HK1121610A - Methods and devices for interworking of wireless wide area networks and wireless local area networks or wireless personal area networks - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments describe registration in a wireless communication system. A method includes wirelessly transmitting over a WWAN a first registration message from a mobile device, wirelessly transmitting through the WWAN a second registration message to a WLAN access point and receiving at the mobile device access through the WLAN access point. According to another embodiment is a method for constructing a self-configuring ad-hoc network. The method can include receiving a GPS coordinate from a WWAN channel node at a management system and creating an initial topography based at least in part on the GPS coordinate to achieve a network connectivity with diverse routes between a plurality of nodes.

Description

Method and apparatus for interworking of wireless wide area network and wireless local area network or wireless personal area network

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the rights OF U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/697,504 entitled METHODS and devices FOR communicating OF WIRELESS WIDE AREA NETWORKS and devices FOR communicating OF LOCAL AREA NETWORKS OR NETWORKS and OF U.S. provisional application No. 60/712,320 filed on 7/2005, filed on 35u.s.c. § 119(e), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The following description relates generally to wireless networks and, more particularly, to seamless interworking of communications between Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWANs), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), and/or Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs).

Background

An electronic device may include multiple communication protocols. For example, mobile devices have become multifunctional devices that frequently provide email, internet access, and traditional cellular communications. Mobile devices may be equipped with wide area wireless connectivity, for example, utilizing either or both of the following technologies: third generation wireless or cellular systems (3G) or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)802.16(WiMax), as well as other to-be-defined WWAN technologies. Meanwhile, IEEE 802.11 based WLAN connectivity is also installed in mobile devices. Ultra-wideband (UWB) and/or bluetooth-based WPAN local connectivity will also be available for use in mobile devices.

Other examples of multiple communication protocols in an electronic device include a laptop computer, which may include a WPAN for connecting the laptop computer to a wireless mouse, wireless keyboard, and the like. In addition, the laptop may include devices that operate on any currently defined IEEE 802.11 protocol (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/i/e) or other protocols to be defined in the IEEE 802.11 family (e.g., IEEE 802.11 n/s/r/p). WLANs have become popular and are being built into homes and businesses, for example, for personal and business purposes. Additionally, coffee shops, internet cafes, libraries, and public and private institutions also utilize WLANs.

WWAN technologies are known for wide area (ubiquitous) coverage and wide area deployment. However, it may suffer from building penetration loss, coverage holes, and limited bandwidth compared to WLANs and WPANs. WLAN and WPAN technologies provide very high data rates, approaching several hundred megabits of seconds, but coverage is typically limited to several hundred feet in the case of WLANs and to several tens of feet in the case of WPANs.

The number of networks and protocols is growing rapidly due to the demand for functionality associated with unique user requirements and decentralized protocols. Users are laborious switching between such disparate networks and protocols, and in many cases, users are trapped in a network regardless of what the best network may be for the user at a given time. In view of the above, there is a need to provide seamless transitions between networks and/or protocols to optimize and focus on the communication protocol that is optimal for the user.

Disclosure of Invention

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of the one or more embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the embodiments nor delineate the scope of such embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the described embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

As individuals migrate across many different types of networks and protocols, embodiments herein provide seamless transitions for users across various networks and protocols to facilitate smooth, seamless communication. Embodiments provide various optimization techniques to translate between various networks and protocols, and such translation may be based on user preferences, user location, signal strength, and/or other criteria. Such seamless transitions may be transparent to the user or may be initiated by the user.

According to one feature, a method of registering in a wireless communication system. The method includes wirelessly transmitting a first registration message from a mobile device over a WWAN, wirelessly transmitting a second registration message to a WLAN access point over the WWAN, and receiving access through the WLAN access point at a mobile device. According to another aspect, transmitting the second registration message over the WWAN can include transmitting the second registration message to a WLAN access point. According to another aspect, transmitting the second registration message over the WWAN can include transmitting the second registration message over the WWAN to another mobile device and transmitting a third registration message based on the second registration message from the mobile device to a WLAN access point.

According to another aspect, a method for constructing a self-configuring ad-hoc network. The method may include receiving GPS coordinates from a WWAN channel node at a management system, and creating an initial terrain based at least in part on the GPS coordinates to enable network connectivity with respect to disparate routes between a plurality of nodes. According to another aspect, the method may include deciding which node channels are to be utilized, and collecting signal strength measurements and routing conditions.

According to yet another aspect, a system for creating an ad-hoc network. The system can include means for accessing a terminal in a WLAN functionality mode, and means for transmitting information from the terminal to at least a second terminal having dual mode functionality. Means for picking up network traffic at the WLAN node using the first channel and means for relaying the network traffic to the mobile device or the second WLAN node at the WLAN node using the second channel may also be included.

According to another aspect, a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon. The medium may include sending a first registration message including an encryption key over the WWAN, communicating a second registration message to a WLAN access point, and receiving authorization to communicate through the WLAN access point. According to another aspect, the medium may include instructions for communicating a second registration message to the mobile device over the WWAN and transmitting a third registration message to the WLAN access point.

Yet another aspect is a processor that executes instructions for creating an ad-hoc network. The instructions may include accessing a terminal in a WLAN functionality mode and transmitting information from the terminal to at least a second terminal having dual mode functionality. The instructions further pick up network traffic at the WLAN node using the first channel and relay the network traffic to the mobile device or the second WLAN node at the WLAN node using the second channel.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more embodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the one or more embodiments. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various embodiments may be employed and the described embodiments are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system in accordance with various embodiments presented herein.

Fig. 2 is an illustration of a multiple access wireless communication system in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a mobile device.

Fig. 4 illustrates a method of determining the type of network to which a mobile device should connect.

FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of another embodiment of a mobile device.

Fig. 6 illustrates a method of locating a call received from a user of a mobile device utilizing GPS functional components.

Fig. 7 illustrates another method of locating a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone) that does not utilize a GPS receiver.

Fig. 8 illustrates a method of utilizing access points within a WWAN, WLAN, and/or WPAN network.

Fig. 9 illustrates a method of seamlessly switching a mobile device between a WWAN and a WLAN/WPAN with location information.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a method for automatically enhancing services of a mobile device utilizing location information.

Fig. 11 illustrates a method of providing an ad-hoc network in the case where there is no access point available.

Fig. 12 illustrates an exemplary self-configuring ad-hoc network that may be constructed using WLAN and WWAN technologies.

Fig. 13 illustrates a method for constructing a self-configuring ad-hoc network using WLAN and WWAN technologies.

Fig. 14 illustrates a methodology of initializing a neighbor list on a WWAN control channel to facilitate synchronization of an access terminal.

Fig. 15 illustrates peer-to-peer communication in a WLAN network.

Fig. 16 illustrates a method of registration and/or authentication in an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) network.

Fig. 17 illustrates an exemplary ad-hoc mesh network.

Fig. 18 illustrates a system that coordinates communication between multiple communication protocols in a wireless communication environment in accordance with one or more embodiments provided herein.

Fig. 19 is an illustration of a system that coordinates communication in a wireless communication environment in accordance with various aspects.

Fig. 20 illustrates a wireless communication environment that can be employed in conjunction with the various systems and methods described herein.

Detailed Description

Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing these embodiments.

As used in this application, the terms "component," "system," and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the internet with other systems by way of the signal).

The disclosed embodiments may include various heuristics and/or inference schemes and/or techniques in conjunction with the dynamically changing network or communication protocol used. As used herein, the term to "infer" or "inference" refers generally to the process of reasoning about or inferring states of the system, environment, and/or user from a set of observations as captured via events and/or data. Inference can be employed to identify a specific context or action, or can generate a probability distribution over states, for example. The inference can be probabilistic-that is, the computation of a probability distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of data and events. Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inference results in the construction of new events or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or not the events are correlated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and data come from one or several event and data sources.

Thus, it is contemplated that according to embodiments described herein, a user may automatically shift or leave and enter different communication zones. Automatic actions (e.g., a user seamlessly transitioning from WWAN to WLAN during a communication session) can be considered to vary as a function of inferring the user's intent with respect to handling the communication session as well as tertiary, passive/background, and upcoming sessions. With respect to taking automatic actions, machine learning techniques can be implemented to facilitate performing automatic actions. Further, utility-based analysis (e.g., factoring the benefits of taking correct automated actions versus the costs of taking incorrect actions) can be incorporated into performing automated actions. More particularly, these Artificial Intelligence (AI) -based aspects may be implemented by any suitable machine-learning-based techniques and/or statistical-based techniques and/or probabilistic-based techniques. For example, it is contemplated that specialized systems, fuzzy logic, support vector machines, greedy search algorithms, rule-based systems, Bayesian (Bayesian) models (e.g., Bayesian networks), neural networks, other non-linear training techniques, data fusion, utility-based analysis systems, systems using Bayesian models … …, are used and are intended to fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Furthermore, various embodiments are described herein in connection with a subscriber station. A subscriber station can also be called a system, a subscriber unit, mobile station, mobile, remote station, access point, base station, remote terminal, access terminal, user agent, or user equipment. A subscriber station may be a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld device having wireless connection capability, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

Moreover, various aspects or features described herein may be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. For example, computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strip … …), optical disks (e.g., Compact Disk (CD), Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) … …), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, … … key drive).

Referring now to the drawings, fig. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system 100 in accordance with various embodiments provided herein. System 100 can comprise one or more access points 102 that receive, transmit, repeat, etc., wireless communication signals to each other and/or to one or more mobile devices 104. Access point 102 may represent an interface between wireless system 100 and a wired network (not shown).

Each access point 102 may include a transmitter chain and a receiver chain, each of which may in turn include a plurality of components associated with signal transmission and reception (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, antennas … …). Mobile device 104 may be, for example, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a handheld communication device, a handheld computing device, a satellite radio, a global positioning system, a PDA, and/or other suitable device for communicating over wireless system 100. In wireless system 100, the periodic transmission of small data packets (commonly referred to as beacons) from access point 102 can make the presence of wireless system 100 known and transmit information to system 100. Mobile devices 104 can sense the beacon and attempt to establish a wireless connection to access point 102 and/or to other mobile devices 104.

The system 100 facilitates seamless transition across various networks and/or protocols to provide users using the mobile devices 104 with the ability to utilize the available networks and protocols. The system 100 also automatically provides the user with an opportunity to utilize the best network and/or protocol given the current location or data usage of the user as well as other network users.

Components located in mobile device 104 can operate in conjunction with one or more access points 102 to facilitate monitoring which user is in each network, and can be facilitated by a GPS component and/or a WWAN component associated with mobile device 104. Alternatively or additionally, location information may be provided from a WLAN access point to WLAN components associated with a mobile device that does not include a GPS or other positioning component. The location information may be provided to mobile devices without location capability by enabling the multi-mode access terminal to obtain location information via a GPS or WAN that is in the vicinity of the access point 104 or in communication with the access point 104, including receiving and transmitting beacons.

The location information may be used to predict which user is best suited for transparent handoff to the second network. For example, in an open area business center, a user may use a mobile device 104 connected to a typically broadband network. As the user approaches a particular merchant, the mobile device 104 may seamlessly switch to bluetooth, narrower band, etc. The network to which the mobile device is handed off may vary as the user wishes to push or pull to the content of the mobile device 104.

Because the commerce networks may overlap due to the dynamic nature of the shopping mall, the mobile device 104 may spontaneously switch seamlessly between the various commerce networks without interaction from the user. The system 100 allows networks to cooperate with each other and handoff the mobile device 104 from one network to another. This can be accomplished with a GPS component that monitors the user's location and the desired content to be pushed/pulled to the device.

Fig. 2 is an illustration of a multiple access wireless communication system in accordance with one or more embodiments. The illustrated system 200 includes a WLAN associated with a wired Local Area Network (LAN). Access point 102 may communicate with mobile device 104. Access point 102 is connected to an ethernet hub or switch 202 for the LAN. The ethernet hub 202 may be connected to one or more electronic devices 204, which electronic devices 204 may include personal computers, peripheral devices (e.g., fax machines, copiers, printers, scanners, etc.), servers, etc. The ethernet hub 202 may be connected to a router 206, which router 206 transmits data packets to a modem 208. The modem 208 may transmit the data packets to a Wide Area Network (WAN)210, such as the internet. System 200 illustrates a single, simple network configuration. Many additional configurations of the system 200 including alternative electronic devices are possible. Although system 200 has been illustrated and described with reference to a LAN, it is possible that system 200 may utilize other technologies that individually or simultaneously encompass WWANs and/or WPANs.

System 200 can facilitate seamless handoff of mobile device 104 between an access point currently being utilized by mobile device 140 and access point 102 associated with system 200. Such transfer to access point 102, and to the network supported by access point 102, may be selected to provide the sought after functionality to the user of mobile device 104, and may vary with the location of mobile device 104 or the data that the user wishes to access or upload to mobile device 104. For example (and without limitation), a wireless device may be coupled to the electronic device 204 to utilize WWAN and/or WLAN functionality available through the electronic device 204. Such a transition may be initiated by a user or performed autonomously by the system 200.

FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of a mobile device 300. The mobile device 300 can include a WWAN (e.g., Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), which is a technology that utilizes spread spectrum technology), WLAN (e.g., IEEE 802.11), and/or related technologies. The mobile device 300 may be used as a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone. VoIP involves the transmission of voice telephone calls over the internet and/or over an IP network. VoIP may be utilized by the mobile device 300 at home or when it is in proximity to a Wireless Access Point (WAP) connected to a broadband network providing VoIP services. In other cases, the mobile device 300 may operate as a conventional wireless mobile phone while providing communication services.

In an embodiment, a WWAN component 302 that provides WWAN functionality and a WLAN component 304 that provides WLAN functionality are located together and can communicate with a transceiver 308 over a bus 306 or other structure or means. It should be understood that communication devices other than buses may be used with the disclosed embodiments. The transceiver 308 is coupled to one or more antennas 310 to allow the mobile device 300 to transmit and/or receive. WLAN component 304 can generate voice data that is provided to transceiver 308 for communication. In an embodiment, the WWAN functionality component 302 and/or the WLAN functionality component 304 can be included in a processor of the mobile device 300. In another embodiment, the WWAN functionality and WLAN functionality may be provided by different integrated circuits. In yet another embodiment, the WWAN functionality and WLAN functionality may be provided by one or more integrated circuits that include functionality utilized by both. The mobile device 300 is equipped with connectivity options for wide area (WWAN) and local area (WLAN and WPAN) to enable a rich combination of services and user experience.

The WLAN functionality component 304 may include an optional WPAN functionality component 312. The mobile device 300 may connect to the WWAN or WLAN and WPAN or both simultaneously based on one or more criteria related to the functionality of the mobile device. The criteria can be stored in a memory of the mobile device, and the processor can analyze the network based on the stored criteria. Describing these criteria and related connection determinations with reference to fig. 4, fig. 4 illustrates a method 400 for determining the type of network to which a mobile device should connect. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance with the methodologies, occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the following.

The method begins at 402 with a mobile device requesting access to a network. The network may be a WWAN, WLAN and/or WPAN. When sending a request, one or more access points associated with a network may receive the request and respond with network information that may include characteristics of each network. For example, the mobile device may receive network type information, bandwidth information, cost of service, available applications, signal strength, number of access points identified, and the like.

At about the same time as receiving the network information, the mobile device may analyze certain criteria at 406 in order to determine what network connection will provide the best results for the user of the mobile device. For example, the criteria may include bandwidth available to the mobile device based on bandwidth requirements of an application utilized by the mobile device or an application to be downloaded to the mobile device. In other embodiments, the criteria may be a cost (e.g., a lowest cost service provider) incurred to a user of the mobile device of the WWAN and/or WLAN. In another embodiment, the determination may be based on using applications available for the WWAN and/or WLAN. In additional embodiments, the criteria can be the best coverage available for the mobile device when it is in its current location (e.g., based on signal strength for the WWAN and/or WLAN or the number of identified access points). Other embodiments may combine one or more of the above-noted criteria, as well as other criteria that may be defined by a user of the mobile device or by a service provider. The criteria can be embedded in the WWAN functionality component, the WLAN functionality component, both the WWAN functionality component and the WLAN functionality component, or another controller residing in the mobile device.

Based on the criteria analyzed at 406, the mobile device may separately connect to the WWAN or WLAN and WPAN at 408. In another embodiment, the mobile device may be connected to the WWAN as well as the WLAN and WPAN simultaneously. The determination as to whether to connect separately or simultaneously is based on the analyzed criteria and the best possible connection that satisfies the one or more criteria.

The interworking between WWAN and WLAN (and WPAN) may involve multiple wireless networking providers, multiple service providers, and a database of available connectivity choices, depending on location or other heterogeneous network topology. For example, as a network service provider or private entity adds new access points (e.g., access points provided by private companies and the like) for WLAN and/or WPAN functionality, the WWAN service provider may maintain an up-to-date database of available networking and services depending on location. Further, in some embodiments, the WWAN may extend its connectivity by exploiting the presence of WLAN and/or WPAN multi-hop mesh networks that are not established by the service provider. In a multi-hop mesh network, small nodes may be installed that act as simple routers. Each node then transmits a low power signal that can reach other nearby nodes. These nearby nodes transmit to another node that is in the vicinity. This process may repeat until the data reaches its final destination.

The combination of these technologies in a mobile device enables new types of usage models and services that are not individually available from each technology (WWAN, WLAN, and/or WPAN). These applications created through the interaction between WWAN and WLAN technologies can be classified into several regions. For example, the techniques may be categorized into location-based services, timing-based services, and/or topology-based services. Location-based services may include emergency situations where the location of a mobile device user needs to be confirmed to provide such emergency services, although the embodiments described herein are not limited to emergency services. For example, a user of a mobile device (end user) may require location-based billing services. These types of services include those in which the user is billed at different rates depending on the user's location. For example, a user may have one rate when they are at home and a different rate when they are at the office (or other work site) or at an internet kiosk or internet cafe. In another embodiment, the location information may be utilized to provide multimedia content that may be downloaded to the mobile device. This multimedia content may be location dependent, which may provide different multimedia content based on whether the user is at a stadium or a shopping mall.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a simplified block diagram of another embodiment of a mobile device 500 is illustrated. In an embodiment, a WWAN component 502 that provides WWAN functionality and a WLAN component 504 that provides WLAN functionality are located within the mobile device 500 and are capable of communicating with a transceiver 508 over a bus 506 or other structure or means. The transceiver 508 is coupled to one or more antennas 510 to allow the mobile device 500 to transmit and receive. The WLAN functionality component 504 may include an optional WPAN functionality component 512. Additionally, a Global Positioning Service (GPS) functionality component 514 can be provided to enable positioning and/or timing based functionality. Many applications may be provided that utilize positioning or location information and timing based functionality.

For example, at a retail mall or shopping center (indoor and/or outdoor), the retail establishment may have access points maintained by the same or different service providers. As the user moves around near the business center, different access points may pick up the user at the same time. Because there may be some degree of overlap of WLANs due to the location of the retail establishment, an accurate or approximate location of the user may be established through a GPS component or other positioning device. If the user is near a music store or video kiosk, etc., the user may receive an offer from the retail establishment to purchase a movie or music. The retail establishment may recommend the offer by utilizing the user's location because the system knows where the user is located. The offer may also be based on user preferences previously established by the user (either internally within the mobile device or externally through the service provider). The user may choose to utilize the offer or reject the offer. It should be appreciated that certain retail establishments may be prevented from providing unwanted services to users if user preferences are known.

If the user chooses to download the movie, for example, the user may access the WAN and pay for the movie using a credit card and/or a predetermined payment method (e.g., an electronic wallet). After confirming payment, the user may receive the selected movie along with the rights, administration, and other features associated with owning the particular movie. Different networks may be used to deliver rights and content. In one case, the right may be transferred using the WWAN while the content itself is accessed over the WLAN. The actual service (e.g., movie) may be accessed through the WLAN or WWAN as desired. For example, DVDs can be downloaded to mobile devices through WLANs (due to data throughput). The determination of which functionality to utilize to upload data may be determined by the WWAN component providing WWAN functionality, the WLAN component providing WLAN functionality, or a combination of both the WWAN and WLAN components. The determination may also be made by a controller or processor associated with the mobile device.

Fig. 6 illustrates a method 600 of locating a call received from a user of a mobile device utilizing GPS functional components. The method begins at 602 when a user of a mobile device initiates a call. This call may be an emergency telephone call (e.g., a 911 call) or it may be a non-emergency call. In an embodiment, when a call is initiated at 602, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based signaling message may carry location information supplied by a GPS functional component. SIP is a signaling protocol that can be used to initiate, modify, and terminate interactive user sessions that can include optional multimedia elements, such as internet conferencing, telephony, event notification, video, instant messaging, online gaming, and/or virtual reality. The location information may be carried at 604 to a VoIP call agent, for example. Thus, if an emergency situation occurs, the VoIP call agent has location information and knows the location of the caller. The VoIP call agent may provision this information to the appropriate agent at 606. This is useful when the caller does not know the call location and/or cannot communicate this information to the call recipient.

In another embodiment, the call may be made outside the coverage area of the user's home network/WLAN. For example, the WLAN AP may be located in a user's home, and the user may be talking on a mobile phone in the user's backyard. While the user is talking, the user may wander and wander (intentionally and/or unintentionally) onto coverage areas serviced by different WLANs. In another embodiment, the user may take the mobile phone to a remote location (e.g., friend's home, relative's home, school).

In another embodiment, a call is initiated at 602. If the mobile device is in a location that enables broadband access through a Wireless Access Point (WAP), the mobile device utilizes the broadband access at 608. The location of the mobile device during the call may be provided at 610 by a transceiver that may transmit location information obtained using the WWAN interface of the device. Voice data generated by the WLAN functionality may be provided to the transceiver for communication sent with the location information. This method may be utilized, for example, in a school or educational environment where children may make emergency (or non-emergency) calls using a handset. The handset may utilize broadband access provided by schools and/or other agencies for locating users (children) and providing information to call recipients (e.g., police, fire department). Thus, the child (or others) can be located without the child having to communicate position information.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a method 700 of locating a wireless device (e.g., a mobile phone) that does not utilize a GPS receiver or a GPS component that provides GPS functionality is illustrated. Single mode access terminals are those access terminals that have a single functionality, such as WLAN or WPAN. For example, mobile phones that handle VoIP at home do not typically utilize embedded GPS technology. However, in some situations (e.g., emergency situations), it may still be important to determine the location of a mobile device that does not have GPS technology. The location of the device may be determined even when the device is far away from home because the user carries the device to a different location (e.g., educational institution, friend's home). This determination may be based on known locations of other devices in the vicinity of the mobile device that do not utilize GPS technology. The vicinity may include the same access point and/or multiple access points within a geographic area of an access point utilized by a mobile phone without GPS technology.

Location determination begins at 702 when a user of a mobile device without GPS technology initiates a call. The mobile device contacts the access point to place the call. The access point may have a list or receive information from the dual mode device (e.g., a device utilizing WLAN, WPAN, and/or GPS functionality) at the same time. The dual mode device may provide its location information to the access point or to other WLAN stations (user terminals) by control or management messages depending on the mode of operation (infrastructure or ad-hoc). An access point with location information from dual access terminals may broadcast this information in the infrastructure network. Other user terminals in the vicinity of the access point may use the information for location management at 708. At 710, the VoIP access terminal may indicate location information using location information in the SIP signaling message. At 712, the location information may be used for location-based services and/or for providing marketing and/or sales messages to the mobile device. The location information may also be used to provide information to the user of the mobile device regarding particular retail information if the user is in a retail store (e.g., an outdoor or indoor business center). It should be appreciated that marketing and/or advertising is optional (as shown in dashed lines) and may not be used with the disclosed embodiments.

The location of the user inside the building may be approximated because the user enters the building from a particular location, which is the user's last known coordinates. The last known coordinates may be latched or maintained by the access terminal until such time as the user leaves a building, and a new location may be established utilizing GPS functionality and/or other positioning devices. When the user leaves the building or house structure, the access terminal will acquire its current location via GPS or other positioning means. Additionally, there may be multiple users entering a building, and the last known coordinates of each user may be combined to make a range determination for a particular access point (WLAN) and/or base station (WAN). An access point (WLAN) can determine its location relative to a base station (WAN) and/or relative to any device that feeds back location information to the access point. Thus, although an access point may not have a means for determining its own location, location information is provided by a mobile device accessing the access point.

Fig. 8 illustrates a method 800 of utilizing access points within a WWAN, WLAN, and/or WPAN network. A mobile device with WWAN and WLAN and/or WPAN functionality can receive accurate network timing from, for example, a GPS receiver that can be located on the mobile device or through pilot signaling of the WWAN. This timing may be used for quality of service (QoS) and/or handoff management. At 802, a mobile device in and/or near a hotspot or area of multiple access points can receive a beacon from the access point. After receiving the beacon, at 804, the mobile device can utilize internal GPS functionality or timestamp the arrival time of the beacon relative to the WWAN timing obtained through the WWAN interface. The beacon information may include an access point identifier, access point location, current network load at the WLAN AP, etc. At 806, the stamped arrival time and other information can be sent by the mobile device to a Network Management (NM) system over, for example, a WWAN link. At 808, the NM system maintains a list of access points and/or times of arrival. This information may be maintained by a database or memory associated with the NM system. NM systems for WWANs and/or WLANs, for example, maintain a list of access points detected in the area of the WLAN/WPAN, the channels being used by the access points and/or their beacon transmission times, and the current load at each AP. The user may utilize this information to select an appropriate AP and/or network to join.

At 810, the NM system may send a list of access points in an area to which the mobile device may connect to the mobile device. The access point list may include the respective channel and/or beacon transmission times and current load at the access point, as well as other information collected and maintained by the NM system at 808.

In another embodiment, a mobile device (e.g., an access terminal) can tune to each of the access points at beacon times and measure received channel quality information (e.g., SNR). The mobile device may share information about the link quality of the current network and other networks with the current AP. This information may be passed to the NM system at 808 and may be made accessible to other users. In this manner, handoff management for WLAN/WPAN may be provided. Additionally or alternatively, this information may be broadcast by each access point through specific signaling and/or through information element beacons. The information element beacon may be utilized by mobile devices in the vicinity of the access point to update NM system or neighborhood network information.

In another embodiment, the location information may be utilized to seamlessly switch the mobile device between the WWAN and the WLAN/WPAN as illustrated in the method 900 of FIG. 9. The method begins at 902, where location information for a mobile device may be made available through GPS functionality components or other positioning methods (e.g., triangulation, location … … of other devices in a vicinity). At 904, an indication of poor signal quality available through the WWAN can be sent to the mobile device. For example, a mobile device may indicate that a particular bandwidth and/or signal strength should be available to perform a particular function and/or meet requirements/quality of service for a particular link of the device, and if the link conditions do not meet these requirements and/or service levels, a message may be sent to and/or generated by the mobile device. Information regarding system requirements (e.g., bandwidth, signal strength … …) may be stored in a memory of the mobile device, and may be based on information provided by a service provider and/or user as it relates to one or more device applications. A processor associated with the mobile device may analyze the stored information and determine whether system requirements are met. If the requirements are met, the device may connect to the current network. If the requirements are not met, the device may search for a network that meets the device requirements.

For example, at 906, the WLAN functionality may detect the beacon and determine the signal strength and/or bandwidth available at the WLAN access point. At 908, this information can be utilized by the mobile device through WWAN and/or WLAN functionality components, for example, to determine to switch from WWAN to WLAN when bandwidth and/or signal strength is superior over WLAN than WWAN. The information may also be used to switch from WLAN to WWAN. It should be appreciated that the transition from WLAN to WWAN and/or WWAN to WLAN is seamless and the user of such a device may not be aware that a network type handoff has occurred.

In another embodiment, at 910, the signal strength and/or bandwidth determined at 906 may be used for coupling with other devices. For example, if the mobile device allows connectivity with other devices, the mobile device may be coupled to those other devices. In this way, the mobile device utilizes the connection provided over the WLAN. For example (and without limitation), a mobile device may be coupled to a computer to utilize WWAN and/or WLAN functionality available through the computer.

Fig. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a method 1000 of automatically enhancing services of a mobile device utilizing location information. For example, a video phone call may be initiated on an access terminal through a WWAN. With insufficient bandwidth on the WWAN, for example, video and/or graphics resolution may or may become poor. Alternatively or additionally, the user may start a meeting at an office, and may need to move to another location (e.g., home, coffee shop, library … …) during the meeting. This includes making late night calls to accommodate situations where callers are in different time zones. The call may start at one location and either or both may move to different locations during the call. The call may continue uninterrupted as the user changes location, and the mobile device may be seamlessly authenticated as it moves through different access points and/or networks.

When the mobile device moves into the vicinity of an access point (e.g., a WWAN access point) at 1002, location information provided by a GPS component or other positioning device of the mobile device can be sent to a Network Management (NM) system. At 1004, the NM system may prompt the access terminal to find an access point and provide information about wlan aps present in the area, their operating channels and beacon timing, among other information. The access terminal may then search for an access point and may lock onto a beacon, which may be a beacon timing provided by the NM system, at 1006. At 1008, a handoff may be performed, for example, to switch the device from WWAN to WLAN and/or WLAN to WWAN. Since WLANs are typically connected to broadband networks, call quality can be significantly improved if call transmissions are redirected to the WLAN. The resolution of video and graphics can be greatly improved, and a mobile device (e.g., an access terminal) can be attached to a computer display to take advantage of high-resolution video calls. This enables enhanced services, such as enhanced performance or performance in areas where access was previously unavailable.

Alternatively or additionally, in the IEEE 802.11n WLAN standard, time-based scheduling may occur. For example, an access point can announce a schedule for transmitting and/or receiving packets to and/or from an access terminal. An access terminal may receive packets at predetermined times and may then send packets when the time to send packets occurs. These schedules may be communicated and coordinated by the NM system over the WWAN signaling link. The NM system may assign different access terminals to different access points along with appropriate scheduling information.

In another embodiment, certain applications may have harsh jitter requirements and may require receiving timing from the network. For example, in VoIP, jitter is the variation in time between the arrival of packets and may be caused by network congestion, timing drift, and/or route changes. The exact timing available at the mobile device can be utilized for applications with jitter requirements. The access point and the mobile device may be driven in accordance with a network clock. If the access point does not have an accurate clock, the mobile device may provide timing to the access point, such as through a GPS component that provides GPS functionality. The access point may make this timing received from the mobile device available to access terminals that are not dual-mode and/or do not have timing functionality.

In another embodiment, the self-configuring ad-hoc network may be constructed utilizing WWAN and WLAN technologies. an ad-hoc network may operate in an infrastructure mode with access points, or may be a wireless network that includes only stations (e.g., mobile devices) but no access points, or a network that utilizes both infrastructure mode (access points) and peer-to-peer mode. an ad-hoc network may also be referred to as a standalone basic service set (TBSS) network.

ad-hoc networks may have different characteristics depending on the application. For example, in certain emergency situations (e.g., disasters), different agencies (e.g., fire, police, security … …) may utilize different frequencies in order to be able to maintain communications with minimal disruption. Thus, these mechanisms may not respond efficiently, or may have difficulty communicating with each other. Dual mode access terminals may provide a low cost business system that may address the needs of multiple agencies during emergency (and everyday) situations.

Referring now to fig. 11, a methodology 1100 for providing an ad-hoc network in the absence of an available access point is illustrated. This may be beneficial inside emergency personnel, such as buildings with dual mode access terminals. The method begins at 1102, where a terminal located within a building or other contained area is in a WLAN mode. When a message is initiated at a terminal, the terminal relays all information it has to access terminals within its vicinity. At 1104, each terminal receiving the information relays the information it has (from the end user as well as from other terminals) to terminals within its respective vicinity. At 1106, this information relay between the terminals forms an IBSS network. The information eventually proceeds to an access terminal that may also have a WWAN connection at 1108. Thus, a simple implementation in a rapidly changing emergency environment may be formed for an access terminal to broadcast the information it receives from the end user as well as other access terminals in its vicinity. While this may result in non-optimal utilization of bandwidth, it also provides sufficient redundancy to allow the information to be ultimately transmitted out of the building and received by the appropriate recipient.

In an alternative embodiment, a more complex implementation may use an Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) type protocol for route construction, as indicated at 1110. OSPF is an interior gateway routing protocol originally developed for IP networks. The protocol is based on a shortest partial first or link state algorithm that a router may use to send routing information to nodes in the network. The shortest path to each node may be calculated based on the terrain that includes the node. It should be noted, however, that these protocols may take some time to converge and may not be suitable for environments where the topology is constantly changing.

Fig. 12 illustrates an exemplary self-configuring ad-hoc network 1200 that may be constructed utilizing WLAN and/or WWAN technologies. For example, a metropolitan area may be served by a cluster of WLAN nodes for applications that should have high bandwidth but do not require high mobility. Generally, it is an expensive proposition to pass traffic from each LAN node on a fiber link back to the WAN, and therefore self-configuring ad-hoc networks may provide a less expensive alternative.

As illustrated, the mobile device 1202 may wirelessly communicate with a cluster of WLAN nodes 1204, 1206, 1208. Several nodes 1204, 1206 may be connected to fiber optic backhaul device 1210 while other nodes 1208 are not connected to fiber optic backhaul device 1210. It should be understood that although one apparatus 1210 is shown, a network may include more than one apparatus. WLAN nodes 1204, 1206, 1208 may be utilized to relay traffic from mobile device 1202 and/or a source node (e.g., node 1208) to a node (e.g., nodes 1204 and 1206) to which fiber optic transmission equipment is connected.

One or more nodes may be hot spot nodes configured to operate on multiple WLAN channels simultaneously, such as node 1208. Traffic may be picked up from stations associated with the node using one of the channels 1212. Another (or more) channel(s) 1214 may be utilized to perform the relay function. Alternatively, a single channel 1216 may be associated with the hotspot node 1204 and the single channel 1216 may be utilized to pick up traffic and perform relay functionality.

Configuring the network topology, assigning channels to different nodes, and/or making routing decisions should be accomplished through control, coordination, and communication between the WLAN nodes 1204, 1206, 1208. To achieve this functionality, one or more WLAN nodes may have WWAN functionality built into it as illustrated at node 1206. Dual functionality enables out-of-band channels that may be used for control purposes.

A Network Management (NM) system 1218 may be associated with the ad-hoc network 1200 to create an initial terrain. The NM system may also decide which channels 1212, 1214, 1216 to use. Another function of the NM system may be to determine routes between nodes 1204, 1206, 1208.

For example (and without limitation), the handset may be provided (or made available to) over the WAN information of which frequency the first access point is at its peak or using a large portion of its resources at a certain time. Different access points in close proximity to the first access point may reach their peaks at different times and/or at different frequencies. With this information, the handset does not have to continuously tune to the channel or frequency utilized by the second access point, as it can already be supplied with information about both the first and second access points. In this way, the handset knows when to tune and listen to the beacon of any access point. It may also utilize both location and timing information to determine whether it can move to a different access point and/or frequency.

Referring now to fig. 13, a method 1300 of utilizing WLAN and/or WWAN technologies to construct a self-configuring ad-hoc network similar to that shown and described with reference to fig. 12 is illustrated. The method begins at 1302, where each node utilizes a WWAN channel to indicate its GPS coordinates, which may be communicated to an NM system. At 1304, the NM system, knowing the location of each node, may create an initial topology. The topology is designed to enable rich connectivity between nodes and distinct routes from the nodes to nodes connected to the WAN by optical fibers. The NM system may also decide the channels and routes to be used at 1306. At 1308, information related to each node may be downloaded over the WWAN. Once the wireless hotspot is activated, additional measurements may be collected at 1310. At 1312, the received signal strength may be sent to the NM system, which may utilize the initial topology and routing to estimate actual field conditions. In addition, the access point may utilize timing information generated by the WWAN to synchronize itself.

The methods and systems described above are centralized and can be used for large networks with hot spots with strong QoS requirements. The capacity of the network can be maximized while minimizing interference.

Fig. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a method 1400 of initializing a neighbor list on a WWAN control channel to facilitate synchronization of an access terminal. The method may be used in a self-configuring wireless mesh network. The method starts at 1402 when the WLAN node initializes. At a substantially similar time as the node initializes, it exchanges a neighbor list on the WWAN control channel at 1404. These neighbor lists may include information about access points in the surrounding area and/or mobile devices that are utilizing those access points. For example, the neighbor list may include timing signals transmitted by the mobile device in response to communications over the WWAN. The adjacency list may be exchanged and the shortest path created in a distributed manner using a protocol such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF). The exchange of the timing list at 1404 can include a second timing signal transmitted over the WLAN and based on the timing signal sent in response to the communication over the WWAN. At 1406, the mobile device or access terminal may utilize the timing information generated by the WWAN for self synchronization for communicating with one or more other access terminals over the WLAN based on the second timing signal. This may be done directly through the nearest WWAN or WLAN access point whose proximity is known (e.g., from a neighbor list or directly through its own WWAN functionality). Alternatively, it may receive this information from an access terminal having combined WWAN and WLAN functionality. For example, transmission of the timing signal may include sending the timing signal from the first access terminal to one or more other terminals that are synchronized with the first access terminal.

Fig. 15 illustrates peer-to-peer communication 1500 in a WLAN network. In some cases, individual access terminals 1502 and 1504 can communicate with each other using one or more WLAN access points 1506, 1508. To improve this communication, the access terminal clocks may be synchronized using timing information from the WWAN access points 1508, 1510. It will be appreciated that some access points may include only WLAN functionality 1506 or WWAN functionality 1510, or a combination of both WLAN and WWAN functionality 1508.

If the device has WWAN functionality 1512, 1514 or is aware of a WWAN access point, timing information may be provided by the WLAN access point. Alternatively, this information may be provided to the access terminal using WWAN functionality on either or both access terminals, which may then use the information to communicate over the WLAN.

Fig. 16 illustrates a method 1600 of registration and/or authentication in an Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS) network. An IBSS network is an IEEE 802.11 based wireless network with no backbone infrastructure. The IBSS network is composed of at least two wireless stations. An IBSS network may be referred to as an ad-hoc network because it may be constructed quickly with little or no planning. The WWAN functionality resident at the access terminal or WLAN access point can be utilized for registration and/or authentication of the access terminal for communication or service access through the WLAN access point.

The method begins at 1602, where WWAN functionality at an access terminal can indicate device identification information or a registration message (e.g., a device identification residing on a subscriber identity module). The first registration message may contain an encryption key. The device identification information or registration message may be verified through the WWAN from the first access terminal. At 1604, a second registration message or device identification can be transmitted and provided to a WLAN access point or other service. The second registration message may be based on the first registration message. Messages arriving at the WLAN may be transmitted over a backhaul or over an air token or air interface obtained via the WWAN of the access terminal. This also allows for the use of device-specific encryption keys that can be authenticated by either the WWAN system or the WLAN system.

The registration/authentication method is beneficial in situations where a user of an access terminal is in wireless communication with a kiosk that has WLAN functionality but lacks broadband or full backhaul connectivity to a network (e.g., the internet). In this case, verification or billing information (e.g., music, video, or other information) for the sales situation may be provided through the WWAN. For example, whether a device or user-specific user identification (e.g., password or encryption key) may be exchanged in the WWAN. This enables the access terminal to obtain a token or other authentication code at 1606. At 1608, the token or other authentication code can be wirelessly transmitted to the kiosk, allowing the access terminal to access the video, song, or other multimedia content. In this manner, access through the WLAN is granted to the access terminal. It should be appreciated that after transmitting the second registration message to the access terminal over the WWAN, a third registration message based on the second registration message can be sent from the access terminal to the WLAN access point. This third registration message may be sent over various media including the air interface.

Such multimedia content may also be provided based on the location of the mobile device. For example, at a commercial center, multimedia content may be provided from one or more retail stores or other retail establishments based on user location and user preferences. The user preferences may be preferences previously transmitted by the user and stored in memory of the mobile device. A processor associated with the mobile device may analyze the information stored in the memory and determine whether the multimedia content should be accepted and delivered to the user or ignored and not delivered to the user of the device. In another embodiment, the user preferences may be communicated to the service provider that maintains the information. For example, if the user is near an athletic merchandise store and previously stated that such user does not require any information regarding the sport and/or athletic merchandise (e.g., current sales or price reductions, activity … …), information broadcast by that particular store may be prevented from being transmitted to the user's mobile device. It should be appreciated that multimedia content is optional and that the disclosed embodiments may be utilized without the use of multimedia content.

According to another embodiment, the ad-hoc WLAN network may be coupled through a WWAN. For example, if one or more IBSS networks are found, they may be coupled through backhaul provided by the WWAN. This may be achieved when one or more WLAN nodes/stations in a given IBSS have discovered or been discovered by an access point of the WWAN. This allows WLAN stations from different IBSSs to be connected through a WWAN backhaul that may have greater bandwidth or may have access to improved services. The different IBSSs may provide radio coverage in different areas that may be non-contiguous with respect to each other.

According to another embodiment is the capability of multicasting and/or broadcasting in an IBSS network. Broadcast and multicast messages may be provided over the WWAN backhaul. This may facilitate providing broadcast or multicast messages or data based on location information. Further, this may provide the ability to transmit synchronized broadcast or multicast messages based on timing information available through the WWAN (e.g., timing signals from neighboring WWAN access points may be utilized for timing purposes).

Fig. 17 illustrates an exemplary ad-hoc mesh network 1700. Network 1700 is illustrated as an ad-hoc network utilizing four access points or base stations "A" 1702, "B" 1704, "C" 1706 and "D" 1708. The ad-hoc mesh network 1700 may use any number of access points, and four access points are selected for illustration purposes only. It should be appreciated that the ad-hoc mesh network 1700 may be a network in an infrastructure mode (not shown) utilizing access points, a peer-to-peer network without utilizing access points, or a network utilizing both infrastructure mode (access points) and peer-to-peer mode.

The topology of network 1700 illustrates access point a 1702 connected by wireless communication to access point B1704, access point C1706, and/or access point D1708. A decision regarding an active link should be established for the access point. This decision may be performed over a wide area control channel in which each access point sends its GPS coordinates (or other positioning means) to a central Network Management (NM) system 1710. NM system 1710, having the locations of all access points 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708 in network 1700, determines the network topology and communication links between access points 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708. For example, NM network 1710 may determine that in the topology, access point a 1702 should communicate with access point B1704, access point B1704 should communicate with access point C1706, and access point C1706 should communicate with access point D1708. NM system 1710 may also determine which channel each access point should use as a function of frequency management. For example, NM system 1710 may determine that access point a 1702 should use a channel a or a 20MHz channel, and access point B1704 should use a different channel, such as a different 20MHz channel, and so on.

In an ad-hoc network, access points may be deleted or added at any time. However, the communication between access points should remain constant to provide smooth communication transmission. When a significant event (disaster, etc.) occurs, the entire topology may need to be changed. Thus, the control channel should be configured to provide proper connectivity without generating excessive interference. Each access point may be configured with WLAN functionality that automatically configures each access point with an allowed channel, allowing either to communicate over the network management channel. This grant channel alleviates the problems associated with the lack of availability of a control channel. The channel passes its coordinates to NM system 1710. This may be established with any level of bandwidth and a narrowband WAN channel may be sufficient for this purpose. Once the location information is received, the ad-hoc network may be reconfigured or a new ad-hoc network may be established.

NM system 1710 may also provide routing of particular packets. NM system 1710 may access each access point 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708 and provide or download routing tables to each access point 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708. The routing table may provide routing information for a particular packet or type of packet. For example, if a voice packet is to be routed, NM system 1710 may instruct the access point (through a routing table) to: the voice packet will be routed to access point B1704, then to access point C1706, then to access point D1708, etc., until the voice packet reaches its final destination. If the packet is a data packet, the route may be from access point D1708 to access point B1704 to access point A1702. The video packets may take different routes. In this way, NM system 1710 determines the topology or configuration of ad-hoc network 1700 and how to route the packets in real-time. Thus, the WWAN network may provide powerful control and signaling capabilities to manage the ad-hoc network 1700 and may provide data paths to compensate for connectivity gaps in the WLAN network. It should be appreciated that the routing and/or topology discussed is for purposes of example and is not intended to limit the disclosed embodiments.

NM system 1710 may determine packet routing taking into account traffic sensitivity. For example, the link may be reestablished during certain times of the day, week, etc. NM system 1710 may monitor traffic for potential peak hours (e.g., morning rush hour, evening rush hour … …). During such times, there may be some traffic flow and routes or links may be established and/or changed with a high degree of flexibility as desired.

In a network that is operating in a peer-to-peer mode (no access point) or a combination of infrastructure and peer-to-peer modes, a handset is utilized to establish a network or a portion of a network. In this case, the NM system may not be utilized because the configuration of the network may change rapidly. In this case, each handset broadcasts its information, and the handset receiving the information will relay the information to the other handsets. This transfer or retransmission of the information will continue until the information reaches its destination. In this peer-to-peer ad-hoc network, a first handset a may communicate to handset B using a WLAN. Handset B may communicate with handset C using a WWAN. The handset may communicate using a mixed mode or setting as long as the handset has WWAN, WPAN, Wi-Fi, etc., functionality.

Referring now to fig. 18, illustrated is a system 1800 that facilitates coordinating communication between multiple communication protocols in a wireless communication environment in accordance with one or more of the disclosed embodiments. System 1800 can reside in an access point and/or in a user device. System 1800 includes a receiver 1802 that can receive a signal from, for instance, a receiver antenna. Receiver 1802 may perform typical actions thereon, such as filtering, amplifying, frequency down converting, etc., on the received signal. Receiver 1802 may also digitize the conditioned signal to obtain samples. A demodulator 1804 can obtain received symbols for each symbol period and provide the received symbols to a processor 1806.

Processor 1806 may be a processor dedicated to analyzing information received by receiver component 1802 and/or generating information for transmission by a transmitter 1816. Processor 1806 controls one or more components of user device 1800, and/or processor 1806, which analyzes information received by receiver 1802, generates information for transmission by a transmitter 1816 and controls one or more components of user device 1800. The processor 1806 may include a controller component capable of coordinating communication with additional user devices.

User device 1800 can additionally include memory 1808 that is operatively coupled to processor 1806 and that stores information regarding coordinated communications and any other suitable information. The memory 1808 may additionally store protocols associated with coordinating communications. It will be appreciated that the data store (e.g., memories) components described herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include Read Only Memory (ROM), programmable ROM (prom), electrically programmable ROM (eprom), electrically erasable ROM (eeprom), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include Random Access Memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM may be utilized in many forms, such as Synchronous RAM (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). The memory 1808 of the subject systems and/or methods is intended to comprise, without being limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory. User device 1800 further includes a symbol modulator 1810 and a transmitter 1812 that transmits the modulated signal.

Fig. 19 is an illustration of a system 1900 that facilitates coordinating a communication protocol in accordance with various aspects. System 1900 includes a base station or access point 1902. As illustrated, base station 1902 receives signal(s) from one or more user devices 1904 through receive antenna 1906 and transmits to one or more user devices 1904 through transmit antenna 1908.

The base station 1902 includes a receiver 1910 that receives information from the receive antennas 1906 and is operatively associated with a demodulator 1912 that demodulates received information. Demodulated symbols are analyzed by a processor 1914 that is coupled to a memory 1916, the memory 1916 storing information related to code clusters, user device assignments, lookup tables related thereto, unique scrambling sequences, and so forth. Modulator 1918 may multiplex the signal for transmission by a transmitter 1920 through transmit antenna 1908 to user devices 1904.

Fig. 20 illustrates an exemplary wireless communication system 2000. The wireless communication system 2000 depicts one base station and one terminal for sake of brevity. It is to be appreciated, however, that system 2000 can include more than one base station or access point and/or more than one terminal or user device, wherein additional base stations and/or terminals can be substantially similar or different for the exemplary base station and terminal described below. In addition, it is to be appreciated that the base station and/or the terminal can employ the systems and or methods described herein to facilitate wireless communication there between.

Referring now to fig. 20, on the downlink, at access point 1905, a Transmit (TX) data processor 2010 receives, formats, codes, interleaves, and modulates (or symbol maps) traffic data and provides modulation symbols ("data symbols"). A symbol modulator 2015 receives and processes the data symbols and pilot symbols and provides a stream of symbols. A symbol modulator 2015 multiplexes data and pilot symbols and obtains a set of N transmit symbols. Each transmission symbol may be a data symbol, a pilot symbol, or a signal value of zero. The pilot symbols may be sent continuously in each symbol period. The pilot symbols may be Frequency Division Multiplexed (FDM), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM), Time Division Multiplexed (TDM), Frequency Division Multiplexed (FDM), or Code Division Multiplexed (CDM).

A transmitter unit (TMTR)2020 receives and converts the stream of symbols into one or more analog signals and further conditions (e.g., amplifies, filters, and frequency upconverts) the analog signals to generate a downlink signal suitable for transmission over the wireless channel. The downlink signal is then transmitted through an antenna 2025 to the terminals. At terminal 2030, an antenna 2035 receives the downlink signal and provides a received signal to a receiver unit (RCVR) 2040. Receiver unit 2040 conditions (e.g., filters, amplifies, and frequency downconverts) the received signal and digitizes the conditioned signal to obtain samples. A symbol demodulator 2045 obtains N received symbols and provides received pilot symbols to a processor 2050 for channel estimation. Symbol demodulator 2045 further receives a frequency response estimate for the downlink from processor 2050, performs data demodulation on the received data symbols to obtain data symbol estimates (which are estimates of the transmitted data symbols), and provides the data symbol estimates to an RX data processor 2055, which RX data processor 2055 demodulates (e.g., symbol demaps), deinterleaves, and decodes the data symbol estimates to recover the transmitted traffic data. The processing by symbol demodulator 2045 and RX data processor 2055 is complementary to the processing by symbol modulator 2015 and TX data processor 1910, respectively, at access point 2005.

On the uplink, a TX data processor 2060 processes traffic data and provides data symbols. A symbol modulator 2065 receives and multiplexes the data symbols with pilot symbols, performs modulation, and provides a stream of symbols. A transmitter unit 2070 then receives and processes the stream of symbols to generate an uplink signal, which is transmitted by the antenna 2035 to the access point 2005.

At access point 2005, the uplink signal from terminal 2030 is received by antenna 2025 and processed by a receiver unit 2075 to obtain samples. A symbol demodulator 2080 then processes the samples and provides received pilot symbols and data symbol estimates for the uplink. An RX data processor 2085 processes the data symbol estimates to recover the traffic data transmitted by terminal 2030. The processor 2090 performs channel estimation for each active terminal transmitting on the uplink.

Processors 2090 and 2050 direct (e.g., control, coordinate, manage, etc.) operation at access point 2005 and terminal 2030, respectively. Each of the processors 2090 and 2050 may be associated with a memory unit (not shown) that stores program codes and data. Processors 2090 and 2050 may also perform computations to derive frequency and impulse response estimates for the uplink and downlink, respectively.

For a multiple-access system (e.g., FDMA, OFDMA, CDMA, TDMA, etc.), multiple terminals may transmit simultaneously on the uplink. For such systems, the pilot subbands may be shared among different terminals. Channel estimation techniques may be used in cases where the pilot subbands for each terminal span the entire operating band (possibly except for the band edges). This pilot subband structure would be ideal for obtaining frequency diversity for each terminal. The techniques described herein may be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processing units used for channel estimation may be implemented within one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. For software, implementations may be realized through modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The software codes may be stored in memory unit and executed by the processors 2090 and 2050.

It is to be understood that the embodiments described herein may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or any combination thereof. When the systems and/or methods are implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, program code or code segments, they can be stored in a machine-readable medium, such as a storage component. A code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted using any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

For a software implementation, the techniques described herein may be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The software codes may be stored in memory units and executed by processors. The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor, in which case it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means as is known in the art.

What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims (18)

1. A method for registering in a wireless communication system, comprising:

wirelessly transmitting a first registration message from a mobile device over a WWAN;

wirelessly transmitting a second registration message to a WLAN access point through the WWAN; and

receiving, at the mobile device, access through the WLAN access point.

2. The method of claim 1, transmitting, by the WWAN, a second registration message further comprising:

transmitting the second registration message to the WLAN access point.

3. The method of claim 1, transmitting, by the WWAN, a second registration message further comprising:

transmitting the second registration message to another mobile device through the WWAN; and

transmitting a third registration message based on the second registration message from the mobile device to the WLAN access point.

4. The method of claim 3, transmitting the third registration message over an air interface.

5. The method of claim 1, the first registration message comprising an encryption key.

6. A method for constructing a self-configuring ad-hoc network, comprising:

receiving GPS coordinates from a WWAN channel node at a management system; and

an initial terrain is created based at least in part on the GPS coordinates to enable network connectivity of distinct routes between a plurality of nodes.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

deciding which node channels should be utilized; and

signal strength measurements and routing conditions are collected.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

utilizing the initial terrain and routing conditions to account for actual field conditions; and

the terrain is altered to achieve a desired route and desired field conditions.

9. The method of claim 6, one of the plurality of nodes is a hotspot node configured to operate simultaneously on multiple WLAN channels.

10. A system for creating an ad-hoc network, comprising;

access means for accessing a terminal in a WLAN functionality mode;

-transmission means for transmitting information from said terminal to at least a second terminal having dual mode functionality;

means for picking up network traffic at the WLAN node using the first channel; and

means for relaying the network traffic to a mobile station at the WLAN node using a second channel

A mobile device or a second WLAN node.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

routing means for routing said traffic via an OSPF-type protocol.

12. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

allocating means for allocating network traffic to different nodes; and

decision means for deciding on route decisions by communication between WLAN nodes.

13. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for:

sending a first registration message containing an encryption key on the WWAN;

transmitting a second registration message to the WLAN access point; and

receiving authorization to transmit through the WLAN access point.

14. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, further comprising instructions for:

transmitting the second registration message to the WLAN access point.

15. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, further comprising instructions for:

transmitting the second registration message to a mobile device through the WWAN; and

transmitting a third registration message to the WLAN access point.

16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, the third registration message is based on the second registration message.

17. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, the third registration message is transmitted over an air interface.

18. A processor that executes instructions for creating an ad-hoc network, the instructions comprising:

accessing a terminal in a WLAN functional mode;

transmitting information from the terminal to at least a second terminal having dual mode functionality;

picking up network traffic using a first channel at a WLAN node; and

relaying, at the WLAN node, the network traffic to a mobile device or a second WLAN node using a second channel.