Patent Description:
The 5th generation (<NUM>) mobile communication is developed to satisfy an increase in data traffic after the deployment of a 4th generation (<NUM>) mobile communication network. The <NUM> mobile communication may support a radio access technology (RAT) different from that of the <NUM> mobile communication. According to a <NUM> mobile communication deployment scenario, the access to a <NUM> mobile communication network based on the <NUM> mobile communication may be supported. For example, an electronic device may be simultaneously connected to a plurality of cells associated with different RATs.

The electronic device may perform public land mobile network (PLMN) selection for cell selection. The electronic device may perform the PLMN selection in compliance with the standard defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) technical specification (TS) <NUM>. For example, the electronic device may perform the PLMN selection by using a home PLMN (HPLMN) and/or an equivalent HPLMN (EHPLMN), in compliance with the specified rule. For example, the electronic device may perform the PLMN selection by using priority information about a combination of each PLMN and an access technology (AcT) of the corresponding PLMN. The electronic device may perform cell search by using the selected PLMN.

<CIT> describes a method involving selecting a preferred access technology from one of different wireless technology, i.e. 3GPP and 3GPP2, groups based the identification information stored in a database.

<CIT> is concerned with a PLMN selection procedure that, when implemented, disables at least one resource of a particular mobile device to prevent a scan of particular ones of PLMNS that exhibit supported access technologies, and/or supported frequency bands of supported access technologies, incompatible with a preferred operation of the particular mobile terminal.

<NPL> concerns a 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting discussing considerations on the CN selection for E-UTRAN connected to <NUM> CN.

In the <NUM> mobile communication, various types of radio access networks (RANs) and various types of core networks may be combined. For example, heterogeneous core networks (e.g., an evolved packet core (EPC) and a 5th generation core (5GC)) may be connected to one long term evolution (LTE) cell or a 5th generation (<NUM>) cell. For another example, an access technology (e.g., an evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) or a new radio (NR)) of the RAN and an access technology of the core network may be different.

An electronic device may select a PLMN by using a priority according to a combination of the PLMN and the access technology. In this case, the electronic device may try to register on a core network connected to a cell corresponding to the corresponding access technology. In the case where the radio access technology of the cell and the access technology of the core network are different, the electronic device may try to register on a core network that uses an access technology different from a preferred access technology of the electronic device.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device that includes a first wireless communication circuit that provides a first radio access technology (RAT) associated with a long term evolution (LTE), a second wireless communication circuit that provides a second RAT associated with a new radio (NR), a subscriber identification module, a communication processor that is operatively connected with the first wireless communication circuit, the second wireless communication circuit, and the subscriber identification module, and a memory that is operatively connected with the communication processor. The memory stores one or more instructions that, when executed, cause the communication processor to obtain access technology identifier (ATI) information associated with one public land mobile network (PLMN) from the subscriber identification module and to perform frequency scanning by using the first wireless communication circuit, based on the ATI information indicating a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) associated with the first RAT.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a frequency scanning method of an electronic device is provided. The method includes obtaining access technology identifier (ATI) information associated with one public land mobile network (PLMN) from a subscriber identification module of the electronic device, and performing frequency scanning by using a first wireless communication circuit configured to provide a first radio access technology (RAT) associated with a long term evolution (LTE), based on the ATI information indicating a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) associated with the first RAT, wherein the electronic device further comprises a second wireless communication circuit configured to provide a second RAT associated with a New Radio.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may perform cell selection by considering both an access technology of a cell and an access technology of a core network.

Besides, a variety of effects directly or indirectly understood through this disclosure may be provided.

<FIG> presents an embodiment of the invention, whereas the other figures do not pertain to embodiments of the invention and are presented for illustrative purposes.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment.

Wherein, the term "non-transitory storage medium" means a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, "the non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer where data is temporally stored.

The computer program product (e.g., downloadable app)) may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> for supporting legacy network communication and <NUM> network communication, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first communication processor <NUM>, a second communication processor <NUM>, a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) <NUM>, a second RFIC <NUM>, a third RFIC <NUM>, a fourth RFIC <NUM>, a first radio frequency front end (RFFE) <NUM>, a second RFFE <NUM>, a first antenna module <NUM>, a second antenna module <NUM>, and an antenna <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include the processor <NUM> and the memory <NUM>. The second network <NUM> may include a first cellular network <NUM> and a second cellular network <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one component of the components illustrated in <FIG>, and the second network <NUM> may further include at least another network. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor <NUM>, the second communication processor <NUM>, the first RFIC <NUM>, the second RFIC <NUM>, the fourth RFIC <NUM>, the first RFFE <NUM>, and the second RFFE <NUM> may form at least a part of the wireless communication module <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the fourth RFIC <NUM> may be omitted or may be included as a part of the third RFIC <NUM>.

The first communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel of a band to be used for wireless communication with the first cellular network <NUM> and may support legacy network communication over the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the first cellular network <NUM> may be a legacy network including a <NUM> network, a <NUM> network, a <NUM> network, and/or a long term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel corresponding to a specified band (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) of bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network <NUM> and may support the <NUM> network communication over the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the second cellular network <NUM> may be a <NUM> network defined in the 3GPP. Additionally, according to an embodiment, the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel corresponding to another specified band (e.g., approximately <NUM> or lower) of the bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network <NUM> and may support the <NUM> network communication over the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor <NUM> and the second communication processor <NUM> may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to various embodiments, the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> may be implemented in a single chip or a single package together with the processor <NUM>, the auxiliary processor <NUM> of <FIG>, or the communication module <NUM> (e.g., a transceiver) of <FIG>.

In the case of transmitting a signal, the first RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor <NUM> into a radio frequency (RF) signal of approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM> that is used in the first cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network). In the case of receiving a signal, an RF signal may be obtained from the first cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network) through an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM>) and may be pre-processed through an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE <NUM>). The first RFIC <NUM> may convert the pre-processed RF signal into a baseband signal so as to be processed by the first communication processor <NUM>.

In the case of transmitting a signal, the second RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as a "<NUM> Sub6 RF signal") in a Sub6 band (e.g., approximately <NUM> or lower) used in the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network). In the case of receiving a signal, a <NUM> Sub6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module <NUM>) and may be pre-processed through an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE <NUM>). The second RFIC <NUM> may convert the pre-processed <NUM> Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal so as to be processed by a relevant communication processor of the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM>.

The third RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as a "<NUM> Above6 RF signal") in a <NUM> Above6 band (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) to be used in the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network). In the case of receiving a signal, a <NUM> Above6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna <NUM>) and may be pre-processed through a third RFFE <NUM>. For example, the third RFFE <NUM> may pre-process a signal by using a phase shifter <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the pre-processed <NUM> Above6 RF signal into a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third RFFE <NUM> may be implemented as a part of the third RFIC <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include the fourth RFIC <NUM> independently of the third RFIC <NUM> or as at least a part of the third RFIC <NUM>. In this case, the fourth RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as an "IF signal") in an intermediate frequency band (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) and may provide the IF signal to the third RFIC <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the IF signal into a <NUM> Above6 RF signal. In the case of receiving a signal, a <NUM> Above6 RF signal may be received from the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna <NUM>) and may be converted into an IF signal by the third RFIC <NUM>. The fourth RFIC <NUM> may convert the IF signal into a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first RFIC <NUM> and the second RFIC <NUM> may be implemented with a part of a single package or a single chip. According to an embodiment, the first RFFE <NUM> and the second RFFE <NUM> may be implemented with a part of a single package or a single chip. According to an embodiment, at least one antenna module of the first antenna module <NUM> or the second antenna module <NUM> may be omitted or may be combined with any other antenna module to process RF signals in a plurality of corresponding bands.

According to an embodiment, the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> may be disposed at the same substrate to form a third antenna module <NUM>. For example, the wireless communication module <NUM> or the processor <NUM> may be disposed at a first substrate (e.g., a main PCB). In this case, the third RFIC <NUM> may be disposed in a partial region (e.g., on a lower surface) of a second substrate (e.g., a sub-PCB) independent of the first substrate, and the antenna <NUM> may be disposed in another partial region (e.g., on an upper surface) of the second substrate. As such, the third antenna module <NUM> may be formed. According to an embodiment, the antenna <NUM> may include, for example, an antenna array capable of being used for beamforming. As the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> are disposed at the same substrate, it may be possible to decrease a length of a transmission line between the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM>. For example, the decrease in the transmission line may make it possible to prevent a signal in a high-frequency band (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) used for the <NUM> network communication from being lost (or attenuated) due to the transmission line. As such, the electronic device <NUM> may improve the quality or speed of communication with the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network).

The second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) may be used independently of the first cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network) (e.g., this scheme being called "stand-alone (SA)") or may be used in connection with the first cellular network <NUM> (e.g., this scheme being called "non-stand alone (NSA)"). For example, only an access network (e.g., a <NUM> radio access network (RAN) or a next generation RAN (NG RAN)) may be present in the <NUM> network, and a core network (e.g., a next generation core (NGC)) may be absent from the <NUM> network. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may access the access network of the <NUM> network and may then access an external network (e.g., Internet) under control of a 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 <NUM> network may be stored in the memory <NUM> so as to be accessed by any other component (e.g., the processor <NUM>, the first communication processor <NUM>, or the second communication processor <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates wireless communication systems providing networks for legacy communication and/or <NUM> communication according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, network environments 100A, 100B, and 100C may include at least one of a legacy network and a <NUM> network. The legacy network may include, for example, a <NUM> or LTE base station <NUM> (e.g., eNodeB (eNB)) of the 3GPP standard supporting a radio access to the electronic device <NUM> and an evolved packet core (EPC) <NUM> managing <NUM> communication. The <NUM> network may include, for example, a New Radio (NR) base station <NUM> (e.g., gNodeB (gNB)) supporting a radio access to the electronic device <NUM> and a <NUM>th generation core (5GC) managing <NUM> communication of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may transmit/receive a control message and user data through legacy communication and/or <NUM> communication. The control message may include, for example, a message associated with at least one of security control, bearer setup, authentication, registration, or mobility management of the electronic device <NUM>. The user data may mean user data except for the control message that is transmitted/received between the electronic device <NUM> and a core network <NUM> (e.g., the EPC <NUM>).

Referring to reference numeral 300A, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may transmit/receive at least one of the control message and the user data with at least a part (e.g., the NR base station <NUM> and a 5GC <NUM>) of the <NUM> network by using at least a part (e.g., the LTE base station <NUM> and the EPC <NUM>) of the legacy network.

According to various embodiments, the network environment 100A may include a network environment that provides a multi-RAT (radio access technology) dual connectivity (MR-DC) to the LTE base station <NUM> and the NR base station <NUM> and transmits/receives the control message with the electronic device <NUM> over the core network <NUM> being one of the EPC <NUM> or the 5GC <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in the MR-DC environment, one base station of the LTE base station <NUM> or the NR base station <NUM> may operate as a master node (MN) <NUM>, and the other thereof may operate as a secondary node (SN) <NUM>. The MN <NUM> may be connected to the core network <NUM> to transmit/receive the control message. The MN <NUM> and the SN <NUM> may be connected through a network interface to exchange messages associated with a wireless resource (e.g., a communication channel) with each other.

According to various embodiments, the MN <NUM> may be implemented with the LTE base station <NUM>, the SN <NUM> with the NR base station <NUM>, and the core network <NUM> with the EPC <NUM>. For example, it may be possible to transmit/receive the control message through the LTE base station <NUM> and the EPC <NUM> and to transmit/receive the user data through the LTE base station <NUM> and the NR base station <NUM>.

Referring to reference numeral 300B, according to various embodiments, the <NUM> network may transmit/receive the control message and the user data independently of the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to reference numeral 300C, the legacy network and the <NUM> network according to various embodiments may provide data transmission/reception independently of each other. For example, the electronic device <NUM> and the EPC <NUM> may transmit/receive the control message and the user data through the LTE base station <NUM>. For another example, the electronic device <NUM> and the 5GC <NUM> may transmit/receive the control message and the user data through the NR base station <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may be registered on at least one of the EPC <NUM> or the 5GC <NUM> to transmit/receive the control message.

According to various embodiments, the EPC <NUM> and the 5GC <NUM> may interwork to manage communication of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, movement information of the electronic device <NUM> may be transmitted/received through an interface between the EPC <NUM> and the 5GC <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> performing cell selection according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a memory <NUM> (e.g., the memory <NUM> of <FIG>), a communication processor <NUM> (e.g., the first communication processor <NUM> and/or the second communication processor <NUM> of <FIG>), a first wireless communication circuit <NUM> (e.g., the first RFIC <NUM> and/or the second RFIC <NUM> of <FIG>), a second wireless communication circuit <NUM> (e.g., the third RFIC <NUM> of <FIG>), and a subscriber identification module <NUM> (e.g., the subscriber identification module <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the above components of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed within and/or on a housing <NUM> corresponding to at least a part of the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. The components of the electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> are exemplary, and the electronic device <NUM> may further include a component not illustrated in <FIG>.

The memory <NUM> stores one or more instructions that, when executed, cause the communication processor <NUM> to perform operations of the electronic device <NUM> including obtaining access technology identifier, ATI, information associated with one public land mobile network, PLMN, from the subscriber identification module <NUM> and perform frequency scanning by using the first wireless communication circuit <NUM>, based on the ATI information indicating a next generation radio access network, NG-RAN, associated with the first RAT. The memory <NUM> may be implemented as a part of the communication processor <NUM>. For another example, the memory <NUM><NUM> may be an external component of the communication processor <NUM>, which is operatively connected with the communication processor <NUM>.

The first wireless communication circuit <NUM> is operatively connected with the communication processor <NUM> and configured to transmit/receive a first wireless signal associated with a first radio access technology (RAN). The first RAT is associated with a long-term evolution (LTE) communication network. The second wireless communication circuit <NUM> is operatively connected with the communication processor <NUM> and configured to transmit/receive a second wireless signal associated with a second RAT associated with a New Radio (NR) communication network.

The communication processor <NUM> is operatively connected with the memory <NUM>, the first wireless communication circuit <NUM>, the second wireless communication circuit <NUM>, and the subscriber identification module <NUM>. The communication processor <NUM> may include at least one processor. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may include a communication processor associated with the first RAT and a communication processor associated with the second RAT.

According to an embodiment, the subscriber identification module <NUM> may store information for identification of the electronic device <NUM> in a network. For example, the subscriber identification module <NUM> may store an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI). According to an embodiment, the subscriber identification module <NUM> may store at least one PLMN information. The at least one PLMN information may include, for example, information for the HPLMN and/or the EHPLMN.

According to an embodiment, to perform PLMN selection defined in the <NUM>rd generation partnership project (3GPP) technical specification (TS) <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may utilize pieces of information stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM> at a non-access stratum (NAS). For example, the subscriber identification module <NUM> may include an elementary file (EF) including priority information about at least one PLMN. The EF including the priority information may include a list of PLMNs arranged on a priority basis. For example, each PLMN may include a mobile country code (MCC) and a mobile network code (MNC).

For example, the information stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM> may include information such as "HPLMN Selector with Access Technology", "Operator controlled PLMN Selector with Access Technology", "User Controlled PLMN Selector with Access Technology", "Forbidden PLMNs", and/or "Equivalent HPLMN". Information capable of being used for the PLMN selection may be referenced by the 3GPP TS <NUM>. The PLMN selection information (e.g., "HPLMN Selector with Access Technology", "Operator controlled PLMN Selector with Access Technology", and/or "User Controlled PLMN Selector with Access Technology") may include access technology (Act) information associated with each PLMN entry. For example, the PLMN selection information may include information of a list form indicating a priority of a combination of each PLMN and an access technology. To support cell searching of an access stratum (AS) depending on a given priority list, the NAS of the electronic device <NUM> may transfer PLMN and access technology information to the AS.

According to an embodiment, the AS may perform the cell search on all bands capable of being supported by the electronic device <NUM> based on the access technology information provided from the NAS. While the AS performs the cell search, the AS may receive system information block-<NUM> (SIB-<NUM>) from each cell and may obtain PLMN information of the corresponding cell from the SIB-<NUM> in the form of a list. The AS may determine whether the obtained PLMN information coincides with the PLMN information transferred from the NAS. For example, when the AS finds a PLMN coinciding with the PLMN information transferred from the NAS, the AS may transfer the corresponding information to the NAS. For another example, in the case where the AS fails to find a PLMN corresponding to the PLMN transferred from the NAS, the AS may transfer all PLMN information found in the cell search process to the NAS in the form of a list such that the NAS is capable of selecting a PLMN automatically or manually.

For example, in the case where a PLMN corresponding to the PLMN transferred to the AS is found in the cell search process or in the case where it is possible to select an appropriate PLMN from the PLMN list transferred from the AS depending on a PLMN priority stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM>, the NAS may select a communication system for the found or selected PLMN and may perform a registration procedure on the selected communication system. In the case where the NAS fails to select an appropriate PLMN from the PLMN list received from the AS, the NAS may perform the cell search operation for the PLMN selection by sequentially transferring access technology information having a next priority to the AS depending on priority information stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM>.

As described above, for selection of a communication system, the electronic device <NUM> may perform the cell search based on a priority list composed of combinations of PLMN and RAN access technology values. With regard to PLMNs found in the cell search process based on an access technology value included in a priority, the electronic device <NUM> may sequentially try to register on a specific PLMN selected according to the priority or on a PLMN of a high priority. In this case, an NAS layer may select a system core (or a core network) and may perform registration on the selected system core.

The 3GPP technical specification may define a new access technology value called "NG-RAN" for the purpose of supporting the cell search and the PLMN selection for a <NUM> RAN newly added in the NR environment. As such, a <NUM> access technology value called "NG-RAN" may be added to an access technology value in addition to a predefined access technology value (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> with NB (narrowband), <NUM> with WB (wideband), and <NUM>). For example, Table <NUM> below may show a PLMN access technology identifier defined by the 3GPP technical specification. For example, the subscriber identification module <NUM> may store a PLMN access technology identifier ATI indicating access technology information about each PLMN in priority information, together with the PLMN. For example, the PLMN access technology identifier may be composed of a bit string of <NUM> bits as expressed in Table <NUM> below. In Table <NUM> below, "b1" may indicate a least significant bit (LSB), and "b8" may indicate a most significant bit (MSB).

For example, the case where a value of a bit (e.g., the fourth LSB (b4)) indicating the NG-RAN is a first value (e.g., "<NUM>") may mean that the E-UTRA or NR being a wireless network access technology, which a wireless communication system corresponding to the corresponding PLMN provides, is connected to a 5GC (e.g., the 5GC <NUM>). For another example, the case where a value of the bit (e.g., b4) indicating the NG-RAN is a second value (e.g., "<NUM>") or at least one of bits (e.g., b5 to b7) indicating the E-UTRAN is the first value (e.g., "<NUM>") may mean that the E-UTRA being a wireless network access technology, which a wireless communication system corresponding to the corresponding PLMN provides, is connected to an EPC (e.g., the EPC <NUM>).

In a network environment before <NUM>, an RAN matched with each system core may be implemented by one access technology. Accordingly, after the electronic device <NUM> performs the PLMN selection and the cell search, the electronic device <NUM> may perform a registration procedure on a system core interworking with the corresponding cell. However, in the <NUM> network environment, a <NUM> system core (or a 5GC) may be connected to an LTE cell (e.g., an eLTE cell) or an NR cell in compliance with a network configuration policy of a provider. In contrast, an EPC being an LTE system core may be connected to an NR cell and an LTE cell.

<FIG> illustrate configurations of wireless communication systems according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, reference numeral 500A illustrates a configuration of a wireless communication system according to a first option. In reference numeral 500A, the electronic device <NUM> may be connected to the EPC <NUM> through the LTE base station <NUM>. In the ATI corresponding to a PLMN providing this wireless communication system, a value of the bit indicating the NG-RAN may be the second value (e.g., "<NUM>").

In <FIG>, reference numeral 500B and reference numeral 500C illustrate configurations of wireless communication systems according to a second option. In reference numeral 500B, the electronic device <NUM> may be connected to the 5GC (<NUM>th generation core) <NUM> through the NR base station <NUM>. In reference numeral 500C, the electronic device <NUM> may be connected to the EPC <NUM> through the LTE base station <NUM> and may be connected to the 5GC (<NUM>th generation core) <NUM> through the NR base station <NUM>. In the ATI corresponding to a PLMN providing the wireless communication systems, a value of the bit indicating the NG-RAN may be the first value (e.g., "<NUM>").

Referring to <FIG>, reference numeral 600A, reference numeral 600B, and reference numeral 600C illustrate configurations of wireless communication systems according to a third option. In reference numeral 600A, reference numeral 600B, and reference numeral 600C, the electronic device <NUM> may be connected to the EPC <NUM> through the LTE base station <NUM>. In the ATI corresponding to a PLMN providing the wireless communication systems, a value of the bit indicating the NG-RAN may be the second value (e.g., "<NUM>").

Referring to <FIG>, reference numeral 700A and reference numeral 700B illustrate configurations of wireless communication systems according to a fourth option. In reference numeral 700A and reference numeral 700B, the electronic device <NUM> may be connected to the 5GC <NUM> through the NR base station <NUM>. In the ATI corresponding to a PLMN providing the wireless communication systems, a value of the bit indicating the NG-RAN may be the first value (e.g., "<NUM>").

Referring to <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> illustrates a configuration of a wireless communication system according to a fifth option. In reference numeral <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may be connected to the 5GC <NUM> through an evolved LTE (eLTE) base station <NUM>. In the ATI corresponding to a PLMN providing the wireless communication system, a value of the bit indicating the NG-RAN may be the first value (e.g., "<NUM>").

Referring to <FIG>, reference numeral 900A and reference numeral 900B illustrate configurations of wireless communication systems according to a seventh option. In reference numeral 900A and reference numeral 900B, the electronic device <NUM> may be connected to the 5GC <NUM> through the eLTE base station <NUM>. In the ATI corresponding to a PLMN providing the wireless communication systems, a value of the bit indicating the NG-RAN may be the first value (e.g., "<NUM>").

Table <NUM> below shows access technologies according to the network deployment of <FIG>.

As understood from Table <NUM> above, in the case where a deployment option of a network is option <NUM>, option <NUM>, option <NUM>, or option <NUM>, a value of the bit indicating the NG-RAN from among bits of a selected ATI may be the first value (e.g., "<NUM>"). In this case, it may be understood that the electronic device <NUM> performs cell selection by using an RAT of one of an E-UTRA (LTE) or an NR through a value of the bit indicating the NR-RAN and accesses a 5GC. The electronic device <NUM> may determine whether to perform the cell search and the cell selection by using any RAT. Afterwards, the electronic device <NUM> may perform a registration on the 5GC by using a selected cell.

In various embodiments below, the electronic device <NUM> may access a network by using the PLMN access technology identifier ATI in various network deployment environments.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may use the PLMN access technology identifier ATI in consideration of a core network and an RAT. For example, the PLMN access technology identifier ATI may be composed of a bit string of <NUM> bits as expressed in Table <NUM> below. In Table <NUM> below, "b1" may indicate a least significant bit (LSB), and "b8" may indicate a most significant bit (MSB).

According to an embodiment, the ATI may include two bits each indicating information associated with the NG-RAN, and each of the two bits may be associated with an RAT to be supported.

For example, the case where a value of a bit (e.g., the third LSB (b3)) indicating a first NG-RAN is the first value (e.g., "<NUM>") may mean that the E-UTRA being a wireless network access technology, which a wireless communication system corresponding to the corresponding PLMN provides, is connected to a 5GC (e.g., the 5GC <NUM> of <FIG>). In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may search for and select a cell providing the E-UTRA, may connect wireless communication, and may register on the 5GC. For another example, the case where a value of a bit (e.g., the fourth LSB (b4)) indicating a second NG-RAN is the first value may mean that the NR being a wireless network access technology, which a wireless communication system corresponding to the corresponding PLMN provides, is connected to a 5GC (e.g., the 5GC <NUM> of <FIG>). The electronic device <NUM> may search for and select a cell providing the NR, may connect wireless communication, and may register on the 5GC. As such, in the case where a plurality of NG-RAN bits are included in the ATI, the electronic device <NUM> may determine an RAT targeted for frequency search, based on values of the plurality of NG-RAN bits or a value(s) of at least a part of the plurality of NG-RAN bits. For example, the plurality of NG-RAN bits may be respectively associated with different RATs.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment, the communication processor <NUM> may perform frequency scanning on a PLMN of the highest priority. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning by using the first wireless communication circuit <NUM> and the second wireless communication circuit <NUM> substantially simultaneously. For another example, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning by using the first wireless communication circuit <NUM> and the second wireless communication circuit <NUM> sequentially. For another example, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning by using the second wireless communication circuit <NUM> and the first wireless communication circuit <NUM> sequentially.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning (e.g., cell search) depending on a priority associated with a PLMN. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning for the purpose of searching for a PLMN corresponding to the highest priority of priority information stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM>. In the case where the communication processor <NUM> fails in the cell search from the frequency scanning (e.g., fails to successively receive system information including a PLMN of the highest priority, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning on a PLMN of a next priority. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning sequentially depending on PLMN priorities until succeeding in the cell search or the registration.

Referring to <FIG>, for example, a radio access technology (RAT) of a first base station <NUM> may correspond to an LTE, and an RAT of a second base station <NUM> may correspond to an NR.

For example, in the case where the communication processor <NUM> performs the frequency scanning by using the first wireless communication circuit <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may receive first system information <NUM> (e.g., a system information block) including PLMN information associated with the first base station <NUM> from the first base station <NUM>. The communication processor <NUM> may compare the received PLMN information and PLMN information stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM> and may access the corresponding cell (e.g., a cell associated with the first base station <NUM>) depending on a comparison result.

For another example, in the case where the communication processor <NUM> performs the frequency scanning by using the second wireless communication circuit <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may receive second system information <NUM> (e.g., a system information block) including PLMN information associated with the second base station <NUM> from the second base station <NUM>. The communication processor <NUM> may compare the received PLMN information and the PLMN information stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM> and may access the corresponding cell (e.g., a cell associated with the second base station <NUM>) depending on a comparison result.

<FIG> illustrates a network stack <NUM> of a control plane according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In a control plane, a network stack of the electronic device <NUM> may include a non-access stratum (NAS) layer and an access stratum (AS) layer. The electronic device <NUM> may communicate with an access and mobility function (AMF) <NUM> of a core network on the NAS layer. The NAS may process, for example, a control message associated with authentication, registration, and/or mobility management.

The electronic device <NUM> may communicate with a base station (e.g., a gNB <NUM>) on the AS layer. The AS layer may include radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC), physical (PHY) layers. The RRC layer may process, for example, a control message associated with radio bearer setting, paging, and/or mobility management. The PHY layer may perform, for example, channel coding and modulation on data received from an upper layer (e.g., an MAC layer) and may transmit a result of the channel coding and modulation to a wireless channel; the PHY layer may perform decoding and demodulation on data received over the wireless channel and may transfer a result of the decoding and demodulation to the upper layer. The MAC layer may map, for example, data logically/physically onto a wireless channel targeted for transmission and reception and may perform a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) for error correction. The RLC layer may perform, for example, concatenation, segmentation, or reassembly on data and may perform order detection, reordering, or duplicate detection of data. The PDCP layer may perform, for example, an operation associated with ciphering and data integrity of a control message and user data. A user plane protocol stack may further include a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The SDAP may manage an assignment of a radio bearer based on a quality of service (QoS) of user data.

Referring to <FIG>, according to various embodiments, various types of core networks may be combined with various types of RANs. Below, for convenience, an access technology of a core network that the electronic device <NUM> uses may be referred to as a "non-access stratum (NAS) AcT", and an access technology of a base station may be referred to as an "access stratum (AS) AcT". In an embodiment, the NAS AcT may be determined based on an ATI stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM>. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may read the ATI stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM> at the NAS layer and may use the read ASI as an NAS AcT value. In an embodiment, the AS AcT may be determined based on the NAS AcT. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may transfer an NAS AcT value from the NAS layer to the AS layer. The AS layer may determine an AS AcT value based on the NAS AcT value. In an embodiment, when the NAS AcT value means that the NG-RAN bit included in the ATI is the first value, the NAS AcT value may indicate the NG-RAN. In this case, the AS AcT may be one of LTE (eLTE) or NR. For example, the AS AcT value may indicate a value of an RAT targeted to search for a frequency band used by the wireless access technology.

According to an embodiment, a PLMN may be differently defined depending on a provider associated with the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the PLMN may be an HPLMN. For another example, a provider may define a new PLMN for <NUM> and may store the newly defined PLMN for <NUM> in the subscriber identification module <NUM> as an EHPLMN. According to an embodiment, the subscriber identification module <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may store the PLMN for <NUM> and the EHPLMN for <NUM>. In this case, the communication processor <NUM> may perform PLMN search by using a PLMN having a high priority from among the HPLMN and the EHPLMN, based on a priority of an access technology.

According to various embodiments, the communication processor <NUM> may determine an AS AcT targeted to search for a frequency band based on a preset priority and may perform the cell search based on a determination result. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may determine an AS AcT targeted to search for a frequency band based on a priority set according to a deployment option and may perform the cell search on the determined AS AcT. According to an embodiment, the communication processor <NUM> may perform frequency band search on an AS AcT of a high priority. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the cell search by applying the same priority to LTE and NR frequency bands with the same priority. The communication processor <NUM> may perform the cell search on the LTE and NR frequency bands substantially simultaneously. In this case, the communication processor <NUM> may try to preferentially register on a cell where a 5GC cell is first found from among two frequency bands (e.g., the LTE frequency bands and the NR frequency bands). According to an embodiment, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the cell search on the corresponding AS AcT, depending on a priority of a frequency band. For example, a frequency band priority may be set independently of an AcT priority. In this case, the communication processor <NUM> may determine a search order in a specific AcT depending on a priority for each frequency band.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> of a priority setting method according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In operation <NUM>, according to an embodiment, a communication processor may obtain a priority of a deployment option. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may obtain information about a priority set according to a deployment option from a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM> of <FIG>) or a subscriber identification module (e.g., the subscriber identification module <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, a priority of a deployment option may be determined by a manufacturer of the electronic device <NUM> or a network provider or may be selected by a user of the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, according to an embodiment, the communication processor <NUM> may set an AS AcT priority based on the obtained priority. For example, in the case where a priority of deployment option <NUM> and deployment option <NUM> is higher than a priority of deployment option <NUM> and deployment option <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may set an AS AcT priority of an LTE to be higher than an AS AcT priority of an NR. For another example, in the case where the priority of deployment option <NUM> and deployment option <NUM> is lower than the priority of deployment option <NUM> and deployment option <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may set the AS AcT priority of the NR to be higher than the AS AcT priority of the LTE.

The description is given in <FIG> as the communication processor <NUM> sets the AS AcT priority depending on the deployment option, but embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the AS AcT priority may be set in advance. The AS AcT priority may be stored in the memory <NUM> or the subscriber identification module <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the communication processor <NUM> may perform cell search based on the AS AcT priority. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may select one PLMN from a plurality of PLMNs and may search for the selected PLMN based on the AS AcT priority. In the case where the NR has a higher AS AcT priority than the LTE, the communication processor <NUM> may perform frequency scanning by using a second wireless communication circuit (e.g., the second wireless communication circuit <NUM>) supporting the NR for the purpose of searching for the selected PLMN. In the case where a PLMN is not successfully received from the frequency scanning using the second wireless communication circuit <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning by using a first wireless communication circuit (e.g., the first wireless communication circuit <NUM>) supporting the E-UTRAN corresponding to a next AS AcT priority.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> of a frequency searching method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, a communication processor (e.g., the communication processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may identify a NAS AcT. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may identify the NAS AcT from a PLMN and AcT information of the PLMN stored in a subscriber identification module (e.g., the subscriber identification module <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the communication processor <NUM> may obtain AcT information of a PLMN selected according to a PLMN selection procedure from the subscriber identification module <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, according to an embodiment, the communication processor <NUM> may determine whether a NAS AcT indicates the NG-RAN (e.g., a core network connected to an eLTE or an NR). For example, the communication processor <NUM> may obtain AcT information of the PLMN from <NUM>-bit AcT information (e.g., an access technology identifier (ATI)) of the PLMN. When a value of the fourth LSB of the ATI of the PLMN is the first value (e.g., "<NUM>"), the communication processor <NUM> may determine that the NAS AcT of the PLMN indicates the NG-RAN. For another example, when a value of the fourth LSB of the ATI of the PLMN is the second value (e.g., "<NUM>"), the communication processor <NUM> may determine that the NAS AcT of the PLMN does not indicate the NG-RAN.

When it is determined that the NAS AcT of the PLMN does not indicates the NG-RAN, in operation <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may perform frequency scanning on a frequency band corresponding to the NAS AcT. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning by using a first wireless communication circuit (e.g., the first wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) supporting the LTE.

According to an embodiment, when the NAS AcT of the PLMN indicates the NG-RAN, in operation <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may determine whether an AS AcT priority of the NR is higher than an AS AcT priority of the LTE. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may obtain information about an AS AcT priority from a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM> of <FIG>) or a subscriber identification module (e.g., the subscriber identification module <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, when the AS AcT priority of the NR is higher than the AS AcT priority of the LTE, in operation <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning on a frequency band corresponding to the NG-RAN by using a second wireless communication circuit (e.g., the second wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, when the AS AcT priority of the LTE is higher than the AS AcT priority of the NR, in operation <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning on a frequency band corresponding to the LTE by using the first wireless communication circuit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> of a frequency registration method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, for example, operation <NUM> may be performed after the frequency scanning according to operation <NUM>, operation <NUM>, or operation <NUM> of <FIG>. In operation <NUM>, a communication processor (e.g., the communication processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may determine whether at least one cell is found through the frequency scanning. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may search for a cell by successfully receiving system information (e.g., a system information block) including a PLMN from at least one cell.

When at least one cell is found, in operation <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may perform a registration procedure on the found cell. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may transmit cell information obtained from the AS (Access Stratum) layer to the NAS layer and may perform a network registration procedure (e.g., an attach procedure or a registration procedure) on the corresponding cell by using the obtained cell information. For example, in the case where it is determined in operation <NUM> of <FIG> that the NAS AcT indicates the NG-RAN, the communication processor <NUM> may perform a registration procedure on a core network (e.g., a 5GC) connected through the corresponding cell. For another example, in the case where it is determined in operation <NUM> of <FIG> that the NAS AcT indicates the E-UTRAN, the communication processor <NUM> may perform a registration procedure on a core network (e.g., an EPC) connected through the corresponding cell.

When a cell is not found, according to an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may determine whether an AcT RAN on which the frequency scanning is performed is an AcT RAN of the lowest priority. For example, when it is determined that the AcT RAN on which the frequency scanning is performed is not the AcT RAN of the lowest priority, in operation <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning on an AcT RAN of a next priority.

The description is given with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> as the communication processor <NUM> sequentially performs the frequency scanning on respective AcT RANs, but embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning on a plurality of AcT RANs at the same time.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> of an access method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a communication processor (e.g., the communication processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may perform frequency scanning on a plurality of AcT RANs at the same time. For example, hardware and software of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may perform the frequency scanning by using a first wireless communication circuit (e.g., the first wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second wireless communication circuit (e.g., the second wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) substantially at the same time. For example, the first wireless communication circuit <NUM> and the second wireless communication circuit <NUM> may operate independently in hardware, and the communication processor <NUM> may allow the first wireless communication circuit <NUM> and the second wireless communication circuit <NUM> to work together.

According to an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may identify a NAS AcT. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may identify the NAS AcT from a PLMN and AcT information of the PLMN stored in a subscriber identification module (e.g., the subscriber identification module <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the communication processor <NUM> may obtain AcT information of a PLMN selected according to a PLMN selection procedure from the subscriber identification module <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, according to an embodiment, the communication processor <NUM> may determine whether the NAS AcT indicates the NG-RAN. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may obtain AcT information of the PLMN from <NUM>-bit AcT information (e.g., an access technology identifier (ATI)) of the PLMN. When a value of the fourth LSB of the ATI of the PLMN is the first value (e.g., "<NUM>"), the communication processor <NUM> may determine that the NAS AcT of the PLMN indicates the NG-RAN. For another example, when a value of the fourth LSB of the ATI of the PLMN is the second value (e.g., "<NUM>"), the communication processor <NUM> may determine that the NAS AcT of the PLMN does not indicate the NG-RAN.

When it is determined that the NAS AcT of the PLMN does not indicate the NG-RAN, in operation <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may perform frequency scanning on a frequency band corresponding to the NAS AcT. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning by using a first wireless communication circuit (e.g., the first wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) supporting the LTE.

According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the NAS AcT of the PLMN indicates the NG-RAN, in operation <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may search for a first frequency band corresponding to an NR and a second frequency band corresponding to an LTE substantially at the same time. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning by using a first wireless communication circuit (e.g., the first wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second wireless communication circuit (e.g., the second wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) substantially at the same time.

According to an embodiment, in operation <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may connect to a 5GC through a found NR cell and/or a found LTE cell (e.g., may make network registration). For example, when an LTE cell is detected, the communication processor <NUM> may try to register on the 5GC through the corresponding cell. For example, when an NR cell is detected, the communication processor <NUM> may try to register on the 5GC through the corresponding cell.

Referring to <FIG>, a communication processor (e.g., the communication processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may perform frequency scanning based on a band priority.

In operation <NUM>, according to an embodiment, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning based on a band priority. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning on at least one band sequentially depending on a priority set to the at least one band. In operation <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM> may perform a network registration procedure through the at least one cell found through the frequency scanning.

According to an embodiment, a band priority may be set to each AS AcT. For example, a first priority may be set to LTE bands, and a second priority may be set to NR bands.

A part of bands associated with the NG-RAN may be an LTE band. For example, in the case where a part of bands associated with a PLMN for <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "<NUM> PLMN") of a specific mobile network operator (MNO) is an LTE band, the second priority may include information about the LTE band associated with the <NUM> PLMN. For another example, in the case where there is an LTE band set to be reusable or shared at the NG-RAN by the specific MNO, the second priority may include information about the corresponding LTE band.

For example, a band priority (e.g., the first and/or second priority) may be defined by an MNO. For another example, a band priority may be set by a manufacturer of the electronic device <NUM>. For another example, the electronic device <NUM> may use a band priority corresponding to a location based on location information of the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may obtain a location of the electronic device <NUM> based on an MCC of a PLMN or GPS information and may use band priority information corresponding to the obtained location. The electronic device <NUM> may use priority information for each location stored in a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM> of <FIG>). The electronic device <NUM> may receive priority information corresponding to a location from an external server.

According to an embodiment, an LTE band connected to a 5GC may also be included in a priority (e.g., the second priority) of an NG-RAN band. For example, in the case of LTE band B2 or NR band N77 or N78, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning depending on priorities of the corresponding bands in the second priority. For example, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning in the order of B2, N78, and N77 or in the order of N78, B2, and N77. Instead of the AS AcT-based priority described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a priority of each band may be used for the frequency scanning.

In this case, an LTE band associated with a 5GC can be defined to be included in a band list associated with ab NG-RAN AcT. As one example, in the case where the B2 (i.e., the LTE band) used by a cell connected to a 5GC and the N77 and N78 being the NR band are considered, the AS may pre-determine AS AcT priorities of the LTE and the NR by pre-determining band priorities. In the corresponding example, the cell searching may be performed in the following order: B2 → N78 → N77; alternatively, the cell searching may be performed in the following order: N78 → B2 → N77. In addition to the examples, all orders in which configured bands are capable of being listed may be included. In the case of defining a band priority as described above, a cell searching priority may be determined by defining an LTE band in a band priority together with an NR band, with regard to the NG-RAN.

The band priority described with reference to <FIG> may be combined with the AS AcT of <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, in performing the frequency scanning depending on an AS AcT priority, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning depending on a band priority set to the corresponding AS AcT. As described above, the band priority may be changed depending on a location of the electronic device <NUM>.

The frequency scanning methods described with reference to <FIG> may be combined and implemented. For another example, the above frequency scanning methods may be combined and executed depending on a capability of the electronic device <NUM>, a network deployment, and/or an MNO policy. For another example, the above frequency scanning methods may be selectively executed depending on a capability of the electronic device <NUM>, a network deployment, and/or an MNO policy.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, a communication processor (e.g., the communication processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may receive the access technology identifier ATI from a subscriber identification module (e.g., the subscriber identification module <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the communication processor <NUM> may identify a NAS AcT from a PLMN and AcT information of the PLMN stored in a subscriber identification module (e.g., the subscriber identification module <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the communication processor <NUM> may obtain AcT information of a PLMN selected according to a PLMN selection procedure from the subscriber identification module <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, according to an embodiment, the communication processor <NUM> may determine whether a value of ATI information, which indicates the first NG-RAN, is the first value. For example, the ATI information may include <NUM> bits, and the third LSB of the <NUM> bits may be a bit indicating the first NG-RAN. For example, the third LSB may correspond to "b3" of Table <NUM> above. In this case, a network deployment corresponding to the corresponding PLMN may correspond to option <NUM> of <FIG> or option <NUM> of <FIG>.

In operation <NUM>, according to an embodiment, the communication processor <NUM> may perform frequency scanning by using a first wireless communication circuit (e.g., the first wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>). In this case, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning depending on a priority set to bands of the second RAT (e.g., an LTE).

In operation <NUM>, according to an embodiment, the communication processor <NUM> may determine whether a value (e.g., b4 of Table <NUM> above) indicating the second NG-RAN is the first value. For example, when the value indicating the second NG-RAN is the first value, a network deployment corresponding to the corresponding PLMN may correspond to option <NUM> of <FIG> or option <NUM> of <FIG>.

In operation <NUM>, according to an embodiment, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning by using a second wireless communication circuit (e.g., the second wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>). In this case, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning depending on a priority set to bands of the first RAT (e.g., an NR).

When all the values indicating the first NG-RAN and the second NG-RAN are the first value, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning by using the first wireless communication circuit (e.g., the first wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) as in operation <NUM>. In this case, the communication processor <NUM> may perform the frequency scanning depending on the priority set to the bands of the second RAT (e.g., an LTE).

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first wireless communication circuit (<NUM>) configured to provide a first radio access technology, RAT, associated with a long term evolution, LTE;
a second wireless communication circuit (<NUM>) configured to provide a second RAT associated with a new radio, NR;
a subscriber identification module (<NUM>);
a communication processor (<NUM>) operatively connected with the first wireless communication circuit (<NUM>), the second wireless communication circuit (<NUM>), and the subscriber identification module (<NUM>); and
a memory (<NUM>) operatively connected with the communication processor (<NUM>), wherein the memory (<NUM>) stores one or more instructions that, when executed, cause the communication processor (<NUM>) to:
obtain access technology identifier, ATI, information associated with one public land mobile network, PLMN, from the subscriber identification module (<NUM>), and
perform frequency scanning by using the first wireless communication circuit (<NUM>), based on the ATI information indicating a next generation radio access network, NG-RAN, associated with the first RAT.