HK1114290A - System and method for creating a wireless picocell - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method are provided for creating a picocell service alternate to a wireless network service. The method comprises: detecting a multiple access (MA) wireless communications network, such as a terrestrial or satellite network; and, generating a first picocell in response to detecting the MA wireless network. Typically, the method comprises receiving requests for picocell service from mobile stations, in response to generating the first picocell. In one aspect, the service requests made by the mobile stations are denied. In another aspect, the method further comprises: establishing a first picocell MSC; and, providing network services to mobile stations via the first picocell, in response to the requests for picocell service. For example, the first picocell MSC may provide the same network services that are provided by a conventional terrestrial network, for example. Alternately, the method establishes an alternative wireless network (a second picocell) to provide services.

Description

System and method for creating wireless picocells

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to wireless communications, and more specifically to systems and methods for creating picocells as an alternative to multiple access wireless network services.

Background

Air travel has become an integral part of our lives. Today, airplanes seem to be the last island where mobile communications and internet access are not always available. Market research by in-flight network providers shows the desire for high data rate communication services for airlines, particularly the obvious trends for in-flight entertainment (IFE), internet applications, and personal communications.

Furthermore, people are becoming more accustomed to their own personalised devices, such as mobile phones, laptops or PDAs, all of which are adapted to their own personal environment. Future airlines will provide passengers with a variety of entertainment and communication devices to make the journey more enjoyable through in-flight entertainment, more productive through business communication facilities, and safer through telemedicine and surveillance carried around.

In addition, airplanes full of "fan" travelers may be quite enticing to advertisers, especially because the web pages seen by passengers may be designed for the purpose of the advertiser, may be interior previews, tourist sites, or even just cities that want to announce their amenities.

Therefore, from the user acceptance point of view, considering future mobile communications, it is apparent that a wireless access solution for multimedia and personal communication services through the user's own device is required.

The use of conventional cellular and PCS phones in commercial aircraft is prohibited when the aircraft is airborne. Allowing airborne phones to communicate with terrestrial cells is undesirable because the phones must transmit with relatively high power with the terrestrial cell that is communicating and may interfere with other neighboring cells on the ground.

As indicated in us patent No. 6144653 to Persson et al, a typical cellular telephone system divides a geographic area into several smaller adjacent radio coverage areas known as "cells". The cells may be served by a series of fixed radio stations called base stations. The base station is connected to and controlled by a mobile services switching center (MSC). The MSC is in turn connected to a landline Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Telephone users (mobile subscribers) in cellular radio systems are equipped with portable (hand-held), mobile (hand-held) or mobile (vehicle-mounted) telephone units (mobile stations) that communicate voice and/or data with the MSC through a nearby base station. The MSC switches calls between and among landline and mobile subscribers, controls signaling to the mobile stations, compiles billing statistics, and provides for operation, maintenance, and verification of the system.

The base station is located in the middle of the cell and is equipped with an omni-directional antenna that transmits equally in all directions. In some environments, a base station may be located near the perimeter of a cell, or it may radiate the cell in a directional manner with directional radio signals. Each base station is connected by voice and data links to a mobile services switching center (MSC), which in turn is connected to a central office in a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or similar facility, such as an Integrated System Digital Network (ISDN). A plurality of mobile stations may be found within a cell. A mobile user may move from one location in a cell to another, or from one cell to an adjacent or neighboring cell.

Each cell is assigned a set of channels assigned to the entire cellular system by an associated governmental authority, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the united states. The channels are used to support voice, data, and paging/access or control channels between each of the base stations and the mobile stations within its coverage area. The link between the base station and the mobile unit is bi-directional. Thus, separate channels are assigned for transmission by the mobile station and the base station. While in the idle state (powered on but not in use), each mobile station tunes to and then continuously monitors the strongest control channel (typically the cell control channel in which the mobile station is located at that time), and can receive or originate telephone calls through one of the base stations. When moving between cells while in the idle state, the mobile station will tune to the control channel of the strongest cell. The initial tuning and changing of control channels is automatically accomplished by scanning all the control channels operating in the cellular system to find the strongest control channel. When a control channel with good reception quality is found, the mobile station is still tuned to this channel until the quality deteriorates again.

While in the idle (waiting) state, each mobile station continuously determines whether a paging message addressed to the control channel has been received on the control channel. The called mobile station with the matching identification automatically transmits a page response to the base station on the control channel, which in turn forwards the page response to the MSC. Upon receiving a page response, the MSC selects an available voice channel in the cell on which the page response was received, turns on the selected voice channel transceiver, and requests the base station in the cell to command the mobile station to tune to the selected voice channel via a control channel. Once the mobile station has tuned to the selected voice channel, a through connection is established.

Similar control procedures exist for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems such as global system for mobile communications (GSM), or UMTS networks, to name just a few examples.

The concept of variable cell size has been applied to multiple access telephone networks to classify cells into macro cells, micro cells, mini cells, or pico cells according to size. Pico cells are generally used to provide indoor communication services, and provide communication services to limited areas such as campuses, stadiums, airports, and shopping malls. In addition, the pico cell is used to compensate for the macro cell service quality deterioration due to the terrain obstacle such as the tunnel, to improve the communication quality in the area having the low communication quality.

The advent of spread spectrum systems such as CDMA2000, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), and low power picocell access provides a possible avenue for increasing the use of conventional radiotelephones in aircraft. Furthermore, possible solutions may originate from new aircraft avionics technologies synchronized with aircraft development.

It would be advantageous if picocells could be formed in a given environment (e.g., in the cabin) without interfering with conventional terrestrial multiple access telephone network communications.

It would be advantageous if such a picocell could provide mobile stations within a controlled space or region having the same services as those provided by conventional multiple access telephone networks.

Disclosure of Invention

Air travel has become an integral part of our lives and we are increasingly demanding that air travel is more productive and fun for passengers. Market research in the airline and aircraft industries has shown a need for communication services that can provide high data rates, particularly with emphasis on internet applications. The aviation multimedia system will permit passengers on board an airplane to log onto a wireless network within the airplane or airport using their own laptop computers, personal digital assistants, or cellular telephones. Telemedicine, telelistening, televiewing, and teleworking are just a few examples of services suitable for airborne multimedia services.

A cellular macrocell, picocell or a plurality of picocells that serve conventional business wireless devices is described. The problem solved relates to the constraints currently imposed: communication between the cellular/PCS phone and the land network is prevented from occurring within the aircraft while the aircraft is in flight. Allowing the phone to communicate with the terrestrial cell is undesirable because the phone must transmit to the terrestrial cell at a relatively high power.

A system and method for permitting air travelers to use their phones, laptops and PDAs within an airplane is described. The system includes a detector and a spoofer. The probes detect and classify terrestrial wireless signals that may be used to service users in the cabin. The information is sent to a control unit that configures the spoofer to generate a spoofed control signal that is stronger than the land network control signals received and detected by the sniffer. In one aspect, the spoofed signal directs the phone within the cabin to use an alternate dedicated technology, frequency band, frequency channel, or code channel.

Accordingly, a method for creating a picocell service in place of a wireless network service is provided. The method comprises the following steps: detecting a Multiple Access (MA) wireless communication network, such as a terrestrial or satellite network; and, generating a first picocell in response to detecting the MA wireless network. In general, the method includes receiving a picocell service request from a mobile station in response to generating the first picocell. In another aspect, the method further comprises: establishing a first picocell MSC; and providing network service to the mobile station via the first picocell in response to the picocell service request. For example, the first picocell MSC may provide the same network services as provided by a conventional terrestrial network. Alternatively, the method establishes an alternative wireless network (second picocell). The second picocell (which may include an MSC and a BS) generates second picocell control signals. In response to receiving a picocell service request, the first picocell uses its control signals to direct mobile stations to the second picocell control signals.

In one aspect, MA wireless network base station control signals are received in a pico cell at a first power level. Thus, generating the first picocell control signals includes generating picocell control signals having a second power level higher than the first power level in the picocell. The higher power level of the first picocell control signals ensures that the mobile station does not detect the terrestrial base station control signals. One advantage of creating the first picocell is that the first picocell controls the transmit power levels of mobile stations within the picocell.

Additional details of the above method and a picocell system alternative to conventional MA wireless network services are provided below.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative picocell system serving multiple access wireless networks.

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating two picocell variations on the system shown in figure 1.

Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a first variation of the two picocell system shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a second variation of the two picocell system shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for creating a picocell service alternative to a multiple access wireless network service.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative picocell system serving multiple access wireless networks. The system 100 includes a first picocell 102. The first picocell 102 includes a probe 104, the probe 104 having an antenna 106 and a receiver 108 to accept Multiple Access (MA) wireless network communications over a line 110. The detector 104 may be programmed to periodically scan a predetermined frequency band of interest for channels or code channels. For example, the MA wireless network may be a conventional terrestrial or satellite radiotelephone service. The probe 104 has an output on line 112 that provides a detected network classification signal. The first picocell 102 also includes a spoofer 114. The spoofer 114 includes a controller 116 having an input on line 112 for accepting the classification signal and an output on line 118 for providing a spoofed signal responsive to the classification signal. As used herein, the term "picocell" is not intended to be associated with any particular geographic dimension or cell size, but is smaller than a conventional MA radiotelephone cell sector.

The spoofer 114 also includes a transmitter 120, the transmitter 120 having an input on line 118 for accepting the spoofed signal and an output (represented by reference designator 122) for transmitting first picocell control signals in response to the spoofed signal. In one aspect, the probe 114 further includes a receiver 124, the receiver 124 having an input (represented by reference designator 126) for accepting requests for picocell service from a Mobile Station (MS) 128. The request is received in response to the transmitter 120 generating the first picocell control signals. MSs 128a, 128b and 128n are shown. However, system 100 is not limited to any particular number of MSs. The term "mobile station" as used herein is intended to encompass various types of communication devices, including wireless telephone devices of any protocol, Personal Data Assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, external or internal modems, PC cards, and other similar devices.

For example, the sniffer receiver 108 may accept MA wireless network control signals 140 received at a first power level while the spoofer transmitter 120 generates first picocell control signals 122 at a second received power level (from the perspective of the mobile station 128 of the first picocell 102) that is greater than the first received power level. The higher power level control signals generated by the first picocell prevent the MS 128 from "seeing" and thus responding to terrestrial network control signals. The details of obtaining cells, establishing communications between base stations and MSs, and other radiotelephone control signals have been discussed in the above-mentioned "background of this application. The spoofer transmitter 120 transmits control signals 122 and the MS 128 locates and responds to the first picocell control signals in the same manner as if the control signals were generated by a conventional MA wireless network base station.

In a simple aspect of the system, the spoofer 114 functions as a conventional (but low power) BS to prevent the MS 128 from communicating with a conventional MA wireless network.

For example, the first picocell may be established in a movie theater or religious center. Thus, the spoofer controller 116 is operable to deny all service requests made by mobile stations communicating (receiving control signals 122) in the first picocell. This service rejection prevents a user who forgets to turn off his MS from receiving a call. Alternatively, the spoofer controller 116 prevents the mobile station 128 communicating (receiving the control signals 122) in the first picocell 102 from making a network service request. Thus, the system prevents rude users from originating calls that would be disruptive to people or electrical equipment located nearby.

Alternatively, the first picocell 102 may provide service. In this aspect, the system 100 further includes a first picocell mobile services switching center (MSC)130 having an interface on a line 132 connected to the spoofer 114. The first picocell MSC130 provides network services to the mobile stations 128 using the spoofer 114 as a base station or as an access point.

For example, the sniffer receiver 108 may detect an MA wireless network that is providing service, and the spoofer transmitter 120 generates first picocell control signals 122 to identify a picocell service equivalent to the network service. The first picocell 102 may permit the MS to enjoy the same services as provided by the terrestrial MA network. The service may be a telephone voice communication, an email service, or a high data rate service implementing an internet type service. Alternatively, the first picocell fully emulates a terrestrial wireless network.

Assuming the first picocell is within a commercial aircraft, the first picocell can communicate with the MA network 134 or other MA networks (not shown) through a connection between the first picocell MSC130 and an aircraft transceiver (not shown). The aircraft transceiver may be connected to a conventional terrestrial or satellite network, or a custom operator network over a "secure" channel.

Alternatively, the spoofer 114 may transceive communications (represented by reference designator 136) between the MA network 134 and the mobile station 128 via the transmitter 120 and the receiver 124. In one aspect, the sniffer 104 identifies information associated with the MA network 134, such as base station location, antenna height, antenna coverage area, antenna type, morphology, control channel gain, traffic channel gain, frequency usage, or time slot usage. The spoofer 114 then schedules high burst communications between the MA network 134 and the spoofer 114 that may be responsive to the identified MA network information. For example, the high burst communication may be implemented in a time slot or frequency calculated to minimally interfere with the MA network. High burst communication may be implemented as a result of management information developed by predictor 140. The predictor 140 may use information collected by the detector 104, information from predictor memory, or information from both sources.

In another aspect, predictor 140 may be capable of predicting MA network channel usage. The channel loading and other MA network information collected by the sniffer can be used to manage the first picocell resources in such a way as to minimally interfere with the MA network. The sniffer 104 provides the management information in the classification signal 112 to the spoofer 114.

The predictor management information may be used to select a channel and communication medium used by the spoofer 114 to communicate with the MS 128, for example, in the first picocell 102. Alternatively, some or all of the MA network information may be preloaded into memory associated with the predictor. The predictor 140 can use the preloaded data to make decisions and generate management information to send to the spoofer. The management information may be used to select unused channels in the MA network 134 for use in the first picocell 102. Alternatively, both the MA network 134 and the first picocell 102 may "share" channels if unused channels are available. The management information is used to select a shared channel that minimally interferes with the MA network 134.

Figure 1 shows a single picocell 102. It should be appreciated, however, that an area with multiple picocells may be established. Each of these picocells serves as an equivalent to each terrestrial or satellite telephone system that may be encountered. These pico cells may simply deny service or provide MA wireless telephone network type service. Alternatively, some picocells may provide service to MSs seeking a particular service (i.e., PCS), while other picocells reject a particular service (i.e., AMPS).

The sniffer receiver 108 accepts control signals originating from MA wireless network base stations as represented by reference designator 140. The receiver 108 provides a classification signal on line 112 in response to identifying the wireless network. The spoofer transmitter 120 generates first picocell control signals 122 equivalent to the MA wireless network base station control signals 140. For example, the control signals may be located within the same frequency band, modulated in the same manner, and organized in the same Medium Access Control (MAC) format.

In one aspect, the detector receiver 108 scans the spectrum, identifies signals in the spectral band, identifies signal modulations, identifies the system associated with the modulations, and measures the detected signal power level. For example, sniffer receiver 108 may identify a terrestrial cellular radiotelephone system and identify a serving sector in the system.

One advantage formed by the creation of the first picocell 102 is: the spoofer 114 generates first picocell control signals 122 to adjust the mobile station transmit power level in the first picocell. That is, the first picocell 102 may create a closed loop power control mechanism in which the spoofer 114 sends commands to each MS 128 directing the MSs to communicate at a prescribed transmission power level. Since the pico cell is relatively small, the transmission power level is low and minimal interference is created from the perspective of the neighboring network and the immediate electrical equipment. Some details of conventional closed loop power control have been provided in the background of this application.

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating two picocell variations on the system shown in figure 1. The system 100 further includes a second picocell 200. The second picocell 200 includes an Access Point (AP)202, or base station, to provide wireless network control signals, represented by reference designator 204. In this variation, the spoofer transmitter 120 generates control signals 122 directing the mobile station 128 to the second picocell access point control signals 204. Typically, the second picocell 200 includes an MSC 206, which may also be referred to as a server or controller, connected to the access point 202 on line 208 to provide network services. For example, the service may be a telephone voice communication, an email service, or a higher data rate service implementing an internet type service, as represented by reference designator 210.

In one example, the second picocell is a conventional wireless telephone network, but the access point (base station) 202 transmits at a relatively low power level. Typically, the second picocell 200 is established so that the MS 128 can operate in a secure medium (frequency, time slot, code), such as a frequency band that will not interfere with terrestrial cells.

Generally, sniffer receiver 108 then accepts control signals 140 originating from the MA wireless network base station and transmitted in the first communication medium. The communication medium may be a band gap, a channel (frequency, time slot, code), a wireless telephony protocol (CDMA as opposed to GSM), or a technology (bluetooth as opposed to a wireless telephony protocol), to name a few examples. To illustrate a simple example, assume that the first communication medium is a first frequency interval in a larger frequency band. In this aspect, the spoofer transmitter 120 generates first picocell control signals 122 in a first medium to direct the mobile station to control signals 204 being broadcast in an alternate communication medium. The second picocell access point 202 transmits second picocell control signals in the alternate communication medium. To accomplish this example, the second communication medium may be a second band spacing in the same frequency band or in a different frequency band.

Thus, the second picocell access point 202 generates control signals 204 in an alternate communication medium (other than the first communication medium), such as an alternate frequency, an alternate time slot, an alternate channel, an alternate spreading code, and alternate frequency band, or an alternate wireless telephone protocol (e.g., CDMA instead of GSM). In other aspects, the alternate communication medium may be an alternate technology, such as IEEE 802.11, which is different from the wireless telephony protocol. The alternative communication medium selected may be deemed less harmful to the neighboring terrestrial network or the nearest electronic device.

In one aspect, AP202 may transceive communications (represented by reference designator 136) between MA network 134 and mobile station 128. In one aspect, the sniffer 104 or the AP202 identifies information associated with the MA network 134 so that the AP can schedule high burst communications with the MA network 134. For example, the high burst communication may be implemented to minimally interfere with the MA network 134.

Alternatively, not shown, the second picocell 200 is unused and the first picocell 102 provides control signals to spoof the MA network 134, as well as control signals and traffic channels needed to support communications in the alternate communication medium. For example, the spoofer transmitter 120 and receiver 122 may be capable of supporting communication in multiple communication media. The second picocell 200 for providing an alternative communication medium is shown with emphasis to illustrate that communication is occurring in two different media.

Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a first variation of the two picocell system shown in fig. 2. As an alternative to the system shown in fig. 2, a plurality of piconets are established within the second picocell 200. For example, some MSs 128 may act as master devices, while other MSs act as slave devices. As shown, MS 128a acts as a master for piconet 220, while MSs 128b and 128n are slaves. MS 128a is a slave in piconet 222, where AP202 is the master. This arrangement advantage will continue to keep the transmitted power level low if the master MS acts as a repeater to AP 202.

A piconet may be established as a result of the mobile station (terminal) 128 being unable to find a pilot signal with sufficient signal strength to support a minimum data rate. This may result from any number of reasons. For example, the MSs 128b and 128n may be too far from the AP 206. Alternatively, the propagation environment may not be sufficient to support the necessary data rate. In either case, the MSs 128b and 128n may not be able to join the existing piconet 222, and therefore the MS 128a must operate as a master to transmit its own pilot signal. The MSs 128b and 128n are able to receive the pilot signal broadcast from the MS 128a with sufficient strength and join the piconet 220. The establishment of the piconet 220 enables communication between the MSs 128b and 128n and the AP 206.

Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a second variation of the two picocell system shown in fig. 2. Multiple radios may be linked together in a wired network and deployed at fixed locations in an area served by a second picocell to act as network access points. Shown as APs 202a, 202b, and 202 n. The present invention is not limited to any particular number of APs. Access points 202a, 202b, and 202n are all masters and form piconets 230a, 230b, and 230n, respectively. The mobile station 128 is a slave to the access point to which it is connected. Each access point defines an independent piconet. A central server 206, also referred to herein as an MSC, typically manages access points 202 while being responsible for higher level protocol functions such as authentication and Internet Protocol (IP) routing.

The MS 128 may search for pilot signals from the piconet master while the MS is directed by the first picocell control signals 122 to search for second picocell control signals. The pilot signal is broadcast by each piconet master and may be an unmodulated spread-spectrum signal or some other reference signal. In a spread spectrum configuration, the pilot signal may be spread using a Pseudorandom Noise (PN) code unique to each piconet master. When using the correlation process, the MS may search through the possible PN codes to identify the master device with the strongest pilot signal. If the strongest pilot signal received has sufficient signal strength to support the minimum data rate, the MS may attempt to join the piconet by registering at the master device. More generally, these piconet pilot signals may be referred to as second picocell control signals.

Figures 2 through 4 show a single picocell 102 and a single picocell 200. It should be appreciated, however, that an area (i.e., a nacelle) having multiple "first" and "second" picocells may be established. The plurality of "first" picocells may serve as an equivalent to each terrestrial or satellite telephone system that may be encountered, generating control signals for each system encountered. There may be a one-to-one correlation between "first" and "second" picocells such that multiple "second" picocells provide equivalent service to each terrestrial/satellite network. Alternatively, several "first" picocells may direct an MS to a single "second" picocell. Alternatively, some "second" picocells may not exist for MSs restricted to a particular protocol and/or frequency.

Description of the function

The present system permits air travelers to use their phones, laptops and PDAs to communicate with an airplane high speed multimedia communication system. The system consists of two main components: a detector and a decoy device.

The probe is a subsystem that performs the following functions:

scanning a frequency spectrum;

detecting a signal;

modulation classification;

system identification;

identifying a service sector; and

and determining the signal level.

The output of this subsystem is a list of all wireless signals detected within the cabin, a list of all wireless technologies used with these wireless services, a list of channels, a list of all site IDs (code and/or frequency assignments), and the power levels of all these received signals.

The spoofer is a subsystem that performs the following functions:

-for each technology detected, duplicating the control signal;

-ensuring that picocell control signals are stronger than corresponding terrestrial signals;

-fully confining the control signals in the cabin so as not to interfere with terrestrial wireless services; and

directing the wireless devices within the cabin to use alternate technologies, frequency bands or channels using the spoofed control signal.

Such a system may be used to deter the use of cellular telephones in particular locations such as movie theaters, churches, and hospitals. Changes in system parameters may generate control signals that force the deployment of in-cabin (in-picocell) phones.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for creating a picocell service alternative to a multiple access wireless network service. Although the method is depicted as a sequence of numbered steps for clarity, no order should be inferred from the numbering unless explicitly stated. It should be understood that certain of these steps may be skipped, performed in parallel, or performed without the requirement of maintaining a strict order of sequence. The details of the method can be understood in the context of fig. 1 to 4. The method starts in step 300.

Step 302 detects a Multiple Access (MA) wireless communication network. Step 304 generates a first picocell in response to detecting the MA wireless network. For example, detecting a MA wireless network in step 302 may include: scanning a frequency spectrum; identifying a signal in a spectral band; identifying signal modulation; identifying a system associated with the modulation; or, the detected signal power level is measured. In another example, identifying a system associated with the modulation in step 302 may include identifying a cellular radiotelephone system; and, identifying a serving sector in the cellular telephone system.

In one aspect, detecting the MA wireless network in step 302 includes: receiving a control signal originating from an MA wireless network base station; and identifying an MA wireless network in response to the base station control signal. Subsequently, generating the first picocell in step 304 includes generating first picocell control signals equivalent to the base station control signals.

In another aspect, detecting the MA wireless network in step 302 includes detecting a MA wireless network that is providing service. Subsequently, generating the first picocell control signals in step 304 includes generating picocell control signals to identify picocell service equivalent to MA wireless network service.

In one aspect, receiving control signals originating from a MA wireless network base station (step 302) includes receiving base station control signals at a first power level in a picocell. Subsequently, generating the first picocell control signals (step 304) includes generating picocell control signals having a second received power level within the picocell greater than the first received power level. In a different aspect, step 304 controls the transmission power level of mobile stations in the picocell.

In one aspect, step 306 receives a picocell service request from a mobile station in response to generating the first picocell. In another aspect, step 308 denies all service requests made by mobile stations communicating in the picocell. Alternatively, step 306 generates control signals to prevent a mobile station communicating in the first picocell (receiving the control signals) from making a network service request.

In another aspect, step 310 establishes a first picocell mobile services switching center (MSC). Step 312 then provides network services to the mobile station via the first picocell MCS in response to receiving the picocell service request in step 306. In one aspect, detecting the MA network in step 302 includes generating picocell management information in response to MA network information such as base station location, antenna height, antenna coverage, antenna type, morphology, control channel gain, traffic channel gain, frequency usage, or time slot usage. Subsequently, providing network services to the mobile station via the first picocell MCS in step 312 includes selecting a channel and communication medium that minimally interferes with the MA network in response to the management information.

In one aspect, step 318 transceives communications between the MA network and the mobile station via the first picocell using the management information. The communication is selected to minimally interfere with the normal operation of the MA network. For example, step 318 may transceive communications between the MA network and the mobile station by scheduling high-burst communications between the MA network and the first picocell in response to the management information.

In a different aspect, step 314 establishes a second picocell, and step 316 generates second picocell control signals. Generating the first picocell in step 304 includes generating first picocell control signals. Subsequently, in response to receiving a request for picocell service (step 306), step 309 directs the mobile station to second picocell control signals using the first picocell control signals.

In one aspect, receiving a control signal originating from a MA wireless network base station (step 302) includes receiving a base station control signal in a first medium. Subsequently, generating the first picocell control signals in step 304 includes: generating first picocell control signals in a first medium; and sending a message in the first picocell control signals directing the mobile station to control signals broadcast in the alternative media. Step 316 generates second picocell control signals in the alternative medium. The alternate medium may be a medium such as an alternate frequency, an alternate time slot, an alternate channel, an alternate spreading code, and alternate frequency band, an alternate wireless telephone protocol, or an alternate technology relative to the first medium.

A system and method for creating alternative MA wireless network services is provided herein. Various examples have been given for the application of the system. Examples of specific protocols and system architectures have been given to illustrate the invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. Other variations and embodiments of the present invention will occur to those skilled in the art.

Claims (34)

1. A method for creating a picocell service alternative to a multiple access wireless network service, the method comprising:

detecting a Multiple Access (MA) radiotelephone communications network; and

generating a first picocell in response to detecting the MA wireless network.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

in response to generating the first picocell, a request for picocell service is received from a mobile station.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

establishing a first picocell mobile services switching center (MSC); and

in response to receiving a request for picocell service, network service is provided to a mobile station via the first picocell MCS.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

establishing a second picocell;

generating a second picocell control signal;

wherein generating the first picocell comprises generating first picocell control signals; and

the method further comprises:

in response to receiving a request for picocell service, the mobile station is directed to the second picocell control signals using the first picocell control signals.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the MA wireless network comprises:

receiving a control signal originating from an MA wireless network base station;

identifying the MA wireless network in response to the base station control signal; and

wherein generating the first picocell includes generating first picocell control signals equal to the base station control signals.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein detecting the MA wireless network comprises detecting a serving MA wireless network; and

wherein generating first picocell control signals includes generating picocell control signals identifying picocell service equivalent to the MA wireless network service.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein receiving control signals originating from the MA wireless network base station comprises receiving the base station control signals at a first power level in the picocell; and

wherein generating first picocell control signals includes generating picocell control signals having a second received power level within the picocell, the second received power level being greater than the first received power level.

8. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein creating a first picocell includes controlling the transmission power levels of mobile stations within the picocell.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein receiving control signals originating from the MA wireless network base station comprises receiving the base station control signals in a first medium;

wherein generating the first picocell control signal includes:

generating first picocell control signals in the first medium;

sending a message in the first picocell control signals directing mobile stations to control signals broadcast in alternative media; and

the method further comprises:

establishing a second picocell network;

generating second picocell control signals in the alternate medium.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein generating second picocell control signals in the alternate medium includes generating control signals in a medium selected from the group consisting of: alternative frequencies, alternative time slots, alternative channels, alternative spreading codes, and alternative frequency bands, alternative wireless telephone protocols, and alternative technologies with respect to the first medium.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the MA wireless network comprises:

scanning a frequency spectrum;

identifying a signal in a spectral band;

identifying signal modulation;

identifying a system associated with the modulation; and

measuring the detected signal power level.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein identifying a system associated with the modulation comprises identifying a cellular radiotelephone system; and

wherein detecting the MA wireless network service further comprises identifying a serving sector in the cellular telephone system.

13. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

all service requests made by mobile stations communicating in the picocell are rejected.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

preventing a mobile station communicating in the first picocell from making a request for network service.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the MA network comprises generating picocell management information in response to MA network information selected from the group consisting of: base station location, antenna height, antenna coverage area, antenna type, form, control channel gain, traffic channel gain, frequency usage, and time slot usage; and a process for the preparation of a coating,

the method further comprises:

transceiving communications between the MA network and a mobile station via the first picocell using the management information.

16. The method of claim 3, wherein detecting the MA network comprises generating picocell management information in response to MA network information selected from the group consisting of: base station location, antenna height, antenna coverage area, antenna type, form, control channel gain, traffic channel gain, frequency usage, and time slot usage; and a process for the preparation of a coating,

wherein providing network services to mobile stations via the first picocell MCS comprises selecting a channel and communication medium that minimally interferes with the MA network in response to the management information.

17. A picocell system that replaces multiple access wireless network services, the system comprising:

a first picocell comprising:

a sniffer having a receiver to accept multiple access MA wireless telephone network communications and an output to provide a detected network classification signal; and

a decoy, comprising:

a controller having an input to accept the classification signal and an output to provide a spoofed signal in response to the classification signal; and

a transmitter having an input to accept the spoofed signal and an output to transmit first picocell control signals in response to the spoofed signal.

18. A system as recited in claim 17, wherein the spoofer further comprises a receiver having an input to accept from a mobile station requests for picocell service received in response to the generation of the first picocell control signals.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising:

a first picocell mobile services switching center (MSC) having an interface connected to the spoofer; and

wherein the first picocell MSC provides network services to mobile stations using the spoofer as a base station.

20. The system of claim 18, further comprising:

a second picocell including an access point for providing wireless network control signals; and

wherein the spoofer transmitter generates control signals directing the mobile station to the second picocell access point control signals.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein the second picocell includes an MSC that provides network services connected to the access point.

22. The system of claim 17, wherein the sniffer receiver accepts control signals originating from MA wireless network base stations and provides classification signals in response to identifying the wireless network;

wherein the spoofer transmitter generates first picocell control signals equal to the MA wireless network base station control signals.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the sniffer receiver detects a serving MA wireless network; and

wherein the spoofer transmitter generates first picocell control signals identifying picocell service equivalent to the network service.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein the sniffer receiver accepts MA wireless network control signals received at a first power level; and

wherein the spoofer transmitter generates first picocell control signals at a second received power level that is greater than the first received power level.

25. A system as recited in claim 24, wherein said spoofer generates first picocell control signals that adjust said transmit power levels of mobile stations within said first picocell.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the sniffer receiver accepts control signals originating from MA wireless network base stations and transmitted in a first medium;

wherein the spoofer transmitter generates first picocell control signals in the first medium that direct mobile stations to control signals being broadcast in an alternate medium; and

the system further comprises:

a second picocell having an access point to transmit second picocell control signals in the alternative medium.

27. The system of claim 26 wherein the second picocell access point generates control signals in an alternate medium selected from the group consisting of: alternative frequencies, alternative time slots, alternative channels, alternative spreading codes, alternative frequency bands, alternative wireless telephone protocols, and alternative technologies with respect to the first medium.

28. The system of claim 17, wherein the detector receiver scans a spectrum, identifies a signal in a spectral band, identifies the signal modulation, identifies a system associated with the modulation, and measures the detected signal power level.

29. A system as recited in claim 28, wherein said sniffer receiver identifies a terrestrial cellular radiotelephone system and identifies a serving sector.

30. A system as recited in claim 17, wherein said spoofing controller denies all service requests made by mobile stations communicating in said first picocell.

31. The system of claim 17 wherein the spoofing controller prevents a mobile station communicating in the first picocell from making a request for network service.

32. The system of claim 19, wherein the spoofer transceives communications between the MA network and the mobile station via the transmitter and receiver.

33. The system of claim 32, further comprising:

a predictor having an output to provide picocell management information to the spoofer in the classification signal in response to MA network information selected from the group consisting of: base station location, antenna height, antenna coverage area, antenna type, form, control channel gain, traffic channel gain, frequency usage, and time slot usage; and

wherein the spoofer schedules high burst communications between the MA network and the spoofer in response to the management information.

34. The system of claim 19, further comprising:

a predictor having an output to provide picocell management information to the spoofer in the classification signal in response to MA network information selected from the group consisting of: base station location, antenna height, antenna coverage area, antenna type, form, control channel gain, traffic channel gain, frequency usage, and time slot usage; and a process for the preparation of a coating,

wherein the spoofer selects a channel and communication medium for communication with mobile stations in the first picocell in response to the management information.