Dynamic triggering of minimum periodic search timer

Systems and methods for performing handovers for a user equipment (UE) include storing a dynamically-triggered search timer value and a high priority public land mobility network (PLMN) identifier at the UE (e.g., using a universal subscriber identity module (USIM). The UE generates a periodic measurement report with a list of PLMN identifiers associated with nearby access network nodes. In response to entering idle mode, the UE 102 determines whether the list of PLMN identifiers includes the high priority PLMN. In response to the list of PLMN identifiers including the high priority PLMN, the UE 102 initiates a dynamically-triggered search for a handover at a time indicated by the dynamically-triggered search timer value rather than by a larger minimum periodic search timer value. Accordingly, the dynamically-triggered search occurs quickly (e.g., between 5 and 30 seconds) after the UE enters the idle mode as compared to minimum periodic search timer-based handover searches.

FIELD

Aspects of the presently disclosed technology relate generally to network handovers and more particularly to performing inter-operator handovers for a User Equipment (UE) using a dynamically-triggered search.

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices are often configured to connect to multiple, different networks. When transitioning between different networks operated by a single network operator, the handover process is generally performed by access nodes of the networks because the access nodes share a common communication interface. However, handovers between networks operated by different network operators (e.g., without a roaming agreement) lack a common interface and are, therefore, performed by the mobile device. Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards-based settings instruct the mobile device to perform a search for other available networks whenever the mobile device enters an idle mode and a predetermined wait time (e.g., 6 minutes) elapses.

In some situations, a mobile device may be connected to a first network and, while connected to the first network, moves into a coverage area of a second network. The second network may be a preferred network for the mobile device. However, if the first network has a greater transmission power, the mobile device might stay on the first network despite being within coverage of the preferred network. Additionally, once the mobile device moves into the second coverage area of the second network, the mobile device typically does not perform a search for other available networks until the mobile device enters idle mode and the predetermined wait time elapses. As such, the mobile device may experience significant delays in transitioning to the second network once the device moves into the coverage area of the second network. Additional problems arise when attempting to reduce the predetermined wait time because more frequent handover searches increases power consumption, thereby depleting the power source for the mobile device.

SUMMARY

Implementations described and claimed herein address the foregoing problems by performing handovers using a dynamically-triggered handover search. For instance, a method for establishing inter-operator network connections for a user equipment (UE) having a first connection with a first access node associated with a first network can include: obtaining a dynamically-triggered search timer value; obtaining a public land mobility network (PLMN) identifier associated with a second network, the PLMN identifier associated with the second network having a priority level; generating a periodic measurement report including a list of one or more PLMN identifiers detectable by the UE; identifying the PLMN identifier associated with the second network in the list of one or more PLMN identifiers; performing a handover search for networks providing coverage to the UE based on the PLMN identifier associated with the second network being included in the list of one or more PLMN identifiers, the handover search being initiated based on the dynamically-triggered search timer value; and establishing a second connection between the UE and a second access node associated with the second network based on the handover search.

In some examples, the method further comprises: storing, at the UE, a minimum periodic search timer value that is greater than the dynamically-triggered search timer value. The method can further comprise storing, at the UE, a PLMN search value that is greater than the dynamically-triggered search timer value. The first network can be a public network provided by a mobile network operator (MNO) network and the second network is a multiple service operator (MSO) network. The MSO network can be a private Local Area Network operating on citizens' broadband radio service (CBRS) spectrum. The periodic measurement report can be generated in connection with a reporting process to the first access node. The periodic measurement report can further include a cell identifier associated with the second access node and one or more Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Numbers (EARFCN) values corresponding to the one or more PLMN identifiers, the handover search can be performed based on at least one of the cell identifier or the one or more EARFCN values. In some instances, the method further comprises: determining a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) value, a Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) value, or Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) corresponding to the second access node, the handover search performed based on the RSRP value, the RSRQ value, or the RSSI value being greater than a signal strength threshold value.

In some examples, the dynamically-triggered search timer value, the PLMN identifier, and a minimum periodic search timer value are stored at a universal subscriber identity module (USIM). The periodic measurement report can be a first periodic measurement report, the list of one or more PLMN identifiers can be a first list of one or more PLMN identifiers, and the handover search can be a first handover search, and the method can further comprise: obtaining a minimum periodic search timer value at the UE; generating, a second periodic measurement report including a second list of one or more PLMN identifiers, the PLMN identifier associated with the second network being absent from the second list of one or more PLMN identifiers; and performing a second handover search based on the minimum periodic search timer value based on the PLMN identifier being absent from the second periodic measurement report. Moreover, the minimum periodic search timer value can be between 1 minute and 8 minutes and the dynamically-triggered search timer value can be between five seconds and 30 seconds.

In some examples, a user equipment (UE) for establishing inter-operator network connections includes: a processor; and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the UE to: establish a first connection with a first access node associated with a first network; obtain a dynamically-triggered search timer value; obtain a public land mobility network (PLMN) identifier associated with a second network; generate a periodic measurement report including a list of one or more public land mobility network (PLMN)s detectable by the UE; initiate, at a time indicated by the dynamically-triggered search timer value, a handover search based on the periodic measurement report including the PLMN identifier; and establish a second connection with a second access node of the second network based on the handover search.

In some examples, the first network is a public network provided by a mobile network operator (MNO) and the second network is a private local area network (LAN) operating on citizens' broadband radio service (CBRS) spectrum. The one or more memory devices can include a universal subscriber identity module (USIM) and the dynamically-triggered search timer value is stored at the USIM. The handover search can be a higher priority PLMN search triggered by the periodic measurement report to find the second network. In some instances, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the UE to: enter an idle mode; and determine whether the periodic measurement report lists the PLMN identifier based on the UE entering the idle mode.

In some examples, a user equipment (UE) for establishing inter-operator network connections includes: a processor; and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the UE to: generate a first periodic measurement report; perform a first handover search based on: a minimum periodic search timer value; and a public land mobility network (PLMN) identifier being absent from the first periodic measurement report; establish a first connection with a first access node associated with a first network based on the first handover search; generate a second periodic measurement report including a second list of one or more PLMN identifiers detectable by the UE; determine that the second list of one or more PLMN identifiers includes the PLMN identifier; perform a second handover search based on a dynamically-triggered search timer value at least partly in response to the second periodic measurement report including the PLMN identifier; and establish a second connection with a second access node associated with a second network based on the second handover search.

In some examples, the first access node is a macro cell and the second access node is a small or femto cell operating on citizens' broadband radio service (CBRS) spectrum to connect the UE to the second network. The one or more memory devices can include a universal subscriber identity module (USIM); the minimum periodic search timer value and the dynamically-triggered search timer value being stored at the USIM; and the minimum periodic search timer value and the dynamically-triggered search timer value can be different values. In some instances, the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the UE to store, at the USIM: a home PLMN (HPLMN) identifier or an extended home PLMN (EHPLMN) identifier associated with the second network; and a visitor PLMN (VPLMN) identifier associated with the first network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure involves systems and methods of performing handovers for a user equipment (UE) based on a dynamically-triggered search timer value. In one aspect, multiple networks operated are by different network operators, such as a first network (e.g., a public network) and a second network (e.g., a private network), providing coverage to the UE. The system performs an inter-operator handover quickly and efficiently when a preferred network is detected. The UE stores a high priority public land mobility network (PLMN) identifier indicating that the second network is a high priority network (e.g., a preferred network) for the UE. Upon determining that the second network is within range, the UE initiates a handover procedure by performing a dynamically-triggered search—which results in a significantly shorter wait period than minimum periodic search timer-based searches—connecting the UE to the high priority network.

For instance, the UE can enter an idle mode while within the coverage area of the second network. In response to entering the idle mode, the UE determines whether the most recently generated periodic measurement report includes the high priority PLMN identifier. If the high priority PLMN identifier is present in the periodic measurement report, the UE selects the dynamically-triggered search timer value instead of the minimum periodic search timer value (or any other search timer values) to decide a length of a delay interval (e.g., the time from entering idle mode to initiating the handover search). The dynamically-triggered search timer value indicates an amount of time (e.g., between five and 30 seconds) that is less than an amount of time indicated by the minimum periodic search timer value (e.g., six minutes), which significantly shortens the delay. As such, the UE can switch to the preferred network faster than other networks once the preferred network is within a transmit range of the UE. Moreover, because the minimum periodic search timer value is still used whenever the high priority PLMN identifier is absent from the periodic measurement report, rapid handover searches that would result in battery depletion of the UE are avoided when the UE is outside the coverage area of the preferred network.

In addition to such example benefits to the UE and user experience, operators of the networks also benefit from the presently disclosed technology. Some preferred networks bill the subscriber of the UE based on an amount of time the UE is connected to the preferred network. When the preferred network operator is a private operator (e.g., operating on citizens' broadband radio service (CBRS)), significant profits can be lost by prolonged handover delays that reduce an amount of network connection time for the UE. Moreover, public networks have high power macro cells with higher transmit power than the small cells in some private operator's network (even when the UE is closer in proximity to the small cell), which can delay transitions to the private network when the handover is based solely on signal strength. The UE performs the handover procedure instead of access nodes to connect to the private network. By selecting the dynamically-triggered search timer value instead of the minimum periodic search timer value, the UE significantly speeds up this process.

As such, storing the dynamically-triggered search timer value and the high priority PLMN at the UE (e.g., using a universal subscriber identity module (USIM)) results in a reduced search timer delay interval for conducting the handover search when the UE is within the preferred network coverage area. This increases the profitability of the preferred network by increasing an amount of billable network connectivity time. Additional advantages will become apparent from the disclosure herein.

FIG.1illustrates an example system100for performing handovers for a UE102. The system100can include a first access network node104providing a first coverage area106. When the UE102is within the first coverage area106, the first access network node104connects the UE102to a first core network108. A second access network node110can provide a second coverage area112for connecting the UE102to a second core network114when the UE102is within the second coverage area112. The first core network108and/or the second core network114can be any combination networks such as a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, (e.g., a third generation (3G) network, a fourth generation (4G) network, a fifth generation (5G) network, a Long-Term Evolution (LTE), and/or an LTE Advanced Network), a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, and the like. Additionally, in some instances, the first core network108and/or the second core network114can be other types of networks such as public or private Wide Area Networks (WAN)s, Local Area Networks (LAN)s (e.g., Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, etc.) and the like.

The first access network node104and/or the second access network node110can be a variety of different types of access nodes to connect to different types of networks (e.g., as discussed above). For instance, the first core network108can be a public network operated by Multiple Network Operator (MNO), and the first access network node104can be a maco cell providing the first coverage area106as a large or long-range coverage area for the MNO. The first access network node104can provide a large coverage area (e.g., the first coverage area106) and can include a radio tower and/or high-powered antenna with a high transmit power with a multiple kilometer range, such as between 1 and 20 kilometer range.

In some examples the second access network node110can be a small cell, femto cell, or other low-powered or short-range radio access nodes for connecting the UE102to the second core network114. For instance, the second access network node110can have a range of a few meters (e.g., between 10 meters and 1000 meters) or a few kilometers (e.g., between 1 kilometer and 5 kilometers). Alternatively, the second access network node110is a macro cell with a larger transmit range. The second core network114can be a private network (e.g., a LAN) operated by a Multiple Service Operator (MSO), for instance, on citizens' broadband radio service (CBRS) spectrum. The second core network114, for instance, can use technologies to create a dedicated network with unified connectivity and a secure means of communication within a small geographic area. By using CBRS spectrum (e.g., rather than, for instance, Wi-Fi) the second core network114can provide connectivity for a wide range of services, such as enterprise services, healthcare, and industrial Internet of Things (IoT).

In some instances, the first access network node104, the second access network node110(or any access network nodes of the system100) include a 3GPP node such as a Node B, an eNodeB, or a Home eNodeB, or an access node for other types of networks (e.g., a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) base transceiver station (BTS)). One or both of the first core network108and the second core network114can include a Mobility Management Entity (MME) of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC)) for receiving messages from the first access network node104or the second access network node110(e.g., to establish connections between the UE102and the first core network108or the second core network114).

In some examples, the first core network108and the second core network114are operated by different operators using different PLMN values to provide overlapping wireless network coverage to a geographic region116(e.g., a room, a building, a street, a portion of a city or county, a park, etc.). For instance, the MNO may operate the first core network108and the MSO may operate the second core network114. The UE102can establish a first network connection with the first core network108using the first access network node104and, while connected to the first core network108, move through the geographic region116. For instance, the UE102may be carried by a user moving across a geographic area causing the UE102to travel from a first coverage area106of the first access network node104into an overlapping area with the second coverage area112of the second access network node110(or a portion of the second coverage are112not overlapping with the first coverage area106). In some instances, the second core network114may be preferred network for the UE102or the user of the UE102. As such, upon entering the second coverage area112of the second access network node110, the UE102may perform one or more operations to detect the presence of the preferred network and initiate a handover procedure with the second access network node110. The UE102may use a dynamically-triggered search in response to detecting the presence of the preferred network to reduce a delay period for the handover to the preferred network. Accordingly, the system100improves the handover process by quickly transferring the UE102to the preferred network (e.g., the second core network114) when the preferred network is detected while avoiding draining a battery of the UE102. This process and examples of the corresponding advantages are discussed in greater detail below.

FIG.2. illustrates an example system200for performing handovers for the UE102, which may form at least a portion of system100. The UE102includes a processor202and one or more memory device(s)204storing various types of data and information related to the UE102. Such data may be accessed by the UE102to perform the handover process. The UE102can send and receive multiple messages to the first access network node104and/or the second access network node110to determine whether the UE102is within the coverage area of the preferred network (e.g., the second coverage area112) and, in response, perform the dynamically-triggered handover search. Hardware components of the UE102are discussed in greater detail below regardingFIG.3.

In some examples, the memory device(s)204can include a universal subscriber identity module (USIM)206and other local memory. For instance, the USIM206forms a part of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) (e.g., as an interfacing application for the UICC). Some of the advantages discussed herein result from storing certain values with the USIM206to be retrievable by the UE102when triggering the handover procedure. For instance, the values can be stored at the USIM206by a UE manufacturer to create the preferred network for the UE manufacturer, and/or the values can be stored at the USIM206by a network operator or service operator to create the preferred network for the network operator or service operator.

In some examples, a high priority PLMN identifier208and a dynamically-triggered search timer value210are stored with the USIM206. The high priority PLMN identifier208is a PLMN identifier corresponding to (e.g., designating) the preferred network (e.g., the second core network114). A PLMN identifier includes a mobile country code (MCC) and a mobile network code (MNC) identifying a particular network. As noted above, the high priority PLMN identifier208can be stored at the UE102by a manufacturer of the UE102and/or sent to the UE102by a network operator (e.g., during a setup procedure and/or as an operating system update). The dynamically-triggered search timer value210can be a value (e.g., a number) indicating a first amount of time (e.g., between five and 30 seconds) that will elapse before performing the handover search (e.g., a dynamically-triggered search). The UE102can store other search timer values with the USIM206in addition to the dynamically-triggered search timer value210, such as a minimum periodic search timer value212and/or a fast first higher priority PLMN search value214. The minimum periodic search timer value212is a 3GPP-specified value that sets a minimum value indicating a second amount of time that is greater than the first amount of time (e.g., between 1 minute and 8 minutes), and the fast first higher priority PLMN search value214indicates a third amount of time that will elapse before performing the handover search, for instance, when a fast first higher priority PLMN search is enabled and when the UE102selects a visitor PLMN (e.g., as defined by 3GPP standards). As such, the UE102can store at least three different search timer values and may select which of the at least three search timer values to use based on whether the preferred network associated with the high priority PLMN208is detected. Moreover, the USIM206can store other PLMN values indicating which network is the preferred network and/or whether a network is not the preferred network, such as a home or extended home PLMN identifier216(e.g., corresponding to the second core network114) or a visitor PLMN identifier218(e.g., corresponding to the first core network108). As such, the USIM206can store at least three different PLMN identifiers.

Additionally, in some instances, the UE102generates and/or stores one or more periodic measurement report(s)220(e.g., stored in other local memory of the memory device(s)204). The UE102generates the periodic measurement report(s)220periodically by scanning frequencies accessible to the UE102to detect any access network nodes that might be available as a target access network node for the handover. For instance, the periodic measurement report(s)220can include data such as a list of PLMN identifiers associated with detectable networks and/or signal strengths associated with detectable networks (e.g., Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) values, Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) values, or Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) values). Moreover, the periodic measurement report(s)220can include cell identifier(s) associated with detectable access network nodes and/or one or more Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Numbers (EARFCN) values associated with detectable networks. The periodic measurement report(s)220may be generated while the UE102is in an idle mode or a connected mode and be based on information transmitted between the UE102and the access network nodes via, for instance, one or more System Information Block (SIB) and/or Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages (e.g., as part of a handover process). The periodic measurement report(s)220indicate which access network nodes are available as target access network nodes (e.g., have a coverage area currently providing coverage to the UE102). In some instances, the periodic measurement report220is generated as part of a reporting process to the source access network node (e.g., the first access network node104). For instance, the UE102may be configured to send the periodic measurement report220to the first access network node104to inform the first access network node104of the potential target access network nodes for the handover procedure.

The UE102can establish a first connection222with the first access network node104of the first core network108. The UE102can generate the periodic measurement report(s)220by sending a first request for information224to the first access network node104(e.g., a first ping), a second request for information226to the second access network node110(e.g., a second ping), and any number of requests for information to other access network nodes within range of the UE102as the UE102cans different frequencies. In response, the UE102receives a first response message228from the first access network node104and a second response message230from the second access network node110. The first response message228includes a first PLMN identifier232corresponding to the first core network108and the second response message230includes a second PLMN identifier234corresponding to the second core network114. The UE102generates and/or stores the periodic measurement report220with the list of PLMN identifiers including the first PLMN identifier232and the second PLMN identifier234at the memory device(s)204.

In some examples, the UE102may use the information in the periodic measurement report(s)220to determine whether to base a handover search on the dynamically-triggered search timer value210or the minimum periodic search timer value212(or another search timer value). For instance, the UE102enters an idle mode and, in response to entering the idle mode, determines whether the list of PLMN identifiers in the periodic measurement report220includes the high priority PLMN identifier208(e.g., by executing a search on the list of PLMN identifiers and/or by otherwise comparing the list of PLMN identifiers to the high PLMN identifier208). The UE102can determine that the periodic measurement report220includes a PLMN identifier that is a same PLMN identifier as the high priority PLMN identifier208. For instance, the UE102can determine that the second PLMN identifier234in the periodic measurement report220is the same PLMN identifier as the high priority PLMN208. In response to this determination, the UE102initiates the dynamically-triggered search using the dynamically-triggered search timer value210. Additionally or alternatively, the UE102can determine that the second PLMN identifier234is the same PLMN identifier as the home or extended home PLMN identifier216and, in response, initiate the dynamically-triggered search using the dynamically-triggered search timer value210. Additionally or alternatively, the UE102can determine that cell identifier and/or an EARFCN value corresponds to the preferred network and, in response, initiate the dynamically-triggered search based on the dynamically-triggered search timer value210. The UE102can initiate the dynamically-triggered search based on the dynamically-triggered search timer value210(e.g., after between 5 and 30 seconds has elapsed), and detect the second access network node110during the dynamically-triggered search. The dynamically-triggered search can be a higher priority PLMN search (e.g., triggered by the periodic measurement report220) for finding and connecting to the second core network114associated the high priority PLMN identifier208. For instance, the UE102can determine during the dynamically-triggered search that the second access network node110corresponds to the high priority PLMN identifier208and, in response, establish a second connection236with the second access network node110, thus completing the handover procedure. Additionally or alternatively, the UE102can perform the handover search based at least partly on a signal strength value (e.g., an RSRP value, an RSRQ value, or an RSSI value) in the measurement report being greater than a predetermined threshold value.

In some examples, the UE102can determine that the measurement report(s)220lack the high priority PLMN identifier208(e.g., and/or the home or extended home PLMN identifier216). In response to this determination, the UE102can initiate a search based on a search timer value other than the dynamically-triggered search timer value210, such as based on the minimum periodic search timer value212. Searches occurring when the high priority PLMN identifier208is lacking from the periodic measurement report220may have a greater amount of waiting time or a longer delay interval before initiating the search (e.g., 1 to 8 minutes).

In some examples, the UE102performs multiple searches based on multiple periodic measurement reports220. The UE102can generate a first periodic measurement report220and determine whether the first periodic measurement report220lists the high priority PLMN identifier208. For instance, the UE102can determine that the first periodic measurement report220lacks or omits the high priority PLMN identifier208and, in response, initiate a first handover search based on the minimum periodic search timer value212. The first handover search can result in establishing the first connection222between the UE102and the first access network node104. While connected to the first core network108via the first connection222, the UE102can generate a second periodic measurement report220and determine whether the second periodic measurement report220lists the high priority PLMN identifier208. For instance, the UE102may have moved into the second coverage area112since the first periodic measurement report220was generated and, as such, determines that the second periodic measurement report220includes the high priority PLMN identifier208. In response to this determination, the UE102can initiate a second handover search based on the dynamically-triggered search timer value210. The second handover search can result in establishing the second connection236between the UE102and the second access network node110(e.g., or whichever access network node is associated with the high priority PLMN identifier208). The second connection236can be established more quickly than the first connection222because the second handover search is based on the shorter wait time period indicated by the dynamically-triggered search timer value210than the longer wait time period indicated by the minimum periodic search timer value212.

Alternatively, the first periodic measurement report220can include the high priority PLMN identifier210and the second periodic measurement report220can lack the high priority PLMN identifier210. In this case, the first handover search is based on the dynamically-triggered search timer value210and the second handover search is based on the minimum periodic search timer value212. As such, the first handover search occurs with a shorter wait time period than the second handover search to establish the first connection222with the preferred network (e.g., the second core network114). The second handover search establishes the second connection236with a non-preferred network, in this case, the first core network108. Any combination of these scenarios can occur for any number of networks as the UE moves through multiple geographic regions.

By adjusting the search wait time period based on changing network coverage conditions (as reflected in the periodic measurement report(s)220), the system200can improve the operation of the UE102, the first core network108and the second core network114. Using the longer minimum periodic search timer value212when the UE102is outside the coverage area of the preferred network (e.g., the second coverage area112) prevents the UE102from performing multiple, rapid handover searches that drains the battery. Moreover, using the shorter dynamically-triggered search timer value210when the UE102is within the coverage area of the preferred network reduces a delay time for switching from the non-preferred network (e.g., the first core network108) to the preferred network (e.g., the second core network114). Therefore, the UE102can switch to the preferred network more quickly once the preferred network is within a transmit range of the UE102without wasting time in idle mode. Furthermore, operators that bill a user of the UE102based on an amount of time the UE102is connected to the preferred network can increase their profitability by increasing an amount of connectivity time the operator can bill. Moreover, transferring off of the non-preferred network more quickly when the preferred network is available reduces network traffic and corresponding computational resources used by the non-preferred network to service the UE102.

FIG.3illustrates an example of one or more computer system(s)300which may form at least a portion of any of the systems discussed herein.FIG.3discloses an example computer system300having one or more computing units which may implement the systems100and200and methods400and500discussed herein. It will be appreciated that specific implementations of these devices may have differing possible specific computing architectures not all of which are specifically discussed herein but will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In some instances, the computer system(s)300may be or form at least a portion of the UE102, which could be a computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a cellular or mobile device, a smart mobile device, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart glasses, a smart epidermal device, etc.) an Internet-of-Things (IoT) device, a smart home device, a medical device, a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) device, a vehicle (e.g., a smart bicycle, an automobile computer, etc.), combinations thereof, and the like. In additional or alternative examples, the computer system300illustrated inFIG.3can form at least a portion and/or perform the functions of the first access network node104, the second access network node110, or other network functions (NF)s forming a part of or communicating with the access network.

The computer system300may be capable of executing a computer program product to execute a computer process. Data and program files may be input to the computer system300, which reads the files and executes the programs therein. Some of the elements of the computer system300are shown inFIG.3(andFIG.2illustrating the UE102example of the computer system300), including one or more hardware processors302(e.g., which may be similar or identical to the processor202), one or more data storage devices304(e.g., which may be similar or identical to the one or more memory device(s)204), one or more I/O ports306, and/or one or more communication ports308. Additionally, other elements that will be recognized by those skilled in the art may be included in the computer system300. Various elements of the computer system300may communicate with one another by way of one or more communication buses, point-to-point communication paths, or other communication means.

The processor302(e.g., the processor202) includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), and/or one or more internal levels of cache. There can be one or more processors302, such that the processor302comprises a single central-processing unit, or a plurality of processing units capable of executing instructions and performing operations in parallel with each other, referred to as a parallel processing environment.

The computer system300may be a stand-alone computer, a distributed computer, or any other type of computer, such as one or more external computers made available via a cloud computing architecture. The presently described technology is optionally implemented in software stored on the data storage device(s)304(e.g., the one or more memory device(s)204), and/or communicated via one or more of the I/O port(s)306and/or communication port(s)308, thereby transforming the computer system300inFIG.3to a special purpose machine for implementing the operations described herein. Examples of the computer system300include personal computers, terminals, microcontrollers, base stations, workstations, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, personal computers, multimedia consoles, gaming consoles, set top boxes, and the like.

The one or more data storage device(s)304may include any non-volatile data storage device capable of storing data generated or employed within the computer system300, such as computer-executable instructions for performing a computer process, which may include instructions of both application programs and an operating system (OS) that manages the various components of the computer system300. The data storage device(s)304may include, without limitation, magnetic disk drives, optical disk drives, solid state drives (SSDs), flash drives, and the like. The data storage devices304may include removable data storage media, non-removable data storage media, and/or external storage devices made available via a wired or wireless network architecture with such computer program products, including one or more database management products, web server products, application server products, and/or other additional software components. Examples of removable data storage media include Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory (DVD-ROM), magneto-optical disks, flash drives, and the like. Examples of non-removable data storage media include internal magnetic hard disks, SSDs, and the like. The data storage device(s)304may include volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc.) and/or non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.). The data storage device may include a non-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer system (or other electronic devices) to perform a process according to the present disclosure. A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing information in a form (e.g., software, processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium; magneto-optical storage medium, read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; or other types of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

In some implementations, the computer system300includes one or more ports, such as the one or more input/output (I/O) port(s)306and the one or more communication port(s)308, for communicating with other computing, network, or reservoir development devices. It will be appreciated that the I/O port(s)306and the communication port(s)308may be combined or separate and that more or fewer ports may be included in the computer system300.

The I/O port(s)306may be connected to an I/O device, or other device, by which information is input to or output from the computer system300. Such I/O devices may include, without limitation, one or more input devices, output devices, and/or environment transducer devices.

In some implementations, the input devices convert a human-generated signal, such as, human voice, physical movement, physical touch or pressure, and/or the like, into electrical signals as input data into the computer system300via the I/O port306. Similarly, the output devices may convert electrical signals received from computer system300via the I/O port306(or generated by the computer system300) into signals that may be sensed as output by a human, such as sound, light, and/or touch. The input device may be an alphanumeric input device, including alphanumeric and other keys for communicating information and/or command selections to the processor302via the I/O port306. The input device may be another type of user input device including, but not limited to: direction and selection control devices, such as a mouse, a trackball, cursor direction keys, a joystick, and/or a wheel; one or more sensors, such as a camera, a microphone, a positional sensor, an orientation sensor, a gravitational sensor, an inertial sensor, and/or an accelerometer; and/or a touch-sensitive display screen (“touchscreen”). The output devices may include, without limitation, a display, a touchscreen, a projector, a speaker, a tactile and/or haptic output device, and/or the like. In some implementations, the input device and the output device may be the same device, for example, in the case of a touchscreen.

In some implementations, a communication port308is connected to a network by way of which the computer system300may receive network data useful in executing the methods and systems set out herein as well as transmitting information and network configuration changes determined thereby. For instance, the communication port308may use any of the 3GPP access layer protocols and messages discussed. Examples of such networks or connections include, without limitation, a 3GPP access layer connection (e.g., an S1 MME interface or an S2 interface), Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, Near Field Communication (NFC) and so on. One or more such communication interface devices may be utilized via the communication port308to communicate to one or more other machines, either directly over a point-to-point communication path, over a WAN (e.g., the Internet), over a LAN, over a cellular network (e.g., a GSM, 3G, 4G, LTE, or 5G network), or over another communication means. Further, the communication port308may communicate with an antenna or other link for electromagnetic signal transmission and/or reception.

In an example implementation, operations performed by the systems100and200discussed herein may be embodied by instructions stored on the data storage devices304and executed by the processor302. One or more of the computer system300may be integrated with or otherwise form part of the UE102, the first access network node104, and/or the second access network node110. Furthermore, methods disclosed herein may be implemented as sets of instructions or software readable by the processor302. Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed are instances of example approaches. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented, for instance, when implemented as the sets of instructions or software executed by the computer system300.

The computer system300set forth inFIG.3is but one possible example of a computer system that may employ or be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that other non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage media storing computer-executable instructions for implementing the presently disclosed technology on a computing system may be utilized.

FIG.4illustrates an example method400of performing handovers for a UE using a dynamically-triggered search timer value. For instance, an operation402establishes a first connection between the UE and a first access network node of a first core network. An operation404stores the dynamically-triggered search timer value and a high priority PLMN identifier associated with a second core network. An operation406generates a periodic measurement report including the list of one or more PLMN identifiers. An operation408determines (e.g., in response to the UE entering an idle mode) that the list of one or more PLMN identifiers includes a high priority PLMN identifier. An operation410performs a handover search at least partly in response to the periodic measurement report. The handover search initiates at a time based on the dynamically-triggered search timer value. An operation412establishes, at least partly based on the handover search, the second connection between the UE and the second access network node of the second core network associated with the high priority PLMN identifier.

FIG.5illustrates an example method500of performing handovers for a UE using a dynamically-triggered search timer value. For instance, an operation502generates a first periodic measurement report. An operation504determines whether the first periodic measurement report includes a high priority PLMN identifier. An operation506performs a first handover search based on a minimum periodic search timer value. An operation508establishes a first connection with a first access network node of a first core network at least partly in response to the first handover search. An operation510generates a second periodic measurement report. An operation512determines whether the second periodic measurement report includes the high priority PLMN identifier. An operation514performs a second handover search at least partly based on the dynamically-triggered search timer value. An operation516establishes a second connection with a second access network node of a second core network associated with the high priority PLMN identifier at least partly based on the second handover search.

It is to be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods depicted inFIGS.4and5are instances of example approaches and can be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. For instance, any of the steps depicted inFIGS.4and5may be omitted, repeated, performed in parallel, performed in a different order, and/or combined with any other of the steps depicted inFIGS.4and5.