RU2378776C2 - Methods and devices for interaction of global wireless networks and local wireless networks or wireless personal area networks - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics; communications.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to communication engineering. The method can involve reception of beacon signal information from at least one access point and using time mark information related to the beacon signal information to determine whether handover to a second access point should be carried out. According to other versions, the method can also involve detection of whether quality of the beacon signal is below the threshold value, and sending a message on the bad quality of the beacon signal. Information relative several alternative access points can be received in response to the sent message on bad quality of the beacon signal.

EFFECT: higher quality of communication in a wireless network.

30 cl, 20 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO INITIAL APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under Section 35 § 119 (e) of the US Code of provisional patent application US No. 60/697 504 entitled "METHODS AND DEVICES FOR INTERWORKING OF WIRELESS WIDE AREA NETWORKS AND WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORKS OR WIRELESS PERSONAL AREA NETWORKS" filed July 7, 2005, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/712 320, entitled "METHODS AND DEVICES FOR INTERWORKING OF WIRELESS WIDE AREA NETWORKS AND WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORKS OR WIRELESS PERSONAL AREA NETWORKS", filed in its entirety on August 29, 2005 presented by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The following description relates, in general, to wireless networks and, inter alia, to ensuring uninterrupted (without breaking connection) interactions when communicating between wireless wide area networks (WLANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs) and / or personal wireless networks (BSSs) )

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices may include multiple communication protocols. For example, mobile devices have become multifunctional devices, often providing email, Internet access, and traditional cellular communications. Mobile devices can be equipped with the ability to communicate over global wireless networks, for example, using any one or all of the following technologies: technologies of third-generation (3G) wireless or cellular systems or technologies of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16 (WiMax) and other BGS technologies to be developed in the future. Meanwhile, the ability to connect to the WLAN based on IEEE 802.11 is also being installed in mobile devices. In the near future, mobile devices based on ultra-wideband (UWB) communication and / or Bluetooth standard may also become available for local connection to the BSS.

Other examples of numerous communication protocols in electronic devices include a laptop computer, which may include a BSS used to connect a wireless mouse, wireless keyboard, or the like to a laptop computer. In addition, the laptop computer may include a device that works with any currently defined IEEE 802.11 protocols (IEEE 802.11 a / b / g / i / e) or other protocols of the IEEE 802.11 family that will be developed in the future (for example, IEEE 802.11 n / s / r / p). WLAN networks have become popular and, for example, they are installed in homes and enterprises for personal and business purposes. In addition, cafes, Internet cafes, libraries and public and private organizations use WLANs.

GHS technologies are distinguished by global (ubiquitous) coverage and global deployment. However, they can suffer losses when passing through buildings, gaps in the coverage area, and, compared with the BLS and PBS, limited bandwidth. WLAN and CBE technologies provide very high data transfer rates, approaching hundreds of Mbps, but the coverage area is usually limited to hundreds of feet in the case of WLANs and tens of feet in the case of BSS.

The number of networks and protocols continues to grow rapidly due to the need for functionalities associated with individual user requirements and differing protocols. It is difficult for the user to switch between such disparate networks and protocols, and in many cases the user is limited by the network, not considering what might be the optimal network for the user at a given time. In view of the previously described, there is a need to ensure a smooth transition between networks and / or protocols to optimize and strive for a better communication protocol for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following is a simplified summary of one or more embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of such embodiments. This disclosure is not an extensive overview of one or more embodiments, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the embodiments, nor to determine the scope of the claims of such embodiments. An intrinsic purpose is to present some concepts of the described embodiments in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented later.

When people navigate through a variety of networks and protocols of various types, the embodiments provided herein provide a seamless user transition between different networks and protocols to facilitate seamless, uninterrupted communication. Embodiments provide different optimization technologies for transitions between different networks and protocols, and this transition can be based on user preference, user location, signal strength, and / or other criteria. Such an uninterrupted transition may be obvious to the user or may be initiated by the user.

According to one feature, there is a method of using time-based information to improve communication in a wireless network. The method includes receiving beacon signal information (signal frame) from at least one access point, and using timestamp information corresponding to the given beacon signal information to determine whether to transfer communication service to the second access point. According to another feature, the method may include detecting that the quality of the beacon signal is below a threshold level, transmitting a message about the poor quality of the beacon signal and receiving information related to the plurality of alternative access points in response to the transmitted message about the poor quality of the beacon signal.

According to another feature, there is a method of performing handover in a wireless network. The method may include detecting the presence of the BSS access point and the WLAN access point and determining whether the synchronization information of the beacon signal matches the plurality of beacon signals received from each access point. The method may also include determining whether to switch between the CWS and the WLAN based, at least in part, on the corresponding synchronization information of the beacon signal. Determining whether to switch between the CWS and the WLAN may further include determining whether the bandwidth of the CWS or WLAN is sufficient to allow the application of the mobile device.

Another feature is a mobile device, which includes a memory that stores requirements related to the device’s application, and a processor that analyzes the information stored in the memory and determines whether the network meets the device’s application requirements based in part on the synchronization information of the beacon signal. It is possible to recommend a handover between the BLS and the BGS. The mobile device may further include a WLAN component configured to generate a time stamp associated with a plurality of beacon signals received at the mobile device. Also, the mobile device may include a CBC component along with a WLAN component. The CWG component can be configured to generate signals for the CWS indicating synchronization information of the beacon signals received in the WLAN component.

According to yet another feature, there is a device for improving network communication using time-based information. This device may include means for generating a time stamp associated with a plurality of beacon signals received from at least one access point, and means for determining whether to switch to the second access point based at least in part on time stamps associated with the plurality of received beacon signals. According to another feature, the device may include means for managing handover scheduling in order to provide device application.

According to another aspect, a computer-readable medium exists that stores computer-executable instructions. The medium may include commands for receiving beacon signal information from one or more access points and matching the arrival timestamp with the beacon signal information using the functionality of a global positioning system (GPS). The medium may additionally use the time stamp of the beacon signal information for scheduling handover between the CBC, WLAN, or BSS.

Another aspect is the processor, which executes instructions for seamless switching between the WLAN and the WLAN. Commands may include commands for receiving a beacon from the access point, matching the acknowledgment time with the beacon, and detecting the quality level of the beacon. The quality level of the beacon signal can be transmitted with the appropriate time of acknowledgment to the control system, and a decision can be made whether to switch between the CWS and the WLAN based on the information received from the control system in response to the transmitted quality level of the beacon signal and the corresponding time of receipt beacon signal.

To achieve the aforementioned and related objectives, one or more embodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described and, in particular, indicated in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail specific illustrative aspects of one or more embodiments. These aspects, however, indicate several different ways in which the principles of various embodiments can be used, and the described embodiments include all such aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a wireless communication system in accordance with various presented options for implementation.

Figure 2 shows a wireless multiple-access communication system according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 3 shows a structural diagram of an embodiment of a mobile device.

Figure 4 shows a methodology for determining the type of network with which a mobile device should communicate.

5 is a simplified block diagram of another embodiment of a mobile device.

6 depicts a methodology for determining the location of a call received from a user of a mobile device that uses a GPS functionality component.

7 depicts another method for determining the location of a wireless device (eg, mobile phone) that does not use a GPS receiver.

On Fig depicts the methodology of using access points within the network of CBC, WLAN and / or BSS.

Figure 9 depicts a methodology for using location information to seamlessly switch a mobile device between a CWS and a WLAN / BSS.

Figure 10 shows another embodiment of a methodology for using location information to automatically improve mobile device services.

11 depicts a methodology for providing a computer-to-computer (ad-hoc) network in situations where there are no available access points.

12 shows an exemplary self-configuring computer-to-computer network that can be created using BLS and BGS technologies.

On Fig depicts the methodology of using the technology of BLS and BGS to create a self-configuring special network.

On Fig depicts a method of initializing lists of neighboring devices in the control channel of the GHS to facilitate the synchronization of access terminals.

On Fig shows a peer-to-peer communication in a WLAN network.

On Fig depicts the method of registration and / or authentication in a network with an independent basic set of services (IBSS).

17 shows an exemplary computer-to-computer network.

FIG. 18 shows a system that coordinates communication between multiple communication protocols in a wireless communication environment in accordance with one or more of the presented embodiments.

FIG. 19 shows a system that coordinates communication in a radio communication environment in accordance with various aspects.

20 depicts a wireless communication environment that can be used in conjunction with the various systems and methods described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It is obvious, however, that such embodiment (s) of implementation can be implemented without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing these embodiments.

In this application, the terms "component", "system", etc. relate to an object or equipment related to the use of a computer, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software or running software. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable instruction, a stream of executable instructions, a program, and / or a computer. To illustrate, both an application running on a computing device and a given computing device can be a component. One or more components may be within the process and / or stream of executable instructions, and the component may be located on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can be executed from various computer-readable media storing various data structures. Components can communicate through local and / or remote processes, for example, in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (for example, data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system and / or network, such as the Internet, with other systems via signal).

The disclosed embodiments may include various schemes and / or methods of heuristic and / or logical inference that are associated with dynamically changing networks or used communication protocols. In this work, the term “logical conclusion” refers generally to the process of logical reasoning or logical conclusions about the states of a system, environment, and / or user from a set of observations that are recorded by means of events and / or data. Inference can be used to identify a given context or action, or can be used, for example, to generate a probability distribution over states. The logical conclusion can be probabilistic, i.e. calculating a probability distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of data and events. Inference can also relate to methods used to generate high-level events from a set of events and / or data. Such a logical conclusion leads to the construction of new events or actions from a set of observable events and / or stored event data, regardless of whether events adjacent to one another in time are correlated and whether these events and data appear as a result of one or more events and data sources.

Accordingly, it is contemplated that users can automatically move in or out of various communication areas in accordance with the described embodiments. The automatic action (for example, the smooth transition of the user from the CWG to the WLAN during the communication session) can be performed as a function of the logical conclusion about the user's intentions regarding the management of the communication session, as well as tertiary communication, passive / background communication and planned communication sessions. With respect to the execution of an automatic action, machine-learning methods can be implemented to facilitate the execution of an automatic action. In addition, utility-based analysis (for example, factoring the benefits of performing the correct automatic action versus the cost of performing the incorrect action) can be included in the execution of the automatic action. In particular, these AI-based aspects can be implemented using any appropriate machine-based self-learning method and / or statistical methods and / or probabilistic methods. For example, they consider the use of expert systems, fuzzy logic, support for vector machines, greedy search algorithms, rule-based systems, Bayesian models (for example, Bayesian networks), neural networks, other non-linear learning methods, data synthesis, service-based analytical systems programs, systems using Bayesian models ... and they are within the scope of the appended claims.

In addition, various embodiments are described herein in connection with a subscriber station. A subscriber station can also be called a system, subscriber unit, mobile station, mobile phone, remote station, access point, base station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user equipment. The subscriber station may be a mobile phone, a radiotelephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) telephone, a local radio communication station (WLL), a handheld wireless personal computer (PDA), a handheld device having a wireless connection, or another processing device connected to wireless modem.

In addition, the various described aspects or features may be embodied as a method, device, or product using standard programming and / or development methods. As used herein, the term “product” encompasses a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, communication line, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic tapes ...), optical disks (e.g., compact disc (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD) ) ...), smart cards and flash memory devices (e.g. card, storage device, control key ...).

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system 100 in accordance with various embodiments presented. System 100 may comprise one or more access points 102 that receive, transmit, repeat, etc. wireless signals to each other and / or to one or more mobile devices 104. Access point (s) 102 may be an interface between wireless system 100 and a wired network (not shown).

Each access point 102 may include a transmitter path and a receiver path, each of which may in turn contain many components related to the transmission and reception of the signal (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, antennas ...). Mobile devices 104 may be, for example, cell phones, smart phones, laptop computers, handheld communication devices, handheld computing devices, satellite radiotelephones, global positioning system devices, PDAs and / or other appropriate devices for communicating via wireless system 100. B wireless system 100, the periodic transmission of small data packets (usually called beacon signals) from access point 102 may indicate an the wireless system 100 and transmit information to the system 100. Mobile devices 104 may receive beacon signals and attempt to establish a wireless connection with access points 102 and / or with other mobile devices 104.

System 100 facilitates the seamless transition between different networks and / or protocols to provide a user using mobile device 104 with the ability to use available networks and protocols. System 100 also automatically provides the user with the ability to use the best network and / or protocol using current location data or user data, as well as other network users.

The component located in the mobile device 104 may work with one or more access points 102 to facilitate control of which users are in each network, and this can be facilitated by the GPS component and / or the CBC component associated with the mobile device 104 Alternatively or additionally, location information can be provided from the WLAN access point to the WLAN component associated with a mobile device that does not include access to facilitate control of which users are is located in each of the networks, and this can be facilitated by the GPS component and / or the GHS component associated with the mobile device 104. Alternatively or additionally, location information can be provided from the WLAN access point to the WLAN component associated with the mobile device, which does not include GPS component or other location component (s). Location information can be provided to a mobile device (a) that does not have positioning capabilities through location information obtained through a multi-mode access terminal (s) having GPS or GPS, which is close to or communicates with access point 102 (which includes receiving and transmitting beacon signals).

Location information can be used to predict which user is best suited for the seamless transfer to a secondary network. For example, in an open shopping street, a user may use a mobile device 104 connected to a common broadband network. The mobile device 104 can seamlessly switch to a narrower bandwidth Bluetooth technology, etc. when a user approaches a particular trading company. The network to which the mobile device is switching may depend on the content that the user wants to place or move on the mobile device 104.

Since retail networks may overlap due to the development of the shopping center, mobile device 104 may have the necessary content to be placed / moved to the device.

2 is an illustration of a multiple access wireless communication system according to one or more embodiments. Depicted is a system 200 that includes a WLAN connected to a wired local area network (LAN). Access point 102 may communicate with mobile devices 104. Access point 102 is connected to a LAN hub or Ethernet switch 202. An Ethernet hub 202 may be connected to one or more electronic devices 204, which may include personal computers, peripherals (e.g., fax machines, copiers, printers, scanners, etc.), servers, and the like. An Ethernet hub 202 can be connected to a router 206 that transmits data packets to a modem 208. The modem 208 can transmit data packets to a wide area network (WAN) 210, such as the Internet. System 200 illustrates one simple network configuration. Many additional configurations of the system 200 are possible, including alternative electronic devices. Although the system 200 is illustrated and described in relation to drugs, the system 200 may use other technologies, including CBC and / or CBC, either separately or simultaneously.

The system 200 may facilitate the seamless transition of the mobile device 104 from the access point currently used by the mobile device 140 to the access point 102 associated with the system 200. Such switching to the access point 102 includes technologies including CWS and / or BSS or separately, or at the same time.

The system 200 can facilitate the seamless transition of the mobile device 104 from the access point currently used by the mobile device 104 to the access point 102 associated with the system 200. Such switching to the access point 102 and the network supported by the access point 102 can be selected to provide the user of the mobile device 104 with the required functionality and may depend on the location of the mobile device 104 or the data that the user wants to access or download to the mobile device 104. For example, and not by way of limitation, the wireless device may be associated with electronic device (s) 204 to utilize the functionality of the CWS and / or WLANs available through electronic device (a) 204. Such a switch may be initiated by the user or run autonomously by system 200.

FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of a mobile device 300. Mobile device 300 may include a CBC component (eg, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, which is a technology that uses broadband techniques), WLAN (eg, IEEE 802.11) and / or related technologies. Mobile device 300 can be used as a telephone for voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP includes voice over telephone calls over the Internet and / or over IP networks. VoIP, which provides WLAN functionality, and the WLAN component 304, which provides WLAN functionality, are located together and are capable of communicating with transceiver 308 via bus 306 or other structures or devices. It should be understood that other means of communication than the bus may be used with the disclosed embodiments. The transceiver 308 is coupled to one or more antennas 310 to enable transmission and / or reception by the mobile device 300. The WLAN component 304 may generate voice data provided to the transceiver 308 for communication. In one embodiment, the processor of the mobile device 300 may include a BSE functionality component 302 and / or a WLAN functionality component 304. In another embodiment, the functionality of the CWG and the functionality of the WLAN can be provided using different integrated circuits. In an additional embodiment, the functionality of the CWG and the functionality of the WLAN can be provided using one or more integrated circuits, including the functionality that is used by both. Mobile device 300 is equipped with communications capabilities in the global area (GHS) and local area (WLAN and BSS) to provide a variety of combinations of services and ease of use.

The WLAN functionality component 304 may include an additional BSS functionality component 312. The mobile device 300 may be connected to either a CWG, or a WLAN and an BSS, or both simultaneously, based on one or more criteria that relate to the functions of the mobile device. The criteria can be stored in the memory of the mobile device, and the processor can analyze the network based on the stored criteria. These criteria and the definition of an appropriate connection are described with respect to FIG. 4, which illustrates a methodology 400 for determining the type of network with which a mobile device is to be connected. Although, for the sake of simplicity, explanations of the methods are shown and described as a sequence of actions, it should be understood that the methods are not limited by the order of actions, since some actions, in accordance with these methods, can occur in a different order and / or simultaneously with other actions that are shown and described . For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a technique can alternatively be represented as a series of interacting states or events, such as in a state diagram. In addition, not all illustrated acts should embody the following techniques.

The method starts at step 402 with a request from the mobile device to gain access to the network. The network may be BGS, BLS and / or BSS. When a request is sent, one or more access points associated with the network (s) may receive the request and respond with network information, which may include characteristics of each network. For example, a mobile device can receive information about the type of network, information about throughput, about the cost of services, about available applications, about signal strength, about the number of identified access points, etc.

At about the same time that the mobile device is receiving network information, it may, at step 406, analyze certain criteria to determine whether the network connection will provide the best results for the user of the mobile device. For example, the criteria may include the bandwidth available to the mobile device based on the bandwidth needs of the application (s) used by the mobile device or applications that will be downloaded to the mobile device. In other embodiments, the criterion may be the cost to the user of the mobile device GHS and / or WLAN (for example, the service provider with the lowest cost). In a further embodiment, the definition may be based on the application (s) available when using CWS and / or WLAN. In further embodiments, the criterion may be the best coverage area available for the mobile device at its current location (for example, based on the signal strength or the number of identified access points for the WLAN and / or WLAN). Other embodiments may combine one or more of the above criteria, as well as other criteria that may be determined by a mobile device user or service provider. The criteria can be embodied in the component of the functionality of the CWS, the component of the functionality of the WLAN and the component of the functionality of the CBC, and the component of the functionality of the WLAN or in another controller located in the mobile device.

Based on the criteria analyzed at step 406, at step 408, the mobile device can be separately connected to the CW or WLAN and the BSS. In a further embodiment, the mobile device can connect to both the WLAN, and the WLAN and the BSS simultaneously. The determination of whether to join separately or simultaneously is based on the criteria analyzed and the best connection that can satisfy one or more criteria.

The interaction between the WLAN and the WLAN (and the BSS) can affect multiple wireless providers, multiple service providers, and databases of available location-based communications applications or other heterogeneous network topologies. For example, a GSS service provider may maintain an updated database of available network connections and location-based services when new access points are added by network service providers or private entities with WLAN and / or BSS functionality (for example, access points provided by private or similar companies ) In addition, in some embodiments, the CWG may expand its ability to communicate by utilizing the presence of a mesh network with a plurality of WLAN and / or BSS network segments that is not installed by the service provider. Small nodes that act as simple routers can be installed on a mesh network. Each node in this case transmits a low power signal, which can reach other neighboring nodes. These neighboring nodes transmit data to another node that is neighboring. This process can be repeated until the data reaches its final destination.

The combination of these technologies in mobile devices provides the opportunity for new types of usage models and services that are not available in each technology (BGS, BLS and / or PBS) separately. These applications, created through the interaction between the BGS and BLS technologies, can be classified into many areas. For example, these technologies can be classified into location-based services, services based on synchronization information, and / or topology-based services. Location-based services may include emergencies where the location of the user's mobile device must be set up to provide such emergency services, however, the described embodiments are not limited to emergency services here. For example, mobile device users (end users) may want to use location-based subscription services. These types of services include those services in which users pay for subscription services at various rates depending on the user's location. For example, a user may have one tariff when the user is at home, and another tariff when the user is in the office (or at another workplace) or in an Internet kiosk or cafe. In another embodiment, location information may be used to provide multimedia content that can be downloaded to a mobile device. This multimedia content may be location dependent, based on whether the user is in a sports stadium or in a shopping center for which various multimedia content can be provided.

Turning now to FIG. 5, which illustrates a simplified block diagram of another embodiment of a mobile device 500. In this embodiment, a WLAN component 502 that provides WLAN functionality and a WLAN component 504 that provides WLAN functionality are located within the mobile device 500 and are capable of communicating with transceiver 508 via bus 506 or other structures or devices. A transceiver 508 is coupled to one or more antennas 510 to enable data to be transmitted and received using the mobile device 500. The WLAN functionality component 504 may include an additional BSS functionality component 512. In addition, a global positioning system (GPS) functionality component 514 may be provided for accounting for location-based and / or synchronization functionality. You can provide a number of applications that use functionality based on location information and synchronization.

For example, on a shopping street or in a shopping center (open and / or closed), retailers may have access points that are supported by the same or different service providers. When a user walks along a shopping street, various access points can receive user signals at the same time. Since there may be some overlap of the WLAN due to the location of the retailers, the exact or approximate location of the user can be set using the GPS component or other means of positioning. If the user is close to a music store or video kiosk, etc., then the user can accept offers from the retailer to buy a movie or music. The retailer may recommend the offer using the user's location, as the system (s) knows where the user is. The offer may also be based on a user preference that was previously set by the user either internally in the mobile device or externally through the service provider. The user can choose: use this offer or reject this offer. It should be understood that if the user preference is known, then certain retailers may be prevented from offering the user undesirable services.

If the user wants, for example, to download a movie, then the user can access the HS and pay for the movie with a credit card and / or a predefined payment method (for example, using an "electronic wallet"). After confirming payment, the user can accept the selected film along with the rights, management and other features associated with owning a particular film. Different networks can be used to deliver rights and content. In one of the scenarios, the rights can be delivered using the GSS, while the content itself is accessed via the BLS. An actual service (for example, a film) can be accessed through a BLS or BGS, depending on the requirements. DVDs, for example, can be downloaded to a mobile device via WLAN due to bandwidth. The determination of which functionality to use for data transmission can be done using the CBC component, which provides the CBC functionality, the WLAN component, which provides the WLAN functionality, or a combination of both the CBC component and the WLAN component. Determination can also be done using the controller or processor associated with the mobile device.

6 illustrates a methodology 600 for determining the location of a call received from a user of a mobile device that uses a GPS functionality component. The method begins at block 602 when the user of the mobile device initiates a call. This call can be an emergency phone call (for example, a 911 call), or it can be a call that is not an emergency. In one embodiment, when the call is initiated at block 602, a signaling message based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) may transmit location information provided by the GPS functionality component. SIP is a signaling protocol that can be used to initiate, modify and end an interactive user communication session, which may include additional multimedia elements such as conducting conferences via the Internet, telephone, event notification, video transmission, instant messaging, network games and / or virtual reality. Location information may be transmitted at 604 to a VoIP call agent, for example. Thus, if an emergency occurs, then the VoIP call agent has location information and knows the location of the caller. At step 606, the VoIP call agent can provide this information to the relevant departments. This is useful when the caller does not know the location of the call and / or cannot transmit such information to the recipient of the call.

In another embodiment, the call can be made outside the coverage area of the user's home network / WLAN. For example, the WLAN AP can be located in the user's home, and the user can talk on a cell phone in his backyard. When the user speaks, he can walk around and move (intentionally and / or unintentionally) into the coverage area served by another WLAN. In another embodiment, the user can take the mobile phone to a remote location (for example, to a friend’s house, to a relative’s house, to school).

In another embodiment, the call is initiated at step 602. If the mobile device is in a location that has broadband access via a wireless access point (BTC), the mobile device uses this broadband access at step 608. The location of the mobile device can be provided at step 610 during a call through a transceiver that can transmit location information obtained using the device’s GHS interface. Voice information generated by the WLAN functionality can be provided to a transceiver for transmitting data that is sent along with location information. This technique can be used, for example, in a school or educational institution where a child can use the handset to make an emergency (or non-emergency) call. The handset can use the broadband access provided by the school and / or other means to determine the location of the user (child) and transmit this information to the recipient of the call (for example, the police, fire department). Thus, the location of the child (or other person) can be determined without the need for such a child to transmit location information.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a methodology 700 for determining the location of a wireless device (eg, mobile phone) that does not use a GPS receiver or GPS component that provides GPS functionality is shown. Access terminals with a single mode are those that have a single functionality, such as a WLAN or ATS. For example, mobile phones that handle VoIP at home generally do not use the integrated GPS technology. However, in some situations (for example, in extreme circumstances) it may still be important to locate a mobile device that does not have GPS technology. Even when the device is away from home because the user was transporting the device to another place (for example, to an educational institution, home to a friend), the location of the device can still be determined. This definition may be based on the known location of other devices (s), which is located near a mobile device that does not use GPS technology. A location near another device may include the same access point and / or access points within a specific geographic area around the access point used by a mobile phone without GPS technology.

Positioning begins at block 702 when a user of a mobile device without GPS technology initiates a call. The mobile device communicates with the access point to place the call. An access point can have a list or simultaneously receive information from devices (a) with two modes (for example, one that uses the functionality of the WLAN, PBS and / or GPS). A device (a) with two modes can transmit information of its location to an access point or to other radar stations (user terminals) depending on the operating mode (infrastructure or computer-computer) via a control or control message. An access point that has location information from a dual access terminal can transmit this information to the infrastructure network. Other user terminals near the access point may use this information for location management in step 708. The VoIP access terminals in step 710 may use location information in SIP signaling messages to indicate location information. The location information may be used for location-based services and / or the transmission of marketing and / or commercial messages to the mobile device (a) at 712. If the user is in a retail store, such as an indoor or outdoor shopping street, then the location information may also used to provide the user of a mobile device with information related to a particular retail sale. It should be understood that marketing and / or advertising are additional features, as shown by dashed lines, and they may not be used with the disclosed options for implementation.

The location of the user who is in the building can be approximated, because the user enters the building from a specific location, which is the user's last known coordinate. The last known coordinate can be fixed or maintained using the access terminal until the user leaves the building, and the GPS functionality and / or other location tools can be used to determine the new location. When a user leaves a building or structure, the terminal will determine its current location via GPS or other means of determining the location. In addition, there may be many users who enter the building, and the last known coordinates of each user can be combined to determine the range of a specific access point (WLAN) and / or base station (HS). An access point (WLAN) can determine its location relative to the base station (HS) and / or relative to any devices that transmit location information back to the access point. Thus, even though the access point may not have its own means of determining location, location information is provided through mobile devices that access this access point.

FIG. 8 illustrates a methodology 800 for using access points within a BSS, WLAN, and / or BSS network. A mobile device having the functionality of a CW and WLAN and / or BSS can receive accurate network synchronization, for example, from a GPS receiver, which can be located in a mobile device, or through a pilot signaling of the CBC. This synchronization can be used to control quality of service (QoS) and / or handover. A mobile device in and / or close to access points or a plurality of access points may receive a beacon from an access point in step 802. When a beacon is received in step 804, a mobile device can mark the arrival time of a beacon using GPS internal functionality or synchronization of the GHS received through the GHS interface. The beacon signal information may include an access point identifier, an access point location, a current network load in a WLAN AP, etc. The marked arrival time and other information can be sent using a mobile device to the communication network management system (CSS) at step 806 via, for example, the communication channel of the CWG. At 808, the CSS system maintains a list of access points and / or arrival times. This information may be maintained in a database or in memory associated with the CSS system. The CCS system for CWS and / or WLANs, for example, maintains a list of WLAN / CBS access points found in this area, channels that use access points, and / or their beacon signal transmission time and current load in each AP. The user can use this information when choosing the appropriate AP and / or network to connect.

At 810, the CSS system can send the mobile device a list of access points in a given area with which the mobile device can connect. The list of access points may include appropriate channels and / or beacon transmission time and current load at the access points, as well as other information that the CSS system has collected and maintained at 808.

In another embodiment, a mobile device (eg, an access terminal) can tune to each of the access points during a beacon signal and measure received channel quality information (eg, SNR (signal-to-noise ratio)). The mobile device can share information about the quality of the communication channel of the current network and other networks with the current AP. This information can be transferred to the CSS system at step 808 and can be made available to other users. In this way, handover control for a WLAN / BSS can be provided. In addition, or alternatively, this information can be transmitted by each access point by means of a given signaling and / or by means of an information element of the beacon signal. The beacon signal information element may be used by the mobile device (s) near the access point to update the CSS system or network environment information.

In another embodiment, the location information can be used to seamlessly switch the mobile device between the WLAN and the WLAN / BSS, as shown in methodology 900 of FIG. 9. The method begins at block 902, where the location information of the mobile device can be made available through a GPS functionality component or other location tool (e.g., using triangulation, location close to other devices ...). At step 904, an indication that the quality of the signal available through the BSS is poor can be sent to the mobile device. For example, a mobile device may indicate that a particular bandwidth and / or signal strength should be available to perform a specific function and / or satisfy the requirements / quality of service for a particular communication channel for that device, and if the conditions in the communication channel do not meet these requirements and / or quality level, the mobile device can send and / or generate a message. Information about system requirements (for example, bandwidth, signal strength ...) can be stored in the memory of a mobile device and can be based on information provided by the service provider and / or user, since it refers to one or more applications of the device. A processor associated with the mobile device can analyze the stored information and determine if it meets the requirements of the system. If it meets the requirements, then the device can connect to the current network. If it does not meet the requirements, then the device can search for a network that meets the requirements of the device.

For example, using the WLAN functionality in step 906, it is possible to detect beacon signals and determine the signal strength and / or bandwidth that are available at the WLAN access point. This information can be used by the mobile device using the WBS and / or WLAN functionality component in step 908, for example, to determine whether to switch from the WLAN to the WLAN if the signal throughput and / or power in the WLAN is higher than in the WSS. Information can also be used to switch from WLAN to WLAN. It should be recognized that the transition from BLS to BLS and / or from BGS to BLS is uninterrupted, and the user of such a device may not know that there was a network type switch.

In another embodiment, the signal strength and / or throughput determined in block 906 can be used to communicate with other devices in block 910. For example, if a mobile device allows communication with other devices, then the mobile device may be connected to these other devices. Thus, the mobile device uses the connection provided by the WLAN. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, a wireless device may be connected to a computer to utilize the functionality of the WLAN and / or WLAN available through the computer.

10 illustrates another embodiment of a methodology 1000 for using location information to automatically expand services (and) of a mobile device. For example, a video call over the telephone can begin at the access terminal via the GSS. For example, due to insufficient bandwidth in the DSS, the resolution of video information and / or graphic symbols may or may become poor. Alternatively or additionally, the user can start the conference at the office, and during the conference may want to move to another location (for example, home, in a cafe, in the library ...). This includes a situation where a night-time call is placed to accommodate callers who are in other time zones. The call can start at one location and during the communication session, any one or both sides can move to another location. The call can continue without interruption when the user (s) changes location, and the mobile device can be authenticated without fail when it moves through various access points and / or networks.

When mobile devices move close to an access point (eg, a BGS access point), at 1002, location information provided by a GPS component or other means of determining the location of a mobile device can be sent to a communications network management system (CSS). The CSS system at step 1004 may request the access terminal to search for the access point and provide information about the WLAN access points existing in the area, their working channels, and beacon signal synchronization information and other information. The access terminal may then search for the access point and may synchronize with the beacon at 1006, which may be beacon synchronization information provided by the CSS system. At 1008, a handoff may be performed to switch the device from the WLAN to the WLAN and / or from the WLAN to the WLAN, for example. Since the WLAN is usually connected to a broadband network, call quality can be significantly improved if the transfer of the call is redirected to the WLAN. The resolution of video information and graphic symbols can be greatly improved, and a mobile device (for example, an access terminal) can be connected to a computer display to use high-resolution video calls. This makes it possible to use improved services, such as improved functioning or functioning, in areas where access was previously unavailable.

Alternatively or additionally, in the IEEE 802.11n WLAN standard, time-based scheduling can be performed. For example, an access point may announce a schedule for transmitting and / or receiving packets to access terminals. Access terminals may receive packets at a predetermined time and may then send packets when the packet transmission time arrives. These schedules can be transmitted and coordinated using the CSS system through the BGS signaling communication channel. The CSS system can assign different access terminals to different access points along with the corresponding schedule information.

In a further embodiment, certain applications may have fluctuation needs and, possibly, the need to receive synchronization from the network. For example, in VoIP, the fluctuation is the time difference between the arrival of packets, and it can be caused by network congestion, synchronization deviation, and / or route change. The accurate synchronization available on the mobile device can be used for applications with fluctuation needs. Access points and a mobile device can be controlled from network clocks. If the access point does not have accurate clocks, then the mobile device can provide synchronization to the access point, for example, through a GPS component that provides GPS functionality. An access point may make this synchronization, received from a mobile device, available to access terminals that do not have dual mode and / or that do not have synchronization functionality.

In an additional embodiment, the BGS and BLS technologies can be used to create self-configuring computer-to-computer networks. Computer-to-computer networks can operate in infrastructure mode using access points, or can be wireless networks that contain only stations (for example, mobile devices) but do not have access points, or networks that use infrastructure mode (access points), and peer-to-peer mode. Computer-to-computer networks may also be referred to as Independent Basic Services Set (IBSS) networks.

Computer-to-computer networks can have various properties depending on application scenarios. For example, in certain emergency scenarios (for example, in disasters), various departments (for example, fire department, police, security service ...) can use different frequencies so that communication can be maintained with a minimum of interruptions. Thus, it is possible that these departments cannot respond effectively or may have difficulty communicating with each other. Dual-mode access terminals can provide low-cost commercial systems that can address the needs of multiple departments during critical (and routine) situations.

Turning now to FIG. 11, a methodology for providing a computer-to-computer network is illustrated 1100 in situations where an access point does not exist. This can be useful in a building where emergency personnel have, for example, dual-mode access terminals. The method begins at step 1102, where the terminals located within the building or in another restricted area are in BLS mode. When a message is triggered at the terminal, the terminal relays all the information it has to the access terminals located next to it. At 1104, each terminal that receives information relays the information it has (both from the terminal user and from other terminals) to the terminals located next to it. At 1106, an IBSS network is formed by relaying information between the terminals. At 1108, the information is ultimately transmitted to the access terminal, which may also have a connection with the GHS. Thus, a simple embodiment in a rapidly changing environment in an emergency can be created for the access terminal to transmit information that it receives from the terminal user, as well as from other terminals located next to it. Although this may lead to sub-optimal use of bandwidth, it also provides sufficient redundancy, allowing you to ultimately transmit information from the building and receive it by the appropriate recipient.

In an alternative embodiment, a more complex embodiment may use the “Open Shortest Path First” (OSPF) protocol to create the route, as indicated in step 1110. OSPF is an internal gateway routing protocol originally developed for IP networks. The protocol is based on the initial shortest route selection algorithm or the state of the communication channels that the router can use to transmit routed information to nodes on the network. The shortest route to each node can be calculated based on a configuration that includes nodes. However, it should be noted that these protocols may take time to converge at one point and may not be suitable in environments where the topology is constantly changing.

12 shows an exemplary self-configuring computer-to-computer network 1200 that can be created using BLS and / or BGS technology. For example, a zone of a very large city can be serviced using a group of WLAN nodes for applications that must have high bandwidth but do not require high mobility. In the general case, reverse traffic from each LAN node over the fiber-optic communication channel to the GS is an expensive proposition; therefore, a self-configuring computer-to-computer network can provide a less expensive alternative.

As shown, mobile devices 1202 can communicate wirelessly with a group of WLAN nodes 1204, 1206, 1208. Several nodes 1204, 1206 can be associated with fiber optic feedback means 1210, while the other node (s) 1208 are not connected with fiber optic means 1210 feedback. It should be recognized that although one means 1210 is shown, a network may include more than one means. WLAN nodes 1204, 1206, 1208 can be used to relay traffic from a mobile device 1202 and / or a source node, such as a node 1208, to nodes connected using fiber optic transmission means, such as nodes 1204 and 1206.

One or more nodes may be access point nodes configured to operate with multiple WLAN channels simultaneously, such as node 1208. One of channels 1212 may be used to receive traffic from stations associated with the node. Another one (or more) channel 1214 may be used to perform a switching function. Alternatively, a single channel 1216 may be associated with a node of the access point 1204, and this single channel 1216 may be used to carry traffic and to perform relay functionality.

The configuration of the network topology, the distribution of channels to various nodes and / or decision-making on routing must be ensured through the management, coordination and communication between the nodes 1204, 1206, 1208 WLAN. To achieve this functionality, one or more WLAN nodes may have a built-in BGS function depicted in node 1206. Dual functionality makes an out-of-band channel available that can be used for control purposes.

A communication network management system (CSS) 1218 may be coupled to a computer-to-computer network 1200 to create an initial topology. The CSS system can also determine which channels to use 1212, 1214, 1216. Another function of the CSS system can be to determine the routing between nodes 1204, 1206, 1208.

For example, and not as a limitation, it is possible to provide information to a mobile phone via a GS, for example, that the first access point is at its maximum, or uses most of its resources at a certain time and at a certain frequency. Another access point located in close proximity to the first access point may reach its maximum at another time and / or at a different frequency. Using this information, the handset should not be continuously tuned to the channel or frequency used by the second access point, because it may have already been supplied with information about the first and second access points. Thus, the mobile phone knows when to tune in and “listen” to the beacon signal from any of the access points. It can also determine if it can switch to another access point and / or frequency using information and locations and synchronization.

Turning now to FIG. 13, a methodology 1300 for using WLAN and / or CWS technology to create a self-configuring computer-to-computer network, similar to that shown and described with respect to FIG. 12, is illustrated. The method begins at step 1302, where each node uses the GHS channel to indicate its GPS coordinates, which can be transmitted to the CSS system. The CSS system, knowing the location of each node, can create an initial topology at step 1304. The topology is designed to achieve good communication between nodes and a variety of routes from these nodes to a node connected to the network using optical fiber. The CSS system may also determine, at 1306, the channels used as well as the routing. Information relating to each node can be downloaded via the GSS at step 1308. When the wireless access points are activated, further measurements can be performed at step 1310. The received signal strengths can be sent at step 1312 to the CSS system, which can use the initial topology and routing for taking into account real operating conditions. In addition, the access point can use the synchronization information generated by the GHS for its own synchronization.

The methodology and system described above are a centralized approach and can be used for a large network of access points with strong QoS needs. Network capacity can be maximized while minimizing interference.

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a methodology 1400 for initializing lists of neighboring devices in a BSS control channel to facilitate synchronization of access terminals. This technique can be used in a self-configuring Wireless Mesh network. The methodology begins at step 1402, when the BLS nodes are initialized. Essentially at the same time that the nodes are initializing, they exchange, at step 1404, lists of neighboring devices over the BGS control channel. These neighboring device lists may include information about access points in the surrounding area and / or about mobile devices that use these access points. For example, lists of neighboring devices may include a synchronization signal transmitted by a mobile device in response to communicating over the GHS. A protocol, such as the shortest route routing protocol (OSPF), can be used to exchange lists of neighboring devices and create the shortest routes in a distributed way. The exchange of synchronization lists in step 1404 may include a second synchronization signal transmitted via the WLAN based on the synchronization signal sent in response to the WSS communication. The mobile device or access terminal may use the synchronization information generated by the CWS to self-synchronize in step 1406 to communicate via the WLAN with one or more other access terminals based on the second synchronization signal. This can be done directly through the nearest WLAN or WLAN access point, the proximity of which is known (for example, from the list of neighboring devices or directly through the own WBS function). Alternatively, it can receive this information from the access terminal with the combined functionality of the BSS and the WLAN. For example, transmitting the synchronization signal may include transmitting the synchronization signal from the first access terminal to one or more other terminals that is synchronized with the first access terminal.

15 illustrates peer-to-peer communication 1500 in a WLAN network. In certain scenarios, individual access terminals 1502 and 1504 may communicate with each other using one or more WLAN access points 1506, 1508. To improve this connection, the synchronization information from the access points 1508, 1510 GHS can be used to synchronize the clock of the access terminals. It should be recognized that some access points may include only the functionality of the WLAN 1506 or the functionality of the WBC 1510, or a combination of the functionality of the 1508 WLAN and WLAN.

Synchronization information can be provided through the WLAN access point, if the device has the functionality of the GSS 1512, 1514 or knows the GSS access points. Alternatively, the functionality of the CWG or any one or both access terminals can be used to transmit this information to the access terminals, which can then use this information to communicate on the WLAN.

FIG. 16 illustrates a methodology 1600 for registering and / or authentication in an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) network. An IBSS network is an IEEE 802.11 wireless network that does not have a backbone infrastructure. An IBSS network consists of at least two wireless stations. An IBSS network may be referred to as a computer-to-computer network because it can be created quickly with little or no planning. The functionality of the CWS located in either the access terminal or the WLAN access point can be used to register and / or authenticate the access terminal for communication or access to services through the WLAN access point.

The method begins at step 1602, when the functionality of the CWG in the access terminal may indicate a registration message or device identifier (for example, a device identifier located in the subscriber identity module). The first registration message may include an encryption key. The registration message or device identifier can be authenticated via the GHS from the first access terminal. The second registration message or device identifier can be transmitted and fed to the WLAN access point or other means of providing communication services at step 1604. The second registration message can be based on the first registration message. A message in the WLAN can be transmitted either through feedback, or through the transmission of a marker over the air, or through the radio interface received through the BSS for the access terminal. It also allows the use of device-specific encryption keys, which can be authenticated through the BGS system or the BLS system.

The registration / authentication approach is useful in situations where the user of the access terminal communicates with the information kiosk, which has the functionality of the WLAN, but which does not have a broadband or full reverse connection to the network, for example, to the Internet. In this situation, authentication or payment information for sales scenarios (for example, music, video information or other information) can be provided through the GHS. For example, the user ID, whether it is specific to the device or to the user (for example, a password or encryption key), can be exchanged over the GHS. This enables the access terminal to receive a token or other authenticator in step 1606. The token or other authenticator can be transmitted over the air to the information kiosk in step 1608, allowing the access terminal to access video information, a song, or other multimedia content. Thus, the access terminal is granted access via the WLAN. It should be recognized that after the second registration message is transmitted via the CWS to the access terminal, the third registration message based on the second registration message can be sent from the access terminal to the WLAN access point. This third registration message can be sent via various means of communication, including a radio interface.

This multimedia content can also be provided based on the location of the mobile device. For example, on a shopping street, multimedia content can be provided from one or more retail stores or other retailers based on a user's location as well as on a user's preference. A user preference may be a preference previously reported by the user and stored in the memory of the mobile device. The processor associated with the mobile device can analyze the information stored in the memory and determine whether the multimedia content should be received and transmitted to the user or ignored and not transferred to the device user. In another embodiment, a user preference may be communicated to a service provider that supports this information. For example, if a user is located near a sporting goods store and is predefined that such a user does not need any information (for example, current sales or price reductions, events ...) related to sports and / or sports goods, then the transfer can be prevented store-specific information on a user's mobile device. It should be understood that multimedia content is an additional feature, and the disclosed embodiments may be used without using multimedia content.

According to another embodiment of a computer-to-computer WLAN network, the computer can be connected via the WLAN. For example, if one or more IBSS networks are detected, then they can be connected via feedback provided by the GSS. This may be available if one or more WLAN nodes / stations in a given IBSS are detected or detected using a WSS access point. It provides the ability to connect WLAN stations from different IBSS through feedback BGS, which can be used for greater bandwidth or may have access to improved services. Different IBSSs may provide radio coverage in various areas that may not be continuous with respect to each other.

According to another embodiment, there is the possibility of multicast broadcasting and / or broadcasting in an IBSS network. Broadcast messages and multicast messages can be provided through the feedback of the GHS. This may facilitate the transmission of broadcast messages or multicast messages or data based on location information. Additionally, this may provide the ability to transmit synchronized broadcast messages or multicast messages based on the synchronization information available through the GHS (for example, the synchronization signal from a neighboring GHS access point can be used for synchronization purposes).

17 illustrates an example computer-to-computer network 1700. Network 1700 is shown as a computer-to-computer network using four access points or base stations "A" 1702, "B" 1704, "C" 1706 and "D" 1708. The network 1700 computer-to-computer can use any number of access points, and four access points are selected for illustration purposes only. It should be understood that the computer-to-computer network 1700 can be a network in infrastructure mode using access points (as shown), a peer-to-peer network that does not use access points, or a network that uses both infrastructure mode (access points) and peer-to-peer mode.

The topology of the network 1700 shows an access point A 1702, connected by radio with access point B 1704, access point C 1706 and / or access point D 1708. A solution relating to efficient communication channels for access points should be established. This decision can be made through the global control channel, in which each access point sends its GPS coordinates (or other means of determining the location) to the central communication network management system (CCC) 1710. The CSS system 1710, which has the locations of all access points 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708 in the network 1700, determines the network topology and the communication channel between access points 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708. For example, the CSS system 1710 can determine what is in this topology access point A 1702 must communicate with access point B 1704, access point B 1704 must communicate with access point C 1706, and access point C 1706 must communicate with access point D 1708. The CSS system 1710 can also determine which channel each from access points should use as a management function frequencies. For example, the CSS system 1710 may determine that access point A 1702 should use channel A or a 20 MHz channel, and that access point B 1704 should use a different channel than the 20 MHz channel, etc.

On a computer-to-computer network, access points can be deleted or added at any time. However, communication between access points must remain constant to ensure seamless signal transmission. When a significant event occurs (emergency, etc.), the entire topology may need to change. Thus, the control channel needs to be configured to provide adequate communications without undue interference. Each access point can be configured using the WLAN functionality, which automatically configures each access point using an enable channel, allowing anyone to communicate through this communication network control channel. This enable channel reduces problems associated with a lack of available control channels. The channel transmits its coordinates to the CSS system 1710. This can be done through a channel with any bandwidth, and a narrowband HS channel may be sufficient for this purpose. When the location information is received, the computer-to-computer network can be reconfigured, or a new computer-to-computer network can be installed.

The CSS system 1710 may also provide packet routing. The CSS system 1710 can access each access point 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708 and issue a routing table to or download to each access point 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708. The routing table may provide routing information for specific packets or certain types of packets. For example, if a voice packet needs to be routed, then the CSS system 1710 (via the routing table) can instruct the access point that the voice packet should be routed to access point B 1704, then to access point C 1706, then to access point D 1708 and etc. until the voice packet reaches its final destination. If the packet is a data packet, then routing may be from access point D 1708 to access point B 1704 to access point A 1702. The video packet may use a different route. Thus, the CSS system 1710 determines both the topology or configuration of the 1700 computer-to-computer network and how packets are routed in real time. Thus, the CWG network can provide advanced control and signaling capabilities for controlling the computer-to-computer network (s) 1700 and can provide data transmission routes in order to fill the gaps in the provision of communication in the WLAN network. It should be understood that the routing and / or discussed topology are examples and do not limit the disclosed embodiments.

The CSS system 1710 may consider the importance of traffic to determine packet routing. For example, communication channels can be reinstalled during a specific time of the day, week, etc. The CSS system 1710 can monitor traffic at potentially peak times (for example, in the morning rush hour, in the evening rush hour ...). At such a time, a certain flow of traffic and routing may exist, or communication channels can be established and / or changed on demand, with a high level of flexibility.

In a network that operates in a peer-to-peer mode (no access points) or in a combination mode of infrastructure and peer-to-peer mode, handsets are used to establish a network or part of a network. In such a situation, the CSS system cannot be used, since the network configuration can change rapidly. In this situation, each handset transmits its information, and the handsets that receive this information relay this information to other handsets. This passage or relay of information continues until the information reaches its destination. In such a peer-to-peer network, computer-to-computer, the first handset A can communicate with handset B using a WLAN. Handset B can communicate with handset C using CBC. Handsets can communicate using mixed modes or settings, providing handsets with the functionality of BGS, BGS, PBS, Wi-Fi, etc.

Turning now to FIG. 18, illustrated is a system 1800 that facilitates coordinated exchange between multiple communication protocols in a wireless communication environment in accordance with one or more of the disclosed embodiments. System 1800 may reside in an access point and / or user device. System 1800 includes a receiver 1802 that can receive a signal, for example, from a receiver antenna. Receiver 1802 can perform normal operations with it, such as filtering, amplifying, down-converting, etc., the received signal. The receiver 1802 can also digitize the signal, which is reduced to a specific shape, to obtain samples. Demodulator 1804 may receive received symbols during each symbol period, and also provide received symbols to processor 1806.

The processor 1806 may be a processor specialized to analyze the information received by the component of the receiver 1802 and / or generate information for transmission by the transmitter 1816. The processor 1806 controls one or more components of the user device 1800, and / or a processor 1806 that analyzes the information received by the receiver 1802, generates information for transmission by transmitter 1816, and controls one or more components of user equipment 1800. Processor 1806 may include a controller component A feature with the ability to coordinate communications with additional user devices.

User device 1800 may further comprise a memory 1808 that is operatively associated with processor 1806 and stores information related to communication coordination and any other relevant information. Memory 1808 may further store protocols related to communication coordination. It should be recognized that the described storage components (eg, storage devices) may be either volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. To illustrate, and not by way of limitation, non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically programmable ROM (EEPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM), which acts as an external cache. By way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, the OP is available in many forms, such as synchronous OP (SRAM), dynamic OP (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), SDRAM with dual data rate (SDRAM DDR), extended SDRAM ( ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM) and Rambus Direct OP (DRRAM). Memory 1808 in the present systems and / or methods includes, without limitation, these and any other appropriate types of memory. User device 1800 still further comprises a symbol modulator 1810 and a transmitter 1812 that transmits a modulated signal.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a system 1900 that facilitates coordination of communication protocols in accordance with various aspects. System 1900 comprises a base station or access point 1902. As shown, base station 1902 receives signal (s) from one or more user devices 1904 using a receiving antenna 1906 and transmits to one or more user devices 1904 through a transmitting antenna 1908.

Base station 1902 comprises a receiver 1910 that receives information from receive antenna 1906 and is operatively coupled to a demodulator 1912 that demodulates received information. The demodulated symbols are analyzed using a processor 1914, which is associated with a memory 1916, which stores information related to code blocks, the purpose of user devices, their search tables, unique scrambling sequences, and the like. Modulator 1918 can multiplex the signal for transmission using transmitter 1920 through transmit antenna 1908 to user devices 1904.

20 illustrates an example radio communication system 2000. Wireless communication system 2000 for brevity depicts one base station and one terminal. However, it should be recognized that the system 2000 may include more than one base station or access point, and / or more than one terminal or user device, and additional base stations and / or terminals may be substantially similar or different from the exemplary base station and terminal described below. In addition, it should be recognized that the base station and / or terminal can use the described systems and / or methods to facilitate wireless communication with each other.

Turning now to FIG. 20, in a downlink at an access point 1905, a data processor (Rx) 2010 receives, formats, encodes, interleaves, and modulates (or maps symbols) traffic data and provides modulation symbols (“data symbols”). A symbol modulator 2015 receives and processes data symbols and pilot symbols and provides a stream of symbols. A symbol modulator 2015 multiplexes data and pilot symbols and obtains a set of N transmitted symbols. Each transmitted symbol may be a data symbol, a pilot symbol, or a signal value of zero. Pilot symbols can be sent continuously in each symbol period. Pilot symbols can be frequency division multiplexed (FDM), orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM), time division multiplexed (TDM), frequency division multiplexed (FDM) or code division multiplexed (CDM).

The Transmitter Unit (UHF) 2020 receives and converts the symbol stream into one or more analog signals and additionally leads to a certain form (for example, amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog signals to generate a downlink signal suitable for transmission over a wireless channel . The downlink signal is then transmitted through an antenna 2025 to the terminals. At terminal 2030, an antenna 2035 receives a downlink signal and provides a received signal to a receiver unit 2040 (PRMN). The receiver unit 2040 leads to a certain form (for example, filters, amplifies, and downconverts) the received signal and digitizes the signal reduced to a specific form to obtain samples. A symbol demodulator 2045 receives N received symbols and provides received pilot symbols to a processor 2050 for channel estimation. The symbol demodulator 2045 further receives an estimate of the frequency response for the downlink from the processor 2050, performs demodulation of the data for the received data symbols to obtain data symbol estimates (which are estimates of the transmitted data symbols), and provides data symbol estimates to the data PFP processor 2055, which demodulates (e.g. displays symbols), performs reverse interleaving, and decodes data symbol estimates to recover the transmitted traffic data. The processing using the demodulator 2045 characters and the processor 2055 PFP data is inverse to the processing using the modulator 2015 characters and processor 1910 PWD data, respectively, at the point 2005 access.

In a communication channel, a traffic data transmit data processor 2060 processes and provides data symbols. A symbol modulator 2065 receives and multiplexes data symbols with pilot symbols, performs modulation, and provides a symbol stream. Transmitter unit 2070 then receives and processes the symbol stream to generate an uplink signal, which is transmitted via antenna 2035 to access point 2005.

At access point 2005, an uplink signal from terminal 2030 is received by antenna 2025 and processed by receiver unit 2075 to obtain samples. A symbol demodulator 2080 then processes the samples and provides received pilot symbols and data symbol estimates for the communication channel. A PXP data processor 2085 processes data symbol estimates to recover traffic data transmitted by the terminal 2030. A processor 2090 performs channel estimation for each active transmission of the terminal in the uplink.

Processors 2090 and 2050 control (e.g., control, coordinate, direct, etc.) the operation of access point 2005 and terminal 2030, respectively. Corresponding processors 2090 and 2050 may be associated with memory units (not shown) that store program codes and data. Processors 2090 and 2050 may also perform calculations to obtain estimates of the frequency and impulse responses of the uplink and downlink, respectively.

For a multiple access system (e.g., FDMA, OFDMA, CDMA, TDMA, etc.), multiple terminals can transmit simultaneously on a communication channel. For such a system, pilot subbands can be shared between different terminals. Channel estimation techniques can be used in cases where the pilot subbands for each terminal cover the entire operating range (possibly with the exception of the edges of the range). Such a pilot subband structure would be desirable to obtain frequency diversity for each terminal. The described techniques can be implemented using various means. For example, these techniques may be embodied in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. To implement the equipment, the processing units used to estimate the channel can be implemented within one or more specified integrated circuits (LIS), digital signal processing processors (DSP), digital signal processing devices (DSP), programmable logic devices (PLU), user programmable gate arrays (PPVM), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the described functions, or a combination thereof. Software implementation may be performed through modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described herein. Software codes may be stored in a memory unit and executed by processors 2090 and 2050.

It should be understood that the described embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software, hardware and software, firmware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When the systems and / or methods are implemented in software, firmware, firmware or firmware, program code or a code segment, they may be stored in a computer-readable medium, such as a memory component. A code segment may represent a procedure, function, subprogram, program, operation, sub-operation, module, program package, class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment can be associated with another code segment or equipment circuit by passing and / or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. can be skipped, forwarded or transmitted using any appropriate means, including memory sharing, messaging, relay transmission, network transmission, etc.

With a software implementation, the described techniques can be implemented using modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the described functions. Program codes can be stored in memory blocks and executed by processors. The memory unit can be implemented within the processor or outside the processor, in which case it can be connected with the possibility of communicating with the processor through various means, as is known from the prior art.

What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. Of course, it is impossible to describe all possible combinations of components or methodologies for describing the above embodiments, but those skilled in the art will recognize that many additional combinations and variations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments cover all such changes, modifications and variations that fall within the scope and form of the appended claims. Furthermore, in the sense in which the term “includes” is used either in the detailed description or in the claims, such a term is encompassing, similar to the term “comprising”, while the term “comprising” is interpreted when used as a transition word in the claims.

Claims (30)

1. A method of using timestamp information to improve communication in a wireless network, comprising the steps of:
receive on the first mobile device in which there is no location determination functionality, and from the first access point, beacon signal information and associated time stamp information corresponding to the second access point, the beacon signal information and related time stamp information being provided to the first access point via the second mobile a device that has location functionality; and
use timestamp information associated with the beacon signal information to determine whether to transfer communication service to the second access point. 2. The method according to claim 1, additionally containing stages in which:
detecting that the quality of the beacon signal is below a threshold level;
transmit a message about the poor quality of the beacon signal; and wherein the step of receiving information further comprises receiving information related to the plurality of alternative access points in response to the transmitted message about the poor quality of the beacon signal. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising selecting between a plurality of alternative access points, depending at least in part on the application of the first mobile device. 4. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of selecting one of the plurality of alternative access points to maintain the quality level of the beacon signal above a predetermined threshold, the access points are access points of a wireless wide area network (WAN, WWAN), wireless local area network ( WLAN, WLAN) or wireless personal area network (BPS, WPAN). 5. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of determining, by means of the functionality of the CWS or WLAN, whether to switch between the CWS and the WLAN to achieve better signal throughput or power. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the information regarding the plurality of alternative access points includes respective channels or beacon transmission time. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the timestamp information is provided using the GPS functionality component of the second mobile device. 8. A method of performing a handover in a wireless network, comprising the steps of:
detecting on the first mobile device the presence of the GSS access point and at least one WLAN access point;
requesting synchronization information of the beacon signal from at least one WLAN access point from the CWS access point, the synchronization information of the beacon signal being provided to the CBC access point by means of a second mobile device having location-determining capabilities;
receive the requested synchronization information of the beacon signal from the access point GHS; and
determine whether to switch between the CWS and the WLAN based, at least in part, on the received synchronization information of the beacon signal. 9. The method according to claim 8, in which the step of determining whether to switch between the GSS and the WLAN, further comprises determining whether the bandwidth of the GHS or the WLAN is sufficient to support the application of the first mobile device. 10. The method according to claim 8, additionally containing a stage in which they switch from the WLAN to the WLAN if the bandwidth or signal power is higher in the WLAN than in the WSS. 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising switching from a WLAN to a WLAN if the throughput or signal power is higher in the WLAN than in the WLAN. 12. The method of claim 8, in which the synchronization information of the beacon signal is provided to the access point GHS using the GPS component of the second mobile device. 13. A mobile device for improving the quality of network information transfer, comprising:
a WLAN component configured to communicate with one or more WLANs;
a CBC component configured to receive synchronization of the CBC beacon signal associated with one or more WLANs, wherein synchronization of the CBC beacon signal is provided by the CBC through another mobile device having positioning functionality,
a memory configured to store a requirement for a device application; and
a processor configured to analyze the information stored in the memory and determine whether at least one BLS meets the requirements of the device application based in part on synchronization of the signal of the BLS beacon, and recommendations for handover between the BLS and the BLS. 14. The mobile device according to item 13, associated with the computer for using the component of the CBC or component of the WLAN, accessible through the computer. 15. The mobile device according to item 13, in which the synchronization of the beacon signal associated with one or more WLANs is used by the processor to schedule a handover. 16. The mobile device of claim 15, wherein the scheduling for handover is based at least in part on channel quality information. 17. The mobile device of claim 15, wherein the scheduling for handover is based in part on tuning to each of one or more WLAN access points during a beacon signal and measuring received channel quality information received from each of the plurality of WLAN access points. 18. A device for improving the quality of network information through timestamp information, containing
means for receiving from the WBS access point a time stamp associated with the beacon signals of one or more WLANs, the time stamp being provided to the WSS access point through a mobile device having location-determining capabilities; and
means for determining whether to perform a handover from the WLAN access point to the WLAN access point, based at least in part on a time stamp associated with the beacon signal of the WLAN access point. 19. The device according to p, optionally containing means for planning the implementation of the transfer of service to ensure the application of the device. 20. A machine-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to implement a method for using timestamp information to improve communication in a wireless network, comprising the steps of: receiving beacon signal information from one or more access points;
establishing the correspondence of the arrival timestamp with the beacon signal information using the functionality of the global positioning system (GPS); and
the use of time stamps of information of the beacon signal for scheduling the implementation of the transfer of service between the BS, WLAN or BSS. 21. The computer-readable medium of claim 20, further comprising instructions for transmitting time-stamped beacon signal information to the communication network management system via the BGS functionality. 22. The computer-readable medium of claim 20, further comprising instructions for:
transmitting a message when the quality of the beacon signal has dropped below a threshold level;
receiving a list of local access points in response to a sent message;
and switching between the BGS, BLS or BSS to achieve a beacon signal quality that is equal to or above a threshold level. 23. The computer-readable medium of claim 20, further comprising instructions for:
providing location information; and
determining, by means of the functionality of the CWS or WLAN, whether to switch between the CWS network and the WLAN network in order to achieve greater signal capacity or power. 24. The processor is configured to execute commands for uninterrupted switching between the BS and the BLS, made with the possibility of implementation:
receiving, from the BSS access point, synchronization information of at least one WLAN beacon signal, the synchronization information being provided to the BSS access point by means of a mobile device having location-determining capabilities;
detecting the radar beacon signal during reception in accordance with the received beacon signal information;
detecting the quality level of the beacon signal;
transmitting the quality level of the beacon signal with the corresponding acquisition time to the network management system; and
determining whether to switch between the CWS and the WLAN based on information received from the control system in response to the transmitted quality level of the beacon signal and the corresponding time of receipt of the beacon signal. 25. A method for controlling communication in a wireless network, comprising the steps of:
detect in the mobile device the presence of GBS and multiple BLS;
receiving a beacon signal from at least one WLAN access point, the beacon signal having synchronization information of the beacon signal; and
transmit the synchronization information of the beacon signal to the GHS access point for storage and its distribution to other mobile devices in which there is no possibility of determining the location, determining whether to switch between the GSS and one of the many WLANs, based, at least in part, on the associated synchronization of the signal of the WLAN beacon . 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising determining synchronization information of the beacon signal using the GPS component of the mobile device. 27. A mobile device comprising:
a BLS component configured to receive a beacon signal from a BLS;
a BGS component configured to receive a BGS signal showing the synchronization of the signal of the BLS beacon;
a processor configured to identify a network management device associated with an MSS and a WLAN, and provide the identified device to control the network synchronization signal of the Lighthouse signal of the WLAN for distribution to other mobile devices that lack location-determining functionality, determining whether to transfer service between BGS and BLS using the provided beacon timing. 28. The device according to item 27, further comprising a GPS component, configured to receive a GPS signal indicating the synchronization of the beacon signal for the beacon signal of the radar station. 29. A device for improving network transmission of information through timestamp information, comprising:
means for detecting in the mobile device the presence of CBC and multiple WLANs;
means for receiving a beacon signal from at least one WLAN access point;
means for determining synchronization information of the beacon signal corresponding to the beacon signal based on the synchronization information provided by the GHS; and
means for transmitting synchronization information of the beacon signal to the GHS access point for storage and its distribution to other mobile devices in which there is no possibility of determining the location, determining whether to switch between the GSS and one of the many WLANs, based at least in part on the associated signal synchronization Lighthouse BLS. 30. The device according to clause 29, further comprising means for determining synchronization information of the beacon signal using the GPS component.

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