Patent ID: 12192250

Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

MODE FOR DISCLOSURE

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device101in a network environment100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.1, the electronic device101in the network environment100may communicate with an electronic device102via a first network198(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device104or a server108via a second network199(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may communicate with the electronic device104via the server108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a processor120, memory130, an input module150, a sound output module155, a display module160, an audio module170, a sensor module176, an interface177, a connecting terminal178, a haptic module179, a camera module180, a power management module188, a battery189, a communication module190, a subscriber identification module (SIM)196, or an antenna module197. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal178) may be omitted from the electronic device101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device101. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module176, the camera module180, or the antenna module197) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module160).

The processor120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device101coupled with the processor120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor120may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module176or the communication module190) in volatile memory132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory134. According to an embodiment, the processor120may include a main processor121(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. For example, when the electronic device101includes the main processor121and the auxiliary processor123, the auxiliary processor123may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor123may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor121.

The auxiliary processor123may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module160, the sensor module176, or the communication module190) among the components of the electronic device101, instead of the main processor121while the main processor121is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor121while the main processor121is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module180or the communication module190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic device101where the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server108). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

The memory130may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor120or the sensor module176) of the electronic device101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory130may include the volatile memory132or the non-volatile memory134.

The program140may be stored in the memory130as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)142, middleware144, or an application146.

The input module150may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The input module150may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output module155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101. The sound output module155may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display module160may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The display module160may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display module160may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module170may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module170may obtain the sound via the input module150, or output the sound via the sound output module155or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device101.

The sensor module176may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device101or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module176may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface177may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device101to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface177may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal178may include a connector via which the electronic device101may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal178may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module179may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module179may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module180may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to one embodiment, the power management module188may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery189may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the battery189may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module190may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device101and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102, the electronic device104, or the server108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module190may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor120(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module190may include a wireless communication module192(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module194(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network198(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network199(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module192may identify and authenticate the electronic device101in a communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI or IMS)) stored in the subscriber identification module196.

The wireless communication module192may support a 5G network, after a 4G network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module192may support a high-frequency band (e.g., the millimeter wave (mmWave) band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module192may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module192may support various requirements specified in the electronic device101, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device104), or a network system (e.g., the second network199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module192may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less) for implementing URLLC.

The antenna module197may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module190(e.g., the wireless communication module192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module190and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module197.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module197may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device101and the external electronic device104via the server108coupled with the second network199. Each of the electronic devices102or104may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device101may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices102,104, or108. For example, if the electronic device101should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device101may provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device104may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server108may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device104or the server108may be included in the second network199. The electronic device101may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory136or external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device101). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor120) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device101) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is 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.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product 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. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

FIG.2is a block diagram200of the electronic device101for supporting legacy network communication and 5G network communication according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating the protocol stack structure of a network100of 4G communication and/or 5G communication according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3, the network100according to various embodiments may include the electronic device101, a 4G network392, a 5G network394, and the server108.

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

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may perform Internet communication associated with the server108using the Internet protocol312(e.g., a transmission control protocol (TCP), a user datagram protocol (UDP), or an internet protocol (IP)). For example, the Internet protocol312may be performed in a main processor (e.g., the main processor121ofFIG.1) included in the electronic device101.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device101may perform wireless communication with the 4G network392using the first communication protocol stack314. According to another embodiment, the electronic device101may perform wireless communication with the 5G network394using the second communication protocol stack316. For example, the first communication protocol stack314and the second communication protocol stack316may be performed by one or more communication processors (e.g., the wireless communication module192ofFIG.1) included in the electronic device101.

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

According to various embodiments, the 4G network392may include a long-term evolution (LTE) base station340and an evolved packet core (EPC)342. The LTE base station340may include an LTE communication protocol stack344. The EPC342may include a legacy non-access stratum (NAS) protocol346. The 4G network392may perform LTE wireless communication with the electronic device101using the LTE communication protocol stack344and the legacy NAS protocol346.

According to various embodiment, the 5G network394may include a new radio (NR) base station350and a 5thgeneration core (5GC)352. The NR base station350may include an NR communication protocol stack354. The 5GC352may include a 5G NAS protocol356. The 5G network394may perform NR wireless communication with the electronic device101using the NR communication protocol stack354and the 5G NAS protocol356.

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

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

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

FIGS.4A and4Bare examples of a wireless communication system which provides a network using 4-th generation (4G) communication and/or 5-th generation (5G) communication according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.4A and4B, a network environment100A and/or100B may include at least one of a 4G network or a 5G network. For example, the 4G network may include an LTE base station440(e.g., an eNodeB (eNB)) according to the 3GPP standard supporting a wireless connection with the electronic device101and an evolved packet core (EPC))442managing 4G communication. For example, the 5G network may include a new radio (NR) base station450(e.g., a gNodeB (gNB)) supporting a wireless connection with the electronic device101and a 5G core (5GC)452managing 5G communication of the electronic device101.

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

According to various embodiments referring toFIG.4A, the 5G network100amay independently transmit and/or receive control messages and/or user data to and/or from the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments referring toFIG.4B, the 4G network and the 5G network100bmay independently provide the transmission and/or reception of data. For example, the electronic device101and the EPC442may transmit and/or receive control messages and/or user data through the LTE base station440. For example, the electronic device101and the 5GC452may transmit and/or receive control messages and/or user data through the NR base station450.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may register with at least one of the EPC442or the 5GC452, and may transmit and/or receive control messages.

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

FIG.5is an example of a network environment500for using a wireless LAN network according to an embodiment of the disclosure. According to an embodiment, the structure of the network inFIG.5may be variously changed. For example, various elements inFIG.5may be integrated, subdivided or omitted, and an additional element may be added to the various elements depending on specific needs.

Referring toFIG.5, a network560may include a packet data network (PDN)567and a core network569(e.g., the EPC442and/or the 5GC452inFIG.4B). According to an embodiment, the core network567may include a serving gateway (S-GW)561, a mobility management entity (MME)562, a home subscriber server (HSS) 563, a 3GPP-authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) server564, an evolved packet data gateway (ePDG)565, a session management function (SMF) and packet data network gateway (PGW-C)566, and/or an access and mobility management function (AMF)568.

According to an embodiment, an eNB531(e.g., the LTE base station440inFIG.4B) may connect to the electronic device101through a wireless channel for a second communication method (e.g., LTE communication). The MME562is a node which controls a control plane of the core network569(e.g., an EPC), and may perform various functions, such as the connection and/or release of a radio bearer. The S-GW561is a node which controls a user plane of a second network (e.g., an LTE radio access network (RAN)) using second wireless communication in the core network569(e.g.,FIGS.4A and4Bare examples of a wireless communication system which provides a network using 4-th generation (4G) communication and/or 5-th generation (5G) communication according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments referring toFIGS.4A and4B, a network environment100A and/or100B may include at least one of a 4G network or a 5G network. For example, the 4G network may include an LTE base station440(e.g., an eNodeB (eNB)) according to the 3GPP standard supporting a wireless connection with the electronic device101and an evolved packet core (EPC))442managing 4G communication. For example, the 5G network may include a new radio (NR) base station450(e.g., a gNodeB (gNB)) supporting a wireless connection with the electronic device101and a 5G core (5GC)452managing 5G communication of the electronic device101.

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

According to various embodiments referring toFIG.4A, the 5G network100amay independently transmit and/or receive control messages and/or user data to and/or from the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments referring toFIG.4B, the 4G network and the 5G network100bmay independently provide the transmission and/or reception of data. For example, the electronic device101and the EPC442may transmit and/or receive control messages and/or user data through the LTE base station440. For example, the electronic device101and the 5GC452may transmit and/or receive control messages and/or user data through the NR base station450.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may register with at least one of the EPC442or the 5GC452, and may transmit and/or receive control messages.

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

FIG.5is an example of a network environment500for using a wireless LAN network according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, the structure of the network inFIG.5may be variously changed. For example, various elements inFIG.5may be integrated, subdivided or omitted, and an additional element may be added to the various elements depending on specific needs.

According to various embodiments referring toFIG.5, a network560may include a packet data network (PDN)567and a core network569(e.g., the EPC442and/or the 5GC452inFIG.4B). According to an embodiment, the core network567may include a serving gateway (S-GW)561, a mobility management entity (MME)562, a home subscriber server (HSS)563, a 3GPP-authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) server564, an evolved packet data gateway (ePDG)565, a session management function (SMF) and packet data network gateway (PGW-C)566, and/or an access and mobility management function (AMF)568.

According to an embodiment, an eNB531(e.g., the LTE base station440inFIG.4B) may connect to the electronic device101through a wireless channel for a second communication method (e.g., LTE communication). The MME562is a node which controls a control plane of the core network569(e.g., an EPC), and may perform various functions, such as the connection and/or release of a radio bearer. The S-GW561is a node which controls a user plane of a second network (e.g., an LTE radio access network (RAN)) using second wireless communication in the core network569(e.g., an EPC), and may operate as a mobility anchor for the electronic device101or may generate and/or remove a data bearer under the control of the MME562. The SMF+PGW-C566is a node which connects the core network569(e.g., an EPC) and the PDN567, and may perform the assignment of an IP address and the application of quality of service (QoS) to the electronic device101. The HSS563may store and/or manage subscriber information.

According to an embodiment, an AP541may connect to the electronic device101through a wireless channel for a third communication method (e.g., wireless LAN communication). The 3GPP-AAA server564may provide the SMF+PGW-C566with authentication, authorization, policy control, and routing information for access to a network using a wireless LAN communication method. The ePDG565may be used to maintain access to the electronic device101and provide the electronic device101with a continuous service upon handover between a cellular network (e.g., an LTE network and/or an NR network) and a wireless LAN network.

According to an embodiment, a gNB551(e.g., the NR base station450inFIG.4B) may connect to the electronic device101through a wireless channel for a first communication method (e.g., NR communication). The AMF568may process control messages transmitted to and/or received from the electronic device101and manage the mobility anchor of the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may transmit and/or receive data to and/or from the PDN567through the SMF+PGW-C566, the AMF568, and the gNB551.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may transmit and/or receive data to and/or from the PDN567through the SMF+PGW-C566, the S-GW561, and the eNB531.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may perform handover from the gNB551(or the eNB531) to the AP541. The electronic device101may communicate with the 3GPP-AAA server564in order to perform authentication. According to an embodiment, when the authentication of the electronic device101is successful, the ePDG565may connect communication (e.g., a tunnel) with the SMF+PGW-C566. The electronic device101may be connected to the PDN567through the AP541, the ePDG565, and the SMF+PGW-C566. For example, handover may include a series of operations of releasing a connection with the gNB551and performing a connection with the AP541. For example, in the case of a first handover method, after a connection with the gNB551is released, a connection with the AP541may be performed. For example, in the case of a second handover method, after a connection with the AP541is performed, a connection with the gNB551may be released.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may register with a server580over the network560. For example, registration with the server580may indicate that a PDN session between the electronic device101and the server580is connected (or set up) by the SMF+PGW-C566. For example, the electronic device101may initiate a registration operation for the server580at booting timing. For example, the electronic device101may initiate a registration operation for the server580based on a change in the network environment of the electronic device101. For example, a change in the network environment may include a change in signal quality of a first network (e.g., an NR network), a second network (e.g., an LTE network) and/or a third network (e.g., a wireless LAN network). According to an embodiment, the server580may provide the electronic device101with an IMS service (e.g., the transmission and reception of data based on a packet). For example, the server580may be denoted as an IMS server.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may obtain, from the ePDG565, information related to a call function of a first network using first wireless communication based on a communication connection with the ePDG565. According to an embodiment, the AMF568may deliver, to the ePDG565, information related to a call function of a first network identified through a procedure of identifying a voice capability with the gNB551. Upon communication connection with the electronic device101, the ePDG565may transmit, to the electronic device101, information related to a call function of a first network. For example, the information related to the call function of the first network may be obtained from the ePDG in a security association initialization or internet key exchange (IKE) negotiation process for a communication connection between the ePDG565and the electronic device101. For example, the information related to call function of the first network may include information related to whether the first network supports a call function (e.g., VoNR) and information related to whether the first network supports the handover of a PDU session to the first network.

FIG.6is a block diagram of an electronic device for providing a call function according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.6, an electronic device101may include a processor600, first communication circuitry610, second communication circuitry620and/or a memory630. According to an embodiment, the processor600may be substantially identical with the processor120inFIG.1or may be included in the processor120. The first communication circuitry610and/or the second communication circuitry620may be substantially identical with the wireless communication module192inFIG.1or may be included in the wireless communication module192. The memory630may be substantially identical with the memory130inFIG.1or may be included in the memory130. According to an embodiment, the processor600, the first communication circuitry610and/or the second communication circuitry620may be implemented within a single chip or a single package. According to an embodiment, the processor600, the first communication circuitry610and/or the second communication circuitry620may be implemented as different chips.

According to various embodiments, the processor600may be operatively connected to the first communication circuitry610and/or the second communication circuitry620. According to an embodiment, the processor600may interact with the first communication circuitry610through an application processor to communication processor (AP2CP) interface. For example, the AP2CP interface may include at least one of a shared memory method or peripheral component interconnect-express (PCIe).

According to various embodiments, the first communication circuitry610may transmit and/or receive control messages and/or data to and/or from a first node (e.g., the NR base station450inFIG.4B) and/or a second node (e.g., the LTE base station440) through cellular communication. According to an embodiment, the first communication circuitry610may include a first processing part and a second processing part. For example, the first processing part may transmit and/or receive control messages and data to and/or from a first node (e.g., the NR base station450inFIG.4B) through first wireless communication. For example, the first wireless communication may include a 5G communication method (e.g., new radio (NR)). For example, the second processing part may transmit and/or receive control messages and data to and/or from a second node (e.g., the LTE base station440inFIG.4B) through second wireless communication. For example, the second wireless communication is a 4G communication method, and may include at least one of long-term evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-A) or LTE advanced pro (LTE-A pro). For example, the second network using the second wireless communication may support a call function (e.g., VoLTE). For example, the first processing part and the second processing part may be composed of software which processes signals and protocols having different frequency bands. For example, the first processing part and the second processing part may be logically (e.g., software) divided from each other. For example, the first processing part and the second processing part may be composed of different circuits or different types of hardware.

According to an embodiment, the first communication circuitry610may include a communication processor (e.g., the second communication processor214inFIG.2), an RFIC (e.g., the third RFIC226inFIG.2) and/or an RFFE (e.g., the third RFFE236inFIG.2) related to first wireless communication and a communication processor (e.g., the first communication processor212inFIG.2), an RFIC (e.g., the first RFIC222inFIG.2) and/or an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE232inFIG.2) related to second wireless communication.

According to various embodiments, the second communication circuitry620may transmit and/or receive control messages and data to and/or from a third node (e.g., an access point (AP)) through third wireless communication. For example, the third wireless communication may include a wireless LAN communication method (e.g., Wi-Fi) as a communication method using an unlicensed frequency band (unlicensed spectrum).

According to various embodiments, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610and/or the second communication circuitry620to connect (or set up) a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a call connection with an external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610and/or the second communication circuitry620to connect a PDU session for the reception of a call originated from an external electronic device and/or the transmission of a call originated by the electronic device101. For example, the PDU session may include an Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) PDU session.

According to an embodiment, if a call connection mode of the electronic device101has been configured as a first call connection mode (e.g., a cellular-preferred mode), the processor600may check signal quality of a cellular network (e.g., a first network using first wireless communication or a second network using second wireless communication). When the signal quality of the first network satisfies designated first quality, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610to register the electronic device101with the first network using the first wireless communication. For example, the state in which the designated first quality has been satisfied may include a state in which signal quality of the first network using the first wireless communication is equal to or greater than first reference intensity (e.g., about −110 dBm). For example, signal quality of a network may include at least one of reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), a received strength indicator (RSSI), a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), a transmission and reception error ratio, packet transmission and reception delay or quality of service (QoS). For example, the call connection mode may be configured based on a call policy of the electronic device101and/or a user's input.

According to an embodiment, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610to register the electronic device101with an IMS server (e.g., the server580inFIG.5) over a first network using first wireless communication with which the electronic device101has registered. When the electronic device101registers with the IMS server over the first network, the processor600may identify that a PDU session has been connected over the first network.

According to an embodiment, when signal quality of a first network does not satisfy designated first quality and signal quality of a third network using third wireless communication satisfies designated second quality in the state in which a PDU session has been connected over the first network, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610and the second communication circuitry620to perform handover of the PDU session. For example, the processor600may connect communication with an ePDG (e.g., the ePDG565inFIG.5) (e.g., configure an ePDG tunnel) over the third network using the third wireless communication. The processor600may control the second communication circuitry620to register the electronic device101with an IMS server through the ePDG. When the electronic device101registers with the IMS server through the ePDG, the processor600may release the connection of a PDU session (e.g., an IMS PDU session) using the first network. For example, the state in which the designated first quality is not satisfied may include a state in which signal quality of the first network using the first wireless communication is less than first reference intensity (e.g., about −110 dBm). For example, the state in which the designated second quality is satisfied may include a state in which signal quality of the third network using the third wireless communication is equal to or greater than second reference intensity (e.g., about −70 dBm). For example, the handover may include a series of operations of releasing the connection with the first network and performing the connection with the third network. For example, in the case of a first handover method, after the connection with the first network is released, the connection with the third network may be performed. For example, in the case of a second handover method, after the connection with the third network is performed, the connection with the first network may be released.

According to an embodiment, if a call connection mode of the electronic device101has been configured as a second call connection mode (e.g., a wireless LAN-preferred mode), the processor600may check signal quality of a third network using third wireless communication. When the signal quality of the third network satisfies designated second quality, the processor600may connect communication with an ePDG (e.g., configure an ePDG tunnel) over the third network using the third wireless communication. The processor600may control the second communication circuitry620to register the electronic device101with an IMS server through the ePDG. When the electronic device101registers with the IMS server through the ePDG, the processor600may identify that a PDU session (e.g., an IMS PDU session) has been connected over the third network. For example, the ePDG may include a network element which provides a security function (e.g., authentication and/or encryption) for accessing a cellular network through a communication method (e.g., a wireless LAN communication method) using an unlicensed band.

According to an embodiment, when a PDU session is connected through the second communication circuitry620, the electronic device101may maintain a registration (e.g., a physical connection) state with a cellular network (e.g., a first network using first wireless communication or a second network using second wireless communication) through the first communication circuitry610. For example, if the handover of a PDU session from a first network to a third network has been performed, the first communication circuitry610may maintain a registration state (e.g., an RRC connected state) with the first network.

According to various embodiments, when a PDU session is connected over a third network using third wireless communication, the processor600may identify whether to use first wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the processor600may identify whether to use first wireless communication based on information related to a call function of a first network using the first wireless communication. For example, the information related to the call function of the first network may be obtained from an ePDG based on a communication connection with the ePDG. For example, the information related to the call function of the first network may be obtained from an ePDG in a security association initialization or Internet key exchange (IKE) negotiation process for a communication connection with the ePDG. For example, the information related to the call function of the first network may include information related to whether the first network supports a call function (e.g., VoNR) and information related to whether the first network supports the handover of a PDU session to the first network.

According to an embodiment, if a first network using first wireless communication does not support the handover of a PDU session to the first network, the processor600may restrict the use of the first wireless communication. For example, the use restriction on the first wireless communication may include a series of operations of configuring that the electronic device101does not support the first wireless communication through a non-access stratum (NAS) protocol of the first communication circuitry610. For example, the NAS protocol may restrict search related to the first wireless communication, based on the use restriction on the first wireless communication. For example, the NAS protocol may transmit, as an access stratum (AS) protocol, information related to search for a network using second wireless communication based on the use restriction on the first wireless communication. The AS protocol may perform search for a network using the second wireless communication based on the information related to the search for a network using the second wireless communication received from the NAS protocol. For example, the first communication circuitry610(e.g., the second processing part) may perform search related to the second wireless communication by receiving at least one of a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), a master information block (MIB), or a system information block (SIB) based on the information related to the search for a network using the second wireless communication received from the NAS protocol.

According to an embodiment, if a first network using first wireless communication supports the handover of a PDU session to the first network and supports a call function (e.g., VoNR), the processor600may maintain the use of the first wireless communication.

According to an embodiment, if a first network using first wireless communication supports the handover of a PDU session to the first network and does not support a call function (e.g., VoNR), the processor600may identify whether to use the first wireless communication based on an operating state and/or network condition of the electronic device101. For example, when the electronic device101operates in an idle mode, the processor600may maintain the use of the first wireless communication. For example, when an operating state of the electronic device101transitions from the idle mode to a call mode, the processor600may restrict the use of the first wireless communication. For example, when the electronic device101operates in the call mode, the processor600may restrict the use of the first wireless communication.

According to various embodiments, if the use of the first wireless communication is restricted, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610to register the electronic device101with a second network using second wireless communication. According to an embodiment, if the use of the first wireless communication is restricted in the state in which the electronic device101has registered with the first network using the first wireless communication, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610(e.g., the first processing part) to transmit a deregistration request message to the first network. When receiving a deregistration accept message from the first network through the first communication circuitry610(e.g., the first processing part), the processor600may release the registration with the first network. According to an embodiment, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610(e.g., the second processing part) to transmit, to the second network using the second wireless communication, an attach request message including information indicating that the electronic device101does not support the first wireless communication, based on the deregistration with the first network using the first wireless communication. When receiving an attach accept message from the second network through the first communication circuitry610(e.g., the second processing part), the processor600may identify that the electronic device101has registered with the second network using the second wireless communication. For example, the second network using the second wireless communication may be identified through search for a network using the second wireless communication based on information related to search for a network using the second wireless communication, which is received from an NAS protocol.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device101registers with the second network using the second wireless communication, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610and the second communication circuitry620to perform the handover of a PDU session to the second network. According to an embodiment, if a call connection mode of the electronic device101has been configured as a first communication connection mode (e.g., a cellular-preferred mode), the processor600may periodically check signal quality of a cellular network (e.g., a second network using second wireless communication) in the state in which a PDU session has been connected over a third network. When the signal quality of the second network satisfies designated third quality, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610and the second communication circuitry620to perform the handover of the PDU session. For example, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610to register the electronic device101with an IMS server over the second network using the second wireless communication. When the electronic device101registers with the IMS server over the second network, the processor600may release the connection of a PDU session (e.g., an IMS PDU session) using the third network. For example, the state in which the designated third quality is satisfied may include a state in which signal quality of the second network using the second wireless communication is equal to or greater than third reference intensity (e.g., about −110 dBm).

According to an embodiment, if a call connection mode of the electronic device101has been configured as a second communication connection mode (e.g., a wireless LAN-preferred mode), the processor600may periodically check signal quality of a cellular network (e.g., a second network using second wireless communication) and a third network in the state in which a PDU session has been connected over the third network. When the signal quality of the third network does not satisfy designated second quality and the signal quality of the second network satisfies designated third quality, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610and the second communication circuitry620to perform the handover of the PDU session. For example, the state in which the designated second quality is not satisfied may include a state in which signal quality of the third network using the third wireless communication is less than second reference intensity (e.g., about −70 dBm).

According to various embodiments, if the use of first wireless communication is maintained, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610and the second communication circuitry620to perform the handover of a PDU session to a first network. According to an embodiment, if a call connection mode of the electronic device101has been configured as a first communication connection mode (e.g., a cellular-preferred mode), the processor600may periodically check signal quality of a cellular network (e.g., a first network using first wireless communication) in the state in which a PDU session has been connected over a third network. When the signal quality of the first network satisfies designated first quality, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610and the second communication circuitry620to perform the handover of the PDU session. For example, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610to register the electronic device101with an IMS server over the first network using the first wireless communication. When the electronic device101registers with the IMS server over the first network, the processor600may release the connection of a PDU session (e.g., an IMS PDU session) using the third network.

According to an embodiment, if a call connection mode of the electronic device101has been configured as a second communication connection mode (e.g., a wireless LAN-preferred mode), the processor600may periodically check signal quality of a cellular network (e.g., a first network using first wireless communication) and a third network in the state in which a PDU session has been connected over the third network. When the signal quality of the third network does not satisfy designated second quality and the signal quality of the first network satisfies designated first quality, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610and the second communication circuitry620to perform the handover of a PDU session.

According to various embodiments, the memory630may store various data used by at least one element (e.g., the processor600, the first communication circuitry610and/or the second communication circuitry620) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the data may include information related to designated first quality, designated second quality and/or designated third quality for identifying whether to perform the handover of a PDU session. According to an embodiment, the data may include information related to a call function of a first network. According to an embodiment, the memory630may store various instructions which may be executed through the processor600.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1,2,3,4A,4B,5or6) may include first communication circuitry (e.g., the wireless communication module192inFIG.1or the first communication circuitry610inFIG.6) supporting new radio (NR) communication and/or long term evolution (LTE) communication, second communication circuitry (e.g., the wireless communication module192inFIG.1or the second communication circuitry620inFIG.6) supporting wireless LAN communication, and at least one processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG.1or the processor600inFIG.6) operatively connected to the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry. The processor may resister the electronic device with a network using the NR communication through the first communication circuitry, may connect communication with an evolved packet data gateway (ePDG) based on a protocol data unit (PDU) session being identified as being connected over a network using wireless LAN communication in the state in which the electronic device has registered with the network using the NR communication, may obtain information related to a call function of the network using the NR communication based on the communication connection with the ePDG, may connect the PDU session over the network using the wireless LAN communication, and may control the connection with the network using the NR communication based on the information related to the call function of the network using the NR communication.

According to various embodiments, the processor may obtain the information related to the call function of the network using the NR communication through an Internet key exchange (IKE) negotiation operation or security association initialization operation for the communication connection with the ePDG.

According to various embodiments, the information related to the call function of the network using the NR communication may include information related to whether the network using the NR communication supports the call function and/or information related to whether the network using the NR communication supports the handover of the PDU session to the network using the NR communication.

According to various embodiments, based on the handover of the PDU session to the network using the NR communication being not supported by the network using the NR communication, the processor may restrict the use of the network using the NR communication based on the PDU session connection through the network using wireless LAN communication.

According to various embodiments, based on the use of the network using the NR communication being restricted, the processor may release the registration with the network using the NR communication and register the electronic device with a network using the LTE communication.

According to various embodiments, based on the handover of the PDU session to the network using the NR communication being supported and the call function being supported by the network using the NR communication, the processor may maintain the use of the NR communication.

According to various embodiments, based on the use of the network using the NR communication being maintained, the processor may maintain the registration with the network using the NR communication in the state in which the PDU session has been connected over the network using the wireless LAN communication.

According to various embodiments, based on the handover of the PDU session to the network using the NR communication being supported and the call function being not supported by the network using the NR communication, the processor may control the connection with the network using the NR communication based on an operation mode and/or network policy of the electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the processor may maintain the use of the NR communication based on the electronic device being in an idle mode, and may restrict the use of the NR communication based on the electronic device being in a call mode.

According to various embodiments, the PDU session may include an Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) PDU session.

FIG.7is a flowchart700for selectively restricting the use of first wireless communication in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the following embodiments, operations may be sequentially performed, but are not essentially sequentially performed. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations thereof may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device may be the electronic device101inFIG.1,2,3,4A,4B,5or6.

Referring toFIG.7, according to various embodiments, in operation701, an electronic device (e.g., the wireless communication module192inFIG.1, the processor120inFIG.1, the first communication circuitry610inFIG.6or the processor600inFIG.6) may register with a first network using first wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610(e.g., a first processing part) to register the electronic device101with the first network using the first wireless communication (e.g., NR communication). For example, if the first network using the first wireless communication is operated independently of a second network using second wireless communication (e.g., standalone (SA)), the electronic device101may be preferentially registered with the first network using the first wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610(e.g., the first processing part) to connect a PDU session over the first network with which the electronic device101has registered. For example, the PDU session may include an Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) PDU session.

According to various embodiments, in operation703, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may identify whether to use third wireless communication for the connection of a PDU session. According to an embodiment, if a call connection mode of the electronic device101has been configured as a first communication connection mode (e.g., a cellular-preferred mode), the processor600may periodically check signal quality of the first network and a third network using the third wireless communication in the state in which a PDU session has been connected over the first network. When the signal quality of the first network does not satisfy designated first quality and the signal quality of the third network satisfies designated second quality, the processor600may identify that the handover of the PDU session to the third network is performed.

According to an embodiment, if a call connection mode of the electronic device101has been configured as a second call connection mode (e.g., a wireless LAN-preferred mode), the processor600may periodically check signal quality of a third network using third wireless communication in the state in which a PDU session has been connected over the first network. When the signal quality of the third network satisfies designated second quality, the processor600may identify that the handover of the PDU session to the third network is performed.

According to various embodiments, when identifying that the third wireless communication is not used for the connection of the PDU session (e.g., “No” in operation703), an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may terminate an embodiment for selectively restricting the use of the first wireless communication. According to an embodiment, when identifying that the third wireless communication is not used for the connection of the PDU session, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610to maintain the connection of the PDU session over the first network. Accordingly, the processor600may identify as continuously using the first wireless communication.

According to various embodiments, when identifying that the third wireless communication is used for the connection of the PDU session (e.g., “Yes” in operation703), in operation705, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may identify information related to a call function of the first network based on a communication connection with an ePDG (e.g., the ePDG565inFIG.5).

According to an embodiment, when identifying that the third wireless communication is used for the connection of the PDU session, the processor600may connect communication with an ePDG (e.g., configure an ePDG tunnel) over the third network using the third wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the processor600may obtain, from the ePDG, information related to a call function of the first network through a security association initialization or Internet key exchange (IKE) negotiation process for the communication connection with the ePDG.

For example, the processor600may transmit, to the ePDG, a request signal configured as in Table 1 (e.g., RFC 7296) over the third network for an IKE negotiation.

TABLE 1[N(INITIAL_CONTACT),][[N(HTTP_CERT_LOOKUP_SUPPORTED),] CERTREQ+,][IDr,][CP(CFG_REQUEST(VONR( ), HANDOVER( )),][N(IPCOMP_SUPPORTED)+,][N(USE_TRANSPORT_MODE),][N(ESP_TFC_PADDING_NOT_SUPPORTED),][N(NON_FIRST_FRAGMENTS_ALSO),]SA, TSi, TSr,[V+][N+]

For example, the request signal related to the IKE negotiation may include request information (e.g., [CP(CFG_REQUEST(VONR( ), HANDOVER( )),]) of the information related to the call function of the first network.

For example, the processor600may identify information (e.g., [CP(CFG_REPLY(VONR(1), HANDOVER(1)),]) related to the call function of the first network in a response signal configured as in Table 2 (e.g., RFC 7296), as a response to the request signal related to the IKE negotiation.

TABLE 2[CP(CFG_REPLY(VONR(1), HANDOVER(1)),][N(IPCOMP_SUPPORTED),][N(USE_TRANSPORT_MODE),][N(ESP_TFC_PADDING_NOT_SUPPORTED),][N(NON_FIRST_FRAGMENTS_ALSO),]SA, TSi, TSr,[N(ADDITIONAL_TS_POSSIBLE),][V+][N+]

For example, the information related to the call function of the first network may include information related to whether the first network supports a call function (e.g., VoNR) and information related to whether the first network supports the handover of a PDU session to the first network.

FIG.10is a diagram depicting configured information related to whether a first network supports a call function and/or information related to whether a first network supports handover of a PDU session according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.10, as an example, the information related to whether the first network supports a call function (e.g., VoNR) and/or the information related to whether the first network supports the handover of a PDU session to the first network may be configured as inFIG.10.

For example, Attribute Type may indicate information (e.g., Integer (16391)) related to whether the call function is supported or information (e.g., Integer (16392)) related to whether the handover is supported. For example, Value may include a value corresponding to whether the call function is supported or whether the handover is supported. For example, Length may include information related to a total length of the configuration inFIG.10.

Referring toFIG.7, according to various embodiments, in operation707, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may connect a PDU session for the call function with an external electronic device over the third network using the third wireless communication. According to an embodiment, when connecting communication with an ePDG, the processor600may control the second communication circuitry520to register the electronic device with an IMS server through the ePDG. When the electronic device registers with the IMS server through the ePDG, the processor600may identify that a PDU session (e.g., an IMS PDU session) has been connected over the third network. For example, a PDU session (e.g., an IMS PDU session) using the first network may be released based on the PDU session connection through the third network. For example, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry510and the second communication circuitry520to connect the PDU session over the third network and perform handover related to a PDU session, which releases the connection of the PDU session using the first network. For example, when the connection of the PDU session using the first network is released, the electronic device101may maintain a registration (e.g., physical connection) state with the first network using the first wireless communication through the first communication circuitry510.

According to various embodiments, in operation709, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may control a connection (e.g., a physical connection) with the first network using the first wireless communication based on the information related to the call function of the first network. According to an embodiment, if the first network using the first wireless communication does not support the handover of a PDU session to the first network in the state in which a PDU session has been connected over a third network, the processor600may restrict the use of the first wireless communication. According to an embodiment, if the first network using the first wireless communication supports the handover of the PDU session to the first network and supports a call function (e.g., VoNR) in the state in which the PDU session has been connected over the third network, the processor600may maintain the use of the first wireless communication. According to an embodiment, if the first network using the first wireless communication supports the handover of the PDU session to the first network and does not support a call function (e.g., VoNR) in the state in which the PDU session has been connected over the third network, the processor600may identify whether to use the first wireless communication based on an operating state and/or network condition of the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, if the use of the first wireless communication is restricted, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may register with a second network using second wireless communication. According to an embodiment, if the use of the first wireless communication is restricted in the state in which the electronic device101has registered with the first network using the first wireless communication, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610(e.g., the first processing part) to release the registration with the first network. When the registration with the first network is released, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610(e.g., the second processing part) to perform the registration with the second network using the second wireless communication. For example, the registration with the second network may include a series of operations of performing the registration with the second network identified through search for a network using the second wireless communication.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may perform handover to a PDU session over a cellular network (e.g., a first network or a second network) with which the electronic device101has registered. According to an embodiment, if a call connection mode of the electronic device101has been configured as a first communication connection mode (e.g., a cellular-preferred mode), the processor600may periodically check signal quality of a cellular network (e.g., a first network or a second network) with which the electronic device101has registered in the state in which a PDU session has been connected over a third network. When the signal quality of the cellular network satisfies designated quality, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610and the second communication circuitry620to perform the handover of the PDU session to the cellular network.

According to an embodiment, if a call connection mode of the electronic device101has been configured as a second communication connection mode (e.g., a wireless LAN-preferred mode), the processor600may periodically check signal quality of a cellular network (e.g., a first network or a second network) with which the electronic device101has registered and a third network in the state in which a PDU session has been connected over the third network. When the signal quality of the third network does not satisfy designated second quality and the signal quality of the cellular network satisfies designated quality, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610and the second communication circuitry620to perform the handover of the PDU session to the cellular network.

FIG.8is a flowchart800for selectively controlling a connection with a network using first wireless communication in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. According to an embodiment, at least some ofFIG.8may include detailed operations of operation709inFIG.7. In the following embodiments, the operations may be sequentially performed, but are not essentially sequentially performed. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations thereof may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device may be the electronic device101inFIG.1,2,3,4A,4B,5or6.

Referring toFIG.8, when connecting a PDU session for a call function with an external electronic device over a third network using third wireless communication (e.g., in operation707inFIG.7), in operation801, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120inFIG.1or the processor600inFIG.6) may identify whether a first network with which the electronic device101has registered supports handover related to the call function. For example, the handover related to the call function, which is supported by the first network, may include the handover of the PDU session from the third network, which is supported by the first network with which the electronic device101has registered.

According to various embodiments, if the first network with which the electronic device101has registered does not support the handover related to the call function (e.g., “No” in operation801), in operation803, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may release a connection with the first network with which the electronic device101has registered. According to an embodiment, if the first network using the first wireless communication does not support the handover of the PDU session to the first network, the processor600may restrict the use of the first wireless communication. According to an embodiment, if the first network using the first wireless communication does not support the handover of the PDU session to the first network, the processor600may restrict the use of the first wireless communication. The processor600may control the first communication circuitry610(e.g., a first processing part) to transmit a deregistration request message to the first network based on a use restriction on the first wireless communication. When receiving a deregistration accept message from the first network through the first communication circuitry610(e.g., the first processing part), the processor600may release the registration with the first network.

According to various embodiments, in operation805, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may register with a second network using second wireless communication based on the release of the connection with the first network. According to an embodiment, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610(e.g., a second processing part) to perform search for a network using the second wireless communication based on the deregistration with the first network using the first wireless communication. The processor600may control the first communication circuitry610(e.g., the second processing part) to transmit an attach request message to the second network using the second wireless communication, which has been retrieved through the network search. When receiving an attach accept message from the second network through the first communication circuitry610(e.g., the second processing part), the processor600may identify that the electronic device101has registered with the second network using the second wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may maintain a physical connection state with the second network in the state in which the PDU session has been connected over a third network using third wireless communication.

According to various embodiments, if the first network with which the electronic device101has registered supports the handover related to the call function (e.g., “Yes” in operation801), in operation807, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may identify whether the first network supports the call function. For example, the call function of the first network may include a function (e.g., VoNR) for connecting a call with an external electronic device through the PDU session to which the electronic device101has been connected over the first network.

According to various embodiments, if the first network with which the electronic device101has registered supports the call function (e.g., “Yes” in operation807), in operation809, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may identify as maintaining the use of the first wireless communication. According to an embodiment, if the first network using the first wireless communication supports the handover of the PDU session to the first network and supports a call function (e.g., VoNR), the processor600may maintain the use of the first wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may maintain a physical connection state with the first network in the state in which the PDU session has been connected over a third network using third wireless communication.

According to various embodiments, if the first network with which the electronic device101has registered does not support the call function (e.g., “No” in operation807), in operation811, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may control a connection (e.g., a physical connection) with the first network using the first wireless communication based on an operating state and/or network condition of the electronic device101. For example, the operating state of the electronic device101may include an idle mode and/or a call mode. For example, the idle mode may include a state in which a call of the electronic device101with an external electronic device has not been connected. For example, the call mode may include a state in which a call of the electronic device101with an external electronic device has been connected.

FIG.9is a flowchart900for selectively controlling a connection with a network using first wireless communication based on an operating state of an electronic device in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. According to an embodiment, at least some ofFIG.9may include detailed operations of operation811inFIG.8. In the following embodiments, operations may be sequentially performed, but are not essentially sequentially performed. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two of the operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the electronic device may be the electronic device101inFIG.1,2,3,4A,4B,5or6.

Referring toFIG.9, if a first network with which the electronic device101has registered supports a call function (e.g., “Yes” in operation807inFIG.8), in operation901, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120inFIG.1or the processor600inFIG.6) may identify whether an operation mode of the electronic device101is a call mode. According to an embodiment, if the first network using first wireless communication supports the handover of a PDU session to the first network and does not support a call function (e.g., VoNR), the processor600may identify whether an operation mode of the electronic device101is the call mode.

According to various embodiments, when an operation mode of the electronic device101is the call mode (e.g., “Yes” in operation901), in operation903, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may release a connection with the first network with which the electronic device101has registered. According to an embodiment, when a call of the electronic device101with an external electronic device is connected (e.g., the call mode), the processor600may restrict the use of the first network. According to an embodiment, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610(e.g., the first processing part) to release a physical connection with the first network based on a use restriction on the first wireless communication. For example, the electronic device101may release a physical connection with the first network in the state in which a PDU session has been connected over a third network.

According to various embodiments, in operation905, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may register with a second network using second wireless communication based on the release of the physical connection with the first network. According to an embodiment, when releasing the physical connection with the first network based on the use restriction on the first wireless communication, the processor600may control the first communication circuitry610(e.g., a second processing part) to perform a physical connection with the second network using the second wireless communication. For example, the second network may be searched for through search for a network using the second wireless communication. For example, the electronic device101may maintain a physical connection with the second network in the state in which a PDU session has been connected over a third network.

According to various embodiments, when an operation mode of the electronic device101is not the call mode (e.g., “No” in operation901), in operation907, an electronic device (e.g., the processor120or600) may identify as maintaining the use of the first wireless communication. According to an embodiment, when an operation mode of the electronic device101is the idle mode, the processor600may identify as maintaining the use of the first network. According to an embodiment, when identifying as maintaining the use of the first network, the electronic device101may maintain a physical connection state with the first network in the state in which a PDU session has been connected over a third network using third wireless communication.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may update (or obtain) information related to the call function of the first network in the state in which communication with an ePDG has been connected. According to an embodiment, the ePDG may transmit, to the electronic device101, information (e.g., [CP(CFG_REQUEST(VONR(1), HANDOVER(1)),]) related to the call function of the first network using first wireless communication in the form of an information packet, such as Table 3, in the state in which communication with the electronic device101has been connected.

TABLE 4[N+,][D+,][CP(CFG_REQUEST(VONR(1), HANDOVER(1)),]

According to an embodiment, when receiving information related to a call function of a first network from an ePDG, the electronic device101may update information related to the call function of the first network and stored in the electronic device101, based on the information related to the call function of the first network obtained from the ePDG.

According to an embodiment, when receiving the information related to the call function of the first network from the ePDG, the electronic device101may transmit, to the ePDG, a response signal having a form such as Table 4.

TABLE 5[N+,][D+,][CP(CFG_REPLY(VONR(1), HANDOVER(1)),]

According to various embodiments, an operating method of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1,2,3,4A,4B,5or6) may include an operation of registering with a network using new radio (NR) communication, an operation of connecting communication with an evolved packet data gateway (ePDG) based on a protocol data unit (PDU) session being connected over a network using wireless LAN communication in the state in which the electronic device has registered with the network using the NR communication, an operation of obtaining information related to a call function of the network using the NR communication based on the communication connection with the ePDG, an operation of connecting the PDU session over the network using the wireless LAN communication, and an operation of controlling the connection with the network using the NR communication based on the information related to the call function of the network using the NR communication.

According to various embodiments, the operation of obtaining information related to the call function of the network using the NR communication may include an operation of obtaining the information related to the call function of the network using the NR communication through an Internet key exchange (IKE) negotiation operation or security association initialization operation for the communication connection with the ePDG.

According to various embodiments, the information related to the call function of the network using the NR communication may include information related to whether the network using the NR communication supports the call function and/or information related to whether the network using the NR communication supports the handover of the PDU session to the network using the NR communication.

According to various embodiments, the operation of controlling the connection with the network using the NR communication may include an operation of restricting the use of the network using the NR communication based on the PDU session connection through the network using the wireless LAN communication based on the handover of the PDU session to the network using the NR communication being not supported.

According to various embodiments, the operation of restricting the use of the network using the NR communication may include an operation of releasing the registration with the network using the NR communication and an operation of registering with a network using LTE communication, based on the use of the network using the NR communication being limited.

According to various embodiments, the operation of controlling the connection with the network using the NR communication may include an operation of maintaining the use of the NR communication, based on the handover of the PDU session to the network using the NR communication being supported and the call function being supported by the network using the NR communication.

According to various embodiments, the operation of maintaining the use of the NR communication may include an operation of maintaining the registration with the network using the NR communication in the state in which the PDU session has been connected over the network using wireless LAN communication.

According to various embodiments, the operation of controlling the connection with the network using the NR communication may include an operation of controlling the connection with the network using the NR communication based on an operation mode and/or network policy of the electronic device, based on the handover of the PDU session to the network using the NR communication being supported and the call function being not supported by the network using the NR communication.

According to various embodiments, the operation of controlling the connection with the network using the NR communication may include an operation of maintaining the use of the NR communication based on the electronic device being in an idle mode and an operation of restricting the use of the NR communication based on the electronic device being in a call mode.

According to various embodiments, the PDU session may include an Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) PDU session.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.