Enhanced mobile network system acquisition using scanning triggers

摘要

A system and method for executing network acquisition employ a triggered scan for network acquisition regardless of the recorded optimal nature of the current network. In general, when one or more predefined conditions occur, a network scan is initiated to identify another network, if any, that is more optimal than the current network. Example trigger conditions include failed registration attempts, exceeding a predetermined distance threshold, entry to or exit from a pre-determined region, excess CDMA Chip delay, and others. Triggers may be used singly or in Boolean combinations. In this way, network scanning occurs when it may be beneficial, but will not be initiated too frequently or in situations where connectivity may not actually be suboptimal. This triggered scan provides improved connectivity, and can allow the device to make and receive calls in locations where it would otherwise not have been possible.

主权项

1. A method of providing improved network connectivity to a wireless device by identifying an alternative cellular network to replace a current cellular network, the device being associated with a Preferred Roaming List (PRL), the method comprising:
determining, by the wireless device, while idling on the current cellular network, status of a plurality of preconfigured trigger conditions, wherein combinations of at least two preconfigured trigger conditions define circumstances under which a network acquisition scan is to be undertaken, and wherein a preconfigured trigger condition in each of the combinations is detection of local satellite radio repeaters; initiating, in response to detecting at least one of the combinations of preconfigured trigger conditions is met, a scan of one or more alternative networks, the scan including at least one network that is not listed in the PRL, wherein none of the combinations of preconfigured trigger conditions can be met when no local satellite radio repeaters are detected; identifying, during the scan, an alternative network that supports a service level that is higher than the current cellular network; and disassociating from the current cellular network and acquiring the alternative network.