U.S. patent application number 17/368977 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-28 for optimization of access technology search in multiple equivalent home public land mobile network (ehplmn) deployments.
The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.. Invention is credited to Inderpreet Ahluwalia, Jerry Jun.
Application Number | 20210337457 17/368977 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005698945 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210337457 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jun; Jerry ; et al. |
October 28, 2021 |
OPTIMIZATION OF ACCESS TECHNOLOGY SEARCH IN MULTIPLE EQUIVALENT
HOME PUBLIC LAND MOBILE NETWORK (EHPLMN) DEPLOYMENTS
Abstract
Communication systems can enhance customer experience by quickly
and efficiently associating and disassociating radio access
technologies (RATs) from available networks in a deployment. In one
aspect, a user equipment (UE) can optimize usage of a PLMN selector
file (e.g., HPLMNwACT) stored within the subscriber identity module
(SIM) that comprises a combination of mobile country code/mobile
network code (MCC/MNC) data and RAT data (e.g., customized based on
mobile network operator (MNO) requirements and/or deployments).
Moreover, during PLMN selection, the UE can only search for a RAT
that is associated with a MCC/MNC combination, resulting in faster
PLMN selection and reduced UE resource consumption. Further, the
PLMN selector file can be modified based on MNO preferences via an
over-the-air update.
Inventors: |
Jun; Jerry; (Austin, TX)
; Ahluwalia; Inderpreet; (Austin, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005698945 |
Appl. No.: |
17/368977 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16208249 |
Dec 3, 2018 |
11089534 |
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17368977 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 48/20 20130101;
H04W 40/248 20130101; H04W 8/18 20130101; H04W 76/11 20180201; H04W
84/042 20130101; H04W 40/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 40/24 20060101
H04W040/24; H04W 40/20 20060101 H04W040/20; H04W 76/11 20060101
H04W076/11; H04W 8/18 20060101 H04W008/18; H04W 48/20 20060101
H04W048/20 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a user equipment comprising
a processor, via over-the-air messaging, update data that updates a
public land mobile network selector file to an updated public land
mobile network selector file, wherein the updated public land
mobile network selector file comprises combination data indicative
of ranked combinations comprising, for each public land mobile
network identifier of a group of public land mobile network
identifiers, only one combination of a single radio access
technology linked to the public land mobile network identifier; and
searching, by the user equipment based on the ranked combinations,
for a combination associated with a home public land mobile
network.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the searching comprises searching
in a ranked order of the ranked combinations.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the update data is based on
predicted network load information, and the predicted network load
information has been determined to exceed a threshold network
load.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the update data is employable to
steer the user equipment to couple to an operator-selected access
point device.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the update data has been
determined based on classification data indicative of a type of the
user equipment.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the update data has been
determined based on network planning information indicative of a
legacy radio access technology that has been shut down.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the update data has been
determined based on availability data indicative of an availability
of radio access technologies within an area associated with the
user equipment.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the update data instructs the
user equipment to remove specific combinations from the public land
mobile network selector file.
9. Network equipment, comprising: a processor; and a memory that
stores executable instructions that, when executed by the
processor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising:
sending, via over-the-air messaging to a user equipment, update
data that updates a public land mobile network selector file to an
updated public land mobile network selector file, wherein the
updated public land mobile network selector file comprises
combination data indicative of prioritized combinations comprising,
for each public land mobile network identifier of a group of public
land mobile network identifiers, only one combination of a single
radio access technology linked to the public land mobile network
identifier; and instructing the user equipment to search, based on
the prioritized combinations, for a combination associated with a
home public land mobile network.
10. The network equipment of claim 9, wherein the operations
further comprise determining the update data based on predicted
network load information, and the predicted network load
information has been determined to exceed a threshold network
load.
11. The network equipment of claim 9, wherein the operations
further comprise determining the update data based on
classification data indicative of a type of the user equipment.
12. The network equipment of claim 9, wherein the operations
further comprise determining the update data based on network
planning information indicative of a legacy radio access technology
that has been shut down.
13. The network equipment of claim 9, wherein the operations
further comprise determining the update data based on availability
data indicative of an availability of radio access technologies
within an area associated with the user equipment.
14. The network equipment of claim 9, wherein the update data
instructs the user equipment to remove specified combinations from
the public land mobile network selector file.
15. A non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising executable
instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate
performance of operations, comprising: transmitting, via
over-the-air messaging to a mobile device, update data that updates
a public land mobile network selector file to an updated public
land mobile network selector file, wherein the updated public land
mobile network selector file comprises combination data indicative
of ranked combinations comprising, for public land mobile network
identifiers of a group of public land mobile network identifiers,
only one respective combination of a single radio access technology
linked to a public land mobile network identifier; and directing
the mobile device to search, based on the ranked combinations, for
a combination associated with a home public land mobile
network.
16. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein
the operations further comprise determining the update data based
on predicted network load information, and the predicted network
load information has been determined to exceed a threshold network
load.
17. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein
the operations further comprise determining the update data based
on classification data indicative of a type of the mobile
device.
18. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein
the operations further comprise determining the update data based
on network planning information indicative of a legacy radio access
technology that has been shut down.
19. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein
the operations further comprise determining the update data based
on availability data indicative of an availability of radio access
technologies within an area associated with the mobile device.
20. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein
the update data instructs the mobile device to delete at least one
of the ranked combinations from the public land mobile network
selector file.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The subject patent application is a continuation of, and
claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/208,249,
filed Dec. 3, 2018, and entitled "OPTIMIZATION OF ACCESS TECHNOLOGY
SEARCH IN MULTIPLE EQUIVALENT HOME PUBLIC LAND MOBILE NETWORK
(EHPLMN) DEPLOYMENTS," the entirety of which application is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The subject disclosure relates to wireless communications,
e.g., optimization of access technology search in multiple
equivalent home public land mobile network (EHPLMN)
deployments.
BACKGROUND
[0003] As mobile network operators (MNOs) grow their footprint both
domestically and internationally, for example, by incorporating
and/or enabling multiple core network functions, the ability for a
user equipment (UE) to quickly access the most preferred network
becomes increasingly complicated. To allow the MNO to provide
multiple public land mobile networks (PLMNs) that are to be treated
as a home PLMN (HPLMN), 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)
has defined an equivalent HPLMN (EHPLMN) file that comprises a list
of PLMNs that can be used by a UE for PLMN selection and/or cell
selection/reselection. Moreover, EHPLMN can be used to allow
different networks with different PLMNs to all be treated as a
HPLMN. This allows for quicker access to the network in cell-border
and/or roaming scenarios and ensures that, through network
selection criteria, the PLMNs listed as an EHPLMN will be
considered as the most preferred PLMN (e.g., having highest
priority).
[0004] During PLMN selection, conventional UEs search for the same
set of radio access technologies (RATs), in an order defined within
the subscriber identity module (SIM), for each EHPLMN entry.
However, oftentimes the networks considered as equivalent HPLMNs
have different deployments and can be geographically adjacent to
one other. Thus, the UEs can search for RAT/PLMN combinations that
do not exist at a particular location, expending both time and
battery life of the UEs and resulting in customer
dissatisfaction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an example is an example system that
facilitates efficient public land mobile network (PLMN)
selection.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates an example system that comprises a user
equipment (UE) that can perform optimized PLMN selection, in
accordance with an aspect of the subject disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates an example system that facilitates
control and/or prioritization of radio access technology (RAT)-PLMN
combinations that are utilized during PLMN selection.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates an example system that facilitates load
balancing based on network-triggered PLMN selection.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates an example system that facilitates device
steering based on network-triggered PLMN selection.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates an example system that automates one or
more features in accordance with the subject embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates an example method that facilitates
optimized PLMN selection based on RAT-PLMN combination data stored
within a UE's subscriber identity module (SIM).
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates an example method for controlling
RAT-PLMN combinations that are utilized by a UE during PLMN
selection.
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates an example block diagram of a user
equipment operable to engage in a system architecture that
facilitates wireless communications according to one or more
embodiments described herein.
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable
to execute the disclosed communication architecture.
[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a computing
environment in accordance with the subject specification
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] One or more embodiments are now described with reference to
the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to
like elements throughout. In the following description, for
purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in
order to provide a thorough understanding of the various
embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various
embodiments can be practiced without these specific details, e.g.,
without applying to any particular networked environment or
standard. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are
shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the
embodiments in additional detail.
[0017] As used in this application, the terms "component,"
"module," "system," "interface," "node," "platform," "server,"
"controller," "entity," "element," "gateway," or the like are
generally intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either
hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or
software in execution or an entity related to an operational
machine with one or more specific functionalities. 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, computer-executable instruction(s), a program, and/or a
computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a
controller and the controller can be a component. One or more
components may 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. As another example, an interface can
comprise input/output (I/O) components as well as associated
processor, application, and/or API components.
[0018] Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a
method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard
programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software,
firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a
computer to implement one or more aspects of the disclosed subject
matter. An article of manufacture can encompass a computer program
accessible from any computer-readable device or computer-readable
storage/communications media. For example, computer readable
storage media can comprise but are not limited to magnetic storage
devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips . . . ),
optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk
(DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card,
stick, key drive . . . ). Of course, those skilled in the art will
recognize many modifications can be made to this configuration
without departing from the scope or spirit of the various
embodiments.
[0019] In addition, the word "example" or "exemplary" is used
herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration.
Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other
aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended
to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this
application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or"
rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless specified otherwise,
or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any
of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X
employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is
satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. 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 context to be directed to a
singular form.
[0020] Moreover, terms like "user equipment," "communication
device," "mobile device," "mobile station," and similar
terminology, refer to a wired or wireless communication-capable
device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wired or wireless
communication service to receive or convey data, control, voice,
video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-stream or
signaling-stream. The foregoing terms are utilized interchangeably
in the subject specification and related drawings. Data and
signaling streams can be packetized or frame-based flows. Further,
the terms "user," "subscriber," "consumer," "customer," and the
like are employed interchangeably throughout the subject
specification, unless context warrants particular distinction(s)
among the terms. It should be noted that such terms can refer to
human entities or automated components supported through artificial
intelligence (e.g., a capacity to make inference based on complex
mathematical formalisms), which can provide simulated vision, sound
recognition and so forth.
[0021] The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to enhancing
customer experience by enabling quick and efficient association
and/or disassociation of radio access technologies (RATs) from
available networks in a deployment. In one aspect, a user equipment
(UE) can optimize usage of a PLMN selector file (e.g., HPLMNwACT)
stored within the subscriber identity module (SIM) that comprises a
combination of mobile country code/mobile network code (MCC/MNC)
data and RAT data (e.g., that has been customized based on mobile
network operator (MNO) requirements and/or deployments). Moreover,
during PLMN selection, the UE can only search for RATs that are
associated with each MCC/MNC combination resulting in faster PLMN
selection and accordingly, conserving computing and/or battery
resources of the UE.
[0022] Aspects or features of the disclosed embodiments can be
exploited in substantially any wireless communication technology.
Such wireless communication technologies can include universal
mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), and/or long term evolution
(LTE), code division multiple access (CDMA), Wi-Fi, worldwide
interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), general packet radio
service (GPRS), enhanced GPRS, third generation partnership project
(3GPP), LTE, third generation partnership project 2 (3GPP2) ultra
mobile broadband (UMB), high speed packet access (HSPA), evolved
high speed packet access (HSPA+), high-speed downlink packet access
(HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), Zigbee, or
another IEEE 802.XX technology. Additionally, substantially all
aspects disclosed herein can be exploited in legacy
telecommunication technologies and/or next generation networks
(e.g., 5G).
[0023] As used herein, "5G" can also be referred to as New Radio
(NR) access. Accordingly, systems, methods, and/or machine-readable
storage media for facilitating improved communication coverage for
5G systems are desired. As used herein, one or more aspects of a 5G
network can comprise, but is not limited to, data rates of several
tens of megabits per second (Mbps) supported for tens of thousands
of users; at least one gigabit per second (Gbps) offered
simultaneously to tens of users (e.g., tens of workers on the same
office floor); several hundreds of thousands of simultaneous
connections supported for massive sensor deployments; spectral
efficiency significantly enhanced compared to 4G; improvement in
coverage relative to 4G; signaling efficiency enhanced compared to
4G; and/or latency significantly reduced compared to LTE.
[0024] Referring initially to FIG. 1, there illustrated is an
example system 100 that facilitates efficient PLMN selection,
according to one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter.
Moreover, system 100 comprises a UE 102 that can reduce power
consumption and time to access a network based on utilizing
operator-controlled RAT-PLMN combinations during network scans. As
an example, the UE 102 can comprise, but is not limited to most any
industrial automation device and/or consumer electronic device, for
example, a tablet computer, a digital media player, a wearable
device, a digital camera, a media player, a cellular phone, a
personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart
phone, a laptop, a gaming system, set top boxes, home security
systems, an Internet of things (IoT) device, a connected vehicle,
at least partially automated vehicle (e.g., drones), etc.
[0025] Typically, PLMNs are indicative of a specific network and
its country of origin. A UE (e.g., UE 102) operates on its home
PLMN (HPLMN) that is determined based on its international mobile
subscriber identity (IMSI). To allow provision for multiple HPLMN
codes, equivalent home PLMN (EHPLMN) data can be stored within the
SIM (e.g., SIM 104). In one example, the EHPLMN data comprises a
prioritized list of PLMN codes that replace (and/or can be utilized
in addition to) the HPLMN code derived from the IMSI for PLMN
selection. In one example, during network acquisition, an acquired
network can have a different PLMN than that of a mobile network
operator (MNO) and accordingly, the MNO can simply add the PLMN of
the acquired network to the EHPLMN list and enable UEs to
prioritize connection to the acquired network (e.g., over other
user-defined and/or visitor networks).
[0026] During initialization (e.g., power up and/or re-registration
after leaving a connected mode), UE 102 selects the HPLMN or
highest priority EHPLMN. For example, the UE 102 can utilize the
EHPLMN data to determine the PLMNs that are to be accessed. In
addition, a "PLMN Lists with Access Technology" file (e.g.,
HPLMNwACT 106) comprises radio access technologies that are to be
scanned, can be utilized. Although the "PLMN Lists with Access
Technology" file comprises combinations of PLMN codes (e.g., mobile
country code/mobile network code (MCC/MNC) data) with respective
RATs, conventional UEs merely utilize the RATs listed in the file.
In other words, conventional UEs ignore the MCC/MNC data stored
within the HPLMNwACT file 106. Specifically, conventional UEs
determine the set of RATs listed in the HPLMNwACT file 106 and
search for the entire set of RATs for each PLMN code listed in the
EHPLMN data. This can be a time and resource consuming process
resulting in reduced battery life and negative customer experience.
Further, the list of EHPLMNs can be deployed in different or same
areas and use different RATs at different locations. Conventional
UEs do not determine RATs that apply to specific EHPLMN at a
particular location.
[0027] In contrast, UE 102 utilizes a PLMN selection component 108
that determines combinations of PLMNs with their corresponding RATs
to facilitate an efficient PLMN search process. As an example, a
default list of PLMNs with their corresponding RATs can initially
be stored within the HPLMNwACT file 106 (e.g., during manufacture)
and can be updated, based on most any operator preferences and/or
requirements (e.g., traffic steering, load balancing, etc.), via an
over-the-air (OTA) message. According to an embodiment, the PLMN
selection component 108 can instruct a scanning component 110 to
search for PLMN and RAT combinations based on a priority specified
within the HPLMNwACT file 106. Since the scanning component 110
only searches for a RAT that is associated with the PLMN (as
specified by the HPLMNwACT file 106), the scanning process is
significantly expedited, consumes fewer resources, and thus,
extends battery life. Once a cell with one of the PLMN and RAT
combinations is found, the UE can initiate attachment procedure to
camp onto the cell. In other words, the searching on RATs that are
not linked to the PLMN is prohibited.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 2, there illustrated is an example
system 200 that comprises a UE (e.g., UE 2 204) that can perform
optimized PLMN selection, in accordance with an aspect of the
subject disclosure. Moreover, system 200 illustrates an example
scenario, wherein UE 1 202 performs a non-optimized PLMN search
(e.g., conventional search), while UE 2 204 performs an optimized
PLMN search based on network-controlled RAT-PLMN combinations. It
is noted that UE 2 204 is substantially similar to UE 102 and
comprise functionality as more fully described herein, for example,
as described above with regard to UE 102.
[0029] In this example scenario, both UEs (e.g., UE 1 and UE 2) can
be powered on within a coverage area of cells 2061-2063. As an
example, cell 2061 broadcasts PLMN X and utilizes LTE as a RAT;
cell 2062 broadcasts PLMN Y and utilizes LTE as a RAT; and cell
2063 broadcasts PLMN B and utilizes 3G as a RAT. Although only
three cells are depicted in the figure, it is noted that the
subject disclosure is not limited to three cells and can have fewer
or greater number of cells that utilize most any PLMN and/or
RAT.
[0030] When UE 1 202 powers on, the UE 1 202 can determine that the
EHPLMN file 210 within the SIM 208 has two entries, namely, PLMN A
and PLMN B. Further, UE 1 202 detects that the HPLMNwACT file 212
has a list of three RATs, namely LTE, 3G, and 2G. It is noted that
although PLMN data is stored within the HPLMNwACT file 212, the UE
1 202 does not use this data for PLMN selection. Instead, scanning
component 214 performs a search for all the RATs in the priority
order specified within the HPLMNwACT file 212 for each PLMN listed
in the EHPLMN file 210. Thus, scanning component 214 performs a
search for LTE, 3G, and 2G on PLMN A, followed by a search for LTE
on PLMN B which fail (e.g. since UE 1 is not within their coverage
areas). Eventually, UE 1 202 searches for 3G on PLMN B and detects
the PLMN B 3G cell 2063. This search process is inefficient and
time consuming (e.g., it can take around 90 secs for UE 1 202 to
detect the cell 2063). Moreover, scan times for each RAT can be
different (e.g., 2G and/or 3G scans take longer than LTE scans) and
thus, the time taken to detect PLMNs can significantly increase
based on the RATs listed in the HPLMNwACT file 212.
[0031] To avoid these issues and optimize PLMN searches, UE 2 204
can utilize PLMN selection component 108 that determines the two
PLMNs listed in the EHPLMN file 216 and based on the RAT-PLMN
combinations stored within the HPLMNwACT file 106, determines that
PLMN A is only associated with LTE and that PLMN B is only
associated with 3G and 2G. Accordingly, the PLMN selection
component 108 can instruct the scanning component 110 to search
only for the determined RAT-PLMN combinations in the priority order
listed by the file 106 (e.g., PLMN A LTE, then PLMN B 3G, and then
PLMN B 2G). Accordingly, the scanning component 110 only performs
one search for LTE on PLMN A before performing a search for PLMN B
3G, which results in detection of the PLMN B 3G cell 2063. Since
the number of searches performed before detection of a cell is
significantly minimized, time for network detection/access is
reduced (e.g., it can take around 20 secs for UE 2 204 to detect
the cell 2063), resource consumption is significantly reduced, and
battery life is extended.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, there illustrated is an example
system 300 that facilitates control and/or prioritization of
RAT-PLMN combinations that are utilized during PLMN selection, in
accordance with an aspect of the subject disclosure. Typically,
during manufacture, UE 102 can be provisioned with default values
for RAT-PLMN combinations, for example, stored within the HPLMNwACT
file in the SIM of UE 102. However, the MNO can update the stored
values at most any time (e.g., periodically, in response to an
event, on demand, etc.) via an OTA update. In one aspect, network
device 302 can determine the update based on an analysis of
network-related data, such as, but not limited to, operator
requirements and/or preferences, operator-defined policies, network
usage and/or traffic patterns (e.g., observed and/or predicted),
network acquisition and/or integration data, etc. In one example,
the network device 302 can comprise most any core network and/or
radio access network (RAN) device, for example, a network
controller, an access point (e.g., eNodeB, gNodeB, etc.), network
gateway device, or any number of other network components of a
communication network 304 (e.g., cellular network).
[0033] According to an embodiment, an analysis component 306 can
collect and/or access the network-related data from one or more
network data stores and/or devices (not shown) (e.g., in a push or
pull configuration). As an example, the analysis component 306 can
evaluate the network-related data to optimize and update the
RAT-PLMN combinations and/or their priorities. Further, the
analysis component 306 can select a UE or a group of UE (e.g., UE
102), to which the updated data is to be transferred. As an
example, the analysis component 306 can utilize one or more
selection criteria, such as but not limited to, UE location, UE
classification/type of UE (e.g., IoT devices, mobile phones,
wearable devices, connected cars, etc.), UE traffic patterns, etc.
In one aspect, the analysis component 306 can determine updated
RAT-PLMN combinations for a select group of UEs to facilitate load
balancing and/or traffic steering (e.g., triggering UEs to move
from one EHPLMN to another EHPLMN and/or keeping UEs off a specific
RAT per PLMN). In another aspect, the analysis component 306 can
determine updated RAT-PLMN combinations to limit PLMN scans to a
single RAT per EHPLMN and then (e.g., after a defined time period)
further update RAT-PLMN combinations for different groups of UEs to
push the different groups of UEs to different RATs based on
reselection parameters. This can enhance scan time by limiting
search to a single RAT and ensure that a legacy technology exists
before being pushed to a newer technology (e.g., ensure circuit
switched fallback is an available option in an area).
[0034] In yet another aspect, the analysis component 306 can
determine updated RAT-PLMN combinations for a select group of UEs
to enable and/or disable scanning of legacy and/or non-legacy RATs
(e.g., LTE, LTE-M, NB-IoT, etc. which are considered "LTE" RATs but
have different scanning requirements). Additionally, or
alternatively, the analysis component 306 can determine updated
RAT-PLMN combinations to enable quicker scanning for HPLMNs in
border scenarios before moving on to PLMN scanning based on other
operator and/or user controlled PLMN selection lists. Further, in
an additional or optional aspect, the analysis component 306 can
determine band selection options to control frequency bands that
are to be searched per RAT. The transmission component 308 can
transfer the updated RAT-PLMN combinations to the UE 102 via an OTA
message communicated over the communication network 304. Based on
the OTA message, the UE 102 can update the HPLMNwACT file stored in
its SIM. In one aspect, on determining that the HPLMNwACT file has
been updated, the UE 102 can initiate PLMN selection (e.g., via
PLMN selection component 108).
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 4, there illustrated is an example
system 400 that facilitates load balancing based on
network-triggered PLMN selection, according to an aspect of the
subject disclosure. System 400 comprises a network monitoring
component 402 that can track (and/or predict via machine learning)
network usage and/or load across PLMNs and/or across RATs. In an
aspect, the network monitoring component 402 can provide
notifications and/or alerts to the analysis component 306, for
example, when determined that network usage and/or load satisfies a
defined criterion (e.g., exceeds a defined threshold, a defined
traffic pattern is observed and/or predicted, etc.).
[0036] The analysis component 306 can utilize the received data to
determine RAT-PLMN combinations that can be provided to a select
group of UEs 102. For example, if two (or more) cells with
different PLMNs are deployed within an area, both supporting same
(or different) RATs, the network monitoring component 402 can
determine loading of the cells and the analysis component 306 can
initiate load balancing by steering a group of UEs from one PLMN to
the other PLMN by updating the RAT-PLMN combinations stored within
the HPLMNwACT file, via OTA messaging. In another example, if two
(or more) cells with the same (or different) PLMN but different
RATs are deployed within an area, the network monitoring component
402 can determine loading of the cells and the analysis component
306 can initiate load balancing by steering a group of UEs from one
RAT to the other RAT by updating the RAT-PLMN combinations stored
within the HPLMNwACT file, via OTA messaging.
[0037] Typically, when a UE is powered on, it searches for its home
network and once found, it remains camped on the HPLMN without
further searching for other PLMNs. Oftentimes, in some areas an MNO
can deploy two or more PLMNs that can be identified as home (e.g.,
EPLMNs). However, in this example scenario, once a UE initially
attached to a PLMN, it can remain coupled to cells of that PLMN.
System 400 allows an MNO to provide OTA updated to change priority
list of RAT-PLMN combinations and accordingly trigger a search and
selection of other PLMN (e.g., to load balance across PLMNs and/or
RATs).
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5, there illustrated is an example
system 500 that facilitates device steering based on
network-triggered PLMN selection, according to an aspect of the
subject disclosure. System 500 comprises a network planning and/or
integration component 502 that can determine network planning
and/or integration data (e.g., network acquisitions, shut down of
legacy RATs, etc.) within a given geographical area. In an aspect,
the network planning and/or integration component 502 can provide
(e.g., periodically, on request, in response to determining an
event, etc.) the determined data to the analysis component 306,
which in turn can analyse the data to determine whether a priority
list of RAT-PLMN combinations utilized by UE 102 for PLMN selection
is to be updated.
[0039] For example, during network acquisition, the network
planning and/or integration component 502 can determine that an MNO
is still in process of integrating the new network into the MNO
network, but wants users in the acquired areas to utilize devices
with SIMs of the MNO network, the analysis component 306 can be
utilized to adjust a priority of the RAT-PLMN combinations utilized
by the devices, such that the acquired PLMN has a higher priority
than the MNO's PLMN. Further, if the network planning and/or
integration component 502 determines that the acquired network is
fully integrated, the network planning and/or integration component
502 can notify the analysis component 306, which can then readjust
the priority of the RAT-PLMN combinations utilized by the devices
(e.g., to remove an entry associated with acquired PLMN). It is
noted that acquisition of carriers can include international
acquisitions, wherein the analysis component 306 can modify the
priority of the RAT-PLMN combinations to prevent the UE from
searching other roaming networks instead of the acquired
network.
[0040] In another example, the network planning and/or integration
component 502 can determine that the MNO no longer deploys and/or
has shut down a specified RAT (e.g., 2G) in a defined area. In this
example scenario, the network planning and/or integration component
502 can notify the analysis component 306, which can then instruct
UEs within the defined area to remove entries associated with the
specified RAT from the RAT-PLMN combinations (e.g., to avoid the
UEs searching for the unavailable RAT).
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6, there illustrated is an example
system 600 that employs an artificial intelligence (AI) component
602 to facilitate automating one or more features in accordance
with the subject embodiments. It can be noted that the network
device 302, analysis component 306, and transmission component 308
can comprise functionality as more fully described herein, for
example, as described above with regard to systems 300-500.
[0042] In an example embodiment, system 600 (e.g., in connection
with automatically modifying RAT-PLMN lists) can employ various
AI-based schemes (e.g., intelligent processing/analysis, machine
learning, etc.) for carrying out various aspects thereof. For
example, a process for determining which UEs are to be instructed
to modify their RAT-PLMN list, classification of the UEs, the
updates to a RAT-PLMN list, an interval during which the updates
are to be applied, etc., can be facilitated via an automatic
classifier system implemented by AI component 602.
[0043] Moreover, the AI component 602 can exploit various
artificial intelligence (AI) methods or machine learning methods.
Artificial intelligence techniques can typically apply advanced
mathematical algorithms--e.g., decision trees, neural networks,
regression analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) for feature
and pattern extraction, cluster analysis, genetic algorithm, or
reinforced learning--to a data set. In particular, AI component 602
can employ one of numerous methodologies for learning from data and
then drawing inferences from the models so constructed. For
example, Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) and related prototypical
dependency models can be employed. General probabilistic graphical
models, such as Dempster-Shafer networks and Bayesian networks like
those created by structure search using a Bayesian model score or
approximation can also be utilized. In addition, linear
classifiers, such as support vector machines (SVMs), non-linear
classifiers like methods referred to as "neural network"
methodologies, fuzzy logic methodologies can also be employed.
[0044] As will be readily appreciated from the subject
specification, an example embodiment can employ classifiers that
are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generic training data) as well
as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing device/operator
preferences, historical information, receiving extrinsic
information, type of service, type of device, etc.). For example,
SVMs can be configured via a learning or training phase within a
classifier constructor and feature selection module. Thus, the
classifier(s) of AI component 602 can be used to automatically
learn and perform a number of functions, comprising but not limited
to determining according to a predetermined criteria, priorities of
respective RAT-PLMN combinations within a PLMN selection file
(e.g., HPLMNwACT) stored in the SIM, removal and/or addition of
RAT-PLMN combinations within the PLMN selection file, a type of UE
that is to be provided with the updated selection file, a time
period during which the updates are provided, etc. The criteria can
comprise, but is not limited to, historical patterns and/or trends,
network operator preferences and/or policies, predicted traffic
flows, event data, latency data, reliability/availability data,
current time/date, service requirements/characteristics, real-time
resource consumption, network planning, configuration, and/or
integration data and/or trends, and the like.
[0045] FIGS. 7-8 illustrate flow diagrams and/or methods in
accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For simplicity of
explanation, the flow diagrams and/or methods are depicted and
described as a series of acts. It is to be understood and noted
that the various embodiments are not limited by the acts
illustrated and/or by the order of acts, for example acts can occur
in various orders and/or concurrently, and with other acts not
presented and described herein. Furthermore, not all illustrated
acts may be required to implement the flow diagrams and/or methods
in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those
skilled in the art will understand and note that the methods could
alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via
a state diagram or events. Additionally, it should be further noted
that the methods disclosed hereinafter and throughout this
specification are capable of being stored on an article of
manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such
methods to computers. The term article of manufacture, as used
herein, is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from
any computer-readable device or computer-readable
storage/communications media.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 7 there illustrated is an example
method 700 that facilitates optimized PLMN selection based on
RAT-PLMN combination data stored within the UE SIM, according to an
aspect of the subject disclosure. In an aspect, method 700 can be
implemented by one or more UE (e.g., UE 102) of a communication
network (e.g., cellular network). At 702, the UE can power on. When
the UE initiates a process to search for network connectivity, at
704, EHPLMN data can be accessed from the SIM. The EHPLM data
comprises a ranked list of PLMNs that are to be treated as a home
network PLMN (e.g., having higher priority that user-defined PLMNs
and/or visitor PLMNs). Further, at 706, RAT-PLMN combination data
can be accessed from the SIM, wherein the RAT-PLMN combination data
can comprise a ranked list of RAT-PLMN combinations. As an example,
the RAT-PLMN combination data can be stored within the HPLMNwACT
file, which can be populated and/or updated based on one or more
operator requirements. Moreover, at 708, only the RAT-PLMNs are
searched for in an order specified by the ranked list (e.g.,
ascending order of ranks). Moreover, PLMN searches are restricted
to RAT-PLMN that are linked to each other.
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates an example method 800 for controlling
RAT-PLMN combinations that are utilized by a UE during PLMN
selection, according to an aspect of the subject disclosure. As an
example, method 800 can be implemented by one or more network
devices (e.g., network device 302) of a communication network
(e.g., cellular network). At 802, network-related data can be
determined. As an example, the network-related data can comprise,
but is not limited to, operator requirements and/or preferences,
operator-defined policies, network usage and/or traffic patterns
(e.g., observed and/or predicted), network acquisition, planning,
configuration and/or integration data, etc. In one aspect, the
network-related data can be collected from one or more network
devices, for example, in a push or pull configuration.
[0048] At 804, the network-related data can be analyzed. Further,
at 806, based on the analysis, an update to a prioritized set of
RAT-PLMN combinations (e.g., HPLMNwACT file) that is utilized by
one of more UEs to facilitate PLMN selection can be determined. As
an example, the update can trigger PLMN selection to steer the UEs
to a different RAT and/or PLMN for load balancing and/or to ensure
circuit switched fallback is available. In another example, the
update can enable quicker scanning for HPLMNs in border scenarios
and/or in scenarios wherein a RAT and/or PLMN is unavailable within
an area. Further, at 808, the update can be transmitted to the one
or more UEs via an OTA message.
[0049] In one aspect, the systems 100-600 and methods 700-800
disclosed herein provide various non-limiting advantages, for
example, (i) reduce search time to access a network during PLMN
detection; (ii) extend battery life of a UE; (iii) reduce resource
(memory and/or processing) consumption of the UE; (iv) quickly
associate and disassociate access technologies from available
networks in a deployment; (v) allow network operators to prioritize
and/or manage RAT-PLMN combinations in the search process; etc.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrated is an example block
diagram of an example UE 900 operable to engage in a system
architecture that facilitates wireless communications according to
one or more embodiments described herein. UE 102 described herein
is substantially similar to UE 900 and can comprise functionality
as more fully, for example, as described herein with regard to UE
900.
[0051] The following discussion is intended to provide a brief,
general description of an example of a suitable environment in
which the various embodiments can be implemented. While the
description includes a general context of computer-executable
instructions embodied on a machine-readable storage medium, those
skilled in the art will recognize that the innovation also can be
implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as a
combination of hardware and software.
[0052] The UE includes a processor 902 for controlling and
processing all onboard operations and functions. A memory 904
interfaces to the processor 902 for storage of data and one or more
applications 906 (e.g., a video player software, user feedback
component software, etc.). Other applications can include voice
recognition of predetermined voice commands that facilitate
initiation of the user feedback signals. The applications 906 can
be stored in the memory 904 and/or in a firmware 908 and executed
by the processor 902 from either or both the memory 904 or/and the
firmware 908. The firmware 908 can also store startup code for
execution in initializing the UE 900. A communications component
910 interfaces to the processor 902 to facilitate wired/wireless
communication with external systems, e.g., cellular networks, VoIP
networks, and so on. Here, the communications component 910 can
also include a suitable cellular transceiver 911 (e.g., a GSM
transceiver) and/or an unlicensed transceiver 913 (e.g., Wi-Fi,
WiMax) for corresponding signal communications. The UE 900 can be a
device such as a cellular telephone, a PDA with mobile
communications capabilities, and messaging-centric devices. The
communications component 910 also facilitates communications
reception from terrestrial radio networks (e.g., broadcast),
digital satellite radio networks, and Internet-based radio services
networks.
[0053] The UE 900 includes a display 912 for displaying text,
images, video, telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID function),
setup functions, and for user input. For example, the display 912
can also be referred to as a "screen" that can accommodate the
presentation of multimedia content (e.g., music metadata, messages,
wallpaper, graphics, etc.). The display 912 can also display videos
and can facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of video
quotes. A serial I/O interface 914 is provided in communication
with the processor 902 to facilitate wired and/or wireless serial
communications (e.g., USB, and/or IEEE 1394) through a hardwire
connection, and other serial input devices (e.g., a keyboard,
keypad, and mouse). This supports updating and troubleshooting the
UE 900, for example. Audio capabilities are provided with an audio
I/O component 916, which can include a speaker for the output of
audio signals related to, for example, indication that the user
pressed the proper key or key combination to initiate the user
feedback signal. The audio I/O component 916 also facilitates the
input of audio signals through a microphone to record data and/or
telephony voice data, and for inputting voice signals for telephone
conversations.
[0054] The UE 900 can include a slot interface 918 for
accommodating a SIC (Subscriber Identity Component) in the form
factor of a card Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or universal SIM
920 and interfacing the SIM card 920 with the processor 902.
However, it is to be appreciated that the SIM card 920 can be
manufactured into the UE 900, and updated by downloading data and
software. The SIM card 920 described herein is substantially
similar to SIM 104 and can comprise functionality as more fully,
for example, as described herein with regard to SIM 104. For
example, the SIM 920 can store the HPLMNwACT file 106 that can be
updated based on operator preferences and utilized to facilitate an
efficient PLMN search.
[0055] The UE 900 can process IP data traffic through the
communications component 910 to accommodate IP traffic from an IP
network such as, for example, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a
home network, a person area network, etc., through an ISP or
broadband cable provider. Thus, VoIP traffic can be utilized by the
UE 900 and IP-based multimedia content can be received in either an
encoded or a decoded format.
[0056] A video processing component 922 (e.g., a camera) can be
provided for decoding encoded multimedia content. The video
processing component 922 can aid in facilitating the generation,
editing, and sharing of video quotes. The UE 900 also includes a
power source 924 in the form of batteries and/or an AC power
subsystem, which power source 924 can interface to an external
power system or charging equipment (not shown) by a power I/O
component 926.
[0057] The UE 900 can also comprise a video component 930 for
processing video content received and, for recording and
transmitting video content. For example, the video component 930
can facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of video quotes.
A location-tracking component 932 facilitates geographically
locating the UE 900. As described hereinabove, this can occur when
the user initiates the feedback signal automatically or manually. A
user input component 934 facilitates the user initiating the
quality feedback signal. The user input component 934 can also
facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of video quotes. The
user input component 934 can include such conventional input device
technologies such as a keypad, keyboard, mouse, stylus pen, and/or
touch screen, for example.
[0058] Referring again to the applications 906, a hysteresis
component 936 facilitates the analysis and processing of hysteresis
data, which is utilized to determine when to associate with the
access point. A software trigger component 938 can be provided that
facilitates triggering of the hysteresis component 936 when the
Wi-Fi transceiver 913 detects the beacon of the access point. A SIP
client 940 enables the UE 900 to support SIP protocols and register
the subscriber with the SIP registrar server. The applications 906
can also include a client 942 that provides at least the capability
of discovery, play and store of multimedia content, for example,
music.
[0059] The UE 900, as indicated above related to the communications
component 910, includes an indoor network radio transceiver 913
(e.g., Wi-Fi transceiver). This function supports the indoor radio
link, such as IEEE 802.11, for the dual-mode GSM UE 900. The UE 900
can accommodate at least satellite radio services through a UE that
can combine wireless voice and digital radio chipsets into a single
handheld device. Further, UE 900 can comprise the PLMN selection
component 108 and the scanning component 110, which can comprise
functionality as more fully described herein, for example, as
described above with regard to systems 100-200.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a block
diagram of a computer 1002 operable to execute the disclosed
communication architecture. In order to provide additional context
for various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, FIG. 10 and
the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general
description of a suitable computing environment 1000 in which the
various aspects of the specification can be implemented. While the
specification has been described above in the general context of
computer-executable instructions that can run on one or more
computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
specification also can be implemented in combination with other
program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and
software.
[0061] Generally, applications (e.g., program modules) comprise
routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform
particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
Moreover, those skilled in the art will note that the various
methods can be practiced with other computer system configurations,
comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers,
hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable
consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can be
operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.
[0062] The illustrated aspects of the specification can also be
practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks
are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through
a communications network. In a distributed computing environment,
program modules can be located in both local and remote memory
storage devices.
[0063] A computing device can typically include a variety of
machine-readable media. Machine-readable media can be any available
media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both
volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.
By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media can
comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer
storage media can include volatile and/or non-volatile media,
removable and/or non-removable media implemented in any method or
technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.
Computer storage media can include, but is not limited to, RAM,
ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, solid state
drive (SSD) or other solid-state storage technology, Compact Disk
Read Only Memory (CD ROM), digital video disk (DVD), Blu-ray disk,
or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium which can be used to store the desired information and
which can be accessed by the computer. In this regard, the terms
"tangible" or "non-transitory" herein as applied to storage, memory
or computer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude only
propagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not
relinquish rights to all standard storage, memory or
computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory
signals per se.
[0064] Communications media typically embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured
or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data
signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and
comprises any information delivery or transport media. The term
"modulated data signal" or signals refers to a signal that has one
or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as
to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example,
and not limitation, communication media comprise wired media, such
as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media
such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared and other wireless
media. Combinations of the any of the above should also be included
within the scope of computer-readable media.
[0065] With reference again to FIG. 10, the example environment
1000 for implementing various aspects of the specification
comprises a computer 1002, the computer 1002 comprising a
processing unit 1004, a system memory 1006 and a system bus 1008.
As an example, the component(s), application(s) server(s),
equipment, system(s), interface(s), gateway(s), controller(s),
node(s), entity(ies), function(s), cloud(s) and/or device(s) (e.g.,
UE 102, PLMN selection component 108, scanning component 110, UE 1
202, UE 204, cells 2061-2063, network device 302, analysis
component 306, transmission component 308, network monitoring
component 402, network planning and/or integration component 504,
AI component 602, UE 900, etc.) disclosed herein with respect to
systems 100-600 and 900 can each comprise at least a portion of the
computer 1002. The system bus 1008 couples system components
comprising, but not limited to, the system memory 1006 to the
processing unit 1004. The processing unit 1004 can be any of
various commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and
other multi-processor architectures can also be employed as the
processing unit 1004.
[0066] The system bus 1008 can be any of several types of bus
structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or
without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus
using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The system memory 1006 comprises read-only memory (ROM) 1010 and
random access memory (RAM) 1012. A basic input/output system (BIOS)
is stored in a non-volatile memory 1010 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM,
which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to transfer
information between elements within the computer 1002, such as
during startup. The RAM 1012 can also comprise a high-speed RAM
such as static RAM for caching data.
[0067] The computer 1002 further comprises an internal hard disk
drive (HDD) 1014, which internal hard disk drive 1014 can also be
configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a
magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1016, (e.g., to read from or write
to a removable diskette 1018) and an optical disk drive 1020,
(e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 1022 or, to read from or write to
other high capacity optical media such as the DVD). The hard disk
drive 1014, magnetic disk drive 1016 and optical disk drive 1020
can be connected to the system bus 1008 by a hard disk drive
interface 1024, a magnetic disk drive interface 1026 and an optical
drive interface 1028, respectively. The interface 1024 for external
drive implementations comprises at least one or both of Universal
Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies. Other
external drive connection technologies are within contemplation of
the subject disclosure.
[0068] The drives and their associated computer-readable storage
media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,
computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer
1002, the drives and storage media accommodate the storage of any
data in a suitable digital format. Although the description of
computer-readable storage media above refers to a HDD, a removable
magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media such as a CD or
DVD, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that other
types of storage media which are readable by a computer, such as
zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, solid-state
disks (SSD), cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the
example operating environment, and further, that any such storage
media can contain computer-executable instructions for performing
the methods of the specification.
[0069] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and
RAM 1012, comprising an operating system 1030, one or more
application programs 1032, other program modules 1034 and program
data 1036. All or portions of the operating system, applications,
modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 1012. It is
noted that the specification can be implemented with various
commercially available operating systems or combinations of
operating systems.
[0070] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
1002 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a
keyboard 1038 and/or a pointing device, such as a mouse 1040 or a
touchscreen or touchpad (not illustrated). These and other input
devices are often connected to the processing unit 1004 through an
input device interface 1042 that is coupled to the system bus 1008,
but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port,
an IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface,
etc. A monitor 1044 or other type of display device is also
connected to the system bus 1008 via an interface, such as a video
adapter 1046.
[0071] The computer 1002 can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications
to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1048.
The remote computer(s) 1048 can be a workstation, a server
computer, a router, a personal computer, portable computer,
microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or
other common network node, and typically comprises many or all of
the elements described relative to the computer 1002, although, for
purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 1050 is
illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprise
wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1052
and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1054. Such
LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and
companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such
as intranets, all of which can connect to a global communications
network, e.g., the Internet.
[0072] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1002
is connected to the local network 1052 through a wired and/or
wireless communication network interface or adapter 1056. The
adapter 1056 can facilitate wired or wireless communication to the
LAN 1052, which can also comprise a wireless access point disposed
thereon for communicating with the wireless adapter 1056.
[0073] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1002
can comprise a modem 1058, or is connected to a communications
server on the WAN 1054 or has other means for establishing
communications over the WAN 1054, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 1058, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless device, is connected to the system bus 1008 via the serial
port interface 1042. In a networked environment, program modules
depicted relative to the computer 1002, or portions thereof, can be
stored in the remote memory/storage device 1050. It will be noted
that the network connections shown are example and other means of
establishing a communications link between the computers can be
used.
[0074] The computer 1002 is operable to communicate with any
wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless
communication, e.g., desktop and/or portable computer, server,
communications satellite, etc. This comprises at least Wi-Fi and
Bluetooth.TM. wireless technologies or other communication
technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure
as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication
between at least two devices.
[0075] Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity networks use radio technologies
called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, etc.) to provide secure, reliable,
fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect
computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks
(which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the
unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54
Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, or with products that
contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can provide
real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet
networks used in many offices.
[0076] As it employed in the subject specification, the term
"processor" can refer to substantially any computing processing
unit or device comprising, but not limited to comprising,
single-core processors; single-processors with software multithread
execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-core processors
with software multithread execution capability; multi-core
processors with hardware multithread technology; parallel
platforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory.
Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal
processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a
programmable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic
device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete
hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform
the functions described herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale
architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular and
quantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to
optimize space usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A
processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing
processing units.
[0077] In the subject specification, terms such as "data store,"
data storage," "database," "cache," and substantially any other
information storage component relevant to operation and
functionality of a component, refer to "memory components," or
entities embodied in a "memory" or components comprising the
memory. It will be noted that the memory components, or
computer-readable storage media, described herein can be either
volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both
volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way of illustration, and not
limitation, nonvolatile memory can comprise read only memory (ROM),
programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),
electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile
memory can comprise 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). Additionally, the
disclosed memory components of systems or methods herein are
intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising, these
and any other suitable types of memory.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a schematic
block diagram of a computing environment 1100 in accordance with
the subject specification. The system 1100 comprises one or more
client(s) 1102. The client(s) 1102 can be hardware and/or software
(e.g., threads, processes, computing devices).
[0079] The system 1100 also comprises one or more server(s) 1104.
The server(s) 1104 can also be hardware and/or software (e.g.,
threads, processes, computing devices). The servers 1104 can house
threads to perform transformations by employing the specification,
for example. One possible communication between a client 1102 and a
server 1104 can be in the form of a data packet adapted to be
transmitted between two or more computer processes. The data packet
may comprise a cookie and/or associated contextual information, for
example. The system 1100 comprises a communication framework 1106
(e.g., a global communication network such as the Internet,
cellular network, etc.) that can be employed to facilitate
communications between the client(s) 1102 and the server(s)
1104.
[0080] Communications can be facilitated via a wired (comprising
optical fiber) and/or wireless technology. The client(s) 1102 are
operatively connected to one or more client data store(s) 1108 that
can be employed to store information local to the client(s) 1102
(e.g., cookie(s) and/or associated contextual information).
Similarly, the server(s) 1104 are operatively connected to one or
more server data store(s) 1110 that can be employed to store
information local to the servers 1104.
[0081] What has been described above comprises examples of the
present specification. It is, of course, not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components or methods for purposes
of describing the present specification, but one of ordinary skill
in the art may recognize that many further combinations and
permutations of the present specification are possible.
Accordingly, the present specification is intended to embrace all
such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent
that the term "comprises" is used in either the detailed
description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in
a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is
interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
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