130ofFIG.1, or may be included in the memory130. According to an embodiment, the processor500may be operatively, functionally, and/or electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the first subscriber identity module510, the second subscriber identity module520, the wireless communication circuit530, and/or the memory540. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101includes the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The electronic device101may include multiple subscriber identity modules.

According to various embodiments, the subscriber identity modules510and520may store subscriber identity information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) for access, authentication, charging, and/or security of a wireless network. According to an embodiment, the first subscriber identity module510may store first subscriber identity information to be used for the electronic device101to access (or communicate with) a first cellular network and/or a second cellular network operated by a first mobile operator (or a first mobile carrier). For example, the first cellular network may include a first master cell group (MCG) network for transmitting and receiving a control message and/or data to and from the electronic device101during dual connectivity of the electronic device101, based on the first subscriber identity information included in the first subscriber identity module510. For example, the second cellular network may include a first secondary cell group (SCG) network for transmitting and receiving data to and from the electronic device101during dual connectivity of the electronic device101, based on the first subscriber identity information included in the first subscriber identity module510. For example, the first cellular network and/or the second cellular network may include at least one of a 2nd generation (2G) network, a 3G network, a 4G network (e.g., long-term evolution (LTE)), or a 5G network (e.g., new radio (NR)). For example, when the electronic device101provides EN-DC, the first cellular network (e.g., the first MCG network) may include a 4G network, and the second cellular network (e.g., the first SCG network) may include a 5G network. For example, when the electronic device101provides NE-DC, the first cellular network (e.g., the first MCG network) may include a 5G network, and the second cellular network (e.g., the first SCG network) may include a 4G network. For example, when the electronic device101provides NR-DC, the first cellular network (e.g., the first MCG network) may include a first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of 5G network, and the second cellular network (e.g., the first SCG network) may include a second type (e.g., about 6 GHz or higher) of 5G network.

According to an embodiment, the second subscriber identity module520may store second subscriber identity information to be used for the electronic device101to access (or communication with) a third cellular network and/or a fourth cellular network operated by a second mobile operator (or a second mobile carrier). For example, the third cellular network may include a second MCG network for transmitting and receiving a control message and/or data to and from the electronic device101during dual connectivity of the electronic device101, based on the second subscriber identity information included in the second subscriber identity module520. For example, the fourth cellular network may include a second SCG network for transmitting and receiving data to and from the electronic device101during dual connectivity of the electronic device101, based on the second subscriber identity information included in the second subscriber identity module520. For example, the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network may include at least one of a 2nd generation (2G) network, a 3G network, a 4G network (e.g., LTE), or a 5G network (NR). For example, the second mobile operator (or the second mobile carrier) may include the same mobile operator as, or a different mobile operator from the first mobile operator (or the first mobile carrier). For example, when the electronic device101provides EN-DC, the third cellular network (e.g., the second MCG network) may include a 4G network, and the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second SCG network) may include a 5G network. For example, when the electronic device101provides NE-DC, the third cellular network (e.g., the second MCG network) may include a 5G network, and the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second SCG network) may include a 4G network. For example, when the electronic device101provides NR-DC, the third cellular network (e.g., the second MCG network) may include a first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of 5G network, and the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second SCG network) may include a second type (e.g., about 6 GHz or higher) of 5G network.

According to various embodiments, the first subscriber identity module510and/or the second subscriber identity module520may be configured as a form of an integrated card (IC) card, and may be mounted on a slot of the electronic device101. According to another embodiment, at least one of the first subscriber identity module510and/or the second subscriber identity module520may be configured as a form of an embedded SIM (eSIM) (or an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC)) which is directly embedded in the electronic device101. For example, when the first subscriber identity module510and/or the second subscriber identity module520is configured as a form of an eSIM, the electronic device101may store, in a security chip disposed on a circuit board of the electronic device101, information related to the first subscriber identity module510and/or the second subscriber identity module520through remote SIM provisioning in the process of manufacturing the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, the processor500may control elements (e.g., the first subscriber identity module510, the second subscriber identity module520, the wireless communication circuit530, and/or the memory540) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the processor500may include an application processor (AP) (e.g., the main processor121ofFIG.1) and/or a communication processor (CP) (e.g., the auxiliary processor123ofFIG.1or the communication module190ofFIG.1).

According to various embodiments, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to perform communication with the first cellular network and/or the second cellular network, based on the first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510. According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to perform wireless communication with the first cellular network and/or the second cellular network, based on the first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510through at least one protocol stack (e.g., the first communication protocol stack314and/or the second communication protocol stack316ofFIG.3) related to the first subscriber identity module510. For example, the at least one communication protocol stack related to the first subscriber identity module510is a communication function supporting wireless communication related to the first subscriber identity module510, and may be executed by the processor500(e.g., CP) for wireless communication based on the first subscriber identity information.

According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to access a first node (e.g., the first node410ofFIG.4Aor the LTE base station440ofFIG.4B) of the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) for an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) service such as a call function. For example, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to access a first node of the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network), based on a first IP allocated for the IMS service, through a first master cell group (MCG) protocol stack (e.g., the first communication protocol stack314ofFIG.3).

According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to access a first node of the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) and a second node (e.g., the second node420ofFIG.4Aor the NR base station450ofFIG.4B) of the second cellular network (e.g., the first NR network) for data communication when the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) supports dual connectivity (e.g., EN-DC). For example, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to access (perform dual connectivity to) a first node of the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) and a second node (e.g., the second node420ofFIG.4A) of the second cellular network (e.g., the first NR network), based on a second IP allocated for data communication, through the first MCG protocol stack (e.g., the first communication protocol stack314ofFIG.3) and a first secondary cell group (SCG) protocol stack (e.g., the second communication protocol stack316ofFIG.3). For example, the first LTE network and the first NR network are networks operated by the first mobile operator (or the first mobile carrier), and may be included in a cellular network accessible by the electronic device101, based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510. For example, during dual connectivity of the electronic device101, the first node may indicate a first master node (MN) or a cell of a first master cell group (MCG), as a network element (e.g., a first base station) for transmitting and receiving a control message and/or data to and from the electronic device101. For example, during dual connectivity of the electronic device101, the second node may indicate a first secondary node (SN) or a cell of a first secondary cell group (SCG) network, as a network element (e.g., a second base station) for transmitting and receiving data to and from the electronic device101. For example, the first MCG protocol stack is a communication function supporting wireless communication related to the first subscriber identity module510, and may be executed by the processor500(e.g., CP) for wireless communication with the first node supporting the first cellular network, based on the first subscriber identity information. For example, the first SCG protocol stack is a communication function supporting wireless communication related to the first subscriber identity module510, and may be executed by the processor500(e.g., CP) for wireless communication with the second node of the second cellular network, based on the first subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to perform communication with the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network, based on the second subscriber identity information stored in the second subscriber identity module520. According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to perform wireless communication with the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network, based on the second identity information stored in the second subscriber identity module520, through at least one communication protocol stack (e.g., the third communication protocol stack318and/or the fourth communication protocol stack319ofFIG.3) related to the second subscriber identity module520. For example, the at least one communication protocol stack related to the second subscriber identity module520is a communication function supporting wireless communication related to the second subscriber identity module520, and may be executed by the processor500(e.g., CP) for wireless communication based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to access a third node (e.g., the first node410ofFIG.4Aor the LTE base station440ofFIG.4B) of the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) for an IMS service such as a call function. For example, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to access a third node of the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network), based on a third IP allocated for the IMS service, through a second MCG protocol stack (e.g., the third communication protocol stack318ofFIG.3). According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to access the third node of the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) and a fourth node (e.g., the second node420ofFIG.4Aor the NR base station450ofFIG.4B) of the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network) for data communication when the third cellular network supports dual connectivity (e.g., EN-DC). For example, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to access (e.g., perform dual connectivity) the third node of the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) and the fourth node (e.g., the second node420ofFIG.4A) of the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network), based on a fourth IP allocated for data communication, through the second MCG protocol stack (e.g., the third communication protocol stack318ofFIG.3) and a second SCG protocol stack (e.g., the fourth communication protocol stack319ofFIG.3). For example, the second LTE network and the second NR network are networks operated by the second mobile operator (or the second mobile carrier), and may be included in a cellular network accessible by the electronic device101, based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520. For example, the second LTE network and/or the second NR network may be identical to or different from the first LTE network and/or the first NR network. For example, the third node is a network element (e.g., a third base station) for transmitting and receiving a control message and/or data to and from the electronic device101during dual connectivity of the electronic device101, and may indicate a second MN or a cell of a second MCG. For example, the fourth node is a network element (e.g., a fourth base station) for transmitting and receiving data to and from the electronic device101during dual connectivity of the electronic device101, and may indicate a second SN or a cell of a second SCG. For example, the second MCG protocol stack is a communication function supporting wireless communication related to the second subscriber identity module520, and may be executed by the processor500(e.g., CP) for wireless communication with the third node supporting the third cellular network, based on the second subscriber identity information. For example, the second SCG protocol stack is a communication function supporting wireless communication related to the second subscriber identity module520, and may be executed by the processor500(e.g., CP) for wireless communication with the fourth node supporting the fourth cellular network, based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to provide an IMS server such as a call function (e.g., a voice call), based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510and/or the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520. According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to provide an IMS service such as a call function through the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) connected based on the first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510and/or the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) connected based on the second subscriber identity information stored in the second subscriber identity module520. For example, when providing a call function, based on the first subscriber identity information and the second subscriber identity information, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to alternately provide a call function based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510and a call function based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, based on a designated time interval.

According to an embodiment, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to perform data communication based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510or the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520. According to an embodiment, when data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510is configured, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to provide data communication through the first cellular network and/or the second cellular network, based on the first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510. For example, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to transmit and/or receive data through the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) and/or the second cellular network (e.g., the first NR network) through dual connectivity (e.g., EN-DC) with the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) and the second cellular network (e.g., the first NR network). For example, data communication may include Internet data communication. For example, a subscriber identity module for data communication may be configured (or selected) based on a user input, an application program executed in the electronic device101, or a control signal received from an external device.

According to an embodiment, when data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510is configured, the processor500may maintain a DC support state of a UE capability related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network. For example, the UE capability may be transmitted to the third cellular network periodically, or at a time point of an access to the third cellular network (e.g., radio resource control (RRC) signaling). For example, the UE capability transmitted to the third cellular network may be configured so that the electronic device101supports DC.

According to an embodiment, when data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510is configured, the processor500may selectively restrict (or allow) a DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network, based on the state of communication between at least the electronic device101and the first cellular network. The processor500may selectively restrict (or allow) a DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network in a state in which the UE capability related to the third cellular network is configured to support DC. For example, when the state of communication between at least the electronic device101and the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) is a connected state (e.g., an RRC-connected state), the processor500may restrict (or deactivate) the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network. For example, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) is an idle state (e.g., an RRC idle state), the processor500may allow (or activate) the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network. For example, the state of communication with the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) is an RRC state between at least the electronic device101and the first cellular network, and may include an idle state (RRC idle state), a connected state (RRC-connected state), and/or an inactive state (RRC inactive state). For example, the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network may include a series of operations of dual connectivity to the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) and the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network), based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520. For example, the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network may include a series of operations of adding the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network or the second SCG network) while being connected to the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network), based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520. For example, restricting the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network may include a series of operations of restricting addition of the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network or the second SCG network) while being connected to the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network), based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, or releasing connection to the fourth cellular network. For example, allowing the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network may include a series of operations of allowing addition of the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network or the second SCG network) while being connected to the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network), based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520.

For example, when the state of communication between at least the electronic device101and the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) is a connected state and DC is established through the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network), the processor500may restrict (or deactivate) the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network. For example, the state in which DC is established through the first cellular network may include a state in which the electronic device101is connected to the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) and the second cellular network (e.g., the first NR network), based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity mode510. For example, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) is an idle state (or an inactive state), or when DC is not established through the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network), the processor500may allow (or activate) the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network. For example, the state in which DC is not established through the first cellular network may include a state in which the electronic device101is connected only to the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network), based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510.

For example, when a radio access technology (RAT) of the first subscriber identity module510(comprising circuitry) is configured as a network (e.g., the first LTE network) supporting DC (e.g., EN-DC), the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first cellular network is a connected state, and DC is established through the first cellular network, the processor500may restrict (or deactivate) the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network. For example, when the RAT of the first subscriber identity module510is configured as a network not supporting DC, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first cellular network is an idle state (or an inactive state), or when DC is not established through the first cellular network, the processor500may allow (or activate) the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network.

According to various embodiments, when restricting (or deactivating) the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network, the processor500may restrict addition of the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network). According to an embodiment, when a UE capability related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network is configured as a DC support state (e.g., EN-DC support state), the processor500may receive information related to measurement configuration related to the fourth cellular network from the third cellular network. When restricting (or deactivating) the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530not to perform a measurement operation related to the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network). For example, the state in which the measurement operation related to the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network) is not performed may include an operation of restricting a measurement operation related to the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network) and/or an operation of restricting measurement reporting.

According to an embodiment, when the UE capability related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network is configured as a DC support state (e.g., EN-DC support state), the processor500may receive information related to a request for handover or cell addition (SCG add) related to the fourth network (e.g., the second NR network) from the third cellular network. For example, when receiving the measurement reporting related to a designated event (e.g., B1 event) from the electronic device101, the third node of the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) may transmit, to the electronic device101, information related to the request for addition or handover for the fourth node (e.g., the cell of the second SCG) of the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network). However, in a handover situation of the electronic device101, when another cell disposed around the electronic device101is not identified or a wireless environment of a cell (e.g., the third node) to which the electronic device101is currently connected is not good, the third node of the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) may transmit, to the electronic device101, information related to the request for cell addition or handover for the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network) even though measurement reporting related to a designated event is not received. For example, when restricting (or deactivating) the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to transmit failure information (e.g., SCG failure information) corresponding to the request for cell addition or handover, to the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network).

According to various embodiments, when restricting (or deactivating) the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network, the processor500may switch the state of communication with the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) to an idle state (or inactive state). According to an embodiment, when a signal (e.g., a signal related to a voice call) related to an IMS service with the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) has not been transmitted and/or received for a designated time (e.g., about 3 seconds) and execution of an application program related to the IMS service with the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) ends, the processor500may switch the state of communication with the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) to an idle state (e.g., an RRC idle state). For example, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to switch the state of communication with the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) to an idle state through TAU related to RRC connection re-establishment (RRE).

According to various embodiments, the wireless communication circuit530may receive a signal from an external device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna module197ofFIG.1, comprising at least one antenna), or may transmit a signal to the external device. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit530may include an RFIC (e.g., the first RFIC222, the second RFIC224, the third RFIC236, and/or the fourth RFIC228ofFIG.2) and an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE232, the second RFFE234, and/or the third RFFE236ofFIG.2) for communication with the external device. For example, elements of the wireless communication circuit530may be included in the same chip, or some of the elements may be included different chips. For example, the wireless communication circuit530may support communication with the external device by using the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network), the second cellular network (e.g., the first NR network), the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network), and the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network).

According to various embodiments, the memory540may at least temporarily store various types of data used by at least one element (e.g., the processor500or the wireless communication circuit530) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the memory540may store various instructions which can be executed through the processor500.

FIG.6is an example illustrating a connection with a cellular network in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.6, according to various embodiments, the electronic device101may perform data communication, based on subscriber identity information of one subscriber module510or520of the first subscriber identity module510(comprising circuitry) and the second subscriber identity module520(comprising circuitry). Hereinafter, it is assumed that the electronic device101performs data communication based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may connect to a first cellular network (e.g., a first LTE network or a first MCG network), based on the first subscriber identity information included in the first subscriber identity module510. The electronic device101may receive allocation of a first IP for an IMS service such as a voice call and a second IP for data communication through the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network). According to an embodiment, for the IMS service, the electronic device101may connect to a first node610(e.g., the LTE base station440ofFIG.4B) of the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network), based on the first IP. The electronic device101may perform a voice call function with an external electronic device through the first node610.

According to an embodiment, when the first cellular network supports DC (e.g., EN-DC), the electronic device101may connect to (perform dual connectivity to) the first node610of the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) and a second node620(e.g., the NR base station450ofFIG.4B) of the second cellular network (e.g., the first NR network or the first SCG network), based on the second IP for data communication. The electronic device101may transmit and/or receive data for data communication through the first node610and/or the second node620.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may connect to the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network or the second MCG network), based on the second subscriber identity information included in the second subscriber identity module520. According to an embodiment, when data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510is configured, the electronic device101may connect to a third mode630of the third cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) for the IMS service, based on a third IP allocated from the third cellular network. The electronic device101may perform a voice call function with an external electronic device through the third node630.

According to an embodiment, when the third cellular network supports DC, the electronic device101may maintain a DC support state of a UE capability related to the third cellular network. The electronic device101may selectively restrict (or allow) a DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network, based on a state of communication of the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) in a state in which the UE capability related to the third cellular network is configured so that the electronic device101supports DC. For example, when the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network is restricted, the electronic device101may restrict connection to a fourth node640of the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information. For example, the restricting of the connection to the fourth node640may include a series of operations of restricting a measurement operation related to the fourth node640, or transmitting failure information in response to a request for handover or cell addition related to the fourth node640. For example, when the DC operation related to the third cellular network and/or the fourth cellular network is allowed, the electronic device101may perform connection to the fourth node640of the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network), based on the second subscriber identity information. For example, the electronic device101may additionally connect to the fourth node640of the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second NR network), based on the second subscriber identity information in a state in which the electronic device is connected to the third node630of the third cellular network, based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4A,4B, or5) may include a first subscriber identity module (e.g., the subscriber identity module196ofFIG.1or the first subscriber identity module510ofFIG.5) including first subscriber identity information, a second subscriber identity module (e.g., the subscriber identity module196ofFIG.1or the second subscriber identity module520ofFIG.5) including second subscriber identify information, a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module192ofFIG.1or the wireless communication circuit530ofFIG.5), and at least one processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor500ofFIG.5) operatively connected to the first subscriber identity module, the second subscriber identity module, and the communication circuit, wherein the at least one processor connects to a first master cell group (MCG) network or the first MCG network and a first secondary cell group (SCG) network, based on the first subscriber identity information when data communication using the first subscriber identity information is configured, identifies a state of communication with the first MCG network, restricts addition of a second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information when the state of communication with the first MCG network is a connected state, and allows addition of the second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information when the state of communication with the first MCG network is in an idle state.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may maintain a dual connectivity (DC) support state of a UE capability related to a second MCG network connected based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM when the data communication using the first subscriber identity information included in the first SIM is configured.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor restricts at least one of a measurement operation and a measurement report operation related to the second SCG network when measurement configuration is received from a second MCG network connected based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM in a state in which addition of the second SCG network is restricted.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may transmit, when a message related to a request for handover or cell addition of the second SCG network is received from a second MCG network connected based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM in a state in which addition of the second SCG network is restricted, a message related to failure in the request for cell addition or handover to the second MCG network through the wireless communication circuit.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may restrict addition of the second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM when the state of communication with the first MCG network connected based on the first subscriber identity information of the first SIM is a connected state, and DC is configured through the first MCG network.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may allow addition of the second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM when the state of communication with the first MCG network connected based on the first subscriber identity information of the first SIM is an idle state, or when the state of communication with the first MCG network is a connected state and DC is not configured through the first MCG network.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may restrict addition of the second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM when a radio access technology (RAT) of the first SIM is a network supporting DC, the state of communication with the first MCG based on the first subscriber identity information of the first SIM is a connected state, and DC is configured through the first MCG network.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may allow addition of the second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM when the RAT of the first SIM is a network not supporting DC, when the state of communication with the first MCG network based on the first subscriber identity information of the first SIM is an idle state, or when the state of communication with the first MCG network is a connected state and DC is not configured through the first MCG network.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may connect to the second SCG network through a second MCG network connected based on the second subscriber identity information when addition of the second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM, is allowed, and transmit information related to releasing of connection to the second SCG network to the second MCG network when the state of communication with the first MCG network connected based on the first subscriber identity information of the first SIM is switched to a connected state.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may identify whether a signal related to an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) is transmitted and/or received through a second MCG network connected based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM when addition of the second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information, is restricted based on that the state of communication with the first MCG network is a connected state, and switch the state of communication with the second MCG network to an idle state when the signal related to the IMS has not been transmitted and/or received through the second MCG network for a designated time interval and execution of an application program related to the IMS ends.

FIG.7is an example of a flow chart700illustrating controlling of dual connectivity (DC) related to a second subscriber identity module in an electronic device according to various embodiments. Hereinafter, operations in the embodiment may be sequentially performed, but are not necessary to be sequentially performed. For example, orders of the operations may change, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, an electronic device ofFIG.7may be the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4A,4B, and/or5. For example, it may be assumed that the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520of the electronic device101support EN-DC. For example, it may be assumed that the first cellular network and the third cellular network support EN-DC.

Referring toFIG.7, according to various embodiments, in operation701, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor500ofFIG.5) may configure data communication based on first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510among the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520included in the electronic device101. For example, the first subscriber identity module510may be configured (or selected) as a subscriber identity module for data communication, based on a user input, an application program executed in the electronic device101, or a control signal received from an external device. For example, the data communication may include Internet data communication. According to an embodiment, when data communication based on the first subscriber identity information is configured, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to connect to the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network) and/or the first NR network (e.g., the second cellular network or the first SCG network), based on the first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510. For example, the connection to the first LTE network may include a series of operations of connecting to a first node (e.g., the first node610ofFIG.6) supporting the first LTE network, based on the first subscriber identity information.

For example, the connection to the first NR network may include a series of operations of connecting to a second node (e.g., the second node620ofFIG.6) supporting the first NR network, based on the first subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, in operation703, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may identify whether the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network) connected based on the first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510is a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state).

According to various embodiments, the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network) is a connected state (e.g., “yes” in operation703), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may restrict, in operation705, addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520. According to an embodiment, when data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510is configured, the processor500may maintain a DC support state of a UE capability related to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) connected based on the second subscriber identity information stored in the second subscriber identity module520. The processor500may restrict a DC operation related to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) and/or the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network), based on a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected) between the electronic device101and the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) in a state in which the UE capability related to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) is configured to support DC. For example, the processor500may restrict addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information to restrict (or deactivate) the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information. For example, to restrict addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network), the processor500may restrict a measurement operation related to the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network). For example, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to transmit, to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network), failure information (e.g., SCG failure information) in response to a request for addition or handover for a cell (e.g., the fourth node) of the second SCG network (e.g., the second NR network), received from the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network).

According to various embodiments, when the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) is not a connected state (e.g., “no” in operation703), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may allow, in operation707, addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520. According to an embodiment, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) is an idle state (e.g., RRC idle state), the processor500may determine that data communication based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510is not performed. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to perform data communication based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520while data communication based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510is not performed. When the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) supports DC, the processor500may allow the DC operation related to the second subscriber identity information. For example, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to perform a measurement operation related to the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network) for addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network).

According various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may determine, based on information acquired from a cellular network, whether the corresponding cellular network supports DC (e.g., EN-DC). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify whether the first LTE network supports DC (e.g., EN-DC) from “upperLayerIndication-r15” of system information block (SIB) 2 received from the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) (or the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network)). For example, when “upperLayerIndication-r15” of SIB 2 is configured as a first value (e.g., “true”)), the electronic device101may determine that the first LTE network (or the second LTE network) to which the electronic device101is connected supports DC (e.g., EN-DC). That is, the electronic device101may determine that there is a first NR network (e.g., a second node) which is disposed adjacent to the electronic device101and to which the electronic device101can be connected.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify whether the first LTE network supports DC (e.g., EN-DC), based on a value of the “restrictDCNR bit” included in a connection acceptance (attach accept) message or a tracking area update (TAU) acceptance message acquired from the first LTE network in the process of connection (attachment) to the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) (or the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network)). For example, when the “restrictDCNR bit” is configured as “use of dual connectivity with NR is restricted”, the electronic device101may determine that the first LTE network (e.g., the second LTE network) does not support DC (e.g., EN-DC).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify whether the first LTE network supports DC (e.g., EN-DC), based on whether “NR-config-r15” or “NR-radiobearerConfig-r15” is included in an RRC connection reconfiguration message received from the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) (or the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network)).

According to various embodiments, when NE-DC is supported, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may selectively restrict addition of the second LTE network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, based on the state of communication with the first NR network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network). According to an embodiment, the processor500may restrict a DC operation related to the second subscriber identity information, based on a connected state (e.g., RRC connected) between the electronic device101and the first NR network (e.g., the first cellular network) in a state in which the UE capability related to the second NR network (e.g., the third cellular network) is configured to support DC. For example, the processor500may restrict addition of the second LTE network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) in a state in which connection to the second NR network (e.g., the third cellular network or the second MCG network) is made based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, when NR-DC is supported, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may selectively restrict addition of a second type (e.g., about 6 GHz or higher) of second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, based on the state of communication with a first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of first NR network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network). According to an embodiment, the processor500may restrict the DC operation related to the second subscriber identity information, based on a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected) between the electronic device101and the first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of first NR network (e.g., the first cellular network) in a state in which the UE capability related to the first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of second NR network (e.g., the third cellular network) is configured to support DC. For example, the processor500may restrict addition of the second type (e.g., about 6 GHz or higher) of second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) in a state in which connection is made to the first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of second NR network (e.g., the third cellular network or the second MCG network), based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may restrict addition of the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information, regardless of the type of the first cellular network when the state of communication with the first cellular network (e.g., the first MCG network) connected based on the first subscriber identify information of the first subscriber identity module510is a connected state.

According to various embodiments, when a subscriber identity module for data communication is not configured in a state in which the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520are activated, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may assume that data communication is performed based on the subscriber identity module (e.g., first subscriber identity module510) selected based on a designated scheme. For example, the subscriber identity module for data communication may be randomly selected. For example, the subscriber identity module for data communication may be selected based on a configuration history related to data communication. For example, the configuration history related to data communication may include information of a subscriber identity module configured for data communication at a previous time point. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may selectively restrict (or allow), based on the state of communication of a subscriber identity module selected in the designated scheme, a DC operation related to a subscriber identity module not selected in the designated scheme.

FIG.8is an example of a flow chart800illustrating controlling of dual connectivity related to a second subscriber identity module in an electronic device according to various embodiments. Hereinafter, operations may be sequentially performed, but are not necessary to be sequentially performed. For example, orders of the operations may change, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, an electronic device ofFIG.8may be the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4A,4B, and/or5. For example, it may be assumed that the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520of the electronic device101support EN-DC. For example, it may be assumed that the first cellular network and the third cellular network support EN-DC.

Referring toFIG.8, according to various embodiments, in operation801, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor500ofFIG.5) may configure data communication based on first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510among the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520included in the electronic device101. For example, the data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510may be configured (or selected) based on a user input, an application program executed in the electronic device101, or a control signal received from an external device. According to an embodiment, when data communication based on the first subscriber identity information is configured, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to connect to the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) and/or the first NR network (e.g., the second cellular network), based on the first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510.

According to various embodiments, in operation803, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may identify whether the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network) connected based on the first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510is a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state).

According to various embodiments, when the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) is a connected state (e.g., “yes” in operation803), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may identify, in operation805, whether DC (e.g., EN-DC) is configured with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network). According an embodiment, when the electronic device101is connected to the first LTE network (e.g., the first node610) and the first NR network (e.g., the second node620) for data communication, based on the first subscriber identity information, the processor500may determine that DC (e.g., EN-DC) is configured with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network). According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101is connected only to the first LTE network (e.g., the first node610) (or the first NR network (e.g., the second node620)) for data communication, based on the first subscriber identity information, the processor500may determine that DC (e.g., EN-DC) is not configured with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network).

According to various embodiments, when DC (e.g., EN-DC) is configured with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) (e.g., “yes” in operation805), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may restrict, in operation807, addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520. According to an embodiment, when data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510is configured, the processor500may maintain a DC support state of a UE capability related to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) connected based on the second subscriber identity information stored in the second subscriber identity module520. The processor500may restrict a DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information when DC is configured with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) in a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state) while the UE capability related to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) is configured to support DC. For example, the restricting (deactivating) of the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information may include a series of operations of restricting addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) in a state in which the electronic device101is connected to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network or the second MCG network), based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, when the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) is not a connected state (e.g., “no” in operation803) or DC (e.g., EN-DC) is not configured with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) (e.g., “no” in operation805), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may allow, in operation809, addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520. According to an embodiment, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) is an idle state (e.g., RRC idle state) or DC is not configured with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) in a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state), the processor500may determine that data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510is not performed. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to perform data communication based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520while data communication based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510is not performed. When the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) to which the electronic device101is connected based on the second subscriber identity information supports DC, the processor500may allow addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network).

According to various embodiments, when NE-DC is supported, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may selectively restrict addition of the second LTE network (e.g., the fourth cellular network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, based on the state of communication with the first NR network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network) and whether DC is configured with the first NR network. According to an embodiment, the processor500may restrict a DC operation related to the second subscriber identity information when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first NR network (e.g., the first cellular network) is a connected state (e.g., RRC connected) and DC is configured with the first NR network in a state in which the UE capability related to the second NR network (e.g., the third cellular network) is configured to support DC. For example, the processor500may restrict addition of the second LTE network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) in a state in which connection to the second NR network (e.g., the third cellular network or the second MCG network) is made based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, when NR-DC is supported, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may selectively restrict addition of a second type (e.g., about 6 GHz or higher) of second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, based on the state of communication with a first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of first NR network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network) and whether DC is configured with the first type of first NR network. According to an embodiment, the processor500may restrict the DC operation related to the second subscriber identity information when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of first NR network (e.g., the first cellular network) is a connected state (e.g., RRC connected) and DC is configured with the first type of first NR network in a state in which the UE capability related to the first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of second NR network (e.g., the third cellular network) is configured to support DC. For example, the processor500may restrict addition of the second type (e.g., about 6 GHz or higher) of second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) in a state in which connection is made to the first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of second NR network (e.g., the third cellular network or the second MCG network), based on the second subscriber identity information.

FIG.9is an example of a flow chart900illustrating controlling of dual connectivity (DC) related to a second subscriber identity module in an electronic device according to various embodiments. Hereinafter, operations in the embodiment may be sequentially performed, but are not necessary to be sequentially performed. For example, orders of the operations may change, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, an electronic device ofFIG.9may be the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4A,4B, and/or5. For example, it may be assumed that the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520of the electronic device101support EN-DC. For example, it may be assumed that the first cellular network and the third cellular network support EN-DC.

Referring toFIG.9, according to various embodiments, in operation901, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor500ofFIG.5) may configure data communication based on first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510among the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520included in the electronic device101. For example, the data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510may be configured (or selected) based on a user input, an application program executed in the electronic device101, or a control signal received from an external device. According to an embodiment, when data communication based on the first subscriber identity information is configured, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to connect to the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) and/or the first NR network (e.g., the second cellular network), based on the first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510.

According to various embodiments, in operation903, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may identify whether an RAT related to the first subscriber identity module510is an LTE network. According to an embodiment, the processor500may identify whether the electronic device101is connected to a network (e.g., the first LTE network) supporting DC, based on the first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510.

According to various embodiments, when the RAT related to the first subscriber identity module510is an LTE network (e.g., the first LTE network) (e.g., “yes” in operation903), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may identify, in operation905, whether the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) is a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state).

According to various embodiments, when the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network) is a connected state (e.g., “yes” in operation905), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may identify, in operation907, whether DC (e.g., EN-DC) is configured with the first LTE network, based on the first subscriber identity information. According to an embodiment, when connection is made to the first LTE network (e.g., the first node610) and the first NR network (e.g., the second node620) for data communication, based on the first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510, the processor500may determine that DC (e.g., EN-DC) is configured with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network). According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101is connected only to the first LTE network (e.g., the first node610) (or the first NR network (e.g., the second node620)) for data communication, based on the first subscriber identity information, the processor500may determine that DC (e.g., EN-DC) is not configured with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network).

According to various embodiments, when DC (e.g., EN-DC) is configured based on the first subscriber identity information (e.g., “yes” in operation907), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may restrict, in operation909, addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520. According to an embodiment, when data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510is configured, the processor500may maintain a DC support state of a UE capability related to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) connected based on the second subscriber identity information stored in the second subscriber identity module520. The processor500may restrict a DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information when DC is configured with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) in a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state) while the UE capability related to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) is configured to support DC. For example, the restricting (deactivating) of the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information may include a series of operations of restricting addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network) in a state in which the electronic device101is connected to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network), based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, when the RAT related to the first subscriber identity module510is not an LTE network (e.g., the first LTE network) (e.g., “no” in operation903), when the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) is not a connected state (e.g., “no” in operation905), or when DC (e.g., EN-DC) is not configured based on the first subscriber identity information (e.g., “no” in operation907), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may allow, in operation911, addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520.

According to various embodiments, when the RAT related to the first subscriber identity module510is a network (e.g., 2G network or 3G network) not supporting DC, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may allow addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may restrict addition of the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information from a time point at which a measurement operation related to a network supporting DC is performed. For example, the time point at which the measurement operation related to the network supporting DC is performed may include a time point at which measurement related to a network supporting DC is performed, or a time point at which a measurement result is reported. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may restrict addition of the fourth cellular network (e.g., the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information from a time point at which a message related to handover to a network supporting DC is received. For example, the network supporting DC may include at least one of an LTE network and an NR network. For example, the NR network may support stand alone (SA) scheme or a non-stand alone (NSA) scheme.

According to various embodiments, when NE-DC is supported, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may selectively restrict addition of the second LTE network (e.g., the fourth cellular network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, based on whether the RAT related to the first subscriber identity module510supports DC, the state of communication with the first NR network (e.g., the first cellular network), and whether DC is configured with the first NR network. According to an embodiment, the processor500may restrict a DC operation related to the second subscriber identity information when the RAT of the first subscriber identity module510supports DC, the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first NR network (e.g., the first cellular network) is a connected state (e.g., RRC connected), and DC is configured with the first NR network in a state in which the UE capability related to the second NR network (e.g., the third cellular network) is configured to support DC. For example, the processor500may restrict addition of the second LTE network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) in a state in which connection to the second NR network (e.g., the third cellular network or the second MCG network) is made based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, when NR-DC is supported, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may selectively restrict addition of a second type (e.g., about 6 GHz or higher) of second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, based on whether the RAT of the first subscriber identity module510supports DC, the state of communication with a first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of first NR network (e.g., the first cellular network), and whether DC is configured with the first type of first NR network. According to an embodiment, the processor500may restrict the DC operation related to the second subscriber identity information when the RAT of the first subscriber identity module510supports DC, the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of first NR network (e.g., the first cellular network) is a connected state (e.g., RRC connected) in a state in which the UE capability related to the first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of second NR network (e.g., the third cellular network) is configured to support DC, and DC is configured with the first type of first NR network. For example, the processor500may restrict addition of the second type (e.g., about 6 GHz or higher) of second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) in a state in which connection is made to the first type (e.g., about 6 GHz or lower) of second NR network (e.g., the third cellular network or the second MCG network), based on the second subscriber identity information.

FIG.10is an example of controlling dual connectivity (DC) related to a second subscriber identity module in an electronic device according to various embodiments. For example, the processor500(e.g., CP) may include a DC management module1000, an LTE RRC1002of a first SIM510, an LTE RRC1004of a second SIM520, and/or an NR RRC1006of the second SIM520. For example, the electronic device101may assume that data communication based on first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510is configured. For example, the electronic device101may further include an NR RRC (not shown) of the first SIM510, which corresponds to an RRC layer supporting communication with the first NR network (e.g., the second cellular network), based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510. Each “processor” herein comprises processing circuitry.

Referring toFIG.10, according to various embodiments, the LTE RRC1002(e.g., the first communication protocol stack314ofFIG.3) of the first SIM510of the electronic device101may control the wireless communication circuit530to connect to the first node610(e.g., the first MN or the cell of the first MCG) of the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network), based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device101is connected to a cell (e.g., the first node610) of the first LTE network (e.g., the first MCG network), the LTE RRC1002of the first SIM510may transmit, in operation1011, a procedure request message related to communication with the cell of the first LTE network to the DC management module1000. For example, the LTE RRC1002of the first SIM510is an RRC layer supporting communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network), based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510, and may be executed by the processor500(e.g., CP) for wireless communication with the first node610based on the first subscriber identity information. For example, the DC management module1000is a function for determining whether a DC operation related to the first subscriber identity module510or the second subscriber identity module520is active, and may be executed by the processor500(e.g., CP).

According to various embodiments, the DC management module1000may receive the procedure request message from the LTE RRC1002of the first SIM510in operation1011. The DC management module1000may determine, in operation1013, whether to restrict addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, based on procedure request information included in the procedure request message. According to an embodiment, the DC management module1000may determine that a DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520is restricted when the procedure request message acquired from the LTE RRC1002of the first SIM510is related to at least one of a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state) of the first LTE network and signaling of the first LTE network.

According to various embodiments, the DC management module1000, which may comprise processing circuitry, may transmit, to the LTE RRC1002of the first SIM510, a procedure identification message as a response to the procedure request message in operation1015.

According to various embodiments, when determining to restrict addition of the second NR network based on the second subscriber identity information, the DC management module1000may transmit, in operation1017, information related to the restriction of the addition of the second NR network (e.g., information related to restriction of DC) to the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520. For example, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520is an RRC layer supporting communication with the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network), based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, and may be executed by the processor500(e.g., CP) for wireless communication with the third node630based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may restrict, in operation1019, connection to the second NR network (e.g., the second SCG network), based on information related to the restriction of the addition of the second NR network. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101is connected to the second NR network, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may control the wireless communication circuit530to transmit information (e.g., SCG failure information) related to releasing of the connection to the second NR network to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network).

According to an embodiment, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may transmit information related to the restriction of the addition of the second NR network to the NR RRC1006of the second SIM520. The NR RRC1006of the second SIM520may restrict a series of operations related to the addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network), based on the information related to the restriction of the addition of the second NR network. For example, the operation of restricting the addition of the second NR network may include an operation of restricting a measurement operation related to the second NR network or restricting measurement reporting. For example, the NR RRC1006of the second SIM520is an RRC layer supporting communication with the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network), based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, and may be executed by the processor500(e.g., CP) for wireless communication with the fourth node640based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, in operation1027, the LTE RRC1002of the first SIM510may transmit the procedure request message related to communication with the first LTE network to the DC management module1000in a state connection is made to the cell (e.g., the first node610) of the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network).

According to various embodiments, in operation1027, the DC management module1000may receive the procedure request message from the LTE RRC1002of the first SIM510. The DC management module1000may determine, in operation1029, whether to restrict addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, based on the procedure request information included in the procedure request message. According to an embodiment, the DC management module1000may determine that a DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520is allowed when the procedure request message acquired from the LTE RRC1002of the first SIM510is related to at least one of an idle state (e.g., RRC idle state), an inactive state (e.g., RRC inactive state), SIB reading, a cell search, a background cell search, or cell reselection of the first LTE network. For example, the cell search may include a series of operations of identifying whether there is another cell adjacent to the electronic device101, other than a cell (serving cell) to which the electronic device101is connected. For example, the background cell search may include a series of operations of searching a cell (including a serving cell) to which the electronic device101can be connected.

According to various embodiments, the DC management module1000may transmit, in operation1031, the procedure identification message to the LTE RRC1002of the first SIM510, as a response to the procedure request message.

According to various embodiments, when determining to allow the addition of the second NR network based on the second subscriber identity information, the DC management module1000may transmit, in operation1033, information related to the allowance of the addition of the second NR network (e.g., information related to allowance of DC) to the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520.

According to various embodiments, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may control, in operation1035, the wireless communication circuit530to perform connection with the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network). According to an embodiment, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may transmit information related to the allowance of the addition of the second NR network to the NR RRC1006of the second SIM520. The NR RRC1006of the second SIM520may control the wireless communication circuit530to perform a measurement operation related to the second NR network, based on the information related to the allowance of the addition of the second NR network. For example, the measurement operation related to the second NR network may be performed based on measurement configuration received from the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network). According to an embodiment, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520and/or the NR RRC1006of the second SIM520may control the wireless communication circuit530to connect to a cell (e.g., the fourth node640) of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network), based on a measurement result related to the second NR network.

According to various embodiments, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520and/or the NR RRC1006of the second SIM520may control the wireless communication circuit530to transmit and/or receive data through the third node630of the second LTE network and/or the fourth node640of the second NR network.

According to various embodiments, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may maintain a DC support state of a UE capability related to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) connected based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520when data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510is configured. According to an embodiment, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may configure the UE capability related to the second LTE network, transmitted for connection (e.g., radio resource control (RRC) signaling) to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) or periodically transmitted to the second LTE network, so that the electronic device101supports DC related to the second LTE network.

FIG.11is an example of a flow chart1100illustrating controlling of dual connectivity (DC) related to a second subscriber identity module in an electronic device according to various embodiments. Hereinafter, operations may be sequentially performed, but are not necessary to be sequentially performed. For example, orders of the operations may change, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, an electronic device ofFIG.11may be the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4A,4B, and/or5. For example, it may be assumed that the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520of the electronic device101support EN-DC. For example, it may be assumed that the first cellular network and the third cellular network support EN-DC.

Referring toFIG.11, according to various embodiments, in operation1101, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor500ofFIG.5) may configure data communication based on first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510among the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520included in the electronic device101. For example, the first subscriber identity module510may be configured (or selected) as a subscriber identity module for data communication, based on a user input, an application program executed in the electronic device101, or a control signal received from an external device. According to an embodiment, when the data communication based on the first subscriber identity information is configured, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to connect to the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network) and/or the first NR network (e.g., the second cellular network or the first SCG network), based on the first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may restrict, in operation1103, addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, based on configuration of data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510. According to an embodiment, when the data communication based on the first subscriber identity information is configured, the processor500may restrict addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) to restrict a DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information. For example, the restriction of the addition of the second NR network may include a series of operations of restricting a measurement operation related to the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network). For example, the restriction of the addition of the second NR network may include a series of operations of rejecting a request for addition or handover for a cell (e.g., the fourth node640) of the second SCG network (e.g., the second NR network), received from the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network or the second MCG network). For example, the series of operations of rejecting the request for cell addition or handover may include an operation of transmitting failure information (e.g., SCG failure information) to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network), as a response to the request for cell addition or handover.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may identify, in operation1105, whether the state of communication with the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network or the second MCG network) connected based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520is switched to a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state). According to an embodiment, the state of communication with the second LTE network may be switched to the connected state for reception of a rich communication service or rich communication suite (RCS)-type or multimedia messaging service (MMS)-type message.

According to various embodiments, when the state of communication with the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) is not switched to the connected state (e.g., “no” in operation1105), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may identify, in operation1105, whether the state of communication with the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) is switched to the connected state. According to an embodiment, when the state of communication with the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) is an idle state (or inactive state), the processor500may identify whether the state of communication with the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) is switched to the connected state.

According to various embodiments, when the state of commutation with the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) is switched to the connected state (e.g., “yes” in operation1105), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may identify, in operation1107, whether the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) connected based on the first subscriber identity information stored in the first subscriber identity module510is the connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state).

According to various embodiments, when the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) is a connected state (e.g., “yes” in operation1107), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may terminate the embodiment of controlling dual connectivity (DC) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520. According to an embodiment, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) is a connected state, the processor500may maintain the state of restriction of addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) base on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520.

According to various embodiments, when the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) is not a connected state (e.g., “no” in operation1107), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may allow, in operation1109, addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520. According to an embodiment, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) is an idle state (e.g., RRC idle state), the processor500may determine that data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510is not performed. The processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to perform data communication based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520while the data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510is not performed. When the second LTE network connected based on the second subscriber identity information supports DC (e.g., EN-DC), the processor500may allow the addition of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network) based on the second subscriber identity information. For example, the processor500may control the wireless communication circuit530to perform a measurement operation with the second NR network.

According to various embodiments, when the state of communication with the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) is switched to a connected state, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may identify the state of communication of the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) connected based on the first subscriber identity information, and whether DC is established. According to an embodiment, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) is a connected state and DC is established through the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may maintain the restriction of a DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information. According to an embodiment, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) is an idle state (or inactive state) or DC is not established through the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may allow (or activate) the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, when the state of communication with the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) is switched to a connected state, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may identify an RAT related to the first subscriber identity module510, the state of communication of the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network), and whether DC is established. According to an embodiment, when the RAT related to the first subscriber identity module510is configured as a network (e.g., the first LTE network) supporting DC, the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network is a connected state, and DC is established through the first LTE network, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may maintain the retraction of the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information. According to an embodiment, when the RAT-related to the first subscriber identity module510does not support DC, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network is an idle state (or an inactive state), or when DC is not established through the first LTE network, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may allow the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information.

FIG.12is an example of controlling dual connectivity (DC) related to a second subscriber identity module when a state of communication based on a first subscriber identity module is an idle state in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.12, according to various embodiments, the electronic device101may configure data connection based on first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510among the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520included in the electronic device101. The electronic device101may restrict a DC operation based on second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, based on configuration of data communication based on the first subscriber identity information. For example, the restriction of the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information may include a series of operations of restricting addition of a cell (e.g., the fourth node640) of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network), based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, the LTE RRC1004(e.g., the third communication protocol stack318ofFIG.3) of the second SIM520of the electronic device101may identify, in operation1213, whether the state of communication with the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) connected based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520is switched to a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state). When the state of communication with the second LTE network is switched to the connected state (operation1213), the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may transmit (e.g., in operation1215) a request message for identifying the state of a DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, to the DC management module1000.

According to various embodiments, the DC management module1000of the electronic device101may determine whether to allow dual connectivity (DC) based on the second subscriber identity information, based on the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network) connected based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510. According to an embodiment, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network is an idle state (e.g., RRC idle state) (operation1211), the DC management module1000may determine to allow a dual connectivity (DC) operation based on the second subscriber identity information in operation1217.

According to various embodiments, when determining to allow the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information (operation1217), the DC management module1000may transmit information related to the allowance of DC to the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520in operation1219.

According to various embodiments, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may control, in operation1221, the wireless communication circuit530to perform connection with the second SCG network (e.g., the second NR network), based on information related to the allowance of DC. According to an embodiment, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may transmit the information related to the allowance of DC to the NR RRC1006of the second SIM520. The NR RRC1006of the second SIM520may control the wireless communication circuit530to perform a measurement operation related to the second NR network, based on the information related to the allowance of DC. For example, the measurement operation related to the second NR network may be performed based on measurement configuration received from the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network). According to an embodiment, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520and/or the NR RRC1006of the second SIM520may control the wireless communication circuit530to connect to a cell (e.g., the fourth node640) of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network), based on a measurement result related to the second NR network.

According to various embodiments, when connection is made to a cell (e.g., the third node630) of the second LTE network and a cell (e.g., the fourth node640) of the second NR network, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520and/or the NR RRC1006of the second SIM520may control the wireless communication circuit530to transmit and/or receive data through the cell of the second LTE network and/or the cell of the second NR network.

According to various embodiments, the DC management module1000may transmit the information related to the state of communication with the first LTE network, acquired from the LTE RRC1002of the first SIM510, to the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520. According to an embodiment, the DC management module1000may identify whether the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network is switched, based on the information related to the state of communication with the first LTE network, acquired from the LTE RRC1002of the first SIM510. When the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network is switched, the DC management module1000may transmit the information related to the communication state between the electronic device101and the first LTE network may be transmitted to the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520. According to an embodiment, when the state of communication with the second LTE network is switched to a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state), the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may determine whether to allow dual connectivity (DC) based on the second subscriber identity information, based on the information related to the state of communication of the first LTE network with the electronic device101, acquired from the DC management module1000. In this case, operations1215to1219ofFIG.12can be omitted.

FIG.13is an example of controlling dual connectivity (DC) related to a second subscriber identity module when a state of communication based on a first subscriber identity module is a connected state in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.13, according to various embodiments, the electronic device101may restrict a DC operation based on second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, based on configuration of data communication based on first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510. According to an embodiment, when the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information is restricted, the electronic device101may restrict a measurement operation and/or a measurement report operation related to the second NR network to restrict addition of a cell (e.g., the fourth node640) of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network), based on the second subscriber identity information. According to an embodiment, when the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information is restricted, the electronic device101may transmit failure information to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network or the second MCG network), as a response to a request for addition or handover for a cell (e.g., the fourth node) of the second NR network.

According to various embodiments, the LTE RRC1004(e.g., the third communication protocol stack318ofFIG.3) of the second SIM520of the electronic device101may identify, in operation1313, whether the state of communication with the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network) is switched to a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state), based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520. When the state of communication with the second LTE network is switched to the connected state (operation1313), the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may transmit, in operation1315, a request message for identifying the state of a DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, to the DC management module1000.

According to various embodiments, the DC management module1000of the electronic device101may determine whether to allow dual connectivity (DC) based on the second subscriber identity information, based on the state of communication with the first LTE network connected based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510. According to an embodiment, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network is a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state) (operation1311), the DC management module1000may determine to restrict a dual connectivity (DC) operation based on the second subscriber identity information in operation1317.

According to various embodiments, when determining to restrict the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information (operation1317), the DC management module1000may transmit information related to the restriction of DC to the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520in operation1319. According to an embodiment, the information related to the restriction of DC may include information related to the restriction of addition of the second NR network.

According to various embodiments, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may restrict, in operation1321, additional connection to a cell (e.g., the fourth node640) of the second NR network, based on the information related to the restriction of DC. According to an embodiment, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520and/or the NR RRC1006of the second SIM520may restrict a measurement operation related to the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network) and/or a measurement report operation related to the second NR network so as to restrict the additional connection to the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network). According to an embodiment, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520and/or the NR RRC1006of the second SIM520may control the wireless communication circuit530to transmit failure information (or rejection information) to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network), as a response to a request for addition or handover for a cell (e.g., the fourth node640) of the second NR network (e.g., the second SCG network), received from the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network), so as to restrict the additional connection to the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network).

According to various embodiments, the DC management module1000may transmit information related to the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network, acquired from the LTE RRC1002of the first SIM510, to the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520. According to an embodiment, when the state of communication with the second LTE network is switched to a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state), the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may determine whether to allow dual connectivity (DC) based on the second subscriber identity information, based on the information related to state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network, acquired from the DC management module1000. In this case, operations1315to1319ofFIG.13can be omitted.

FIG.14is an example of controlling dual connectivity (DC) related to a second subscriber identity module, based on a connection state of communication based on a first subscriber identity module in an electronic device according to various embodiments. For example, the electronic device101may assume that data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510is configured.

Referring toFIG.14, according to various embodiments, the electronic device101may restrict a DC operation based on second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520, based on configuration of data communication based on first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510. For example, the restriction of the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information may include a series of operations of restricting addition of a cell (e.g., the fourth node640) of the second NR network (e.g., the fourth cellular network or the second SCG network).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may allow, in operation1411, dual connectivity (DC) based on the second subscriber identity information, based on the state of communication of the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network) connected based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510. According to an embodiment, based on operations1211to1221ofFIG.12, the electronic device101may allow dual connectivity (DC), based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, when the state of communication with a cell (e.g., the first node610) of the first LTE network is switched to a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state) (operation1413), the LTE RRC1002(e.g., the first communication protocol stack314ofFIG.3) of the first SIM510of the electronic device101may transmit, in operation1415, a procedure request message related to communication with the first LTE network to the DC management module1000. For example, the procedure request message may include information related to switching to a connected state (e.g., RRC connected state).

According to various embodiments, the DC management module1000may receive the procedure request message from the LTE RRC1002of the first SIM510in operation1415. The DC management module1000may determine, in operation1417, to restrict the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information, based on the information related to switching to the connected state of the first LTE network, included in the procedure request message.

According to various embodiments, when determining to restrict the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information, the DC management module1000may transmit, in operation1419, the information related to the restriction of DC to the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520. According to an embodiment, the information related to the restriction of DC may include information related to restriction of addition of the second NR network.

According to various embodiments, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may restrict, in operation1421, the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information, based on the information related to the restriction of DC. According to an embodiment, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may control the wireless communication circuit530to release connection to the second NR network, based on the information related to the restriction of DC. For example, the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may control the wireless communication circuit530to transmit SCG failure information to the second LTE network (e.g., the first MCG network) to release connection to the second NR network (e.g., the second SCG network). The LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520may transmit information related to the releasing of the connection to the second NR network to the NR RRC1006of the second SIM520, based on the information related to the restriction of DC.

According to various embodiments, when determining that the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network) connected based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510is to be switched to a connected state, the electronic device101may restrict the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, when the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network) connected based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510is connected to the connected state, the electronic device101may restrict the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information.

FIG.15is a flow chart1500illustrating controlling of connection with an MCG network in an electronic device according to various embodiments. In the embodiment below, operations may be sequentially performed, but are not necessary to be sequentially performed. For example, orders of the operations may change, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, an electronic device ofFIG.15may be the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4A,4B, and/or5.

Referring toFIG.15, according to various embodiments, when data communication based on first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510among multiple subscriber identity modules510and/or520included in the electronic device101is configured, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1or the processor500ofFIG.5) may identify, in operation1501, whether a DC operation based on second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520is restricted, based on the state of communication with the first LTE network (e.g., the first cellular network or the first MCG network) connected, directly or indirectly, based on the first subscriber identity information. According to an embodiment, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network is a connected state (e.g., RRC-connected state), the processor500may restrict (or deactivate) the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information. When the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network is an idle state (e.g., RRC idle state), the processor500may allow (or activate) the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information. According to an embodiment, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network is a connected state and DC is established through the first LTE network, the processor500may restrict (or deactivate) the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information. When the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network is an idle state (or inactive state) or DC is not established through the first LTE network, the processor500may allow (or activate) the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information. According to an embodiment, when a radio access technology (RAT) related to the first subscriber identity module510is configured as a network (e.g., the first LTE network) supporting DC, the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network is a connected state, and DC is established through the first LTE network, the processor500may restrict (or deactivate) the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information. When the RAT related to the first subscriber identity module510is configured as a network not supporting DC, when the state of communication between the electronic device101and the first LTE network is an idle state (e.g., inactive state), or when DC is not established through the first LTE network, the processor500may allow (or activate) the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, when the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information is allowed (e.g., “no” in operation1501), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may terminate the embodiment of controlling the connection to the second LTE network (e.g., the third cellular network or the second MCG network) connected based on the second subscriber identity information.

According to various embodiments, when the DC operation based on the second subscriber identity information is restricted (e.g., “yes” in operation1501), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may identify, in operation1503, whether a designated restriction condition related to the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) is satisfied. According to an embodiment, when transmission and/or reception of a signal related to an IMS service (e.g., voice call) has not been performed through the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) for a designated time interval, the processor500may identity whether execution of an application program related to the IMS service is terminated. For example, when transmission and/or reception of a signal related to an IMS service (e.g., voice call) has not been performed through the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) for a designated time interval and execution of an application program related to the IMS service is terminated, the processor500may determine that the designated restriction condition related to the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) is satisfied. For example, when transmission and/or reception of a signal related to an IMS service (e.g., voice call) is performed through the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) or an application program related to the IMS service is being executed, the processor500may determine that the designated restriction condition related to the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) is not satisfied.

According to various embodiments, when determining that the designated restriction condition related to the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) is not satisfied (e.g., “no” in operation1503), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may terminate the embodiment of controlling the connection to the second LTE network.

According to various embodiments, when determining that the designated restriction condition related to the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) is satisfied (e.g., “yes” in operation1503), the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120or500) may switch, in operation1505, the state of communication with the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) to an idle state. According to an embodiment, when transmission and/or reception of a signal related to an IMS service (e.g., voice call) has not been performed through the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) for a designated time interval and execution of an application program related to the IMS service is terminated, the processor500(e.g., the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520) may determine that the IMS service related to the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) is not provided. The processor500(e.g., the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520) may determine to enter into an idle state (e.g., RRC idle state) through local release, based on the determination on that the IMS service related to the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) is not provided. For example, the entering into the idle state through the local release may be determined in non-access stratum (NAS) of the electronic device101. For example, information related to execution of an application program may be acquired from an application processor (AP).

According to an embodiment, the processor500(e.g., the access stratum (AS) or the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520) may configure failure in connection with the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) (e.g., RRC connection failure), based on information related to the local release. The processor500(e.g., the AS or the LTE RRC1004of the second SIM520) may switch the state of communication with the second LTE network (e.g., the second MCG network) to an idle state (e.g., RRC idle state) through tracking area update (TAU) related to occurrence of RRC connection re-establishment (RRE).

FIG.16is an example illustrating displaying of communication information related to multiple subscriber identity modules in an electronic device according to various embodiments. For example, it may be assumed that the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520of the electronic device101support DC.

Referring toFIG.16, according to various embodiments, when data communication based on the first subscriber identity module510is configured in a state in which the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520are activated, the electronic device101may configure (or maintain) a UE capability related to the second cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) to support DC. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may selectively restrict a DC operation related to the second subscriber identity module520, based on the state (e.g., RRC state) of communication with the first cellular network in the state in which the UE capability related to the second cellular network is configured to support DC.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may identify whether the first cellular network connected based on the first subscriber identity information of the first subscriber identity module510and the second cellular network connected based on the second subscriber identity information of the second subscriber identity module520support DC (e.g., EN-DC). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify whether the first cellular network and/or the second cellular network supports DC (e.g., EN-DC), from “upperLayerIndication-r15” of system information block (SIB) 2 received from the first cellular network (e.g., the first LTE network) and/or the second cellular network. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify whether the first cellular network and/or the second cellular network supports DC (e.g., EN-DC), based on a value of a “restrictDCNR bit” included in a connection acceptance (attach accept) message or tracking area update (TAU) acceptance message acquired from the first cellular network and/or the second cellular network in the process of connecting (being attracted) to the first cellular network and/or the second cellular network. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify whether the first cellular network and/or the second cellular network supports DC (e.g., EN-DC), based on whether “NR-config-r15” and “NR-radiobearerConfig-r15” are included in an RRC connection reconfiguration message received from the first cellular network and/or the second cellular network.

According to various embodiments, when determining that the first cellular network and the second cellular network support DC (e.g., EN-DC), the electronic device101may display information related to supporting of an NR network of the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may display NR network support information1610and1620of the first subscriber identity module510and the second subscriber identity module520on a notification bar1600of a display (not shown). As the UE capability related to the second cellular network (e.g., the second LTE network) is configured (or maintained) to support DC even though the DC operation related to the second subscriber identity module520is restricted, the electronic device101may display the NR network support information1620of the second subscriber identity module520.

According to various embodiments, an operation method of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1,2,3,4A,4B, or5) including multiple subscriber identity modules (e.g., the subscriber identity module196ofFIG.1, the first subscriber identity module510ofFIG.5, or the second subscriber identity module520ofFIG.5) may include connecting to, when data communication using first subscriber identity information included in a first SIM among the multiple SIMs is configured, a first master cell group (MCG) network or the first MCG network and a first secondary cell group (SCG) network, based on the first subscriber identity information, identifying a state of communication with the first MCG network, restricting addition of a second SCG network, based on second subscriber identity information of a second SIM when the state of communication with the first MCG network is a connected state, and allowing addition of the second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information when the state of communication with the first MCG network is an idle state.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include maintaining a dual connectivity (DC) support state of a UE capability related to a second MCG network connected based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM when the data communication using the first subscriber identity information included in the first SIM is configured.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include restricting at least one of a measurement operation and a measurement report operation related to the second SCG network when measurement configuration is received from a second MCG network connected based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM in a state in which addition of the second SCG network is restricted.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include transmitting, when a message related to a request for cell addition or handover of a second SCG network is received from the second MCG network connected based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM in a state in which addition of the second SCG network is restricted, a message related to failure in the request for cell addition or handover to the second MCG network.

According to various embodiments, the restricting of the addition of the second SCG network may include restricting addition of the second SCG network when the state of communication with the first MCG network connected based on the first subscriber identity information of the first SIM is a connected state and DC is configured through the first MCG network.

According to various embodiments, the allowing of the addition of the second SCG network may include allowing addition of the second SCG network when the state of communication with the first MCG network connected, directly or indirectly, based on the first subscriber identity information of the first SIM is an idle state, or when the state of communication with the first MCG network is a connected state and DC is not configured through the first MCG network.

According to various embodiments, the restricting of the addition of the second SCG network may include restricting addition of the second SCG network when a radio access technology (RAT) of the first SIM is a network supporting DC, the state of communication with the first MCG network based on the first subscriber identity information of the first SIM is a connected state, and DC is configured through the first MCG network.

Each embodiment herein may be used in combination with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

According to various embodiments, the allowing of the addition of the second SCG network may include allowing addition of the second SCG network when the RAT of the first SIM is a network not supporting DC, when the state of communication with the first MCG network based on the first subscriber identity information of the first SIM is an idle state, or when DC is not configured through the first MCG network. “Based on” as used herein covers based at least on.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include connecting to the second SCG network through a second MCG network connected, directly or indirectly, based on the second subscriber identity information when addition of the second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM, is allowed, and transmitting information related to releasing of connection to the second SCG network to the second MCG network when the state of communication with the first MCG network connected based on the first subscriber identity information of the first SIM is switched to a connected state.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include identifying whether a signal related to an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) is transmitted and/or received through a second MCG network connected based on the second subscriber identity information of the second SIM when addition of the second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information, is restricted based on that the state of commination with the first MCG network is a connected state, and switching the state of communication with the second MCG network to an idle state when the signal related to the IMS has not been transmitted and/or received through the second MCG network for a designated time interval and execution of an application program related to the IMS ends.