U.S. patent application number 12/985551 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-19 for method and apparatus for routing messages of a positioning protocol in a wireless network.
This patent application is currently assigned to QUALCOMM INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to Parag Arun Agashe, Gavin Bernard Horn, Nathan Edward Tenny.
Application Number | 20120015666 12/985551 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43734274 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120015666 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Horn; Gavin Bernard ; et
al. |
January 19, 2012 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ROUTING MESSAGES OF A POSITIONING PROTOCOL
IN A WIRELESS NETWORK
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses are provided that facilitate routing of
messages of a positioning protocol, such as long term evolution
(LTE) positioning protocol annex (LPPa). A positioning server can
determine a network area identifier of one or more messages based
at least in part on an identifier of a base station associated with
the one or more messages. Based at least in part on the network
area identifier, the positioning server can provide the one or more
messages to an intermediate network node corresponding to the one
or more base stations, such as a mobility management entity (MME).
MME can similarly provide the one or more messages to an optional
gateway between it and the one or more base stations based at least
in part on receiving the network area identifier in the one or more
messages. In addition, a base station can update positioning
information with the positioning server.
Inventors: |
Horn; Gavin Bernard; (La
Jolla, CA) ; Agashe; Parag Arun; (San Diego, CA)
; Tenny; Nathan Edward; (Poway, CA) |
Assignee: |
QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
43734274 |
Appl. No.: |
12/985551 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61293534 |
Jan 8, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/456.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 64/00 20130101;
H04W 28/12 20130101; H04W 4/02 20130101; H04W 4/029 20180201; H04L
45/566 20130101; H04W 4/021 20130101; H04W 8/08 20130101; H04W
28/0226 20130101; H04W 4/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/456.1 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/00 20090101
H04W004/00 |
Claims
1. A method of communicating a message of a positioning protocol in
a wireless network, comprising: generating a message of a
positioning protocol associated with a base station; determining a
network area identifier associated with the base station; and
delivering the message to an intermediate network node based at
least in part on the network area identifier.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining an
identifier of the base station, wherein the determining the network
area identifier is based at least in part on the identifier of the
base station.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising receiving the
identifier of the base station from the base station.
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising storing a mapping of
the identifier of the base station to the network area identifier,
wherein the determining the network area identifier is based at
least in part on the mapping.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the delivering the message to the
intermediate network node further comprises including the network
area identifier with the message.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the intermediate network node is
a mobility management entity, and the positioning protocol is long
term evolution positioning protocol annex.
7. An apparatus for routing messages of a positioning protocol in a
wireless network, comprising: at least one processor configured to:
generate a message of a positioning protocol associated with a base
station; determine a network area identifier associated with the
base station; and provide the message to an intermediate network
node based at least in part on the network area identifier; and a
memory coupled to the at least one processor.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one processor is
further configured to determine an identifier of the base station
related to the message, and the at least one processor determines
the network area identifier based at least in part on the
identifier of the base station.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is
further configured to receive the identifier of the base station
from the base station.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor
determines the network area identifier based at least in part on a
stored mapping of the identifier of the base station to the network
area identifier.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is
further configured to include the network area identifier in the
message.
12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the intermediate network node
is a mobility management entity, and the positioning protocol is
long term evolution positioning protocol annex.
13. An apparatus for routing messages of a positioning protocol in
a wireless network, comprising: means for generating a message of a
positioning protocol associated with a base station; means for
determining a network area identifier associated with the base
station; and means for delivering the message to an intermediate
network node based at least in part on the network area
identifier.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the means for determining
further determines an identifier of the base station related to the
message and determines the network area identifier based at least
in part on the identifier of the base station.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising means for
receiving the identifier of the base station from the base
station.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the means for determining
stores a mapping of the identifier of the base station to the
network area identifier and determines the network area identifier
based at least in part on the mapping.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the means for delivering
further includes the network area identifier with the message.
18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the intermediate network
node is a mobility management entity, and the positioning protocol
is long term evolution positioning protocol annex.
19. A computer program product for routing messages of a
positioning protocol in a wireless network, comprising: a
computer-readable medium, comprising: code for causing at least one
computer to generate a message of a positioning protocol associated
with a base station; code for causing the at least one computer to
determine a network area identifier associated with the base
station; and code for causing the at least one computer to provide
the message to an intermediate network node based at least in part
on the network area identifier.
20. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein the
computer-readable medium further comprises code for causing the at
least one computer to determine an identifier of the base station
related to the message, and the code for causing the at least one
computer to determine determines the network area identifier based
at least in part on the identifier of the base station.
21. The computer program product of claim 20, wherein the
computer-readable medium further comprises code for causing the at
least one computer to receive the identifier of the base station
from the base station.
22. The computer program product of claim 20, wherein the
computer-readable medium further comprises code for causing the at
least one computer to store a mapping of the identifier of the base
station to the network area identifier, and the code for causing
the at least one computer to determine determines the network area
identifier based at least in part on the mapping.
23. The computer program product of claim 20, wherein the
computer-readable medium further comprises code for causing the at
least one computer to include the network area identifier in the
message.
24. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein the
intermediate network node is a mobility management entity, and the
positioning protocol is long term evolution positioning protocol
annex.
25. An apparatus for routing messages of a positioning protocol in
a wireless network, comprising: a message component for generating
a message of a positioning protocol associated with a base station;
a network area identifier determining component for discerning a
network area identifier associated with the base station; and a
message routing component for delivering the message to an
intermediate network node based at least in part on the network
area identifier.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the network area identifier
determining component further determines an identifier of the base
station related to the message and discerns the network area
identifier based at least in part on the identifier of the base
station.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising a network area
identifier receiving component for obtaining the identifier of the
base station from the base station.
28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the network area identifier
determining component further stores a mapping of the identifier of
the base station to the network area identifier and determines the
network area identifier based at least in part on the mapping.
29. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the message routing
component further includes the network area identifier with the
message.
30. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the intermediate network
node is a mobility management entity, and the positioning protocol
is long term evolution positioning protocol annex.
31. A method for routing messages of a positioning protocol in a
wireless network, comprising: receiving a network area identifier
related to a base station in a message of a positioning protocol;
determining whether a gateway is present based at least in part on
the network area identifier; and delivering the message to a
network node based at least in part on whether the gateway is
present.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the determining includes
determining that the gateway is present, and the delivering
includes delivering the message to the gateway along with an
identifier of the base station.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein the determining includes
determining that the gateway is not present, and the delivering
includes delivering the message to the base station.
34. The method of claim 31, wherein the positioning protocol is
long term evolution positioning protocol annex.
35. An apparatus for routing messages of a positioning protocol in
a wireless network, comprising: at least one processor configured
to: receive a network area identifier related to a base station in
a message of a positioning protocol; determine whether a gateway is
present based at least in part on the network area identifier; and
provide the message to a network node based at least in part on
whether the gateway is present; and a memory coupled to the at
least one processor.
36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the at least one processor
determines that the gateway is present, the network node is the
gateway, and the at least one processor provides the message to the
gateway along with an identifier of the base station.
37. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the at least one processor
determines that the gateway is not present, and the network node is
the base station.
38. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the positioning protocol is
long term evolution positioning protocol annex.
39. An apparatus for routing messages of a positioning protocol in
a wireless network, comprising: means for receiving a network area
identifier related to a base station in a message of a positioning
protocol; means for determining whether a gateway is present based
at least in part on the network area identifier; and means for
delivering the message to a network node based at least in part on
whether the gateway is present.
40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the means for determining
determines that the gateway is present, the network node is the
gateway, and the means for delivering includes an identifier of the
base station in the message.
41. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the means for determining
determines that the gateway is not present, and the network node is
the base station.
42. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the positioning protocol is
long term evolution positioning protocol annex.
43. A computer program product for routing messages of a
positioning protocol in a wireless network, comprising: a
computer-readable medium, comprising: code for causing at least one
computer to receive a network area identifier related to a base
station in a message of a positioning protocol; code for causing
the at least one computer to determine whether a gateway is present
based at least in part on the network area identifier; and code for
causing the at least one computer to provide the message to a
network node based at least in part on whether the gateway is
present.
44. The computer program product of claim 43, wherein the code for
causing the at least one computer to determine determines that the
gateway is present, the network node is the gateway, and the code
for causing the at least one computer to provide provides the
message to the gateway along with an identifier of the base
station.
45. The computer program product of claim 43, wherein the code for
causing the at least one computer to determine determines that the
gateway is not present, and the network node is the base
station.
46. The computer program product of claim 43, wherein the
positioning protocol is long term evolution positioning protocol
annex.
47. An apparatus for routing messages of a positioning protocol in
a wireless network, comprising: a message receiving component for
obtaining a network area identifier related to a base station in a
message of a positioning protocol; a gateway presence determining
component for discerning whether a gateway is present based at
least in part on the network area identifier; and a message routing
component for delivering the message to a network node based at
least in part on whether the gateway is present.
48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the gateway presence
determining component discerns that the gateway is present, the
network node is the gateway, and the means for delivering includes
an identifier of the base station in the message.
49. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the gateway presence
determining component discerns that the gateway is not present, and
the network node is the base station.
50. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the positioning protocol is
long term evolution positioning protocol annex.
51. A method for updating positioning information in a wireless
network, comprising: receiving one or more messages from a
positioning server; detecting modification of one or more
parameters related to a position; and communicating a message to
the positioning server including the one or more parameters as
modified.
52. An apparatus for updating positioning information in a wireless
network, comprising: at least one processor configured to: receive
one or more messages from a positioning server; detect modification
of one or more parameters related to a position; and communicate a
message to the positioning server including the one or more
parameters as modified; and a memory coupled to the at least one
processor.
53. An apparatus for updating positioning information in a wireless
network, comprising: means for detecting modification of one or
more parameters related to a position; and means for communicating
a message to a positioning server including the one or more
parameters as modified.
54. A computer program product for updating positioning information
in a wireless network, comprising: a computer-readable medium,
comprising: code for causing at least one computer to receive one
or more messages from a positioning server; code for causing the at
least one computer to detect modification of one or more parameters
related to a position; and code for causing the at least one
computer to communicate a message to the positioning server
including the one or more parameters as modified.
55. An apparatus for updating positioning information in a wireless
network, comprising: a configuration modification detecting
component for determining modification of one or more parameters
related to a position; and a positioning server communicating
component for transmitting a message to a positioning server
including the one or more parameters as modified.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
[0001] The present Application for Patent claims priority to
Provisional Application No. 61/293,534 entitled "TRACKING
AREA-BASED ROUTING OF POSITIONING MESSAGES" filed Jan. 8, 2010, and
assigned to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated
by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The following description relates generally to wireless
network communications, and more particularly to routing messages
of a positioning protocol across network nodes.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to
provide various types of communication content such as, for
example, voice, data, and so on. Typical wireless communication
systems may be multiple-access systems capable of supporting
communication with multiple users by sharing available system
resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, . . . ). Examples of
such multiple-access systems may include code division multiple
access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA)
systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems,
orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, and
the like. Additionally, the systems can conform to specifications
such as third generation partnership project (3GPP), 3GPP long term
evolution (LTE), ultra mobile broadband (UMB), evolution data
optimized (EV-DO), etc.
[0006] Generally, wireless multiple-access communication systems
may simultaneously support communication for multiple mobile
devices. Each mobile device may communicate with one or more base
stations via transmissions on forward and reverse links. The
forward link (or downlink) refers to the communication link from
base stations to mobile devices, and the reverse link (or uplink)
refers to the communication link from mobile devices to base
stations. Further, communications between mobile devices and base
stations may be established via single-input single-output (SISO)
systems, multiple-input single-output (MISO) systems,
multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, and so forth. In
addition, mobile devices can communicate with other mobile devices
(and/or base stations with other base stations) in peer-to-peer
wireless network configurations.
[0007] In addition, devices can determine positioning at least in
part by utilizing assisted global positioning system (GPS),
observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) or other triangulation
techniques involving one or more base stations, enhanced cell
identifier (E-CID), and/or the like. For example, a positioning
server, such as a serving mobile location center (SMLC), evolved
SMLC (eSMLC), etc., can provide positioning messages over an LTE
positioning protocol (LPP), LPP annex (LPPa), etc. to the device
and/or to other nodes in the network to facilitate performing such
measurements for computing a position of the device. In one
example, the positioning messages can include assistance
information, such as a location of one or more base stations. In
this regard, positioning messages can be requested by a device, and
the request routed through at least a base station and a mobility
management entity (MME) to the positioning server. Thus, the
positioning server can route corresponding positioning messages to
the device through the mobility management entity (MME) and related
base station, based at least in part on the request.
SUMMARY
[0008] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more
aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects.
This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated
aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical
elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all
aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or
more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed
description that is presented later.
[0009] In accordance with one or more embodiments and corresponding
disclosure thereof, various aspects are described in connection
with facilitating utilizing a mapping of a network area identifier
to a base station identifier at a positioning server for routing
messages of a positioning protocol. In this regard, the positioning
server can appropriately route messages to a base station that are
not associated with a particular device through an intermediate
network node, such as a mobility management entity (MME). In
another example, the positioning server can include the network
area identifier in a message to allow the intermediate network node
to identify a possible gateway node between the intermediate
network node and the base station, and accordingly route the
messages to the gateway node for providing to the base station. It
is to be appreciated that the positioning server can include the
network area identifier in the message regardless of whether the
message is associated with a particular device or not. In addition,
in this example, the intermediate network node can include an
identifier of the base station in the messages to the gateway
node.
[0010] According to an example, a method of communicating a message
of a positioning protocol in a wireless network is provided that
includes generating a message of a positioning protocol associated
with a base station and determining a network area identifier
associated with the base station. The method further includes
delivering the message to an intermediate network node based at
least in part on the network area identifier.
[0011] In another aspect, an apparatus for routing messages of a
positioning protocol in a wireless network is provided that
includes at least one processor configured to generate a message of
a positioning protocol associated with a base station and determine
a network area identifier associated with the base station. The at
least one processor is further configured to provide the message to
an intermediate network node based at least in part on the network
area identifier. In addition, the apparatus includes a memory
coupled to the at least one processor.
[0012] In yet another aspect, an apparatus for routing messages of
a positioning protocol in a wireless network is provided that
includes means for generating a message of a positioning protocol
associated with a base station and means for determining a network
area identifier associated with the base station. The apparatus
further includes means for delivering the message to an
intermediate network node based at least in part on the network
area identifier.
[0013] Still, in another aspect, a computer-program product is
provided routing messages of a positioning protocol in a wireless
network including a computer-readable medium having code for
causing at least one computer to generate a message of a
positioning protocol associated with a base station and code for
causing the at least one computer to determine a network area
identifier associated with the base station. The computer-readable
medium further includes code for causing the at least one computer
to provide the message to an intermediate network node based at
least in part on the network area identifier.
[0014] Moreover, in an aspect, an apparatus for routing messages of
a positioning protocol in a wireless network is provided that
includes a message component for generating a message of a
positioning protocol associated with a base station and a network
area identifier determining component for discerning a network area
identifier associated with the base station. The apparatus further
includes a message routing component for delivering the message to
an intermediate network node based at least in part on the network
area identifier.
[0015] According to another example, a method for routing messages
of a positioning protocol in a wireless network is provided that
includes receiving a network area identifier related to a base
station in a message of a positioning protocol and determining
whether a gateway is present based at least in part on the network
area identifier. The method further includes delivering the message
to a network node based at least in part on whether the gateway is
present.
[0016] In another aspect, an apparatus for routing messages of a
positioning protocol in a wireless network is provided that
includes at least one processor configured to receive a network
area identifier related to a base station in a message of a
positioning protocol and determine whether a gateway is present
based at least in part on the network area identifier. The at least
one processor is further configured to provide the message to a
network node based at least in part on whether the gateway is
present. In addition, the apparatus includes a memory coupled to
the at least one processor.
[0017] In yet another aspect, an apparatus for routing messages of
a positioning protocol in a wireless network is provided that
includes means for receiving a network area identifier related to a
base station in a message of a positioning protocol and means for
determining whether a gateway is present based at least in part on
the network area identifier. The apparatus further includes means
for delivering the message to a network node based at least in part
on whether the gateway is present.
[0018] Still, in another aspect, a computer-program product is
provided for routing messages of a positioning protocol in a
wireless network including a computer-readable medium having code
for causing at least one computer to receive a network area
identifier related to a base station in a message of a positioning
protocol and code for causing the at least one computer to
determine whether a gateway is present based at least in part on
the network area identifier. The computer-readable medium further
includes code for causing the at least one computer to provide the
message to a network node based at least in part on whether the
gateway is present.
[0019] Moreover, in an aspect, an apparatus for routing messages of
a positioning protocol in a wireless network is provided that
includes a message receiving component for obtaining a network area
identifier related to a base station in a message of a positioning
protocol and a gateway presence determining component for
discerning whether a gateway is present based at least in part on
the network area identifier. The apparatus further includes a
message routing component for delivering the message to a network
node based at least in part on whether the gateway is present.
[0020] In another example, a method for updating positioning
information in a wireless network is provided that includes
receiving one or more messages from a positioning server and
detecting modification of one or more parameters related to a
position. The method further includes communicating a message to
the positioning server including the one or more parameters as
modified.
[0021] In another aspect, an apparatus for updating positioning
information in a wireless network is provided that includes at
least one processor configured to receive one or more messages from
a positioning server and detect modification of one or more
parameters related to a position. The at least one processor is
further configured to communicate a message to the positioning
server including the one or more parameters as modified. In
addition, the apparatus includes a memory coupled to the at least
one processor.
[0022] In yet another aspect, an apparatus for updating positioning
information in a wireless network is provided that includes means
for detecting modification of one or more parameters related to a
position. The apparatus further includes means for communicating a
message to a positioning server including the one or more
parameters as modified.
[0023] Still, in another aspect, a computer-program product is
provided for updating positioning information in a wireless network
including a computer-readable medium having code for causing at
least one computer to receive one or more messages from a
positioning server and code for causing the at least one computer
to detect modification of one or more parameters related to a
position. The computer-readable medium further includes code for
causing the at least one computer to communicate a message to the
positioning server including the one or more parameters as
modified.
[0024] Moreover, in an aspect, an apparatus for updating
positioning information in a wireless network is provided that
includes a configuration modification detecting component for
determining modification of one or more parameters related to a
position. The apparatus further includes a positioning server
communicating component for transmitting a message to a positioning
server including the one or more parameters as modified.
[0025] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the
one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully
described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following
description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain
illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features
are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which
the principles of various aspects may be employed, and this
description is intended to include all such aspects and their
equivalents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and
not to limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations
denote like elements, and in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for communicating
messages of a positioning protocol across various network
nodes.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an example system for communicating
messages at least from a positioning server to an intermediate
network node.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an example system for communicating
messages at least from an intermediate network node to a gateway or
base station.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates an example system that facilitates
updating positioning information with a positioning server.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates an example system for communicating
messages of a positioning protocol between various network
nodes.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates an example system for communicating
messages of a positioning protocol between various network nodes
including at least one gateway.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates an example methodology that routes
messages of a positioning protocol.
[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates an example methodology that routes
received messages of a positioning protocol.
[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates an example methodology for updating
positioning information.
[0036] FIG. 10 illustrates an example system that updates
positioning information.
[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates an example computing device for routing
messages of a positioning protocol.
[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates an example system for routing messages
of a positioning protocol.
[0039] FIG. 13 illustrates an example system that routes received
messages of a positioning protocol.
[0040] FIG. 14 illustrates an example system that updates
positioning information.
[0041] FIG. 15 illustrates an example wireless communication system
in accordance with various aspects set forth herein.
[0042] FIG. 16 illustrates an example wireless network environment
that can be employed in conjunction with the various systems and
methods described herein.
[0043] FIG. 17 illustrates a wireless communication system,
configured to support a number of devices, in which the aspects
herein can be implemented.
[0044] FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary communication system to
enable deployment of femtocells within a network environment.
[0045] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a coverage map having
several defined tracking areas.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] Various aspects are now described 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 may be
evident, however, that such aspect(s) may be practiced without
these specific details.
[0047] As described further herein, a mapping of network area
identifiers to base station identifiers can be utilized by a
positioning server to determine an intermediate network node
related to a base station for routing one or more messages of a
positioning protocol. In addition, for example, the network area
identifier can be indicated in the messages where one or more
gateway nodes exist between the intermediate network node and the
base station. Thus, the intermediate network node can determine an
appropriate gateway node to which to forward the message based at
least in part on the network area identifier. Moreover, in this
example, the intermediate network node can include an identifier of
the base station in the message to allow the gateway node to
determine the base station to which to forward the message.
Furthermore, for example, a base station can be a home evolved Node
B (HeNB), which can update its configuration to the positioning
server upon detecting a modification to it position or other
configuration parameters.
[0048] As used in this application, the terms "component,"
"module," "system" and the like are intended to include a
computer-related entity, such as but not limited to hardware,
firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or
software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not
limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an
object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a
computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a
computing device and the computing device can be a component. One
or more components can reside within a process and/or thread of
execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or
distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these
components can execute from various computer readable media having
various data structures stored thereon. The components may
communicate by way of local and/or remote processes such as in
accordance with a signal having one or more data packets, such as
data from one component interacting with another component in a
local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as
the Internet with other systems by way of the signal.
[0049] Furthermore, various aspects are described herein in
connection with a terminal, which can be a wired terminal or a
wireless terminal. A terminal can also be called a system, device,
subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile, mobile
device, remote station, remote terminal, access terminal, user
terminal, terminal, communication device, user agent, user device,
or user equipment (UE). A wireless terminal may be a cellular
telephone, a satellite phone, a cordless telephone, a Session
Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL)
station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device
having wireless connection capability, a computing device, or other
processing devices connected to a wireless modem. Moreover, various
aspects are described herein in connection with a base station. A
base station may be utilized for communicating with wireless
terminal(s) and may also be referred to as an access point, a Node
B, evolved Node B (eNB), or some other terminology.
[0050] Moreover, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive
"or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless specified
otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase "X employs A or B"
is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, the phrase "X employs A or B" is satisfied by any of the
following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A
and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this
application and the appended claims should generally be construed
to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from the
context to be directed to a singular form.
[0051] The techniques described herein may be used for various
wireless communication systems such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA,
SC-FDMA and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are
often used interchangeably. A CDMA system may implement a radio
technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA),
cdma2000, etc. UTRA includes Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA) and other
variants of CDMA. Further, cdma2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and
IS-856 standards. A TDMA system may implement a radio technology
such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA
system may implement a radio technology such as Evolved UTRA
(E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE
802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM.RTM., etc. UTRA and E-UTRA
are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). 3GPP
Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a release of UMTS that uses E-UTRA,
which employs OFDMA on the downlink and SC-FDMA on the uplink.
UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE and GSM are described in documents from an
organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP).
Additionally, cdma2000 and UMB are described in documents from an
organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2).
Further, such wireless communication systems may additionally
include peer-to-peer (e.g., mobile-to-mobile) ad hoc network
systems often using unpaired unlicensed spectrums, 802.xx wireless
LAN, BLUETOOTH and any other short- or long-range, wireless
communication techniques.
[0052] Various aspects or features will be presented in terms of
systems that may include a number of devices, components, modules,
and the like. It is to be understood and appreciated that the
various systems may include additional devices, components,
modules, etc. and/or may not include all of the devices,
components, modules etc. discussed in connection with the figures.
A combination of these approaches may also be used.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a wireless communication
system 100 that facilitates routing messages of a positioning
protocol among one or more network nodes. System 100 includes a
positioning server 102 that provides messages of a positioning
protocol to one or more base stations 104 and/or 106 (which can
relate to devices served by base stations 104 and 106, or
otherwise). In addition, system 100 includes an intermediate
network node 108 that can, in one example, route the messages to
base stations 104 and/or 106. System 100 can also optionally
include a gateway 110 that further routes messages from
intermediate network node 108 to the base stations 104 and/or 106,
in another example. Positioning server 102 can be a serving mobile
location center (SMLC), evolved SMLC (eSMLC) in LTE, and/or the
like. Base stations 104 and 106 can be a macrocell base station,
femtocell or picocell base station (e.g., home evolved Node B
(HeNB)), a mobile base station, relay node, a portion thereof,
and/or the like. Intermediate network node 108 can be a mobility
management entity (MME) that provides authorization and/or
authentication for one or more devices communicating with base
stations 104 and/or 106, and/or a similar network node. Where base
stations 104 and 106 are HeNBs, optional gateway 110 can be a HeNB
gateway, for example.
[0054] According to an example, positioning server 102 can
communicate messages of the positioning protocol to base stations
104 and/or 106 at least through intermediate network node 108. In
one example, the positioning protocol can be an LTE positioning
protocol (LPP), LPP annex (LPPa), and/or similar positioning
protocol. In addition, for example, the messages can relate to
specific requests from devices communicating with base stations 104
and/or 106, and can be received through intermediate network node
108. Thus, the messages can include a related network area
identifier, such as a tracking area identifier (TAI) in LTE, as
specified by the intermediate network node 108. Thus, for a given
response message, positioning server 102 can identify an
intermediate network node based at least in part on a network area
identifier that positioning server 102 can associate with the
response message.
[0055] In addition, in an example, positioning server 102 stores a
mapping of network area identifiers (NAI) to base station
identifiers (BS ID), such as mapping 112. For example, the mapping
can be of a format similar to the following:
TABLE-US-00001 Base Station ID Network Area Identifier Xxx Yyy Zzz
Yyy Ppp Ttt . . . . . .
where Xxx, Zzz, and Ppp represent base station identifiers, and Yyy
and Ttt represent corresponding network area identifiers. It is to
be appreciated that the identifiers can be substantially any value
of substantially any format (e.g., a string, integer, etc.). In
this regard, for example, positioning server 102 can receive or
otherwise generate one or more messages of the positioning protocol
intended for a base stations 104 and/or 106, such as message 114,
which can thus be associated with an identifier of the base
stations 104 and/or 106 (e.g., where the messages are not
associated with a request from a device). Based at least in part on
the identifier of base station 104 and/or 106, for example,
positioning server 102 can determine a network area identifier
associated with messages according to the mapping, and can transmit
the messages to intermediate network node 108 based at least in
part on the network area identifier. Where gateway 110 is not
present, for example, intermediate network node 108 can forward the
messages to base stations 104 and/or 106 based at least in part on
a base station identifier within the messages.
[0056] Moreover, where gateway 110 is present positioning server
102 can optionally include the network area identifier in the
messages to the intermediate network node 108 even for messages
associated with a particular device, as shown for message 114. In
this example, the intermediate network node 108 can similarly store
a mapping of network area identifiers to gateway identifiers (GW
ID), such as mapping 116. Similarly, this mapping can have a format
similar to the following, in one example:
TABLE-US-00002 Network Area Identifier Gateway ID Yyy Qqq Ttt Fff .
. . . . .
where Yyy and Ttt represent network area identifiers, and Qqq and
Fff represent corresponding gateway identifiers. It is to be
appreciated that the identifiers can be substantially any value of
substantially any format (e.g., a string, integer, etc.).
Accordingly, intermediate network node 108 can determine one or
more gateways, such as gateway 110, associated with the network
area identifier, and can forward the messages to gateway 110 along
with the base station identifier, such as message 118. Gateway 110,
in this example, can receive the messages of the positioning
protocol and can forward the messages to base stations 104 and/or
106 based at least in part on the base station identifier in the
messages.
[0057] In this regard, for positioning messages that are not
related to specific devices but are intended for a particular base
station 104 and/or 106, such as messages related to a position of a
base station, base station timing, acknowledging a position update
from the base station, and/or the like, as described herein, the
positioning server 102 can identify the intermediate network node
108 to which base station 104 and/or 106 communicates based on the
mapping and the base station identifier in the message, since it
does not have a specific device identifier the corresponds to the
intermediate network node 108. In addition, where gateway 110 is
present, positioning server 102 can include the network area
identifier in the message, and the intermediate network node 108
can determine the gateway 110 associated therewith to determine the
gateway 110 corresponding to base station 104 and/or 106. This can
be performed regardless of whether the positioning message relates
to a particular device, in this example, since the intermediate
network node 108 may not otherwise know to which gateway 110 the
base station 104 and/or 106 communicates.
[0058] Turning to FIG. 2, an example wireless communication system
200 is illustrated that facilitates routing messages of a
positioning protocol based at least in part on a network area
identifier. System 200 can include a positioning server 202, which
can be similar to substantially any positioning server described
herein, and can thus be an eSMLC, etc. System 200 can also include
an intermediate network node 204 that can be similar to
substantially any intermediate network node described herein, and
can thus be an MME or similar component that facilitates
communicating with one or more devices or related base stations.
Moreover, for example, system 200 can optionally comprise a gateway
206 that facilitates accessing one or more base stations, such as
base station 208. Where gateway 206 is not present, for example,
intermediate network node 204 can communicate directly with base
station 208. As described, base station 208 can be an HeNB,
macrocell base station, mobile base station, relay node, etc., as
described. Thus, for example, where base station 208 is an HeNB,
gateway 206 can be an HeNB gateway.
[0059] Positioning server 202 can comprise a message component 210
that obtains or generates one or more messages of a positioning
protocol (e.g., LPPa, etc.) intended for one or more base stations
or related device communication with the one or more base stations,
and a network area identifier determining component 212 for
discerning a network area identifier associated with an identifier
of the one or more base stations. Positioning server 202 can also
include a message routing component 214 for delivering the one or
more messages to an intermediate network node for providing to the
one or more base stations based at least in part on the network
area identifier, and an optional network area identifier receiving
component 216 for obtaining one or more network area identifiers
(e.g., and/or associations to one or more base station
identifiers).
[0060] According to an example, message component 210 can receive
or otherwise generate a message of a positioning protocol for
transmitting to a base station, such as base station 208. In one
example, the message can be directed to a device based at least in
part on a request from the device. In another example, the message
can be directed to the base station and can be a message related to
positioning of the base station 208, timing, an acknowledgement of
a positioning update, as described further herein, etc., for
example. In either case, the message can include an identifier of
the base station, and network area identifier determining component
212 can determine the identifier of the base station along with a
network area identifier associated with the identifier of the base
station. In one example, network area identifier determining
component 212 determines such based at least in part on a mapping
of network area identifiers to base station identifiers stored by
network area identifier determining component 212 (e.g., in a
memory or other data store, etc.). In one example, the network area
identifier can be a tracking area identifier (TAI) or similar
identifier. In addition, intermediate network node 204 can be an
MME associated with the TAI in a core network that includes the
positioning server 202, intermediate network node 204, etc. In this
regard, message routing component 214 can determine intermediate
network node 204 as associated with the determined network area
identifier, and can forward the message to intermediate network
node 204 for providing to base station 208.
[0061] Moreover, for example, network area identifier receiving
component 216 can obtain the mapping of network area identifier to
base station identifiers from one or more components of the core
network (not shown), such as an operations and management (OAM) or
similar component. For example, the mapping provided can be a
static or semistatic database, such that one or more components can
update the mappings. In one example, base station 208 can provision
updates to the mapping related to base station 208 based at least
in part on detecting a configuration change, as described further
herein, according to a timer, and/or the like. In another example,
intermediate network node 204 can provide mappings to positioning
server 202 based at least in part on the network area identifier
associated with intermediate network node 204 and an identifier of
one or more base stations communicating with intermediate network
node 204 (e.g., this can occur periodically, for a given base
station during initialization, based on another event, and/or the
like). In addition, in one example, base station 208 can provide
its identifier to the positioning server 202 to propagate updates
at base station 208, as described above, as part of intermediate
network node 204 provisioning network area identifier mappings,
and/or the like.
[0062] In another example, where gateway 206 is present, message
routing component 214 can include the determined network area
identifier within the message. In this regard, as described further
herein, intermediate network node 204 can determine to route the
message to a gateway related to the network area identifier for
communicating to the base station 208. In addition, as described
further herein, intermediate network node 204 can specify to
positioning server 202 whether or not to include the network area
identifier in the message. In one example, intermediate network
node 204 can communicate a parameter to positioning server 202 to
request a network area identifier in all messages to the
intermediate network node 204, only for a specified set of base
station identifiers (e.g., only HeNBs), and/or the like. In either
case, network area identifier receiving component 216 can obtain
the indication and/or set of base station identifiers, and message
routing component 214 can accordingly indicate the network area
identifier as desired in corresponding messages. In another
example, positioning server 202 can include the network area
identifier in messages by default unless otherwise instructed by
the intermediate network node 204.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is an example wireless
communication system 300 that facilitates routing messages of a
positioning protocol based at least in part on a network area
identifier. System 300 can include a positioning server 302, which
can be similar to substantially any positioning server described
herein, and can thus be an eSMLC, etc., as described. System 300
can also include an intermediate network node 304 that can be
similar to substantially any intermediate network node described
herein, and can thus be an MME or similar component that
facilitates communicating with one or more devices or related base
stations. Moreover, for example, system 300 can optionally comprise
a gateway 306 that facilitates accessing one or more base stations,
such as base station 308, as described. Where gateway 306 is not
present, for example, intermediate network node 304 can communicate
directly with base station 308. As described, base station 308 can
be an HeNB, macrocell base station, mobile base station, relay
node, etc., as described. Thus, for example, where base station 308
is an HeNB, gateway 306 can be an HeNB gateway.
[0064] Intermediate network node 304 can comprise a message
receiving component 310 that obtains a message of a positioning
protocol (e.g., LPPa, etc.) related to one or more base stations
from a positioning server, and a gateway presence determining
component 312 that can detect whether a gateway exists between
intermediate network node 304 and the one or more base stations
(e.g., and/or one or more devices communicating therewith).
Intermediate network node 304 can additionally comprise a message
routing component 314 that forwards the message to a gateway where
present, or the one or more base stations, and an optional network
area identifier receiving component 316 that obtains network area
identifiers and associated gateway identifiers.
[0065] According to an example, message receiving component 310 can
obtain a message of the positioning protocol from positioning
server 302 related to one or more base stations, such as base
station 308 or a device communicating therewith. Gateway presence
determining component 312, in one example, discerns whether a
gateway exists between intermediate network node 304 and base
station 308. In one example, this can include determining whether
base station 308 is a HeNB, detecting the gateway 306 upon
initialization of base station 308 with a core network, receiving
an indication of gateway 306 from base station 308 or one or more
other network components or devices, and/or the like. In one
example, gateway presence determining component 312 can store a
list of base station identifiers that correspond to base stations
that communicate through a gateway. Moreover, for example, gateway
presence determining component 312 can forward such identifiers to
positioning server 302, so positioning server can determine whether
to provide a network area identifier in communications for the base
stations, as described previously.
[0066] Additionally, in this regard, where a network area
identifier is received in the message from positioning server 302,
gateway presence determining component 312 specifies that a gateway
exists between intermediate network node 304 and base station 308.
In this example, message routing component 314 can determine the
gateway, which is gateway 306, based at least in part on a stored
mapping between the network area identifier and an identifier of
gateway 306. As described, for example, network area identifier
receiving component 316 can obtain this mapping (e.g., from an
OAM), generate the mapping based at least in part on associating
gateway identifiers with network area identifiers upon
initialization of the gateway 306 or base station 308 with the core
network, and/or the like.
[0067] Moreover, for example, message routing component 314 can
include the identifier of the base station in the message or a
header thereof to facilitate routing at the gateway 306. In another
example, where the message received from the positioning server 302
does not include a network area identifier, gateway presence
determining component 312 can determine that there is no gateway
between intermediate network node 304 and base station 308, and
message routing component 314 can forward the message directly to
base station 308.
[0068] Turning to FIG. 4, an example wireless communication system
400 that facilitates routing messages of a positioning protocol
based at least in part on a network area identifier is illustrated.
System 400 can include a positioning server 402, which can be
similar to substantially any positioning server described herein,
and can thus be an eSMLC, etc., as described. System 400 can also
include an intermediate network node 404 that can be similar to
substantially any intermediate network node described herein, and
can thus be an MME or similar component that facilitates
communicating with one or more devices or related base stations, as
described. Moreover, as described for example, system 400 can
optionally comprise a gateway 406 that facilitates accessing one or
more base stations, such as base station 408, as described. Where
gateway 406 is not present, for example, intermediate network node
404 can communicate directly with base station 408. As described,
base station 408 can be an HeNB, macrocell base station, mobile
base station, relay node, etc., as described. Thus, for example,
where base station 408 is an HeNB, gateway 406 can be an HeNB
gateway.
[0069] Base station 408 can comprise a configuration modification
detecting component 410 that can determine modification of one or
more configuration parameters for a base station, and a positioning
server communicating component 412 that can communicate the one or
more configuration parameters as modified to one or more network
components. According to an example, as described, positioning
server 402 can communicate messages of a positioning protocol
(e.g., LPPa, etc.) to base station 408 through intermediate network
node 404 and/or gateway 406 (if present), which can be received at
positioning server communicating component 412. As described, base
station 408 can be an HeNB, which can be configured by a user.
Similarly, for example, the base station 408 can be moved from one
location to another. In either case, this can result in a
configuration update. In an example, configuration modification
detecting component 410 can determine the modification of at least
one or more positioning parameters, such as location, at least in
part by monitoring the parameters, or otherwise being notified of
modification.
[0070] In this example, positioning server communicating component
412 can transmit a message to positioning server 402 to update the
parameters for base station 408. For example, the message can be of
the positioning protocol utilized by positioning server 402 to
communicate with base station 408. In one example, the parameters
can relate to assistance data subsequently provided to one or more
devices for determining positioning. In another example, the
updated position or other parameters may change the network area
identifier (and/or gateway 406, in one example) associated with
base station 408. Thus, the positioning server 402, in this
example, can associate the identifier of base station 408 with the
new network area identifier, and/or intermediate network node 404
can associate the network area identifier with the new gateway, if
not already associated, for example.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, an example wireless communication
system 500 is illustrated that facilitates routing messages of a
positioning protocol. System 500 comprises an eSMLC 502 that
communicates positioning protocol message through an MME 504 to an
eNB 506. In this example, MME 504 can be associated with TAI Y, and
eNB 506 can have identifier X. As depicted, at eSMLC 502,
generation of a non-UE associated LPPa message for eNB X can be
triggered 508. This can include, for example, messages for
requesting a position, updating timing, acknowledging positioning
updates, and/or the like. eSMLC can lookup a TAI for eNB X 510. As
described, this can include analyzing a mapping of TAIs to eNB
identifiers, which can be received or otherwise generated/updated
by eSMLC 502. eSMLC 502 can determine that TAI Y is associated with
eNB X 512. Thus, eSMLC 502 can transmit a container message that
specifies eNB ID=X 514 to MME 504, based at least in part on MME
504 being associated with TAI Y. For example, the container message
514 can be a location service (LCS) message in LTE. MME 504 can
subsequently forward container message 516, which can have
different headers than container message 514, to eNB 506 based at
least in part on the eNB ID received in container message 514.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 6, an example wireless communication
system 600 is illustrated that facilitates routing messages of a
positioning protocol. System 600 comprises an eSMLC 602 that
communicates positioning protocol message through an MME 604 and a
HeNB gateway 606 to an HeNB 608. In this example, MME 604 can be
associated with TAI Y, and HeNB 608 can have identifier X. As
depicted, at eSMLC 602, generation of a non-UE associated LPPa
message for eNB X can be triggered 610. This can include, for
example, messages for requesting a position, updating timing,
and/or the like. eSMLC can lookup a TAI for eNB X 612. As
described, this can include analyzing a mapping of TAIs to eNB
identifiers, which can be received or otherwise generated/updated
by eSMLC 602. eSMLC 602 can determine that TAI Y is associated with
eNB X 614. Thus, eSMLC 502 can transmit a container message that
specifies eNB ID=X and TAI=Y 616 to MME 604, based at least in part
on MME 604 being associated with TAI Y.
[0073] As described, for example, eSMLC 602 can include TAI Y in
container message 616 based at least in part on a request from MME
604 to include TAI in all container messages, container messages
for eNB X, and/or the like, a determination to include TAI in
container messages, eSMLC 602 or MME 604 detecting presence of HeNB
gateway 606, and/or the like. MME 604 can receive the container
message 616 and can lookup a HeNB gateway for TAI Y 618. MME 604
can identify the HeNB gateway 620 related to TAI Y and can transmit
container message 622 to HeNB gateway 606 for forwarding to HeNB
608. For example, MME 604 can include eNB ID=X in the container
message 622 (e.g., or a header thereof) to allow HeNB gateway 606
to determine the container message 622 is for HeNB 608.
[0074] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, example methodologies relating to
routing messages of a positioning protocol are illustrated. While,
for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are
shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and
appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of
acts, as some acts may, in accordance with one or more embodiments,
occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from
that shown and described herein. For example, it is to be
appreciated that a methodology could alternatively be represented
as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state
diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to
implement a methodology in accordance with one or more
embodiments.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 7, an example methodology 700 is displayed
that facilitates routing messages of a positioning protocol. At
702, a message of a positioning protocol associated with a base
station can be generated. For example, as described, the
positioning protocol can be LPPa, etc., and the message can relate
to a position, timing, acknowledgement of a positioning information
update, and/or one or more similar parameters. In another example,
the message can relate to a device served by the base station. At
704, a network area identifier associated with the base station can
be determined. As described, for example, this can be determined
based at least in part on locating the network area identifier in a
mapping of network area identifiers to base station identifiers. At
706, the message can be delivered to an intermediate network node
based at least in part on the network area identifier. As
described, for example, the intermediate network node can be an
MME, the network area identifier can be a TAI, etc.
[0076] Turning to FIG. 8, an example methodology 800 is displayed
that facilitates routing messages of a positioning protocol. At
802, a network area identifier related to a base station can be
received in a message of a positioning protocol. At 804, it can be
determined whether a gateway is present (e.g., whether the base
station is served by the gateway). For example, this can be based
at least in part on analyzing a mapping of network area identifiers
to gateway identifiers to determine whether the received network
area identifier is associated with a gateway. If so, at 806, an eNB
identifier can be included in the message, and at 808, the message
can be delivered to the gateway. If the gateway is not present, at
810, the message can be delivered to the base station.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 9, illustrated is an example methodology
900 for updating positioning information. At 902, one or more
messages can be received from a positioning server, as described
above. At 904, modification of one or more parameters related to a
position can be detected. For example, this can include detecting a
change in location (e.g., based at least in part on monitored
coordinates). At 906, a message including the one or more
parameters as modified can be communicated to the positioning
server. For example, the message can be of the positioning protocol
of the one or more messages received from the positioning server,
as described.
[0078] It will be appreciated that, in accordance with one or more
aspects described herein, inferences can be made regarding
associating network area identifiers with base station identifiers
or HeNB gateway identifiers, determining an intermediate network
node or HeNB gateway based at least in part upon the network area
identifiers, and/or the like, as described. As used herein, the
term to "infer" or "inference" refers generally to the process of
reasoning about or inferring states of the system, environment,
and/or user from a set of observations as captured via events
and/or data. Inference can be employed to identify a specific
context or action, or can generate a probability distribution over
states, for example. The inference can be probabilistic--that is,
the computation of a probability distribution over states of
interest based on a consideration of data and events. Inference can
also refer to techniques employed for composing higher-level events
from a set of events and/or data. Such inference results in the
construction of new events or actions from a set of observed events
and/or stored event data, whether or not the events are correlated
in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and data come
from one or several event and data sources.
[0079] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a system 1000 that facilitates
updating positioning configuration. System 1000 comprises a base
station 1002, which can be substantially any base station (e.g., a
small base station, such as a femtocell, picocell, etc., relay
node, mobile base station . . . ) having a receiver 1010 that
receives signal(s) from one or more mobile devices 1004 through a
plurality of receive antennas 1006 (e.g., which can be of multiple
network technologies, as described), and a transmitter 1024 that
transmits to the one or more mobile devices 1004 through a
plurality of transmit antennas 1008 (e.g., which can be of multiple
network technologies, as described). In addition, in one example,
transmitter 1024 can transmit to the mobile devices 1004 over a
wired front link. Receiver 1010 can receive information from one or
more receive antennas 1006 and is operatively associated with a
demodulator 1012 that demodulates received information. In
addition, in an example, receiver 1010 can receive from a wired
backhaul link. Demodulated symbols are analyzed by a processor 1014
that can be similar to processors described herein, and which is
coupled to a memory 1016 that can store information related to
estimating a signal (e.g., pilot) strength and/or interference
strength, data to be transmitted to or received from mobile
device(s) 1004 (or a disparate base station (not shown)), and/or
any other suitable information related to performing the various
actions and functions set forth herein.
[0080] Memory 1016 can additionally store protocols and/or
algorithms associated with estimating and/or utilizing a channel
(e.g., performance based, capacity based, etc.), updating
positioning information, or substantially any other aspect
described herein. It will be appreciated that memory 1016 can be
either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both
volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way of illustration, and not
limitation, nonvolatile memory can include read only memory (ROM),
programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),
electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile
memory can include random access memory (RAM), which acts as
external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation,
RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM),
dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate
SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM
(SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). The memory 1016 of the
subject systems and methods is intended to comprise, without being
limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory, and can
generally be a data store, as described herein.
[0081] Processor 1014 is further optionally coupled to a
configuration modification detecting component 1018, which can be
similar to a configuration modification detecting component 410,
and a positioning server communicating component 1020, which can be
similar to a positioning server communicating component 412. In
this regard, the configuration modification detecting component
1018 and positioning server communicating component 1020 can
utilize processor 1014 to execute one or more functions described
herein, memory 1016 to store such instructions or parameters
related thereto, and/or the like.
[0082] Moreover, for example, processor 1014 can modulate signals
to be transmitted using modulator 1022, and transmit modulated
signals using transmitter 1024. Transmitter 1024 can transmit
signals to mobile devices 1004 over Tx antennas 1008. Furthermore,
although depicted as being separate from the processor 1014, it is
to be appreciated that configuration modification detecting
component 1018, positioning server communicating component 1020,
demodulator 1012, and/or modulator 1022 can be part of the
processor 1014 or multiple processors (not shown).
[0083] Referring to FIG. 11, in one aspect, any of network nodes
102, 108, 202, 204, 302, 304, 402, 404, 502, 504, 602, or 604, etc.
(e.g., FIGS. 1-6) may be represented by computer device 1100.
Computer device 1100 includes a processor 1102 for carrying out
processing functions associated with one or more of components and
functions described herein. Processor 1102 can include a single or
multiple set of processors or multi-core processors. Moreover,
processor 1102 can be implemented as an integrated processing
system and/or a distributed processing system.
[0084] Computer device 1100 further includes a memory 1104, such as
for storing local versions of applications being executed by
processor 1102. Memory 1104 can include substantially any type of
memory usable by a computer, such as random access memory (RAM),
read only memory (ROM), tapes, magnetic discs, optical discs,
volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and any combination
thereof.
[0085] Further, computer device 1100 includes a communications
component 1106 that provides for establishing and maintaining
communications with one or more parties utilizing hardware,
software, and services as described herein. Communications
component 1106 may carry communications between components on
computer device 1100, as well as between computer device 1100 and
external devices, such as devices located across a communications
network and/or devices serially or locally connected to computer
device 1100. For example, communications component 1106 may include
one or more buses, and may further include transmit chain
components and receive chain components associated with a
transmitter and receiver, respectively, operable for interfacing
with external devices.
[0086] Additionally, computer device 1100 may further include a
data store 1108, which can be any suitable combination of hardware
and/or software, that provides for mass storage of information,
databases, and programs employed in connection with aspects
described herein. For example, data store 1108 may be a data
repository for applications not currently being executed by
processor 1102.
[0087] Computer device 1100 may optionally include a interface
component 1110 operable to receive inputs from a user of computer
device 1100, and further operable to generate outputs for
presentation to the user. Interface component 1110 may include one
or more input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a
number pad, a mouse, a touch-sensitive display, a navigation key, a
function key, a microphone, a voice recognition component, any
other mechanism capable of receiving an input from a user, or any
combination thereof. Further, interface component 1110 may include
one or more output devices, including but not limited to a display,
a speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, a printer, any other
mechanism capable of presenting an output to a user, or any
combination thereof. In another example, interface component 1110
can be an application programming interface (API) that can be
accessed by one or more devices to perform functions on computer
device 1100.
[0088] In addition, in the depicted example, computer device 1100
can optionally include one or more of a message component 1112,
network area identifier determining component 1114, message routing
component 1116, message receiving component 1118, or gateway
presence determining component 1120. Thus, these components 1112,
1114, 1116, 1118, and/or 1120, which can be similar to other
components described herein, can utilize processor 1102 to execute
instructions associated therewith, memory 1104 to store information
associated therewith, communications component 1106 to carry out
communications, and/or the like, as described. In addition, it is
to be appreciated that computer device 1100 can include additional
or alternative components described herein.
[0089] With reference to FIG. 12, illustrated is a system 1200 that
routes messages of a positioning protocol. For example, system 1200
can reside at least partially within an eSMLC, or other core
network component, etc. It is to be appreciated that system 1200 is
represented as including functional blocks, which can be functional
blocks that represent functions implemented by a processor,
software, or combination thereof (e.g., firmware). System 1200
includes a logical grouping 1202 of electrical components that can
act in conjunction. For instance, logical grouping 1202 can include
an electrical component for generating a message of a positioning
protocol associated with a base station 1204. As described, the
message can include one or more parameters related to positioning,
timing, acknowledging a positioning update, and/or the like.
Further, logical grouping 1202 can comprise an electrical component
for determining a network area identifier associated with the base
station 1206.
[0090] As described, for example, electrical component 1206 can
store mappings of network area identifiers to base station
identifiers (e.g., in memory 1210 or otherwise) for subsequently
determining the network area identifier associated with an
identifier of the base station. Moreover, logical grouping 1202 can
include an electrical component for delivering the message to an
intermediate network node based at least in part on the network
area identifier 1208. For example, electrical component 1204 can
include a message component 210, as described above. In addition,
for example, electrical component 1206, in an aspect, can include a
network area identifier determining component 212, as described
above. Furthermore, electrical component 1208, in an aspect, can
include a message routing component 214, as described.
Additionally, system 1200 can include a memory 1210 that retains
instructions for executing functions associated with the electrical
components 1204, 1206, and 1208. While shown as being external to
memory 1210, it is to be understood that one or more of the
electrical components 1204, 1206, and 1208 can exist within memory
1210.
[0091] In one example, electrical components 1204, 1206, and 1208
can comprise at least one processor, or each electrical component
1204, 1206, and 1208 can be a corresponding module of at least one
processor. Moreover, in an additional or alternative example,
electrical components 1204, 1206, and 1208 can be a computer
program product comprising a computer readable medium, where each
electrical component 1204, 1206, and 1208 can be corresponding
code.
[0092] With reference to FIG. 13, illustrated is a system 1300 that
routes messages of a positioning protocol. For example, system 1300
can reside at least partially within an MME, or other core network
component, etc. It is to be appreciated that system 1300 is
represented as including functional blocks, which can be functional
blocks that represent functions implemented by a processor,
software, or combination thereof (e.g., firmware). System 1300
includes a logical grouping 1302 of electrical components that can
act in conjunction. For instance, logical grouping 1302 can include
an electrical component for receiving a network area identifier
related to a base station in a message of a positioning protocol
1304. Further, logical grouping 1302 can comprise an electrical
component for determining whether a gateway is present based at
least in part on the network area identifier 1306. As described,
for example, electrical component 1306 can store mappings of
network area identifiers to identifiers of gateways, and can
determine presence of the gateway based at least in part on
locating the network area identifier in the mappings.
[0093] Moreover, logical grouping 1302 can include an electrical
component for delivering the message to a network node based at
least in part on whether the gateway is present 1308. As described,
where the gateway is present, electrical component 1308 can deliver
the message to the gateway and can include an identifier of the
base station in the message. Where the gateway is not present, for
example, electrical component 1308 can deliver the message to the
base station. For example, electrical component 1304 can include a
message receiving component 310, as described above. In addition,
for example, electrical component 1306, in an aspect, can include a
gateway presence determining component 312, as described above.
Furthermore, electrical component 1308, in an aspect, can include a
message routing component 314, as described. Additionally, system
1300 can include a memory 1310 that retains instructions for
executing functions associated with the electrical components 1304,
1306, and 1308. While shown as being external to memory 1310, it is
to be understood that one or more of the electrical components
1304, 1306, and 1308 can exist within memory 1310.
[0094] In one example, electrical components 1304, 1306, and 1308
can comprise at least one processor, or each electrical component
1304, 1306, and 1308 can be a corresponding module of at least one
processor. Moreover, in an additional or alternative example,
electrical components 1304, 1306, and 1308 can be a computer
program product comprising a computer readable medium, where each
electrical component 1304, 1306, and 1308 can be corresponding
code.
[0095] With reference to FIG. 14, illustrated is a system 1400 that
updates positioning information. For example, system 1400 can
reside at least partially within a base station, mobile device,
etc. It is to be appreciated that system 1400 is represented as
including functional blocks, which can be functional blocks that
represent functions implemented by a processor, software, or
combination thereof (e.g., firmware). System 1400 includes a
logical grouping 1402 of electrical components that can act in
conjunction. For instance, logical grouping 1402 can include an
electrical component for detecting modification of one or more
parameters related to a position 1404. As described, electrical
component 1404 can monitor parameters such as a location (e.g., GPS
location), and/or the like.
[0096] Further, logical grouping 1402 can comprise an electrical
component for communicating a message to the positioning server
including the one or more parameters as modified 1406. As
described, for example, electrical component 1406 can utilize one
or more messages available in the positioning protocol for
communicating the message. For example, in an aspect, electrical
component 1404 can include configuration modification detecting
component 410, as described above. In addition, for example,
electrical component 1406, in an aspect, can include positioning
server communicating component 412, as described above.
Additionally, system 1400 can include a memory 1408 that retains
instructions for executing functions associated with the electrical
components 1404 and 1406. While shown as being external to memory
1408, it is to be understood that one or more of the electrical
components 1404 and 1406 can exist within memory 1408.
[0097] In one example, electrical components 1404 and 1406 can
comprise at least one processor, or each electrical component 1404
and 1406 can be a corresponding module of at least one processor.
Moreover, in an additional or alternative example, electrical
components 1404 and 1406 can be a computer program product
comprising a computer readable medium, where each electrical
component 1404 and 1406 can be corresponding code.
[0098] Referring now to FIG. 15, a wireless communication system
1500 is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments
presented herein. System 1500 comprises a base station 1502 that
can include multiple antenna groups. For example, one antenna group
can include antennas 1504 and 1506, another group can comprise
antennas 1508 and 1510, and an additional group can include
antennas 1512 and 1514. Two antennas are illustrated for each
antenna group; however, more or fewer antennas can be utilized for
each group. Base station 1502 can additionally include a
transmitter chain and a receiver chain, each of which can in turn
comprise a plurality of components associated with signal
transmission and reception (e.g., processors, modulators,
multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, antennas, etc.), as is
appreciated.
[0099] Base station 1502 can communicate with one or more mobile
devices such as mobile device 1516 and mobile device 1522; however,
it is to be appreciated that base station 1502 can communicate with
substantially any number of mobile devices similar to mobile
devices 1516 and 1522. Mobile devices 1516 and 1522 can be, for
example, cellular phones, smart phones, laptops, handheld
communication devices, handheld computing devices, satellite
radios, global positioning systems, PDAs, and/or any other suitable
device for communicating over wireless communication system 1500.
As depicted, mobile device 1516 is in communication with antennas
1512 and 1514, where antennas 1512 and 1514 transmit information to
mobile device 1516 over a forward link 1518 and receive information
from mobile device 1516 over a reverse link 1520. Moreover, mobile
device 1522 is in communication with antennas 1504 and 1506, where
antennas 1504 and 1506 transmit information to mobile device 1522
over a forward link 1524 and receive information from mobile device
1522 over a reverse link 1526. In a frequency division duplex (FDD)
system, forward link 1518 can utilize a different frequency band
than that used by reverse link 1520, and forward link 1524 can
employ a different frequency band than that employed by reverse
link 1526, for example. Further, in a time division duplex (TDD)
system, forward link 1518 and reverse link 1520 can utilize a
common frequency band and forward link 1524 and reverse link 1526
can utilize a common frequency band.
[0100] Each group of antennas and/or the area in which they are
designated to communicate can be referred to as a sector of base
station 1502. For example, antenna groups can be designed to
communicate to mobile devices in a sector of the areas covered by
base station 1502. In communication over forward links 1518 and
1524, the transmitting antennas of base station 1502 can utilize
beamforming to improve signal-to-noise ratio of forward links 1518
and 1524 for mobile devices 1516 and 1522. Also, while base station
1502 utilizes beamforming to transmit to mobile devices 1516 and
1522 scattered randomly through an associated coverage, mobile
devices in neighboring cells can be subject to less interference as
compared to a base station transmitting through a single antenna to
all its mobile devices. Moreover, mobile devices 1516 and 1522 can
communicate directly with one another using a peer-to-peer or ad
hoc technology as depicted. According to an example, system 1500
can be a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication
system.
[0101] FIG. 16 shows an example wireless communication system 1600.
The wireless communication system 1600 depicts one base station
1610 and one mobile device 1650 for sake of brevity. However, it is
to be appreciated that system 1600 can include more than one base
station and/or more than one mobile device, wherein additional base
stations and/or mobile devices can be substantially similar or
different from example base station 1610 and mobile device 1650
described below. In addition, it is to be appreciated that base
station 1610 and/or mobile device 1650 can employ the systems
(FIGS. 1-6, 10, and 12-15), computer devices, (FIG. 11), and/or
methods (FIGS. 7-9) described herein to facilitate wireless
communication there between. For example, components or functions
of the systems and/or methods described herein can be part of a
memory 1632 and/or 1672 or processors 1630 and/or 1670 described
below, and/or can be executed by processors 1630 and/or 1670 to
perform the disclosed functions.
[0102] At base station 1610, traffic data for a number of data
streams is provided from a data source 1612 to a transmit (TX) data
processor 1614. According to an example, each data stream can be
transmitted over a respective antenna. TX data processor 1614
formats, codes, and interleaves the traffic data stream based on a
particular coding scheme selected for that data stream to provide
coded data.
[0103] The coded data for each data stream can be multiplexed with
pilot data using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)
techniques. Additionally or alternatively, the pilot symbols can be
frequency division multiplexed (FDM), time division multiplexed
(TDM), or code division multiplexed (CDM). The pilot data is
typically a known data pattern that is processed in a known manner
and can be used at mobile device 1650 to estimate channel response.
The multiplexed pilot and coded data for each data stream can be
modulated (e.g., symbol mapped) based on a particular modulation
scheme (e.g., binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quadrature
phase-shift keying (QPSK), M-phase-shift keying (M-PSK),
M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM), etc.) selected for that
data stream to provide modulation symbols. The data rate, coding,
and modulation for each data stream can be determined by
instructions performed or provided by processor 1630.
[0104] The modulation symbols for the data streams can be provided
to a TX MIMO processor 1620, which can further process the
modulation symbols (e.g., for OFDM). TX MIMO processor 1620 then
provides NT modulation symbol streams to NT transmitters (TMTR)
1622a through 1622t. In various embodiments, TX MIMO processor 1620
applies beamforming weights to the symbols of the data streams and
to the antenna from which the symbol is being transmitted.
[0105] Each transmitter 1622 receives and processes a respective
symbol stream to provide one or more analog signals, and further
conditions (e.g., amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog
signals to provide a modulated signal suitable for transmission
over the MIMO channel. Further, NT modulated signals from
transmitters 1622a through 1622t are transmitted from NT antennas
1624a through 1624t, respectively.
[0106] At mobile device 1650, the transmitted modulated signals are
received by NR antennas 1652a through 1652r and the received signal
from each antenna 1652 is provided to a respective receiver (RCVR)
1654a through 1654r. Each receiver 1654 conditions (e.g., filters,
amplifies, and downconverts) a respective signal, digitizes the
conditioned signal to provide samples, and further processes the
samples to provide a corresponding "received" symbol stream.
[0107] An RX data processor 1660 can receive and process the NR
received symbol streams from NR receivers 1654 based on a
particular receiver processing technique to provide NT "detected"
symbol streams. RX data processor 1660 can demodulate,
deinterleave, and decode each detected symbol stream to recover the
traffic data for the data stream. The processing by RX data
processor 1660 is complementary to that performed by TX MIMO
processor 1620 and TX data processor 1614 at base station 1610.
[0108] The reverse link message can comprise various types of
information regarding the communication link and/or the received
data stream. The reverse link message can be processed by a TX data
processor 1638, which also receives traffic data for a number of
data streams from a data source 1636, modulated by a modulator
1680, conditioned by transmitters 1654a through 1654r, and
transmitted back to base station 1610.
[0109] At base station 1610, the modulated signals from mobile
device 1650 are received by antennas 1624, conditioned by receivers
1622, demodulated by a demodulator 1640, and processed by a RX data
processor 1642 to extract the reverse link message transmitted by
mobile device 1650. Further, processor 1630 can process the
extracted message to determine which precoding matrix to use for
determining the beamforming weights.
[0110] Processors 1630 and 1670 can direct (e.g., control,
coordinate, manage, etc.) operation at base station 1610 and mobile
device 1650, respectively. Respective processors 1630 and 1670 can
be associated with memory 1632 and 1672 that store program codes
and data. Processors 1630 and 1670 can also perform computations to
derive frequency and impulse response estimates for the uplink and
downlink, respectively.
[0111] FIG. 17 illustrates a wireless communication system 1700,
configured to support a number of users, in which the teachings
herein may be implemented. The system 1700 provides communication
for multiple cells 1702, such as, for example, macro cells
1702A-1702G, with each cell being serviced by a corresponding
access node 1704 (e.g., access nodes 1704A-1704G). As shown in FIG.
17, access terminals 1706 (e.g., access terminals 1706A-1706L) can
be dispersed at various locations throughout the system over time.
Each access terminal 1706 can communicate with one or more access
nodes 1704 on a forward link (FL) and/or a reverse link (RL) at a
given moment, depending upon whether the access terminal 1706 is
active and whether it is in soft handoff, for example. The wireless
communication system 1700 can provide service over a large
geographic region.
[0112] FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary communication system 1800
where one or more femto nodes are deployed within a network
environment. Specifically, the system 1800 includes multiple femto
nodes 1810A and 1810B (e.g., femtocell nodes or HeNB) installed in
a relatively small scale network environment (e.g., in one or more
user residences 1830). Each femto node 1810 can be coupled to a
wide area network 1840 (e.g., the Internet) and a mobile operator
core network 1850 via a digital subscriber line (DSL) router, a
cable modem, a wireless link, or other connectivity means (not
shown). As will be discussed below, each femto node 1810 can be
configured to serve associated access terminals 1820 (e.g., access
terminal 1820A) and, optionally, alien access terminals 1820 (e.g.,
access terminal 1820B). In other words, access to femto nodes 1810
can be restricted such that a given access terminal 1820 can be
served by a set of designated (e.g., home) femto node(s) 1810 but
may not be served by any non-designated femto nodes 1810 (e.g., a
neighbor's femto node).
[0113] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a coverage map 1900 where
several tracking areas 1902 (or routing areas or location areas)
are defined, each of which includes several macro coverage areas
1904. Here, areas of coverage associated with tracking areas 1902A,
1902B, and 1902C are delineated by the wide lines and the macro
coverage areas 1904 are represented by the hexagons. The tracking
areas 1902 also include femto coverage areas 1906. In this example,
each of the femto coverage areas 1906 (e.g., femto coverage area
1906C) is depicted within a macro coverage area 1904 (e.g., macro
coverage area 1904B). It should be appreciated, however, that a
femto coverage area 1906 may not lie entirely within a macro
coverage area 1904. In practice, a large number of femto coverage
areas 1906 can be defined with a given tracking area 1902 or macro
coverage area 1904. Also, one or more pico coverage areas (not
shown) can be defined within a given tracking area 1902 or macro
coverage area 1904.
[0114] Referring again to FIG. 18, the owner of a femto node 1810
can subscribe to mobile service, such as, for example, 3G mobile
service, offered through the mobile operator core network 1850. In
addition, an access terminal 1820 can be capable of operating both
in macro environments and in smaller scale (e.g., residential)
network environments. Thus, for example, depending on the current
location of the access terminal 1820, the access terminal 1820 can
be served by an access node 1860 or by any one of a set of femto
nodes 1810 (e.g., the femto nodes 1810A and 1810B that reside
within a corresponding user residence 1830). For example, when a
subscriber is outside his home, he is served by a standard macro
cell access node (e.g., node 1860) and when the subscriber is at
home, he is served by a femto node (e.g., node 1810A). Here, it
should be appreciated that a femto node 1810 can be backward
compatible with existing access terminals 1820.
[0115] A femto node 1810 can be deployed on a single frequency or,
in the alternative, on multiple frequencies. Depending on the
particular configuration, the single frequency or one or more of
the multiple frequencies can overlap with one or more frequencies
used by a macro cell access node (e.g., node 1860). In some
aspects, an access terminal 1820 can be configured to connect to a
preferred femto node (e.g., the home femto node of the access
terminal 1820) whenever such connectivity is possible. For example,
whenever the access terminal 1820 is within the user's residence
1830, it can communicate with the home femto node 1810.
[0116] In some aspects, if the access terminal 1820 operates within
the mobile operator core network 1850 but is not residing on its
most preferred network (e.g., as defined in a preferred roaming
list), the access terminal 1820 can continue to search for the most
preferred network (e.g., femto node 1810) using a Better System
Reselection (BSR), which can involve a periodic scanning of
available systems to determine whether better systems are currently
available, and subsequent efforts to associate with such preferred
systems. Using an acquisition table entry (e.g., in a preferred
roaming list), in one example, the access terminal 1820 can limit
the search for specific band and channel. For example, the search
for the most preferred system can be repeated periodically. Upon
discovery of a preferred femto node, such as femto node 1810, the
access terminal 1820 selects the femto node 1810 for camping within
its coverage area.
[0117] A femto node can be restricted in some aspects. For example,
a given femto node can only provide certain services to certain
access terminals. In deployments with so-called restricted (or
closed) association, a given access terminal can only be served by
the macro cell mobile network and a defined set of femto nodes
(e.g., the femto nodes 1810 that reside within the corresponding
user residence 1830). In some implementations, a femto node can be
restricted to not provide, for at least one access terminal, at
least one of: signaling, data access, registration, paging, or
service.
[0118] In some aspects, a restricted femto node (which can also be
referred to as a Closed Subscriber Group HeNB) is one that provides
service to a restricted provisioned set of access terminals. This
set can be temporarily or permanently extended as necessary. In
some aspects, a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) can be defined as the
set of access nodes (e.g., femto nodes) that share a common access
control list of access terminals. A channel on which all femto
nodes (or all restricted femto nodes) in a region operate can be
referred to as a femto channel.
[0119] Various relationships can thus exist between a given femto
node and a given access terminal. For example, from the perspective
of an access terminal, an open femto node can refer to a femto node
with no restricted association. A restricted femto node can refer
to a femto node that is restricted in some manner (e.g., restricted
for association and/or registration). A home femto node can refer
to a femto node on which the access terminal is authorized to
access and operate on. A guest femto node can refer to a femto node
on which an access terminal is temporarily authorized to access or
operate on. An alien femto node can refer to a femto node on which
the access terminal is not authorized to access or operate on,
except for perhaps emergency situations (e.g., 911 calls).
[0120] From a restricted femto node perspective, a home access
terminal can refer to an access terminal that authorized to access
the restricted femto node. A guest access terminal can refer to an
access terminal with temporary access to the restricted femto node.
An alien access terminal can refer to an access terminal that does
not have permission to access the restricted femto node, except for
perhaps emergency situations, for example, 911 calls (e.g., an
access terminal that does not have the credentials or permission to
register with the restricted femto node).
[0121] For convenience, the disclosure herein describes various
functionality in the context of a femto node. It should be
appreciated, however, that a pico node can provide the same or
similar functionality as a femto node, but for a larger coverage
area. For example, a pico node can be restricted, a home pico node
can be defined for a given access terminal, and so on.
[0122] A wireless multiple-access communication system can
simultaneously support communication for multiple wireless access
terminals. As mentioned above, each terminal can communicate with
one or more base stations via transmissions on the forward and
reverse links. The forward link (or downlink) refers to the
communication link from the base stations to the terminals, and the
reverse link (or uplink) refers to the communication link from the
terminals to the base stations. This communication link can be
established via a single-in-single-out system, a MIMO system, or
some other type of system.
[0123] The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules,
components, and circuits described in connection with the
embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a
general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field
programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or
any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but,
in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional
processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A
processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing
devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a
plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in
conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
Additionally, at least one processor may comprise one or more
modules operable to perform one or more of the steps and/or actions
described above. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the
processor, such that the processor can read information from, and
write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the
storage medium may be integral to the processor. Further, in some
aspects, the processor and the storage medium may reside in an
ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the
alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as
discrete components in a user terminal.
[0124] In one or more aspects, the functions, methods, or
algorithms described may be implemented in hardware, software,
firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software,
the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more
instructions or code on a computer-readable medium, which may be
incorporated into a computer program product. Computer-readable
media includes both computer storage media and communication media
including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer
program from one place to another. A storage medium may be any
available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of
example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can
comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program
code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be
accessed by a computer. Also, substantially any connection may be
termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is
transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a
coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber
line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and
microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair,
DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and
microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc,
as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical
disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc
where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs
usually reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the
above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media.
[0125] While the foregoing disclosure discusses illustrative
aspects and/or embodiments, it should be noted that various changes
and modifications could be made herein without departing from the
scope of the described aspects and/or embodiments as defined by the
appended claims. Furthermore, although elements of the described
aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the
singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the
singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of
any aspect and/or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion
of any other aspect and/or embodiment, unless stated otherwise.
* * * * *