Abstract:
Methods and apparatus enabling a wireless network to optimize paging channel operation, based on mobile device context information. In one embodiment, the wireless network is a cellular network (e.g., LTE-Advanced), and both base stations and cellular user devices dynamically exchange and maintain a paging agreement. The paging agreement limits the paging channel operation, thereby minimizing unnecessary scanning and usage of irrelevant radio resources. Such paging mechanisms are limited to the air interface between the base station and the mobile device, and are compatible with existing legacy devices and network entities. Networks with appropriately enabled user devices may improve their resource utilization. Base stations may advantageously reclaim freed-up cellular resources to support other services.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus that enable a wireless network system to dynamically change between full-duplex FDD operation and half-duplex FDD operation in order to take advantage of operational aspects of both modes. In one embodiment, an alternative duplex mode of operation is disclosed (semi-static half duplex FDD operation) that enables coordination between the client device (e.g., UMTS UE) and the base station in order to centralize control of radio resource control (RRC) to the base station. The disclosed methods and apparatus may also advantageously incorporate hybrid ARQ (HARQ) or comparable timing requirements into their operation.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus that enable and optimize the simultaneous operation of several wireless femtocells having overlapping coverage areas. In one embodiment of the invention, a resource allocation (e.g., time-frequency grid for an OFDM or TDMA based wireless network) governs the simultaneous operation of several femtocells with overlapping coverage areas by specifying uses for resources. A resource allocation unit (RAU) entity is disclosed for managing and modifying resource allocations for femtocells. The community of femtocells can flexibly share resources according to the time-frequency grid, thereby maximizing spectral efficiency without requiring substantial network overhead.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus enabling a wireless network to optimize paging channel operation, based on mobile device context information. In one embodiment, the wireless network is a cellular network (e.g., LTE-Advanced), and both base stations and cellular user devices dynamically exchange and maintain a paging agreement. The paging agreement limits the paging channel operation, thereby minimizing unnecessary scanning and usage of irrelevant radio resources. Such paging mechanisms are limited to the air interface between the base station and the mobile device, and are compatible with existing legacy devices and network entities. Networks with appropriately enabled user devices may improve their resource utilization. Base stations may advantageously reclaim freed-up cellular resources to support other services.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus that provide user access control within wireless networks such as those having both fixed and portable nodes. In one embodiment, the network comprises a 3G cellular network or Interworking WLAN (iWLAN), and the portable nodes comprise Home Node B (HNB) base stations. The HNB is configured to authenticate new users, and provide network access while still maintaining user privacy. The portable nodes also may operate in a number of different operating modes which provide different functional control over user access. In one variant, an easy-to-use owner-assigned ID based access control mechanism with a reliable unambiguous user ID is utilized. Methods for providing access control across differing network architectures and protocols, such the aforementioned iWLAN, and business methods, are also described.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus that enable a wireless femtocell to operate in its designated frequency so as to minimize interference between the wireless femtocell and neighboring base stations (and other femtocells or nomadic cells). In one exemplary embodiment, the femtocell cell comprises a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) femtocell which has the ability to scan the air interface in a manner similar to that associated with a UE in order to identify unallocated resources within the wireless network, and subsequently request access for the unallocated resources. Business methods useful in combination with the aforementioned methods and apparatus are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus that enable a wireless network system to dynamically change between full-duplex FDD operation and half-duplex FDD operation in order to take advantage of operational aspects of both modes. In one embodiment, an alternative duplex mode of operation is disclosed (semi-static half duplex FDD operation) that enables coordination between the client device (e.g., UMTS UE) and the base station in order to centralize control of radio resource control (RRC) to the base station. The disclosed methods and apparatus may also advantageously incorporate hybrid ARQ (HARQ) or comparable timing requirements into their operation.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus that provide user access control within wireless networks such as those having both fixed and portable nodes. In one embodiment, the network comprises a 3G cellular network or Interworking WLAN (iWLAN), and the portable nodes comprise Home Node B (HNB) base stations. The HNB is configured to authenticate new users, and provide network access while still maintaining user privacy. The portable nodes also may operate in a number of different operating modes which provide different functional control over user access. In one variant, an easy-to-use owner-assigned ID based access control mechanism with a reliable unambiguous user ID is utilized. Methods for providing access control across differing network architectures and protocols, such the aforementioned iWLAN, and business methods, are also described.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus that provide user access control within wireless networks such as those having both fixed and portable nodes. In one embodiment, the network comprises a 3G cellular network or Interworking WLAN (iWLAN), and the portable nodes comprise Home Node B (HNB) base stations. The HNB is configured to authenticate new users, and provide network access while still maintaining user privacy. The portable nodes also may operate in a number of different operating modes which provide different functional control over user access. In one variant, an easy-to-use owner-assigned ID based access control mechanism with a reliable unambiguous user ID is utilized. Methods for providing access control across differing network architectures and protocols, such the aforementioned iWLAN, and business methods, are also described.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus that seek to increase the diversity seen in wireless communication systems by intelligently implementing a joint multi-dimensional permutation approach. In an exemplary embodiment, this is accomplished by combining the permutation of various transmitter antennas, various data streams (for example, in a MIMO configuration) and various constellation-bit mappings into a coherent multi-dimensional permutation scheme. Subsequent retransmissions in combination with an initial transmission are utilized to obtain substantial signal flattening at a receiver which increases the likelihood that retransmissions that follow detected errors will successfully convey the transmitted data to the receiver. Both open and closed-loop approaches are contemplated which take advantage of the multi-dimensional permutation schemes. In addition, embodiments utilized in the context of retransmission mechanisms such as HARQ are also contemplated.