U.S. patent application number 17/467597 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-23 for location-based tracking in a wireless network environment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Charter Communications Operating, LLC. Invention is credited to Volkan Sevindik, Haider H. Syed.
Application Number | 20210400559 17/467597 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005826157 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210400559 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sevindik; Volkan ; et
al. |
December 23, 2021 |
LOCATION-BASED TRACKING IN A WIRELESS NETWORK ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
A communication system includes a base station disposed in a
wireless network environment. During operation, the base station
receives a first message communicated over a first fixed wireless
access communication link from a mobile communication device. The
base station receives a second message communicated over a second
fixed wireless access communication link from the mobile
communication device. Via the first message and the second message,
the base station tracks a current location of the mobile
communication device in the wireless network environment.
Inventors: |
Sevindik; Volkan; (Reston,
VA) ; Syed; Haider H.; (Parker, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Charter Communications Operating, LLC |
St. Louis |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005826157 |
Appl. No.: |
17/467597 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16684548 |
Nov 14, 2019 |
11140606 |
|
|
17467597 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 36/32 20130101;
H04W 64/003 20130101; H04W 80/02 20130101; H04W 4/029 20180201;
H04W 8/16 20130101; H04W 72/0453 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 36/32 20060101
H04W036/32; H04W 4/029 20060101 H04W004/029; H04W 80/02 20060101
H04W080/02; H04W 64/00 20060101 H04W064/00; H04W 72/04 20060101
H04W072/04; H04W 8/16 20060101 H04W008/16 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: retrieving data associated with a
communication device; producing a communication in accordance with
a first wireless communication protocol; encoding a portion of the
communication to be decodable via a second wireless communication
protocol, the portion of the communication including the data; and
wirelessly transmitting the communication.
2. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: producing the
communication to include a notification that the communication
includes the portion that is decodable via the second wireless
communication protocol.
3. The method as in claim 1, wherein the data includes: i) location
information indicating a current location of the communication
device in the wireless network environment, and ii) a unique
identifier value assigned to the communication device.
4. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: producing the
portion of the communication to include a notification that the
portion of the communication is encoded in accordance with the
second wireless communication protocol.
5. The method as in claim 1, wherein the first wireless
communication protocol is a WiFi.TM. protocol; and wherein the
second wireless communication protocol is an LTE wireless
communication protocol.
6. The method as in claim 1, wherein wirelessly transmitting the
communication includes: transmitting the communication from the
communication device over a first wireless communication link to a
wireless access point via the first wireless communication
protocol.
7. The method as in claim 6 further comprising: wherein wirelessly
transmitting the communication further includes: transmitting the
received communication from the wireless access point to a wireless
station supporting a fixed wireless access communication link.
8. The method as in claim 7 further comprising: from the wireless
station, transmitting a message via the second wireless
communication protocol over the fixed wireless access communication
link, the message including the portion of the communication
transmitted over the first wireless communication link between the
communication device and the wireless access point.
9. The method as in claim 1, wherein the data indicates an identity
of a wireless access point to which the communication is
transmitted.
10. The method as in claim 9, wherein the communication is a first
communication; and wherein the wireless access point supports
wireless transmission of a second communication in accordance with
the second wireless communication protocol.
11. A system comprising: a communication device operative to:
retrieve data; produce a communication in accordance with a first
wireless communication protocol; encode a portion of the
communication to be decodable via a second wireless communication
protocol, the portion of the communication including the data; and
wirelessly transmit the communication.
12. The system as in claim 11, wherein the communication device is
further operative to: produce the communication to include a
notification that the communication includes the portion that is
decodable via the second wireless communication protocol.
13. The system as in claim 11, wherein the data includes: i)
location information indicating a current location of the
communication device in the wireless network environment, and ii) a
unique identifier value assigned to the communication device.
14. The system as in claim 11, wherein the communication device is
further operative to: produce the portion of the communication to
include a notification that the portion of the communication is
encoded in accordance with the second wireless communication
protocol.
15. The system as in claim 11, wherein the first wireless
communication protocol is a WiFi.TM. protocol; and wherein the
second wireless communication protocol is an LTE wireless
communication protocol.
16. The system as in claim 11, wherein the communication device is
further operative to: transmit the communication from the
communication device over a first wireless communication link to a
wireless access point in accordance with the first wireless
communication protocol.
17. The system as in claim 16, wherein the wireless access point is
operative to: transmit the received communication from the wireless
access point to a wireless station supporting a fixed wireless
access communication link.
18. The system as in claim 17, wherein the wireless station is
operative to transmit a message in accordance with the second
wireless communication protocol over the fixed wireless access
communication link, the message including a portion of the
communication transmitted over the first wireless communication
link between the communication device and the wireless access
point.
19. The system as in claim 11, wherein the data indicates an
identity of a wireless access point to which the communication is
transmitted.
20. The system as in claim 19, wherein the communication is a first
communication; and wherein the wireless access point supports
wireless transmission of a second communication in accordance with
the second wireless communication protocol.
21. Computer-readable storage hardware having instructions stored
thereon, the instructions, when carried out by computer processor
hardware, cause the computer processor hardware to: retrieve data
associated with the mobile communication device; produce a
communication in accordance with a first wireless communication
protocol; encode a portion of the communication to be decodable via
a second wireless communication protocol, the portion of the
communication including the data; and wirelessly transmit the
communication.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of earlier filed U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/684,548 entitled "LOCATION-BASED
TRACKING IN A WIRELESS NETWORK ENVIRONMENT," (Attorney Docket No.
CHTR-2019-114, filed on Nov. 14, 2019, the entire teachings of
which are incorporated herein by this reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional wireless networks typically include one or more
wireless stations to provide mobile communication devices access to
a remote network such as the Internet. One type of wireless station
is a so-called CBSD (Citizen Broadband Radio Service Device).
[0003] In an example CBRS (Citizens Band Radio Service) network,
each CBSD (Citizen Broadband Radio Service Device) is assigned a
certain amount of wireless spectrum from an entity such as a
Spectrum Access Service (SAS).
[0004] One network communication standard supported by a CBSD is
LTE (Long Term Evolution). According to the LTE standard, a certain
part of the spectrum is utilized to transmit control channel
information.
[0005] Certain conventional implementations of wireless base
stations include providing wireless network connectivity to a
customer via a so-called fixed wireless access link. In such an
instance, a wireless base station establishes a respective fixed
wireless access communication link with customer premises equipment
at a subscriber's residence. The wireless connectivity between the
wireless base station and the customer premises equipment enables
the user at the residence to access a remote network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0006] In contrast to conventional techniques, embodiments herein
provide novel ways of providing improved wireless communications to
one or more mobile communication devices in a network
environment.
[0007] For example, one embodiment herein includes a base station
disposed in a wireless network environment. The base station is
operative to receive a first message communicated over a first
fixed wireless access communication link. The first message
originates from a mobile communication device being tracked. The
base station receives a second message communicated over a second
fixed wireless access communication link. The second message also
originates from the mobile communication device. Via the first
message and the second message, the base station tracks a current
location of the mobile communication device in the wireless network
environment.
[0008] In accordance with further embodiments, a processing entity
such as the base station (or other suitable resource) processes the
first message and the second message. Based on analysis of the
first message, the base station (communication processing entity)
detects that the mobile communication device resides at a first
location. The communication processing entity (such as base
station) communicates notification of the first location and a
unique identifier value of the mobile communication device to a
remote communication management resource. Based on analysis of the
second message, the communication processing entity detects that
the mobile communication device resides at a second location. The
base station communicates notification of the second location and
the unique identifier value of the mobile communication device from
the base station to the communication management resource.
[0009] In yet further example embodiments, the first fixed wireless
access communication link is established between the base station
and first customer premises equipment disposed in a first
subscriber domain of the wireless network environment; the second
fixed wireless access communication link is established between the
base station and second customer premises equipment disposed in a
second subscriber domain of the wireless network environment.
[0010] The system resources associated with the wireless network
environment as described herein can be implemented in any suitable
manner. In one embodiment, each of the base station, the first
customer premises equipment, and the second customer premises
equipment register with a bandwidth management resource to
communicate in the wireless network environment. In one example
embodiment, the bandwidth management resource is a so-called SAS
(Spectrum Access System) that coordinates communications in
accordance with a CBRS (Citizen Band Radio System) wireless
communication protocol.
[0011] In accordance with still further embodiments, the first
fixed wireless access communication link (such as between the first
customer premises equipment and the base station) and the second
fixed wireless access communication link (such as between the
second customer premises equipment and the base station) support
wireless communications in accordance with a first wireless
communication protocol. The first customer premises equipment and
second customer premises equipment support wireless communications
in accordance with a second wireless communication protocol to the
mobile communication device.
[0012] Further embodiments herein include novel encoding of
messages. For example, in accordance with further embodiments, the
first message from the mobile communication device is encoded in
accordance with a first wireless communication protocol; the first
message is communicated from the mobile communication device to a
first wireless station. The first customer premises equipment
communicates the received first message over the first fixed
wireless access communication link in accordance with a second
wireless communication protocol to the base station. In a similar
manner, the second message is encoded in accordance with the first
wireless communication protocol; the second message is communicated
from the mobile communication device to a second wireless station
that communicates the second message over the second fixed wireless
access communication link in accordance with the second wireless
communication protocol to the base station.
[0013] In yet further example embodiments, a portion of the first
message communicated via the first wireless communication protocol
is encoded in accordance with the second wireless communication
protocol. A portion of the second message communicated via the
first wireless communication protocol is encoded in accordance with
the second wireless communication protocol.
[0014] In accordance with still further embodiments, the portion of
the first message includes: i) a unique identifier value assigned
to the mobile communication device, and ii) location information
indicating a first location in which the mobile communication
device resides at a first instant in time; the portion of the
second message includes: i) a unique identifier value assigned to
the mobile communication device, and ii) location information
indicating a second location in which the mobile communication
device resides at a second instant in time.
[0015] In accordance with further example embodiments, the first
message is encoded in accordance with a first wireless
communication protocol; the first message being encoded with an
indication that that the first message includes a portion of data
decodable via a second wireless communication protocol. As
previously discussed, the portion of data associated with the first
message includes: i) a unique identifier value assigned to the
mobile communication device, and ii) location information
indicating a first (current) location of the mobile communication
device in the wireless network environment.
[0016] In a similar manner, the second message is encoded in
accordance with a first wireless communication protocol; the second
message being encoded with an indication that that the second
message includes a portion of data decodable via a second wireless
communication protocol. As previously discussed, the portion of
data associated with the second message includes: i) a unique
identifier value assigned to the mobile communication device, and
ii) location information indicating a first (current) location of
the mobile communication device in the wireless network
environment.
[0017] Further embodiments herein include initiating a handoff of
the mobile communication device from first customer premises
equipment to second customer premises equipment; the first customer
premises equipment is in communication with the base station over
the first fixed wireless access communication link. The second
customer premises equipment is in communication with the base
station (or another base station) over the second fixed wireless
access communication link. Yet further example embodiments herein
initiating the handoff in response to detecting movement of the
mobile communication device from a region of wireless coverage
provided by the first customer premises equipment to a region of
wireless coverage provided by the second customer premises
equipment.
[0018] Embodiments herein are useful over conventional techniques.
For example, embodiments herein enable novel tracking of mobile
communication devices in wireless network environments implementing
fixed wireless access to respective subscribers. More specifically,
in one embodiment, so-called tracking area (TA) updates are used to
inform a respective MME (Mobile Management Entity, such as a
communication management resource) of the last location that a
respective mobile communication device (a.k.a., user equipment or
UE) is detected as being present by the wireless system. In one
embodiment, the user equipment (mobile communication device being
tracked) sends periodic or occasional tracking area (TA) update
messages to MME. In such an instance, the MME at least knows of the
respective approximate location of the user equipment. During
conditions in which a data call is directed to the UE, the
communication management resource (MME) sends paging messages to a
respective wireless base station (such as CBSD or CBSDs) which
serve the area that is reported by the tracked user equipment. In
this manner, the wireless system tracks respective user equipment
is tracked and is able to route call alerts or other notifications
to the user equipment because it is known where the user equipment
resides.
[0019] In one embodiment, via user equipment tracking, user
equipment can be handed off from first customer premises equipment
to second customer premises equipment without terminating a
respective wireless communication session.
[0020] Note that any of the resources as discussed herein can
include one or more computerized devices, mobile communication
devices, servers, base stations, wireless communication equipment,
communication management systems, controllers, workstations, user
equipment, handheld or laptop computers, or the like to carry out
and/or support any or all of the method operations disclosed
herein. In other words, one or more computerized devices or
processors can be programmed and/or configured to operate as
explained herein to carry out the different embodiments as
described herein.
[0021] Yet other embodiments herein include software programs to
perform the steps and operations summarized above and disclosed in
detail below. One such embodiment comprises a computer program
product including a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
(such as any computer readable hardware storage medium, computer
readable storage hardware, etc.) on which software instructions are
encoded for subsequent execution. The instructions, when executed
in a computerized device (hardware) having a processor, program
and/or cause the processor (hardware) to perform the operations
disclosed herein. Such arrangements are typically provided as
software, code, instructions, and/or other data (e.g., data
structures) arranged or encoded on a non-transitory computer
readable storage hardware medium such as an optical medium (e.g.,
CD-ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, memory stick, memory device, etc.,
or other a medium such as firmware in one or more ROM, RAM, PROM,
etc., or as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.
The software or firmware or other such configurations can be
installed onto a computerized device to cause the computerized
device to perform the techniques explained herein.
[0022] Accordingly, embodiments herein are directed to a method,
system, computer program product, etc., that supports operations as
discussed herein.
[0023] One embodiment includes a computer readable storage medium
and/or system having instructions stored thereon to facilitate
wireless communications and mobile communication device tracking in
a network environment. The instructions, when executed by computer
processor hardware, cause the computer processor hardware (such as
one or more co-located or disparately processor devices or
hardware) to: receive a first message communicated over a first
fixed wireless access communication link, the first message
originating from a mobile communication device; receive a second
message communicated over a second fixed wireless access
communication link, the second message originating from the mobile
communication device; and via the first message and the second
message, tracking a current location of the mobile communication
device in the wireless network environment.
[0024] Another embodiment includes a computer readable storage
medium and/or system having instructions stored thereon to
facilitate wireless communications and mobile communication device
tracking in a network environment. The instructions, when executed
by computer processor hardware, cause the computer processor
hardware (such as one or more co-located or disparately processor
devices or hardware) to: retrieve data associated with the mobile
communication device; produce a communication in accordance with a
first wireless communication protocol; and encode a portion of the
communication to be decodable via a second wireless communication
protocol, the portion of the communication including the data.
[0025] Note that the ordering of the steps above has been added for
clarity sake. Further note that any of the processing steps as
discussed herein can be performed in any suitable order.
[0026] Other embodiments of the present disclosure include software
programs and/or respective hardware to perform any of the method
embodiment steps and operations summarized above and disclosed in
detail below.
[0027] It is to be understood that the system, method, apparatus,
instructions on computer readable storage media, etc., as discussed
herein also can be embodied strictly as a software program,
firmware, as a hybrid of software, hardware and/or firmware, or as
hardware alone such as within a processor (hardware or software),
or within an operating system or a within a software
application.
[0028] As discussed herein, techniques herein are well suited for
use in the field of providing wireless services to communication
devices. However, it should be noted that embodiments herein are
not limited to use in such applications and that the techniques
discussed herein are well suited for other applications as
well.
[0029] Additionally, note that although each of the different
features, techniques, configurations, etc., herein may be discussed
in different places of this disclosure, it is intended, where
suitable, that each of the concepts can optionally be executed
independently of each other or in combination with each other.
Accordingly, the one or more present inventions as described herein
can be embodied and viewed in many different ways.
[0030] Also, note that this preliminary discussion of embodiments
herein (BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS) purposefully does not
specify every embodiment and/or incrementally novel aspect of the
present disclosure or claimed invention(s). Instead, this brief
description only presents general embodiments and corresponding
points of novelty over conventional techniques. For additional
details and/or possible perspectives (permutations) of the
invention(s), the reader is directed to the Detailed Description
section (which is a summary of embodiments) and corresponding
figures of the present disclosure as further discussed below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating a wireless network
environment and user equipment tracking according to embodiments
herein.
[0032] FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating wireless
communications according to embodiments herein.
[0033] FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating location tracking
information according to embodiments herein.
[0034] FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating a handoff and
mobile communication device tracking according to embodiments
herein.
[0035] FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating wireless
communications according to embodiments herein.
[0036] FIG. 6 is an example diagram illustrating updating of
location tracking information according to embodiments herein.
[0037] FIG. 7 is an example diagram illustrating a handoff and
updated tracking of a mobile communication device according to
embodiments herein.
[0038] FIG. 8 is an example diagram illustrating wireless
communications according to embodiments herein.
[0039] FIG. 9 is an example diagram illustrating updating of
location tracking information according to embodiments herein.
[0040] FIG. 10 is an example diagram illustrating example computer
architecture operable to execute one or more operations according
to embodiments herein.
[0041] FIG. 11 is an example diagram illustrating a method
according to embodiments herein.
[0042] FIG. 12 is an example diagram illustrating a method
according to embodiments herein.
[0043] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following more particular
description of preferred embodiments herein, as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to
the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not
necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the embodiments, principles, concepts, etc.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] In accordance with general embodiments, a communication
system includes multiple base stations disposed in a wireless
network environment. During operation, a first base station
receives a first message communicated over a first fixed wireless
access communication link from a mobile communication device. The
first base station additionally receives a second message
communicated over a second fixed wireless access communication link
from the mobile communication device. The first base station
communicates the first and second messages (or data obtained from
the messages) and communicates such information to a communication
management resource. Via the first message and the second message,
the first base station and/or communication management resource,
individually or combined, track a current location of the mobile
communication device in the wireless network environment.
[0045] Now, more specifically, FIG. 1 is an example diagram
illustrating a wireless network environment and user equipment
tracking according to embodiments herein.
[0046] As shown, network environment 100 includes multiple
subscriber domains 151, 152, 153, etc., multiple wireless stations
121, 122, 123, etc., multiple wireless access points 111, 112, 113,
etc., multiple base stations 130-1, 130-2, etc., bandwidth
management resource 140, and a control management resource 141.
[0047] Note that each of the resources in network environment 100
can be configured to include or be configured as appropriate
hardware, software, or combination of hardware and software to
carry out respective operations as discussed herein.
[0048] More specifically, the bandwidth management resource 140 as
described herein can be implemented via respective bandwidth
management hardware and/or bandwidth management software; the
communication management resource 141 can be implemented via
respective communication management hardware and/or communication
management software; each mobile communication device (150-1,
150-2, 150-3, etc.) can be implemented via respective mobile
communication hardware and/or mobile communication software; each
wireless access point (such as 111, 112, 113, etc.) can be
implemented via respective wireless access point hardware and/or
wireless access point software; each wireless station (such as 121,
122, 123, etc.) can be implemented via respective wireless station
hardware and/or wireless station software; each wireless base
station (such as 130-1, 130-2, etc.) can be implemented via
respective wireless base station hardware and/or wireless base
station software; etc.
[0049] In one embodiment, each of the wireless stations 111, 112,
113, etc., resides at any suitable fixed location as on a rooftop
or other suitable location of a house or entity associated with the
respective subscriber domain.
[0050] As previously discussed, the system resources (such as
wireless access points, wireless stations, wireless base stations,
etc.) associated with the wireless network environment as described
herein can be implemented in any suitable manner. In one
embodiment, each of the base stations 130-1, 130-2, etc., the first
wireless station 121, second wireless station 122, third wireless
station, etc., register with a bandwidth management resource 140
for allocation of CBRS channels to communicate in the wireless
network environment 100. In one example embodiment, the bandwidth
management resource 141 is a so-called SAS (Spectrum Access System)
that coordinates communications associated with the wireless
stations 121, 122, 123, etc., and wireless base station 130-1,
130-2, etc., in accordance with a CBRS (Citizen Band Radio System)
wireless communication protocol (such as supporting an LTE-type
wireless communication protocol).
[0051] Each subscriber domain is connected to a respective wireless
base station via wireless connectivity.
[0052] For example, communication link 127-1 (such as a fixed
wireless access communication link or other suitable communication
link) provides wireless connectivity between the wireless base
station 130-1 and the wireless station 121 (assigned identity=CPE1
and residing at location latitude=LAT1, longitude=LONG1) associated
with subscriber domain 151.
[0053] As further shown, mobile communication devices 150-1, 150-2,
etc., in subscriber domain 151 wirelessly communicate via a first
wireless communication protocol WCP#1 over respective wireless
connectivity to the wireless access point 111 (assigned identity
WAP1). Mobile communication device 150-1 (identity=UE1) is disposed
at location latitude=X11, longitude=Y11 in the subscriber domain
151. Assume that the mobile communication device 150-2
(identity=UE2) is disposed at location latitude=X21, longitude=Y21
in the subscriber domain 151.
[0054] Communication link 127-2 (such as a fixed wireless access
communication link or other suitable communication link) provides
wireless connectivity between the wireless base station 130-1 and
the wireless station 122 (assigned identity=CPE2 and residing at
location latitude=LAT2, longitude=LONG2) associated with subscriber
domain 152. As further shown, mobile communication devices 150-3 in
subscriber domain 152 wirelessly communicates via a first wireless
communication protocol WCP#1 (such as WiFi.TM. or other suitable
wireless communication protocol) over respective wireless
connectivity with the wireless access point 112 (assigned identity
WAP2). Assume that the mobile communication device 150-3
(identity=UE3) resides at location latitude=X31, longitude=Y31 in
the subscriber domain 152.
[0055] Communication link 127-3 (such as a fixed wireless access
communication link or other suitable communication link) provides
wireless connectivity between the wireless base station 130-2 and
the wireless station 123 (assigned identity=CPE3 and residing at
location latitude=LAT3, longitude=LONG3) associated with subscriber
domain 153. As further shown, mobile communication devices 150-4 in
subscriber domain 154 wirelessly communicates via a first wireless
communication protocol WCP#1 (such as WiFi.TM. or other suitable
wireless communication protocol) over respective wireless
connectivity with the wireless access point 113 (assigned identity
WAP3). Mobile communication device 150-4 (identity=UE4) is disposed
at a corresponding location in the subscriber domain 153.
[0056] To access network 190, each mobile communication device
establishes a respective wireless communication link with a
wireless access point in a respective subscriber domain.
[0057] More specifically, via the first wireless communication
protocol WCP1, the mobile communication device 150-1 establishes a
respective wireless communication link with the wireless access
point 111. The wireless access point 111 is communicatively coupled
(such as via a physical or wireless link) to wireless station 121
(such as customer premises equipment). The wireless station 121
receives communications from wireless access point 111 and
wirelessly communicates the received messages (associated with
mobile communication device 150-1) over a respective wireless
communication link 127-1 (such as a fixed wireless access link) to
wireless base station 130-1. The wireless base station 130-1
forwards communications to an appropriate one or more destinations
(such as server resources 195) in the network 190.
[0058] In a reverse direction, the one or more server resources 195
in network 190 communicate reply messages (such as including one or
more data packets) to a respective destination mobile communication
device. For example, network 190 conveys reply messages as received
over network 190 (and that are destined for delivery to mobile
communication device 150-1) to wireless base station 130-1. The
wireless base station 130-1 wirelessly communicates the reply
messages wirelessly to wireless station 121 in subscriber domain
130-1. The wireless station 121 forwards the reply messages to
wireless access point 111 that further wirelessly communicates the
reply messages to the appropriate destination mobile communication
device 150-1.
[0059] As previously discussed, embodiments herein provide novel
ways of tracking each of multiple mobile communication devices in
the wireless network environment 100. For example, embodiments
herein enable novel tracking of mobile communication devices in
wireless network environments implementing fixed wireless access to
respective subscribers.
Brief Description of Operations Supporting User Equipment Location
Tracking
[0060] Operation 1--Each wireless station 121, 122, 123, etc. (such
as customer premises equipment) and wireless base stations 130-1,
130-2, etc., (such as CBSDs) registers with the bandwidth
management resource 140 (such as a Spectrum Access System) for
channel allocation. They share use of available wireless
channels.
[0061] Operation 2--Each mobile communication device 150
establishes a respective wireless connection with a wireless access
point in a subscriber domain.
[0062] Operation 3--Each mobile communication device 150 generates
and communicates (via a first wireless communication protocol)
tracking update messages to a respective wireless access point. In
one embodiment, the tracking updated messages are encoded in
accordance with a second wireless communication protocol (such as
LTE-decodable messages in accordance with a second wireless
communication protocol) so that wireless base stations 130 can
identify and decode these messages.
[0063] Operation 4--The wireless access points forward the location
tracking messages from the mobile communication devices to the
wireless stations (such as customer premises equipment). The
wireless stations (customer premises equipment) forward the
location tracking messages to the wireless base stations. The
wireless stations also send notification to the wireless base
station of their respective CPE ID, LAT, and LONG information.
[0064] Operation 5--The LTE decodable message from the mobile
communication devices include data fields populated with location
tracking information such as UE HW ID, LAT, LONG, Wifi AP ID, LTE
Decodable Field (Yes/No) such as notification 210. Setting of the
notification 210 indicates whether the location tracking
information message is decodable by the second wireless
communication protocol.
[0065] Operation 6--The wireless base stations 130 decode the
location tracking messages (LTE decodable messages) with Decodable
Field set to a value of YES. After the wireless base station 130
decodes the one or more messages, the wireless base station 130
communicates the tracking update messages (and/or corresponding
information) to the communication management resource 141 (such as
an MME). The communication management resource 141 stores the
information as location tracking information 170 and updates as the
mobile communication devices send the updated location tracking
information.
[0066] Operation 7--Assume that the mobile communication device 150
moves to a new location.
[0067] Operation 8--The mobile communication device 150 sends the
new tracking area message information to the wireless base station
130. The wireless base station 130 initiates updating the location
of the respective mobile communication device via notifying the
communication management resource 141 of the new location of the
respective mobile communication device.
[0068] Operation 9--The new wireless station (such as customer
premises equipment) sends its CPE ID, LAT, and LONG to the wireless
base station 130.
[0069] Operation 10--The wireless base station sends any data
packets associated with the mobile communication device 150 to the
customer premises equipment (known through CPE ID) that serves the
mobile communication device at the new location.
[0070] Operation 11--During mobility, when the mobile communication
device drops a wireless connection with the current wireless access
point, and prior to the mobile communication device connecting with
another wireless access point in the new subscriber domain; the
packets are buffered in the wireless base station 130 (such as via
buffer B1 or B2) that serves the mobile communication device.
Buffered packets in respective one or more buffer are sent to the
new wireless station after the mobile communication device connects
with wireless access point in the new subscriber domain.
[0071] Operation 12--Via updating of the location tracking
information 170 to indicate the current location of the mobile
communication device and connectivity as described herein, the
communication management resource 141 is able to identify a
location of a mobile communication device and forward messages,
alerts, incoming calls, buffered data, etc., over the appropriate
communication path such as combination of wireless base station,
wireless station, wireless access point, etc., to a target mobile
communication device.
[0072] FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating wireless
communications according to embodiments herein.
[0073] This example embodiment illustrates details of communication
A11 (between a mobile communication device and a wireless access
point) and communication A12 (between a wireless station such as
customer premises equipment and a wireless base station such as
CBSD).
[0074] As shown, and as previously discussed, communication A11
(wirelessly transmitted from the mobile communication device 150-1
to the wireless access point 111) is encoded in accordance with
wireless communication protocol WCP1 and includes data field 220 as
well as supplemental data 225 (such as source information,
destination information, etc.).
[0075] Data field 220 can be tagged to indicate presence of message
221; data field 220 can be a portion of the communication A11
reserved for location tracking information, etc.
[0076] In this example embodiment, the mobile communication device
150-1 retrieves respective location tracking information and
populates the data field 220 of communication A12 to include a
message 221 (such as encoded in accordance with an LTE or second
wireless communication protocol, WCP2). The message 221 is a
decodable message (via wireless communication protocol WCP2)
enabling location tracking of the mobile communication device
150-1. More specifically, the mobile communication device 150-1
originating the communication A11 populates the data field 220
(message 221 encoded in accordance with the second wireless
communication protocol WCP2) to include an identity of the mobile
communication device 150-1 (i.e., UE1), location information such
as latitude=X11 and longitude=Y11 indicating a current location of
the mobile communication device 150-1, an identity of a respective
wireless access point (namely, WAP1) to which the mobile
communication device 150-1 is wirelessly connected, and
notification 210. Again, communication A11 is encoded in accordance
with wireless communication protocol WCP1.
[0077] Note that the location information can be any suitable
information. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device
150-1 includes circuitry to generate respective location
information such as GPS (Global Positioning System) information
indicating a current location of the mobile communication device
150-1.
[0078] As further shown, communication A12 (wirelessly transmitted
from the wireless station 121 to the wireless base station 130-1)
is encoded in accordance with wireless communication protocol WCP2
and includes data field 250 as well as supplemental data 255 (such
as source information, destination information, etc.).
[0079] Data field 250 can be tagged to indicate presence of message
221; data field 250 can be a portion of the communication A12
reserved for location tracking information, etc.
[0080] In this example embodiment, the wireless station (such as
customer premises equipment) populates the data field 250 of
communication A12 to include the message 221 (location tracking
information such as encoded via an LTE or second wireless
communication protocol, WCP2) as retrieved from the received
communication A11. The data field 250 in the communication A12
includes information such as an identity of the mobile
communication device 150-1 (i.e., identity=UE1), location
information such as latitude=X11 and longitude=Y11 indicating a
current location of the mobile communication device 150-1, an
identity of a respective wireless access point (namely, WAP1) to
which the mobile communication device 150-1 is wirelessly
connected, and notification 210.
[0081] Upon receipt of the communication A12, the wireless base
station 130-1 detects, via notification 210 set to YES, that the
message 221 is decodable in accordance with the second wireless
communication protocol WCP2. In such an instance, because the
message 221 is detected as being decodable, the wireless base
station 130-1 (such as CBSD) retrieves the respective message 221
and decodes it based on the wireless communication protocol WCP2
(such as LTE or other suitable wireless communication protocol).
Based on decoding and analysis, the wireless base station 130-1
learns of information such as: i) a current location of the mobile
communication device 150-1, ii) a wireless access point to which
the mobile communication device 150-1 is wirelessly connected,
etc.), etc. The wireless base station 130-1 communicates the
retrieved location tracking information associated with message 221
to the communication management resource 141.
[0082] Communication management resource 141 uses the received
information associated with message 221 to produce/update the
location tracking information 170 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0083] FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating location tracking
information according to embodiments herein.
[0084] As previously discussed, via information received from the
wireless base stations, the communication management resource 141
produces location tracking information 170-1 associated with the
mobile communication device 150-1. The communication management
resource generates location tracking information 170-1 based on
location tracking information received from each of the mobile
communication devices.
[0085] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, based on information
provided by each of the wireless stations (customer premises
equipment), the location tracking information 170-1 (such as
hierarchical connectivity tree indicates that the wireless station
121 (such as first customer premises equipment having
identity=CPE1) is wirelessly connected to the wireless base station
130-1, the wireless station 122 (such as second customer premises
equipment having identity=CPE2) is wirelessly connected to the
wireless base station 130-1, the wireless station 123 (such as
third customer premises equipment having identity=CPE3) is
wirelessly connected to the wireless base station 130-2, and so
on.
[0086] Based on location tracking information received from each of
the mobile communication devices, the communication management
resource 141 generates the location tracking information 170-1 to
indicate that the mobile communication device 150-1 (UE1) resides
at location latitude=X11 and longitude=Y11 and is connected to
wireless access point 111 (WAP1) in subscriber domain 151. The
location tracking information 170-1 further indicates that the
mobile communication device 150-2 (UE2) at location latitude=X21
and longitude=Y21 is connected to wireless access point 111 (WAP1)
in subscriber domain 151. Thus, wireless access point 111 (WAP1)
connects both of the mobile communication devices 150-1 and 150-2
to the wireless station 121 (CPE1).
[0087] The location tracking information 170-1 further indicates
that the mobile communication device 150-3 (UE3) at location
latitude=X31 and longitude=Y31 is connected to wireless access
point 112 (WAP2) in subscriber domain 152. Thus, wireless access
point 112 (WAP2) connects the mobile communication device 150-3 to
the wireless station 122 (CPE2).
[0088] The location tracking information 170-1 further indicates
that the mobile communication device 150-4 (UE3) at location
latitude=X41 and longitude=Y41 is connected to wireless access
point 113 (WAP3) in subscriber domain 153. Thus, wireless access
point 113 (WAP3) connects the mobile communication device 150-4 to
the wireless station 123 (CPE3).
[0089] FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating a handoff and
tracking of a mobile communication device according to embodiments
herein.
[0090] In accordance with further embodiments, the wireless base
stations 130 buffer data (via one or more buffers B1, B2, etc.)
associated with the mobile communication devices in case of a
respective handoff.
[0091] For example, assume that the mobile communication device
150-1 moves from subscriber domain 151 to subscriber domain 152 as
shown. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device 150-1
and/or wireless access points 111/112 initiate a handoff 410 in
response to detecting that the wireless access point 112 is able to
provide a better wireless connection to the mobile communication
device 150-1.
[0092] In one embodiment, the buffer B1 stores communication
session information associated with a communication session between
the wireless base station 130-1 and the mobile communication device
150-1. For example, after termination of the wireless connectivity
with the wireless station 130-1 through the wireless station 121,
the wireless base station 130-1 buffers data associated with the
communication session. After the handoff 410, and after the mobile
communication device 150-1 establishes the wireless communication
link (via respective wireless connectivity supporting the wireless
communication protocol WCP1) with the wireless access point 112,
the wireless base station 130-1 communicates buffered data in
buffer B1 associated with the communication session to the mobile
communication device 150-1.
[0093] In a similar manner as previously discussed, the mobile
communication device 150-1 repeatedly communicates updated location
information to the wireless access point 112 via communication A13.
The wireless station 122 communicates the updated location tracking
information from the mobile communication device 1501 to the
wireless base station 130-1 via communication A14 (second wireless
communication protocol WCP2).
[0094] FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating wireless
communications according to embodiments herein.
[0095] This example embodiment illustrates details of communication
A13 (between mobile communication device 150-1 and wireless access
point 112) and communication A14 (from wireless station such as
customer premises equipment 122 to wireless base station 130-1 such
as a CBSD).
[0096] Communication A13 (wirelessly transmitted from the mobile
communication device 150-1 to the wireless access point 112) is
encoded in accordance with wireless communication protocol WCP1 and
includes data field 520 as well as supplemental data 525 (such as
source information, destination information, etc., for
routing).
[0097] Data field 520 can be tagged to indicate presence of message
521; data field 520 can be a portion of the communication A13
reserved for location tracking information, etc.
[0098] In this example embodiment, the mobile communication device
150-1 populates the data field 520 to include a message 521 (such
as encoded in accordance with an LTE or second wireless
communication protocol, WCP2) enabling location tracking of the
mobile communication device 150-1. More specifically, the mobile
communication device 150-1 originating the communication A13
populates the data field 520 (message 521 encoded in accordance
with the second wireless communication protocol WCP2) to include an
identity of the mobile communication device 150-1 (i.e.,
identity=UE1), location information such as latitude=X12 and
longitude=Y12 indicating a current location of the mobile
communication device 150-1 in subscriber domain 152, an identity of
a respective wireless access point (namely, WAP2) to which the
mobile communication device 150-1 is wirelessly connected, and
notification 510.
[0099] As previously discussed, note again that the location
information can be any suitable information. In one embodiment, the
mobile communication device 150-1 include circuitry to generate
respective location information such as GPS (Global Positioning
System) information indicating a current location of the mobile
communication device 150-1.
[0100] Communication A14 (wirelessly transmitted from the wireless
station 122 to the wireless base station 130-1) is encoded in
accordance with wireless communication protocol WCP2 and includes
data field 550 as well as supplemental data 555 (such as source
information, destination information, header information, etc., for
routing).
[0101] Data field 550 can be tagged to indicate presence of message
221; data field 550 can be a portion of the communication A14
reserved for location tracking information, etc.
[0102] In this example embodiment, the wireless station 121
populates the data field 550 of communication A14 to include the
message 521 (location tracking information such as encoded via an
LTE or second wireless communication protocol, WCP2) retrieved from
the received communication A13. The data field 550 in the
communication A14 includes an identity of the mobile communication
device 150-1 (i.e., UE1), location information such as latitude=X12
and longitude=Y12 indicating a current location of the mobile
communication device 150-1, an identity of a respective wireless
access point (namely, WAP2) to which the mobile communication
device 150-1 is wirelessly connected, and notification 510.
[0103] Upon receipt of the communication A14, the wireless base
station 130-1 detects, via notification 210 set to YES, that the
message 520 in communication A14 is decodable in accordance with
the second wireless communication protocol WCP2. In such an
instance, because the message 521 is detected as being decodable,
the wireless base station 130-1 (such as CBSD) retrieves the
respective message 521 and decodes it based on the wireless
communication protocol WCP2 (such as LTE or other suitable wireless
communication protocol). Based on decoding and analysis, the
wireless base station 130-1 learns of location tracking information
such as: i) a current location (X12, Y12) of the mobile
communication device 150-1, ii) wireless access point to which the
mobile communication device 150-1 is wirelessly connected, etc.
[0104] The wireless base station 130-1 communicates the retrieved
information associated with message 521 in data field 550 or
message 521 itself to the communication management resource 141.
Communication management resource 141 uses the received information
associated with message 521 to produce/update the location tracking
information 170 as shown in FIG. 6 in a similar manner as
previously discussed.
[0105] FIG. 6 is an example diagram illustrating updating of
location tracking information according to embodiments herein.
[0106] As previously discussed, via information received from the
wireless base stations, the communication management resource 141
produces location tracking information 170-2 associated with the
mobile communication devices.
[0107] In this example embodiment, in a similar manner as
previously discussed, the location tracking information 170-2
indicates that the wireless station 121 (such as first customer
premises equipment having identity=CPE1) is wirelessly connected to
the wireless base station 130-1, the wireless station 122 (such as
first customer premises equipment having identity=CPE2) is
wirelessly connected to the wireless base station 130-1, the
wireless station 123 (such as first customer premises equipment
having identity=CPE1) is wirelessly connected to the wireless base
station 130-2, and so on.
[0108] The location tracking information 170-1 further indicates
the new location condition in which the mobile communication device
150-1 (UE1) at location latitude=X12 and longitude=Y12 is now
connected to wireless access point 112 (WAP2) in subscriber domain
151. Thus, via update of the location tracking information 170-1 to
location tracking information 170-2, the communication management
resource 141 tracks the new location and corresponding connectivity
of the mobile communication device 150-1 as well as each of the
other mobile communication devices and customer premises
equipment.
[0109] Thus, via the location tracking information 170-2, the
communication management resource 141 knows that the mobile
communication device 150-1 resides at location X2, Y12; the
communication management resource 141 further knows that the mobile
communication device 150-1 is connected to the wireless access
point 112 (WAP1); the communication management resource 141 further
knows that communications associated with the mobile communication
device 150-1 are supported via the wireless station 122 (CPE2).
Accordingly, via location tracking information 170-2, the
communication management resource 141 is able to route any new
messages or alerts to the mobile communication device 150-1 and
each of the other mobile communication devices.
[0110] FIG. 7 is an example diagram illustrating a handoff and
tracking of a mobile communication device according to embodiments
herein.
[0111] As previously discussed, as needed, the wireless base
stations 130 buffer data, via buffers B1 and B2) associated with
the mobile communication devices in a case of a respective
handoff.
[0112] For example, assume that the mobile communication device
150-1 moves from subscriber domain 152 to subscriber domain 153 as
shown in FIG. 7. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device
150-1 and/or wireless access points 112/113 initiate a handoff in
response to detecting that the wireless access point 113 is able to
provide a better wireless connection to the mobile communication
device 150-1 than wireless access point 112.
[0113] In one embodiment, the buffer B1 and/or B2 stores
communication session information associated with a communication
session between the wireless base station 130-1 and the mobile
communication device 150-1. For example, after termination of the
wireless with the wireless station 130-1 through the wireless
station 122, the wireless base station 130-2 buffers data (via
buffer B2) associated with the communication session. After the
handoff 710, and the mobile communication device 150-1 establishing
the wireless communication link (via respective wireless
connectivity supporting the wireless communication protocol WCP1)
with the wireless access point 113, the wireless base station 130-2
communicates buffered data in buffer B2 associated with the
communication session to the mobile communication device 150-1.
[0114] In a similar manner as previously discussed, the mobile
communication device 150-1 communicates updated location
information to the wireless access point 113 via communication A15.
The wireless station 123 communicates the updated location
information to the wireless base station 130-1 via communication
A16.
[0115] FIG. 8 is an example diagram illustrating wireless
communications according to embodiments herein.
[0116] This example embodiment illustrates details of
communications A15 and A16.
[0117] Communication A15 (wirelessly transmitted from the mobile
communication device 150-1 to the wireless access point 113) is
encoded in accordance with wireless communication protocol WCP1 and
includes data field 820 as well as supplemental data 825 (such as
source information, destination information, header information,
etc., for routing).
[0118] Data field 820 can be tagged to indicate presence of message
821; data field 820 can be a portion of the communication A15
reserved for location tracking information, etc.
[0119] In this example embodiment, the mobile communication device
150-1 populates the data field 820 to include a message 821 (such
as encoded in accordance with an LTE or second wireless
communication protocol, WCP2) enabling location tracking of the
mobile communication device 150-1. More specifically, the mobile
communication device 150-1 originating the communication A15
populates the data field 820 (message 821 encoded in accordance
with the second wireless communication protocol WCP2) to include an
identity of the mobile communication device 150-1 (i.e.,
identity=UE1), location information such as latitude=X13 and
longitude=Y13 indicating a current location of the mobile
communication device 150-1 in subscriber domain 153, an identity of
a respective wireless access point (namely, WAP3) to which the
mobile communication device 150-1 is wirelessly connected, and
notification 810.
[0120] As previously discussed, note again that the location
information can be any suitable information. In one embodiment, the
mobile communication device 150-1 include circuitry to generate
respective location information such as GPS (Global Positioning
System) information indicating a current location of the mobile
communication device 150-1.
[0121] Communication A16 (wirelessly transmitted from the wireless
station 123 to the wireless base station 130-2) is encoded in
accordance with wireless communication protocol WCP2 and includes
data field 850 as well as supplemental data 855 (such as source
information, destination information, etc., for routing).
[0122] Data field 850 can be tagged to indicate presence of message
821; data field 850 can be a portion of the communication A16
reserved for location tracking information, etc.
[0123] In this example embodiment, the mobile communication device
150-1 populates the data field 850 of communication A16 to include
the message 821 (location tracking information such as encoded via
an LTE or second wireless communication protocol, WCP2) retrieved
from the received communication A15. The data field 850 in the
communication A16 includes an identity of the mobile communication
device 150-1 (i.e., identity=UE1), location information such as
latitude=X13 and longitude=Y13 indicating a current location of the
mobile communication device 150-1, an identity of a respective
wireless access point (namely, WAP3) to which the mobile
communication device 150-1 is wirelessly connected, and
notification 810.
[0124] Upon receipt of the communication A16, the wireless base
station 130-1 detects, via notification 210 set to YES, that the
message 821 in communication A16 is decodable in accordance with
the second wireless communication protocol WCP2. In such an
instance, because the message 821 is detected as being decodable,
the wireless base station 130-1 (such as CBSD) retrieves the
respective message 821 and decodes it based on the wireless
communication protocol WCP2 (such as LTE or other suitable wireless
communication protocol). Based on decoding and analysis, the
wireless base station 130-2 learns of location tracking information
such as: i) a current location (X13, Y13) of the mobile
communication device 150-1, ii) wireless access point (WAP3) to
which the mobile communication device 150-1 is wirelessly
connected, etc.
[0125] The wireless base station 130-2 communicates the retrieved
information associated with message 821 in data field 550 or
message 821 itself to the communication management resource 141.
Communication management resource 141 uses the received information
associated with message 821 to produce/update the location tracking
information 170 as shown in FIG. 9 in a similar manner as
previously discussed.
[0126] FIG. 9 is an example diagram illustrating updating of
location tracking information according to embodiments herein.
[0127] In a similar manner as previously discussed, via information
received from the wireless base stations, the communication
management resource 141 produces location tracking information
170-3 associated with the mobile communication devices.
[0128] In this example embodiment, the location tracking
information 170-3 indicates that the wireless station 121 (such as
first customer premises equipment having identity=CPE1) is
wirelessly connected to the wireless base station 130-1, the
wireless station 122 (such as first customer premises equipment
having identity=CPE2) is wirelessly connected to the wireless base
station 130-1, the wireless station 123 (such as first customer
premises equipment having identity=CPE1) is wirelessly connected to
the wireless base station 130-2, and so on.
[0129] The location tracking information 170-3 further indicates
the update condition in which the mobile communication device 150-1
(UE1) at new location latitude=X13 and longitude=Y13 is connected
to wireless access point 113 (WAP3) in subscriber domain 153. Thus,
via update of the location tracking information 170-2 to location
tracking information 170-3, the communication management resource
141 tracks the new location and corresponding connectivity of the
mobile communication device 150-1.
[0130] Thus, via the location tracking information 170-3, the
communication management resource 141 knows that the mobile
communication device 150-1 resides at location X13, Y13; the
communication management resource 141 further knows that the mobile
communication device 150-1 is connected to the wireless access
point 113; the communication management resource 141 further knows
that communications associated with the mobile communication device
150-1 are supported via the wireless station 123 through wireless
base station 130-2.
[0131] FIG. 10 is an example block diagram of a computer system for
implementing any of the operations as previously discussed
according to embodiments herein.
[0132] Any of the resources (such as mobile communication devices,
wireless access points, wireless stations, wireless base stations,
communication management resource, bandwidth management resource,
etc.) as discussed herein can be configured to include computer
processor hardware and/or corresponding executable instructions to
carry out the different operations as discussed herein.
[0133] As shown, computer system 1050 of the present example
includes an interconnect 1011 that coupling computer readable
storage media 1012 such as a non-transitory type of media (which
can be any suitable type of hardware storage medium in which
digital information can be stored and retrieved), a processor 1013
(computer processor hardware), I/O interface 1014, and a
communications interface 1017.
[0134] I/O interface(s) 1014 supports connectivity to repository
1080 and input resource 1092.
[0135] Computer readable storage medium 1012 can be any hardware
storage device such as memory, optical storage, hard drive, floppy
disk, etc. In one embodiment, the computer readable storage medium
1012 stores instructions and/or data.
[0136] As shown, computer readable storage media 1012 can be
encoded with management application 140-1 (e.g., including
instructions) to carry out any of the operations as discussed
herein.
[0137] During operation of one embodiment, processor 1013 accesses
computer readable storage media 1012 via the use of interconnect
1011 in order to launch, run, execute, interpret or otherwise
perform the instructions in management application 140-1 stored on
computer readable storage medium 1012. Execution of the management
application 140-1 produces management process 140-2 to carry out
any of the operations and/or processes as discussed herein.
[0138] Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer
system 1050 can include other processes and/or software and
hardware components, such as an operating system that controls
allocation and use of hardware resources to execute management
application 140-1.
[0139] In accordance with different embodiments, note that computer
system may reside in any of various types of devices, including,
but not limited to, a mobile computer, a personal computer system,
wireless station, connection management resource, a wireless
device, a wireless access point, a base station, phone device,
desktop computer, laptop, notebook, netbook computer, mainframe
computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer,
application server, storage device, a consumer electronics device
such as a camera, camcorder, set top box, mobile device, video game
console, handheld video game device, a peripheral device such as a
switch, modem, router, set-top box, content management device,
handheld remote control device, any type of computing or electronic
device, etc. The computer system 850 may reside at any location or
can be included in any suitable resource in any network environment
to implement functionality as discussed herein.
[0140] Functionality supported by the different resources will now
be discussed via flowcharts in FIGS. 11 and 12. Note that the steps
in the flowcharts below can be executed in any suitable order.
[0141] FIG. 11 is a flowchart 1100 illustrating an example method
according to embodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with
respect to concepts as discussed above.
[0142] In processing operation 1110, the wireless base station
130-1 receives a first message 221 (in communication A11)
communicated over a first (fixed) wireless access communication
link 127-1. The first message 221 originates from mobile
communication device 150-1.
[0143] In processing operation 1120, the wireless station 130-1 (or
wireless base station 130-2) receives a second message 521
communicated over a second fixed wireless access communication link
127-2. The second message 521 originates from the mobile
communication device 150-1.
[0144] In processing operation 1130, via the first message 221 and
the second message 521, the wireless base station 130-1 tracks a
current location of the mobile communication device 150-1 in the
wireless network environment.
[0145] FIG. 12 is a flowchart 1200 illustrating an example method
according to embodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with
respect to concepts as discussed above.
[0146] In processing operation 1210, a communication management
resource in a respective mobile communication device 150-1
retrieves data (such as location data) associated with the mobile
communication device 150-1.
[0147] In processing operation 1220, the communication management
resource of the mobile communication device 150-1 produces a
communication A11 in accordance with a first wireless communication
protocol (such as WCP1).
[0148] In processing operation, 1230, the communication management
resource of the mobile communication device 150-1 encodes a portion
(such as a data field 220) of the communication A11 to be decodable
via a second wireless communication (such as WCP2). The portion
(such as data field) of the communication 220 includes the
retrieved data or location tracking information such as one or more
types of information such as identity=UE1 of the mobile
communication device 150-1, latitude=X11, longitude=Y11, access
point=WAP1, notification 210, etc.
[0149] Note again that techniques herein are well suited to
facilitate improved communication device tracking in a network
environment supporting multiple fixed wireless access points.
However, it should be noted that embodiments herein are not limited
to use in such applications and that the techniques discussed
herein are well suited for other applications as well.
[0150] Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific
details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of
claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, methods,
apparatuses, systems, etc., that would be known by one of ordinary
skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure
claimed subject matter. Some portions of the detailed description
have been presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic
representations of operations on data bits or binary digital
signals stored within a computing system memory, such as a computer
memory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are
examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data
processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others
skilled in the art. An algorithm as described herein, and
generally, is considered to be a self-consistent sequence of
operations or similar processing leading to a desired result. In
this context, operations or processing involve physical
manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not
necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or
magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined,
compared or otherwise manipulated. It has been convenient at times,
principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals
as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms,
numbers, numerals or the like. It should be understood, however,
that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with
appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the
following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout this
specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing,"
"computing," "calculating," "determining" or the like refer to
actions or processes of a computing platform, such as a computer or
a similar electronic computing device, that manipulates or
transforms data represented as physical electronic or magnetic
quantities within memories, registers, or other information storage
devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the computing
platform.
[0151] While this invention has been particularly shown and
described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the
appended claims. Such variations are intended to be covered by the
scope of this present application. As such, the foregoing
description of embodiments of the present application is not
intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitations to the invention
are presented in the following claims.
* * * * *