Meaning
Standardized instruction within the Hayes command set that governs how a wireless module identifies and attaches to mobile network operators. Execution of at+cops network selection determines whether the device automatically finds a signal or attempts to connect to a specific carrier stored in memory.
Search Mode
Configuration parameters allow for the selection of automatic and manual modes. While at+cops network selection defaults to automatic in most consumer devices, industrial applications often require a manual lock to a single provider to ensure consistent data rates. This setting remains persistent across power cycles in many firmware implementations.
Registration Priority
Modems use the internal subscriber identity module to rank available networks based on preferred operator lists. During the at+cops network selection process, the device scans the local radio environment and compares discovered identities against these stored preferences. Failure to find a match may lead to the device entering a limited service state.
The host processor monitors the output of this command to verify successful attachment or to diagnose failure reasons. Numeric responses indicate the current operator name and the radio access technology in use.
Software Logic
Software logic must account for the time required for a full network scan.