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 for providing enhanced access options for wireless access points (e.g., cellular femtocells). These access options in one embodiment include various grades or levels of private and public access to available femtocell services. Each service may be separately assigned a various access type, such that a femtocell may service multiple users both within the “closed” group authorized by the femtocell white list, and non-members. In one variant, a femtocell broadcasts enhanced system information to all terminals (regardless of member/non-member status) such that a non-CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) member terminal or UE is capable of obtaining partial service access within the femtocell. Broadcast multimedia or other services can be delivered to both CSG members and non-members, advantageously without having to establish a dedicated connection for the non-member users.
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 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:
Wireless communication devices may directly communicate within groups of wireless communication devices using Layer-2 communications to implement “push-to-talk” type applications. In one implementation, a method may include generating a floor request signaling message to take control of a communication channel for a group. After transmitting data relating to the communications, a floor release signaling message may be generated and transmitted a number of times.
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 for providing enhanced access options for wireless access points (e.g., cellular femtocells). These access options in one embodiment include various grades or levels of private and public access to available femtocell services. Each service may be separately assigned a various access type, such that a femtocell may service multiple users both within the “closed” group authorized by the femtocell white list, and non-members. In one variant, a femtocell broadcasts enhanced system information to all terminals (regardless of member/non-member status) such that a non-CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) member terminal or UE is capable of obtaining partial service access within the femtocell. Broadcast multimedia or other services can be delivered to both CSG members and non-members, advantageously without having to establish a dedicated connection for the non-member users.
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 one or more wireless networks to minimize inter-cellular interference (ICI) at a receiver. In one embodiment, the network comprises an OFDM-based cellular network, and the method comprises utilizing a priori knowledge of non-data portions of signals from multiple base stations in order to schedule transmissions. In one variant, these non-data portions comprise pilot tones; the pilot tones can be scheduled onto various time-frequency resources of the network so as to minimize ICI. The mobility context of the receiver can also be used as a basis for dynamically adjusting the pilot tone density. In another variant, precoding (e.g., Tomlinson-Harashima precoding) can be applied to “shape” the non-data portions of the transmitted signals so as to mitigate ICI. In yet other variants, frame preambles and learning sequences are used as the basis for invoking selective transmission time shifts across the potentially interfering base stations so as to minimize ICI.