Understanding Mobile Network Selection: Debunking Common Myths

In the ever-evolving world of mobile technology, understanding how our devices connect to networks can be quite complex. Many users believe that their mobile devices select networks based solely on signal strength and quality. While these factors play a role, the process is more intricate than most realize. Let’s dive into how mobile devices select networks and clear up some common misconceptions.

The Common Belief: Signal Strength and Quality

A widespread belief among mobile users is that their devices choose the best network based on signal strength and quality. This seems logical – after all, wouldn’t you want your phone to connect to the strongest signal available to ensure the best possible connection? However, this is only part of the story. Signal strength and quality are crucial for maintaining a good connection, but they aren’t the primary factors in the initial network selection process.

The Reality: Initial Network Scan and Selection

When a device with a national roaming SIM card – one that can connect to multiple networks like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon in the United States – begins its network selection process, it starts by performing an initial scan of all available networks in the vicinity. Here’s where the reality diverges from the common belief.

1. Initial Scan: The device scans for all networks it can detect. At this stage, it’s not yet evaluating which network has the best signal. It’s simply compiling a list of available options.

2. Network Selection Order: Once the scan is complete, the device doesn’t necessarily pick the network with the strongest signal first. Instead, it attempts to connect to networks based on a pre-determined order. This order can be influenced by several factors, including:

Preferred Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) List: This list, often stored on the SIM card, contains preferred networks based on roaming agreements. The device uses this list to determine the order of connection attempts. On Simplex Wireless SIM cards the PLMN list is empty hence it does not affect the network selection.

Last Registered Network: If the device has previously connected to a particular network in that location, it might prioritize reconnecting to that same network first.

3. Connection Attempt: The device tries to connect to the networks in the order determined by the PLMN list or its history. If it successfully connects to a network and is authenticated, it will remain on that network. If the connection attempt fails – due to a network rejection or poor signal – the device moves on to the next network on the list.

Debunking the Myth: Signal Strength and Ongoing Connectivity

While signal strength and quality may not be the primary factors in the initial network selection, they become important for maintaining connectivity. Once the device is connected to a network, it continuously monitors the quality of the connection. If the network’s signal weakens or the quality degrades, the device may begin searching for a better alternative.

For instance, if you are connected to Network A but move to an area where Network A’s signal is poor, your device might switch to Network B if it provides a stronger signal and better quality. This dynamic process ensures that users maintain the best possible connection as they move around.

Real-World Implications

Understanding this process can have practical implications for mobile users, especially those using national roaming SIM cards that offer access to multiple networks. Knowing that initial network selection might not prioritize the strongest signal can explain why your device sometimes connects to a network with seemingly poorer performance.

For businesses and consumers alike, this knowledge can be crucial. For example, if you often find yourself in areas with varying network coverage, a national roaming SIM card that can switch between multiple networks could provide better overall connectivity, even if the initial connection isn’t always the strongest.

Conclusion

The process of mobile network selection is more complex than simply choosing the strongest signal. It involves a series of steps and considerations that prioritize network availability and agreements before signal quality comes into play. By understanding these nuances, users can make more informed decisions about their mobile connectivity options, ensuring they stay connected wherever they go.

In conclusion, while signal strength and quality are vital for maintaining a good connection, the initial selection process is governed by network availability and predefined preferences. Debunking this common myth helps us appreciate the sophisticated technology working behind the scenes to keep us connected.

This article was created by Jan Lattunen, CCO, Simplex Wireless