U.S. patent application number 12/968554 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-13 for method and apparatus for centralized allocation of bandwidth in a wireless network.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fujitsu Limited. Invention is credited to Wei-Peng Chen, Chenxi Zhu.
Application Number | 20110250917 12/968554 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43608110 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110250917 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zhu; Chenxi ; et
al. |
October 13, 2011 |
Method and Apparatus for Centralized Allocation of Bandwidth in a
Wireless Network
Abstract
A method for allocating bandwidth in a wireless network includes
communicating wirelessly with at least one endpoint using a first
frequency bandwidth. The method may also include receiving a
measurement of a signal quality from the at least one endpoint and
communicating an indication of the signal quality to a server. The
method may further include receiving from the server a second
frequency bandwidth based on the signal quality and a cost per unit
of frequency bandwidth. The second frequency bandwidth may indicate
an amount of frequency bandwidth to use in communicating wirelessly
with the at least one endpoint. The method may additionally include
communicating wirelessly with the at least one endpoint using the
second frequency bandwidth.
Inventors: |
Zhu; Chenxi; (Gaithersburg,
MD) ; Chen; Wei-Peng; (Fremont, CA) |
Assignee: |
Fujitsu Limited
Kanagawa
JP
|
Family ID: |
43608110 |
Appl. No.: |
12/968554 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61323209 |
Apr 12, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/509 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 72/0453 20130101;
H04W 28/16 20130101; H04W 24/02 20130101; H04W 24/10 20130101; H04W
72/042 20130101; H04W 84/045 20130101; H04W 72/08 20130101; H04W
24/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/509 |
International
Class: |
H04B 7/00 20060101
H04B007/00 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: communicating wirelessly with at least one
endpoint via a first frequency bandwidth; receiving a measurement
of a signal quality from the at least one endpoint; communicating
an indication of the signal quality to a server; receiving from the
server a second frequency bandwidth based on the signal quality and
a cost per unit of frequency bandwidth, the second frequency
bandwidth indicating an amount of frequency bandwidth to use in
communicating wirelessly with the at least one endpoint; and
communicating wirelessly with the at least one endpoint via the
second frequency bandwidth.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving from the server a
second frequency bandwidth comprises: receiving from the server a
second frequency bandwidth that is a member of a frequency
bandwidth set comprising a plurality of frequency bandwidths, each
frequency bandwidth calculated by the server for a different
respective node of the plurality of nodes, the frequency bandwidth
set approaching a Nash equilibrium.
3. The method of claim 1: wherein communicating an indication of
the signal quality to a server comprises communicating the
indication of the signal quality to a subnet server coupled to a
central server, the central server operable to coordinate a
plurality of subnets, each subnet comprising a subnet server
operable to communicate to each node of a plurality of nodes a
frequency bandwidth based on a signal quality and a cost per unit
of frequency bandwidth of the respective node.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving from the server a
second frequency bandwidth comprises: receiving from the server a
second frequency bandwidth that is further based on one or more
network tuning constants supplied by the server or a central server
that coordinates a plurality of subnet servers of a network.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: randomly selecting a
plurality of frequency subcarriers for the second frequency
bandwidth.
6. An apparatus comprising: an interface configured to: communicate
wirelessly with at least one endpoint via a first frequency
bandwidth; receive a measurement of a signal quality from the at
least one endpoint; communicate an indication of the signal quality
to a server of a plurality of nodes; receive from the server a
second frequency bandwidth based on the signal quality and a cost
per unit of frequency bandwidth, the second frequency bandwidth
indicating an amount of frequency bandwidth to use in communicating
wirelessly with the at least one endpoint; and communicate
wirelessly with the at least one endpoint via the second frequency
bandwidth.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the interface configured to
receive from the server a second frequency bandwidth is further
configured to: receive from the server a second frequency bandwidth
that is a member of a frequency bandwidth set comprising a
plurality of frequency bandwidths, each frequency bandwidth
calculated by the server for a different respective node of the
plurality of nodes, the frequency bandwidth set approaching a Nash
equilibrium.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the interface configured to
communicate an indication of the signal quality is further
configured to: communicate the indication of the signal quality to
a subnet server coupled to a central server, the central server
operable to coordinate a plurality of subnets, each subnet
comprising a subnet server operable to communicate to each node of
a plurality of nodes a frequency bandwidth based on a signal
quality and a cost per unit of frequency bandwidth of the
respective node.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the interface configured to
receive from the server a second frequency bandwidth is further
configured to: receive from the server a second frequency bandwidth
that is further based on one or more network tuning constants
supplied by the server or a central server that coordinates a
plurality of subnet servers of a network.
10. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a processor
coupled to the interface and configured to: randomly select a
plurality of frequency subcarriers for the second frequency
bandwidth.
11. Logic embodied in non-transitory computer-readable storage
media that when executed by a processor is configured to:
communicate wirelessly with at least one endpoint via a first
frequency bandwidth; receive a measurement of a signal quality from
the at least one endpoint; communicate an indication of the signal
quality to a server of a plurality of nodes; receive from the
server a second frequency bandwidth based on the signal quality and
a cost per unit of frequency bandwidth, the second frequency
bandwidth indicating an amount of frequency bandwidth to use in
communicating wirelessly with the at least one endpoint; and
communicate wirelessly with the at least one endpoint via the
second frequency bandwidth.
12. A method, comprising: receiving an indication of a signal
quality of at least one wireless communication between at least one
node and at least one endpoint, the at least one wireless
communication via a first frequency bandwidth; determining a second
frequency bandwidth based on the indication of the signal quality
and a cost per unit of frequency bandwidth, the second frequency
bandwidth indicating an amount of frequency bandwidth for the at
least one node to use in communicating wirelessly with the at least
one endpoint; and communicating an indication of the second
frequency bandwidth to the at least one node for use during
wireless communication with the at least one endpoint.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: determining a
frequency bandwidth set comprising a frequency bandwidth for each
node of a plurality of nodes, wherein the frequency bandwidth set
approaches a Nash equilibrium.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: receiving at least
one additional indication of at least one additional signal quality
of at least one wireless communication between at least one
additional node and at least one additional endpoint, the at least
one additional wireless communication via an additional frequency
bandwidth; and determining one or more network tuning constants
based on the indication of the signal quality and the at least one
additional indication of the at least one additional signal
quality.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the second
frequency bandwidth is further based on one or more network tuning
constants designed to effectuate a policy scheme of a network of a
plurality of nodes.
16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: sending one or more
indications of one or more signal qualities to a central server
coupled to a plurality of subnet servers; and receiving one or more
network tuning constants from the central server, at least one of
the network tuning constants based on at least one of the one or
more signal qualities.
17. An apparatus comprising: an interface configured to receive an
indication of a signal quality of at least one wireless
communication between at least one node and at least one endpoint,
the at least one wireless communication via a first frequency
bandwidth; and a processor coupled to the interface and configured
to determine a second frequency bandwidth based on the indication
of the signal quality and a cost per unit of frequency bandwidth,
the second frequency bandwidth indicating an amount of frequency
bandwidth for the at least one node to use in communicating
wirelessly with the at least one endpoint; and wherein the
interface is further configured to communicate an indication of the
second frequency bandwidth to the at least one node for use during
wireless communication with the at least one endpoint.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the processor is further
configured to: determine a frequency bandwidth set comprising a
frequency bandwidth for each node of a plurality of nodes, wherein
the frequency bandwidth set approaches a Nash equilibrium.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the processor is further
configured to: determine one or more network tuning constants based
on the indication of the signal quality.
20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the processor configured to
determine a second frequency bandwidth based on the indication of
the signal quality and a cost per unit of frequency bandwidth is
further configured to: determine the second frequency bandwidth
further based on one or more network tuning constants designed to
effectuate a policy scheme of a network of a plurality of
nodes.
21. Logic embodied in non-transitory computer-readable storage
media that when executed by a processor is operable to: receive an
indication of a signal quality of at least one wireless
communication between at least one node and at least one endpoint,
the at least one wireless communication via a first frequency
bandwidth; determine a second frequency bandwidth based on the
indication of the signal quality and a cost per unit of frequency
bandwidth, the second frequency bandwidth indicating an amount of
frequency bandwidth for the at least one node to use in
communicating wirelessly with the at least one endpoint; and
communicate an indication of the second frequency bandwidth to the
at least one node for use during wireless communication with the at
least one endpoint.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)
of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/323,209, entitled
"DISTRIBUTED AND HYBRID CONTROL FOR WIRELESS NETWORKS," filed Apr.
12, 2010.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and
apparatuses for centralized allocation of bandwidth in a wireless
network.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various wireless technologies (e.g., 3G, 4G, 3GPP Long Term
Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), WiMAX, etc.) allow for the
use of small, user installed, base stations, generally referred to
as femto base stations (fBSs) (also known as femtocells in WiMAX or
Home node-B in 3GPP). An fBS may be provided to a user by a
wireless service provider (WSP). The user installs the fBS in their
home or office, generally referred to herein as a home or home
location, to increase the quality and signal strength of the local
wireless coverage. The fBS's backhaul connection to the WSP's
network (WSPN) is provided via the user's home network access
(e.g., DSL). The fBS operates in a similar wireless fashion (e.g.,
uses the same licensed frequency band) to the WSP's macro base
stations (MBSs). Because, an fBS operates in a similar wireless
fashion to an MBS, it may be possible for an endpoint to use the
same wireless service to establish a connection through the
fBS.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] The teachings of the present disclosure relate to methods
and apparatuses for centralized allocation of bandwidth in a
wireless network. For example, a method for allocating bandwidth in
a wireless network may include communicating wirelessly with at
least one endpoint using a first frequency bandwidth. The method
may also include receiving a measurement of a signal quality from
the at least one endpoint and communicating an indication of the
signal quality to a server. The method may further include
receiving from the server a second frequency bandwidth based on the
signal quality and a cost per unit of frequency bandwidth. The
second frequency bandwidth may indicate an amount of frequency
bandwidth to use in communicating wirelessly with the at least one
endpoint. The method may additionally include communicating
wirelessly with the at least one endpoint using the second
frequency bandwidth.
[0005] Technical advantages of particular embodiments include
providing a bandwidth updating algorithm that allows one or more
base stations of a network to use a frequency bandwidth that
maximizes a net utility of the base stations. Another technical
advantage of particular embodiments is that a network of base
stations may approach and/or converge to a Nash equilibrium.
Another technical advantage of particular embodiments is that a
base station may randomly select a plurality of frequency
subcarriers to use in communicating with one or more endpoints.
Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art from the following figures, descriptions,
and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been
enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or
none of the enumerated advantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] For a more complete understanding of particular embodiments
and their features and advantages, reference is now made to the
following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a system for allocating
bandwidth in a wireless network in accordance with particular
embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts examples of network topologies for allocating
bandwidth in a wireless network in accordance with particular
embodiments; and
[0009] FIG. 3 depicts an example of a method for allocating
bandwidth in a wireless network in accordance with particular
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Embodiments and their advantages are best understood by
referring to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, like numerals being used
for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a system 100 for allocating
bandwidth in a network. The system may include a femto base station
(fBS) 104 that is operable to communicate wirelessly with one or
more endpoints 124 and 128 using a first frequency bandwidth. Femto
base station 104 may receive a measurement of a signal quality from
one or more of endpoints 124 and 128. Femto base station 104 may
communicate an indication of the signal quality to a server 152.
Femto base station 104 may receive from server 152 a second
frequency bandwidth based on the signal quality and a cost per unit
of frequency bandwidth. The second frequency bandwidth may indicate
an amount of frequency bandwidth to use in communicating wirelessly
with one or more of endpoints 124 and 128. Femto base station 104
may then communicate wirelessly with at least one of endpoints 124
and 128 using the second frequency bandwidth.
[0012] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, system 100 includes
femto base stations 104, 136, and 140, macro base station (MBS)
144, endpoints 124 and 128, Internet service provider (ISP) network
132, wireless service provider (WSP) network 148, and server 152
coupled as shown. Femto base station 104 may be any suitable device
that is operable to communicate wirelessly with one or more
endpoints, such as 124 or 128. Although particular types of base
stations are shown, other embodiments may include any combination
of macro, micro, pico, and/or femto base stations, other types of
base stations, and/or relay stations. In particular embodiments,
any of these base stations and/or relay stations may be operable to
perform some or all of the functions of fBS 104 as described
herein.
[0013] An fBS (sometimes referred to as a Home node-B in 3GPP
terminology or a femtocell in WiMax terminology) may be a miniature
base station that a user may install in a home or office to enhance
signal strength and service quality to endpoints such as wireless
phones or netbooks. When a user is at home, his endpoints may be
served by the fBS in his house instead of the MBS outside (and
shared by many users), resulting in better quality of service (QoS)
for the user and lower resource usage for the WSP.
[0014] In some embodiments, fBS 104 may be connected to WSP network
148 through a user's ISP connection from his home through ISP
network 132, thus eliminating the need for the WSP to provide
backhaul access from fBS 104. The WSP and the ISP may be two
different entities with or without special agreement related to fBS
104.
[0015] Femto base station 104 may be configured to serve either a
closed subscription group (CSG) (e.g., the owner of the base
station determines who may access the base station) or any end
point with an active service contract to the wireless operator
(open subscription group or OSG). Most fBSs are expected to serve
CSG instead of OSG.
[0016] In some embodiments, a WSP's wireless network may include
numerous fBSs that are coupled to the WSP's core network 148.
Because the fBSs are purchased and installed by users, the WSP may
have little control over the exact locations and/or the densities
of these devices. Because each user and/or home location may have
its own respective fBS (such as fBS 104), there may be a relatively
high concentration of fBSs within a given area (e.g., an apartment
complex). In some embodiments, an fBS may use the same licensed
spectrum (e.g., the spectrum licensed by the user's WSP) as the
local MBS (MBS) 144 and relay stations (not depicted) of the WSP.
Thus, in some cases, multiple fBSs may share a common wireless
channel due to the limited amount of frequency spectrum available
for wireless communication. These factors may increase the chance
and/or severity of wireless interference between nearby fBSs and/or
other base stations, which in turn may inhibit the performance of
an fBS affected by the interference.
[0017] One way to reduce the interference between fBSs is to
control the frequency bandwidth allocated to each fBS. Frequency
bandwidth may refer to an amount of a frequency spectrum that is
used for wireless communication. In some embodiments, a frequency
bandwidth may be specified by an absolute amount (such as 5 MHz) or
a relative amount (such as 1/3 of an available frequency channel).
As an example, an fBS may be configured to use a third of the
bandwidth of the appropriate wireless channel. If the wireless
channel was 6 MHz, the fBS would be configured to use a frequency
bandwidth of 2 MHz.
[0018] Controlling the frequency bandwidths of fBSs using
traditional network planning techniques may not be particularly
suitable in a network with a large number of fBSs due to cost and
the difficulty of obtaining detailed geometry and propagation
information for the fBSs. Moreover, because a user has control over
an fBS, the user may turn it on or off at any give time, or may
move the fBS to a different location. This may potentially outdate
information used to plan the network. Thus, an operator of a
network with many fBSs may desire to configure and/or optimize the
network in real time.
[0019] In some embodiments, a method for dynamically allocating
frequency bandwidth in a network may be provided. In certain
embodiments, fBS 104 may not communicate with other base stations
(such as fBSs 136 or 140) of the WSP's network and may be
considered a player in a non-cooperative game trying to maximize
its own benefit. In such embodiments, each fBS may balance an
increase in data throughput against the cost associated with
increasing the amount of frequency bandwidth used. In some
embodiments, fBS 104 may adjust the frequency bandwidth that it is
using to communicate with one or more endpoints 124 based on, for
example, a bandwidth updating algorithm that takes into account the
quality of the signal 130 between fBS 104 and endpoint 124, and a
cost per unit of frequency bandwidth. In some embodiments, the
algorithm may also take into account one or more network tuning
constants. Femto base station 104 may update its frequency
bandwidth periodically using the bandwidth updating algorithm. In
some embodiments, when a plurality of base stations in a network
update their respective frequency bandwidths in a similar fashion,
the network as a whole may converge to a unique Nash equilibrium of
the non-cooperative game (e.g., where every base station will
operate at its optimal frequency bandwidth at Pareto optimality).
For example, in a network with a plurality of fBSs, a frequency
bandwidth set comprising the frequency bandwidth of each fBS may
approach and/or converge to a Nash equilibrium. In various
embodiments, the bandwidth updating algorithm may be used by fBSs
or any other suitable base station.
[0020] Various components shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., fBSs 104, 136,
140, MBS 144, server 152, and endpoints 124 and 128) may include
one or more portions of one or more computer systems. In particular
embodiments, one or more of these computer systems may perform one
or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated
herein. In particular embodiments, one or more computer systems may
provide functionality described or illustrated herein. In some
embodiments, encoded software running on one or more computer
systems may perform one or more steps of one or more methods
described or illustrated herein or provide functionality described
or illustrated herein.
[0021] The components of one or more computer systems may comprise
any suitable physical form, configuration, number, type and/or
layout. As an example, and not by way of limitation, one or more
computer systems may comprise an embedded computer system, a
system-on-chip (SOC), a single-board computer system (SBC) (such
as, for example, a computer-on-module (COM) or a system-on-module
(SOM)), a desktop computer system, a laptop or notebook computer
system, an interactive kiosk, a mainframe, a mesh of computer
systems, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a
server, or a combination of two or more of these. Where
appropriate, one or more computer systems may be unitary or
distributed; span multiple locations; span multiple machines; or
reside in a cloud, which may include one or more cloud components
in one or more networks.
[0022] Where appropriate, one or more computer systems may perform
without substantial spatial or temporal limitation one or more
steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein. As an
example, and not by way of limitation, one or more computer systems
may perform in real time or in batch mode one or more steps of one
or more methods described or illustrated herein. One or more
computer systems may perform at different times or at different
locations one or more steps of one or more methods described or
illustrated herein, where appropriate.
[0023] In particular embodiments, a computer system may include a
processor, memory, storage, and a communication interface. As an
example, a base station (such as fBS 104) may comprise a computer
system that includes processor 108, memory 112, storage 114, and
communication interface 120. These components may work together in
order to provide base station functionality, such as increasing the
efficiency with which the available wireless resources are used.
More specifically, the components of fBS 104 may allow fBS 104 to
select and use particular settings for its wireless connection or
connections (such as 130 and 134) with one or more endpoints (such
as 124 and 128) based on, for example, one or more signal quality
measurements from the endpoints.
[0024] Processor 108 may be a microprocessor, controller, or any
other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of
hardware, stored software and/or encoded logic operable to provide,
either alone or in conjunction with other fBS 104 components, such
as memory 112, fBS 104 functionality. Such functionality may
include providing various wireless features discussed herein to an
endpoint, base station, and/or relay station. Certain features
provided by fBS 104 via, in part, processor 108 may allow system
100 to support more endpoints and/or provide improved quality of
service, as compared to a traditional wireless network.
[0025] Memory 112 may be any form of volatile or non-volatile
memory including, without limitation, magnetic media, optical
media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash
memory, removable media, or any other suitable local or remote
memory component or components. Memory 112 may store any suitable
data or information utilized by fBS 104, including software
embedded in a computer readable medium, and/or encoded logic
incorporated in hardware or otherwise stored (e.g., firmware).
[0026] In some embodiments, memory 112 may store information used
by processor 108 in determining parameters for a wireless
connection. Memory 112 may also store the results and/or
intermediate results of the various calculations and determinations
performed by processor 108. In some embodiments, memory 112 may
also store information regarding the wireless connection being used
by each endpoint (such as 124 and 128) connected to fBS 104.
[0027] Femto base station 104 may also comprise communication
interface 120 which may be used for the communication of signaling
and/or data between fBS 104 and one or more networks (such as ISP
network 132 or WSP network 148). For example, communication
interface 120 may perform any formatting or translating that may be
needed to allow fBS 104 to send and receive data to and from ISP
network 132 over a wired connection. Communication interface 120
may also be used to establish any wired connections between fBS 104
and other networks or network components. In particular
embodiments, communication interface 120 may provide a backhaul
connection to the WSP's network 148 via the user's internet access
supplied by an ISP (which may be the same or a different entity
than the WSP).
[0028] In some embodiments, components of system 100 (e.g., fBSs
104, 136, and 140, MBS 144, and endpoints 124 and 128) may also
comprise a radio and antenna for wireless communication. As an
example, fBS 104 comprises a radio 122 that may be coupled to or a
part of antenna 126. Radio 122 may receive digital data that is to
be sent out to other base stations, relay stations, and/or
endpoints via a wireless connection (such as 130). The wireless
connection may use the wireless resources assigned to or by fBS
104. The wireless resources may include, for example, a combination
of one or more of a center frequency, frequency bandwidth, time
slot, channel, and/or sub-channel. In particular embodiments, this
information may be stored in memory 112. Radio 122 may convert the
digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate center
frequency and bandwidth parameters. These parameters may have been
determined ahead of time by some combination of processor 108 and
memory 112. The radio signal may then be transmitted via antenna
126 for receipt by any appropriate component or device (e.g.,
endpoint 124). Similarly, radio 122 may convert radio signals
received from antenna 126 into digital data to be processed by
processor 108.
[0029] Antenna 126 may be any type of antenna capable of
transmitting and receiving data and/or signals wirelessly. In some
embodiments, antenna 126 may comprise one or more omni-directional,
sector or panel antennas operable to transmit/receive radio signals
between 2 GHz and 66 GHz. An omni-directional antenna may be used
to transmit/receive radio signals in any direction, a sector
antenna may be used to transmit/receive radio signals from devices
within a particular area, and a panel antenna may be a line of
sight antenna used to transmit/receive radio signals in a
relatively straight line. Radio 122 and antenna 126 may
collectively form a wireless interface. This wireless interface may
be used to establish connections with various wireless components,
including endpoints and relay stations.
[0030] Endpoints 124 and 128 may be any type of endpoints operable
to wirelessly send and receive data and/or signals to and from fBS
104. Some possible types of endpoints 124 may include desktop
computers, PDAs, cell phones, laptops, and/or VoIP phones. In some
embodiments, endpoint 124 may comprise a processor, memory,
storage, radio, antenna, and/or other components that enable the
functionality of endpoint 124. In some embodiments, these
components may work together in order to provide endpoint
functionality, such as communicating with fBS 104. In some
embodiments, the components of endpoint 124 may allow endpoint 124
to detect various factors and determine a signal quality associated
with a wireless connection 130 between endpoint 124 and fBS 104.
This information may then be communicated to fBS 104 using any of a
variety of reporting techniques.
[0031] A processor of the endpoint 124 may provide various wireless
features discussed herein to endpoint 124. For example, in
particular embodiments, a processor may be able to determine a
signal quality measurement, such as a signal to interference and
noise ratio (SINR). In some embodiments, information relating to
signal quality (e.g., signal strength, interference, and noise) may
be provided by a wireless interface (e.g., a radio and antenna) of
the endpoint.
[0032] A memory of the endpoint 124 may store any suitable data or
information utilized by the endpoint. In some embodiments, memory
may store information used by the endpoint's processor in
determining the signal quality. For example, a memory may store
parameters, measurements, and/or other information collected by
endpoint 124 that relates to the quality of wireless connection
130. A memory may also store the results and/or intermediate
results of the various calculations and determinations performed by
the endpoint's processor.
[0033] Endpoint 124 may also comprise a radio that is coupled to or
a part of an antenna to send/receive digital data to/from, for
example, fBS 104 via a wireless connection 130. In particular
embodiments, information related to the wireless connection 130
(e.g., the wireless resources assigned to endpoint 124) may be
stored in a memory of endpoint 124. The radio may convert digital
data into a radio signal having the appropriate center frequency
and bandwidth parameters. These parameters may have been determined
ahead of time and stored in the endpoint's memory. The radio signal
may then be transmitted for receipt by any appropriate component or
device (e.g., fBS 104). Similarly, the endpoint's radio may convert
radio signals received from a device (e.g., fBS 104) into digital
data to be processed by the endpoint's processor.
[0034] System 100 may comprise a network that includes various
networks, such as ISP network 132 and a WSP network 148. In some
embodiments, a network may comprise one or more networks, such as
the Internet, a LAN, WAN, MAN, PSTN, or some combination of the
above. In certain embodiments, ISP network 132 may be coupled to
WSP network 148 via one or more networks, including but not limited
to, the Internet, a LAN, WAN, MAN, PSTN, or some combination of the
above. In some embodiments, an ISP may provide a user with his home
network access. A user may use the ISP network 132 for home network
access at the user's home location. In providing the user with home
network access, the ISP network 132 may include modems, servers,
gateways (e.g., an ISP gateway), and/or other suitable components.
In some embodiments, the ISP network 132 may provide backhaul
access from a base station (such as 104) to a WSP's network
148.
[0035] In particular embodiments, WSP network 148 may comprise
various servers (such as 152), gateways, switches, routers, and
other nodes used in providing wireless service. In some
embodiments, the servers may comprise one or more servers, such as
Operation, Administration, Maintenance and Provisioning (OAM&P)
servers, Network Access Provider (NAP) servers, AAA servers, Self
Organizing Network (SON) servers, or any other servers that the WSP
may need to configure/authenticate one or more base stations (such
as 104) and provide users with wireless service. The WSP's gateways
may comprise any hardware and/or software needed to couple WSP
network 148 with ISP network 132. For example, in particular
embodiments, the gateway may comprise a security gateway and,
behind the security gateway, an ASN gateway. In some embodiments,
the WSP network 148 may support and/or implement orthogonal
frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA).
[0036] In various embodiments, WSP network 148 may comprise various
types of base stations, such as a macro, micro, pico, femto, or
other type of base station. In some embodiments, the bandwidth
updating algorithm may be used by any of these base stations. In
some embodiments, one or more calculations involved in implementing
the bandwidth updating algorithm may be performed by fBS 104,
server 152, or other suitable component of the network.
[0037] In some embodiments, various base stations (e.g., the MBSs)
of the network may be optimized through planning and tuning, rather
than through a bandwidth updating algorithm as described herein. In
various embodiments, a plurality of base stations of the network
may use a common bandwidth updating algorithm, even if they are
different types of base stations (e.g., pico and femto).
[0038] In the embodiment depicted, system 100 also includes server
152. Server 152 may assist in the management of radio resources
used by the base stations of the WSP network 148. In some
embodiments, server 152 may be operable to perform any calculations
described herein on behalf of one or more femto base stations 104,
136, and 140, MBS 144, another base station, a relay station, or
another server. In some embodiments, server 152 may provide one or
more frequency bandwidths and/or network tuning constants for one
or more base stations and/or relay stations of a network. In
particular embodiments, server 152 may be a SON server.
[0039] In particular embodiments, server 152 may comprise a
computer system that includes processor 156, memory 160, storage
164, and communication interface 172. These components may work
together in order to provide server functionality, such as managing
the radio resources used by the base stations of the network. More
specifically, the components of server 152 may allow server 152 to
select particular settings for the wireless connections of femto
base stations 104, 136, 140, and/or MBS 144 of the WSP network
148.
[0040] Processor 156 may be a microprocessor, controller, or any
other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of
hardware, stored software and/or encoded logic operable to provide,
either alone or in conjunction with other server 152 components,
such as memory 160, server 152 functionality. Such functionality
may include managing various wireless features discussed herein for
a base station or other network component. Certain features
provided by server 152 via, in part, processor 156 may allow system
100 to support more base stations and/or provide improved quality
of service, as compared to a traditional wireless network. For
example, a processor may calculate a frequency bandwidth and/or a
network tuning constant.
[0041] Memory 160 may be any form of volatile or non-volatile
memory including, without limitation, magnetic media, optical
media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash
memory, removable media, or any other suitable local or remote
memory component or components. Memory 160 may store any suitable
data or information utilized by server 152, including software
embedded in a computer readable medium, and/or encoded logic
incorporated in hardware or otherwise stored (e.g., firmware).
[0042] In some embodiments, memory 160 may store information (e.g.,
a signal quality measurement) used by processor 156 in determining
parameters for a wireless connection, such as a frequency bandwidth
or a network tuning constant. Memory 160 may also store the results
and/or intermediate results of the various calculations and
determinations performed by processor 156.
[0043] Server 152 may also comprise communication interface 172
which may be used for the communication of signaling and/or data
between server 152 and one or more networks (such as ISP network
132 or WSP network 148) and/or network components, such as fBSs
104, 136, 140, and MBS 144. For example, communication interface
172 may perform any formatting or translating that may be needed to
allow server 152 to send and receive data to and from WSP network
148 over a wired connection. Communication interface 172 may also
be used to establish any wired connections between server 152 and
other networks or network components.
[0044] System 100 may also include fBSs 104, 136, 140, and MBS 144
and/or other wireless communication devices that produce
interference during wireless communication between fBS 104 and its
endpoints 124 and 128. As described above, limited frequency
spectrum allocated for wireless communication and a high density of
base stations (e.g., fBSs) in a network may intensify this
interference, leading to loss of signal quality and quality of
service. In some embodiments, network performance may be improved
through a bandwidth updating algorithm used by the base stations
(such as fBSs 104, 136, and 140, and/or MBS 144) of a network.
[0045] In some embodiments, fBS 104 may be a base station "i" of a
network comprised of "N" base stations operating in the same
frequency channel. In some embodiments, fBS 104 may communicate
wirelessly for a period of time with at least one endpoint 124
(and/or 128) using a first frequency bandwidth. For example, fBS
104 may use all or a portion of a frequency channel with a
bandwidth of 10 Megahertz (MHz). The normalized bandwidth used by
fBS 104 may be represented as w.sub.i. For example, fBS 104 with a
normalized bandwidth w.sub.i=0.5 may wirelessly communicate using a
first frequency bandwidth of 5 MHz of the 10 MHz channel.
[0046] In some embodiments, the first frequency bandwidth does not
have to be contiguous. For example, in an OFDMA scheme, a frequency
channel may comprise various frequency subcarriers. In some
embodiments, the average transmission power per subcarrier may be
fixed. In some embodiments, fBS 104 may randomly (e.g.,
pseudo-randomly) select frequency subcarriers from the frequency
channel. This may allow the interference produced by fBS 104 (and
other base stations employing this technique) to be spread across
one or more frequency channels used by fBS 104.
[0047] In some embodiments, a base station may use a set of
frequency subcarriers for a first period of time, a different set
of frequency subcarriers for a second period of time, and so on. In
some embodiments, the frequency subcarriers may or may not be
contiguous. In some embodiments, a base station may use various
subcarriers by occupying a subset of physical resource blocks in an
LTE communication scheme or a subset of PUSC subchannels in a WiMAX
communication scheme.
[0048] As fBS 104 communicates wirelessly with at least one
endpoint 124 for a period of time, endpoint 124 may measure the
signal quality of the wireless communication. For example, the
endpoint 124 may perform an SINR calculation for the wireless
signal from fBS 104 to the endpoint 124 or other suitable
measurement that determines a quality of the wireless signal. The
signal quality may generally be impacted by the transmission power
and bandwidth usage of the other wireless communication devices of
the network (such as fBSs 136 and 140 and MBS 144). Accordingly,
the signal quality measurement (e.g., SINR) may incorporate the
interference received from surrounding base stations. In some
embodiments, the endpoint 124 may communicate the signal quality
measurement to fBS 104. In some embodiments, other endpoints (such
as 128) that communicate with fBS 104 may communicate a similar
measurement. In some embodiments, fBS 104 (or other suitable
network component) may assimilate multiple signal quality
measurements from its endpoints into one signal quality measurement
which can be designated for exemplary purposes as SINR.sub.i. Femto
base station 104 may use any suitable method for assimilating
signal quality measurements, such as averaging.
[0049] In some embodiments, the signal quality measurement may be
used to determine a data throughput of fBS 104. The data throughput
is indicative of the quality of service provided by fBS 104 and may
depend in part on the frequency bandwidth and signal quality of fBS
104. The data throughput may be determined in any suitable manner.
For example, fBS 104 may track an amount of data transmitted by fBS
104 over a period of time. As another example, in some embodiments,
a data throughput (R.sub.i) of fBS 104 may be approximated using
the Shannon channel capacity. For example:
R.sub.i=w.sub.i ln(1+.beta.SINR.sub.i)
where 0<.beta.<1 may represent the gap between the realized
modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and the Shannon capacity.
[0050] In some embodiments, MS 104 may calculate its own data
throughput R.sub.i. In other embodiments, fBS 104 may communicate
its frequency bandwidth w.sub.i and SINR, to another node (such as
server 152) for calculation of the data throughput R.sub.i.
[0051] In some embodiments, the data throughput R.sub.i and
frequency bandwidth w.sub.i of fBS 104 over a time interval t may
be used to calculate a frequency bandwidth for fBS 104 to use
during a next interval t+1 of wireless communication with its one
or more endpoints. In some embodiments, fBS 104 may try to maximize
a net utility function NU.sub.i based on the data throughput
R.sub.i of fBS 104 and a cost per unit of frequency bandwidth
c.sub.i used by fBS 104. For example, the net utility of fBS 104
may be represented as:
NU.sub.i(w.sub.i,
R.sub.i)=U.sub.i(R.sub.i(w.sub.i))-c.sub.iw.sub.i
where U.sub.i(R.sub.i(w.sub.i)) is the utility of the data
throughput R.sub.i of fBS 104 when it uses frequency bandwidth
w.sub.i. Thus, the net utility may be based on the data throughput
R.sub.i at a given frequency bandwidth w.sub.i and the cost c.sub.i
of using the frequency bandwidth w.sub.i. In some embodiments, the
cost c.sub.i cost may influence the net utility that fBS 104
provides when the fBS uses frequency bandwidth w.sub.i to
communicate with its endpoints. In some embodiments, the cost
c.sub.i is a value configured to discourage excessive use of
frequency bandwidth by fBS 104. As an example, if there was no cost
c.sub.i associated with frequency bandwidth usage, each fBS might
try to maximize its own utility by using all of its available
frequency bandwidth. This would likely result in suboptimal system
performance due to the excessive interference that would be
generated by the fBSs of the network. In some embodiments, the cost
term c.sub.i may be determined and/or supplied by server 152, which
in some embodiments may be a SON server.
[0052] In some embodiments, the only interaction between base
stations (such as fBSs) in a network may be the interference they
cause each other. In some embodiments, an fBS 104 may adjust its
frequency bandwidth w.sub.i to maximize its own net utility.
Checking the first order optimality condition by taking the
derivative of the net utility equation with respect to w.sub.i (and
keeping in mind the constraint 0.ltoreq.w.sub.i.ltoreq.1) yields
the following result, hereafter referred to as "Result A":
w i * = min ( 1 ln ( 1 + .beta. SINR i ( W * ) ) f - 1 ( c i ln ( 1
+ .beta. SINR i ( W * ) ) ) , 1 ) ##EQU00001## where ##EQU00001.2##
f i ( x ) = U i ( x ) x = U i ' ( x ) , and W = [ w 0 , , w N - 1 ]
T ##EQU00001.3##
[0053] Since SINR.sub.i is a function of W, this equation for
optimal frequency bandwidth w.sub.i* does not provide a direct
solution to the optimum value of w.sub.i. However, it provides the
basis for an iterative algorithm of updating w.sub.i. In some
embodiments, the utility function U.sub.i may be chosen such that
it is an increasing and concave function of data throughput R.sub.i
of a base station. In particular embodiments, the utility function
U.sub.i may be chosen so that iterative updates allow the network
to converge to a unique Nash equilibrium W*.
[0054] In general, a Nash equilibrium may be a solution set of a
game involving two or more players, in which each player is assumed
to know the equilibrium strategies of the other players, and in
which no player has anything to gain by changing only his or her
own strategy unilaterally. In particular embodiments, the process
that each base station uses to update its bandwidth usage, based on
the bandwidth usage of the other base stations in the network, may
be viewed as a non-cooperative game where each player (base
station) tries to maximize its own benefit (net utility NU.sub.i)
by adjusting its strategy w.sub.i. Thus, a Nash equilibrium may be
the set W*=[w*.sub.o*, . . . , w*.sub.N-1].sup.T, where W*
satisfies:
NU.sub.i(w*.sub.i,W*.sub.-i).gtoreq.NU.sub.i(w'.sub.i,W*.sub.-i)
for all 0.ltoreq.w'.sub.i.ltoreq.1, 0.ltoreq.i.ltoreq.N-1.
[0055] At W*, each base station has maximized its own net utility
NU.sub.i as long as the frequency bandwidth usage by each base
station of the network remains constant. Thus, in some embodiments,
iterative updates of the frequency bandwidths used by the base
stations of a network may allow the network to approach and/or
converge to a Nash equilibrium and achieve Pareto optimality. That
is, a set that comprises a frequency bandwidth for each base
station of the network may approach and eventually converge to a
Nash equilibrium.
[0056] In some embodiments, the choice of the utility function
U.sub.i may allow the network to converge to a Nash equilibrium as
the base stations periodically update their respective frequency
bandwidths. In general, an iterative algorithm may converge to a
unique fixed point if it is a standard function, that is, the
algorithm satisfies the conditions of positivity, monotonicity, and
scalability. In some embodiments, the utility function may be
chosen such that the bandwidth updating algorithm is a standard
function, thus allowing convergence. For example, a utility
function of the form
U.sub.i(x)=-.alpha..sub.ix.sup.-k.sup.i,.alpha..sub.i>0,k.sub.i>0
may allow the network to converge to a Nash equilibrium. Utilizing
this equation in conjunction with the equation for optimal
frequency bandwidth w.sub.i* listed above (e.g., plugging this
equation into Result A) yields an exemplary bandwidth updating
algorithm of:
w i t + 1 = w i * = min ( .gamma. i ( R i t w i t ) - t i , 1 )
##EQU00002##
where t is the number of the update interval,
.gamma. i = ( .alpha. i k i c i ) ( 1 k i + 1 ) , and l i = k i k i
+ 1 . ##EQU00003##
some embodiments, .alpha..sub.i may equal one. In other
embodiments, .alpha..sub.i may be a hysteresis parameter that
varies with each update.
[0057] In some embodiments, l.sub.i and .gamma..sub.i are network
tuning constants that can be tuned to adjust the Nash equilibrium
of the system 100. In some embodiments, the tuning constants may be
designed to effectuate a policy scheme of the system, such as
network-wide data throughput, fairness, or other policy
consideration. In some embodiments, the network tuning constants
may be adjusted based on the network load. These network tuning
constants may be supplied and/or calculated in any suitable manner.
For example, a base station may be pre-configured (e.g., during
manufacturing or before deployment in a network) to use one or more
particular network tuning constants. As another example, one or
more of these network tuning constants may be supplied by a server,
such as server 152. In some embodiments, one or more network tuning
constants may be supplied periodically, upon start up of fBS 104,
in response to a triggering event (e.g., when a new fBS joins
wireless network 148), and/or at any other suitable time. The
network tuning constants may be updated by any suitable entity,
such as server 152. In some embodiments, an update to a network
tuning constant may be based on the frequency bandwidth w.sub.i
and/or data throughput R.sub.i of a base station over an interval
of time t. In various embodiments, a base station of a network may
be assigned network tuning constants that are tailored for that
particular base station. Thus, in some embodiments, different
network tuning constants may be used for different base
stations.
[0058] In some embodiments, a frequency bandwidth for fBS 104 to
use during a future time interval t+1 may be calculated using the
bandwidth updating algorithm described above. The calculated
frequency bandwidth may be based on the data throughput R.sub.i and
bandwidth w.sub.i of a previous time interval t, and the network
tuning constants l.sub.i and .gamma..sub.i. In some embodiments, a
table of X.sup.-l.sub.i may be pre-computed and stored in memory
(e.g., 112 or 160) or storage (e.g., 114 or 164) in order to aid
computation of
( R i w i ) - l i ##EQU00004##
by reducing the operation to a table lookup. This may be
particularly helpful when the frequency bandwidth is calculated by
a base station (such as fBS 104), or when server 152 must quickly
calculate frequency bandwidths for numerous base stations of a
network.
[0059] After a frequency bandwidth w.sub.i for the next time
interval t+1 has been calculated, the new frequency bandwidth may
be used to communicate wirelessly with at least one of endpoints
124 or 128. As with the first frequency bandwidth, the new
frequency bandwidth may comprise a plurality of frequency
subcarriers that are randomly selected. After a time interval has
passed, the frequency bandwidth may be updated again according to
the bandwidth updating algorithm. This process may repeat any
number of times.
[0060] In some embodiments, fBS 104 may periodically update its
frequency bandwidth usage w.sub.i in order to maximize its own net
utility. In particular embodiments, the length of the update
interval may be long enough for a determination of the data
throughput R.sub.i of fBS 104, while short enough to accommodate
changes in the network, such as a change of load or number of
endpoints communicating with a base station of the network, the
powering up or down of a base station, changes in channel gain of a
base station, or changes in noise. In various embodiments, the base
stations of a network may update their respective frequency
bandwidths synchronously or asynchronously with respect to the
other base stations.
[0061] FIG. 2 depicts various architectures that may be used for
allocating bandwidth in a network. Some embodiments may include a
distributed architecture utilizing architecture 200. In a
distributed architecture, the nodes 208, 212, and 216 of the
network may be responsible for calculating their respective
frequency bandwidths. In some embodiments, a node may use any
suitable information to calculate a frequency bandwidth, such as
its frequency bandwidth and data throughput over a time interval
and one or more network tuning constants. In some embodiments, the
network tuning constants may be supplied by server 204. After
calculating a new frequency bandwidth, the node 208 may use the new
frequency bandwidth to communicate with its endpoints. The
distributed architecture is highly scalable, since each added node
is expected to calculate its own frequency bandwidths, thus
reducing the load on server 152.
[0062] Some embodiments may include a centralized architecture
utilizing architecture 200. In a centralized architecture, server
204 may calculate frequency bandwidths for the nodes 208, 212, and
216 of the network. For example, the server 204 may determine a
frequency bandwidth set comprising a frequency bandwidth for each
of the nodes 208, 212, and 216. In some embodiments, nodes 208,
212, and 216 may report one or more parameters to server 204. For
example, node 208 may report its frequency bandwidth w.sub.i and
data throughput R.sub.i over a time interval to server 204. The
server may use these parameters to calculate a new frequency
bandwidth w.sub.i for node 208.
[0063] In some embodiments, server 204 may also use one or more
network tuning constants to calculate the frequency bandwidths. In
some embodiments, the one or more network tuning constants may be
based on the parameters received from one or more of nodes 208,
212, and 216. For example, since server 204 may receive data from
various nodes 208, 212, and 216, it may determine that a particular
node 208 should have a higher frequency bandwidth and may update
one or more network tuning constants accordingly.
[0064] In particular embodiments, the Nash equilibrium of the
network may be tuned to provide a system preference, such as
network-wide data throughput, fairness, or other policy
considerations. As the network tuning constants are updated and new
frequency bandwidths are calculated, the wireless network may
converge on the tuned preferences. In some embodiments, the process
of updating the network tuning constants may be transparent to the
nodes since they receive the updated frequency bandwidth (which
incorporates the network tuning constants).
[0065] In some embodiments, server 204 may communicate a newly
calculated frequency bandwidth to node 208. Node 208 may then use
the new frequency bandwidth to communicate with one or more of its
endpoints.
[0066] Some embodiments may include a hybrid architecture utilizing
architecture 200. In a hybrid architecture, nodes 208, 212, and 216
of the network may be responsible for calculating their respective
frequency bandwidths and may report one or more parameters to
server 204. For example, a node may report its frequency bandwidth
w.sub.i and data throughput R.sub.i over a time interval to server
204. In some embodiments, these parameters may be transferred from
node 208 to server 204 using a standard network management
interface. The server may use these parameters to calculate one or
more network tuning constants (such as l.sub.i, .gamma..sub.i) in
any suitable manner, such as that described above with respect to
the centralized architecture. The server may then communicate these
tuning constants to node 208. Node 208 may then calculate a new
frequency bandwidth w.sub.i based on these tuning constants (and a
measured data throughput and frequency bandwidth of the node). Node
208 may then use the new frequency bandwidth to communicate with
its endpoints.
[0067] In comparison with the centralized architecture (where the
server may perform the bulk of the calculations), the hybrid
approach is more scalable since the individual nodes calculate
their respective frequency bandwidths. In the centralized
architecture the nodes of the network are not required to implement
the bandwidth updating algorithm (and thus nodes that do not have
this capability would still be able to update their frequency
bandwidth based on values calculated by the server). In both the
centralized and hybrid architectures, nodes 208, 212, and 216, and
server 204 exchange a minimal amount of data, thus maintaining a
low communication overhead.
[0068] Some embodiments may include a hierarchical architecture
utilizing architecture 250. A hierarchical architecture may
comprise various subnets. Each subnet may comprise one of subnet
servers 258 or 274 and a plurality of nodes coupled to the subnet
server. In some embodiments, each subnet server may be coupled to a
central server 254. In some embodiments, a hierarchical
architecture may include any number of subnets.
[0069] In some embodiments, a subnet may employ a centralized or
hybrid architecture as described above. In some embodiments, a
subnet server may communicate information received from one or more
of its respective nodes to central server 254. For example, subnet
server 258 may communicate a frequency bandwidth w.sub.i or a data
throughput R.sub.i of a node 262 to central server 254. In some
embodiments, a subnet server may determine one or more network
tuning constants for its nodes and communicate these tuning
constants to central server 254. In some embodiments, central
server 254 may calculate any suitable parameter (such as a
frequency bandwidth or a network tuning constant) for any node in
its network.
[0070] In some embodiments, central server 254 may coordinate the
entire network. For example, the central server may manage the
radio resources used in the network. In other embodiments, the
network-wide coordination may be performed in a distributed manner
among the subnet servers.
[0071] In some embodiments, any combination of the distributed,
hybrid, centralized, and/or hierarchical architectures may be used.
For example, a subset of base stations in a network may calculate
their own frequency bandwidths, while another subset passes
information to a server for the calculation of frequency
bandwidths.
[0072] FIG. 3 depicts an example of a method for allocating
bandwidth in a wireless network. For purposes of simplicity, the
steps of FIG. 3 are described from the perspective of a base
station. The method begins at step 300. At step 304, a base station
may communicate wirelessly with one or more endpoints using a first
frequency bandwidth. In some embodiments, the first frequency
bandwidth may comprise a plurality of subcarriers spread throughout
the frequency channel used by the base station. In some
embodiments, the plurality of subcarriers may be selected at random
from the available subcarriers of the frequency channel.
[0073] At step 308, the base station may receive one or more signal
quality measurements from its endpoints. The signal quality
measurements may indicate a quality of the wireless communication
between the base station and the endpoint that reports the signal
quality measurement. The signal quality may include information
about the strength of the wireless signal from the base station to
the endpoint and information about the interference received from
other base stations and/or other network components in the
network.
[0074] At step 312, a second frequency bandwidth determined using a
bandwidth updating algorithm may be received from a server or other
suitable network component. In some embodiments, prior to reception
of the second frequency bandwidth, the base station may send an
indication of the signal quality between the base station and its
one or more endpoints to the server or other suitable network
component. In some embodiments, the bandwidth updating algorithm
may be implemented by the server or other network component and may
be based on an indication of the signal quality between the base
station and its one or more endpoints. For example, the bandwidth
updating algorithm implemented by the server or other network
component may use the signal quality measurements received from the
endpoints of the base station. As another example, the bandwidth
updating algorithm may use a calculation that is based on the
signal quality measurements, such as a data throughput or other
suitable calculation. The bandwidth updating algorithm may also be
based on a cost per unit of frequency bandwidth and one or more
network tuning constants. In some embodiments, the network tuning
constants and/or cost per unit of frequency bandwidth may be
supplied by a server that manages a plurality of base stations. In
some embodiments, at least a portion of the bandwidth updating
algorithm may be implemented by the base station.
[0075] At step 316, the base station communicates wirelessly with
its endpoints using the second frequency bandwidth. At step 320, a
single iteration of the method is complete. Depending on the
scenario, one or more steps of the method may then be repeated (the
steps may be repeated periodically or upon detecting a triggering
event, such as detecting a new endpoint). For example, after step
320, the method may begin again at step 300.
[0076] The embodiments that this disclosure (including all
attachments hereto) describes or illustrates are examples, and they
do not limit the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure
encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations,
and modifications to the example embodiments herein that a person
having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend.
[0077] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the
systems and apparatuses disclosed herein without departing from the
scope of this disclosure. The components of the systems and
apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the
operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed by more,
fewer, or other components. Additionally, operations of the systems
and apparatuses may be performed using any suitable logic
comprising tangibly stored software, hardware, and/or other encoded
logic. As used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a
set or each member of a subset of a set.
[0078] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the
methods disclosed herein without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. The method may include more, fewer, or other steps.
Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order.
[0079] A component of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein
may include an interface, logic, memory, and/or other suitable
element. An interface receives input, sends output, processes the
input and/or output, and/or performs other suitable operation. An
interface may comprise hardware and/or software.
[0080] Logic performs the operations of the component, for example,
executes instructions to generate output from input. Logic may
include hardware, software, and/or other logic. Logic may be
encoded in one or more tangible media and may perform operations
when executed by a computer. Certain logic, such as a processor,
may manage the operation of a component. Examples of a processor
include one or more computers, one or more microprocessors, one or
more applications, and/or other logic.
[0081] In particular embodiments, the operations of the embodiments
may be performed by one or more computer readable media encoded
with a computer program, software, computer executable
instructions, and/or instructions capable of being executed by a
computer. In particular embodiments, the operations of the
embodiments may be performed by one or more computer readable media
storing, embodied with, and/or encoded with a computer program
and/or having a stored and/or an encoded computer program.
[0082] Although this disclosure has been described in terms of
certain embodiments, alterations and permutations of the
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Accordingly, the above description of the embodiments does not
constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and
alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and
scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *