Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to wireless terminal reporting alternative selection for a fixed bit size control information request report, e.g., a 4 bit uplink traffic channel request report, are described. A wireless terminal maintains a plurality of different request groups corresponding to uplink traffic to be transmitted. The same request report format includes a plurality of reporting alternatives, different reporting alternatives corresponding to different request groups. Backlog can and sometimes does exist simultaneously corresponding to request groups corresponding to different reporting alternatives. The wireless terminal uses priority information associated with the request groups having non-zero backlog to select a reporting alternative. In some embodiments, at least some of the request groups have priorities which are calculated by the wireless terminal and change as a function of determined transmission deadline information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for communicating transmission backlog information are described. Reporting control factors are utilized to expand reporting possibilities for a fixed bit size request report. At least one report control factor is determined as a function of channel quality information, power information, device capability information, and/or quality of service information. A transmission backlog report value is interpreted as a function of a reporting control factor. A wide range of quantization schemes for reporting transmission backlog information are facilitated corresponding to a small bit size report. A communications device can adaptively select a quantization request level closely matched to its current needs such as to provide an accurate representation of its current traffic channel resource needs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for communicating information using a plurality of report dictionaries are described. A plurality of request dictionaries are implemented for a wireless terminal to use for multi-bit uplink transmission backlog request reports communicated via the dedicated control channel. Each dictionary defines a different bit mapping interpretation for a set of multi-bit uplink transmission backlog request reports, e.g. a 3 bit uplink request report and a 4 bit uplink request report. The plurality of request dictionaries includes a default dictionary and additional dictionaries. The implementation of a plurality of alternative request dictionaries expands the reporting possibilities allowing a wireless terminal to use a reporting format well-suited to its current needs. The default dictionary is mandated to be used under certain predefined conditions, e.g., upon entry into the active state.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to reporting transmission backlog information are described. A wireless communications device maintains and updates transmission backlog information corresponding to a plurality of different transmission request groups. Different request groups may correspond to different uplink traffic queues. For a request reporting opportunity, the communications device selects a request group from among the plurality of different transmission request groups as a function of: request group changes in backlog with respect to previously reported requests, the changes taking into consideration base station allocation of transmission resources; and request group priority information. A request report is generated conveying backlog information corresponding to the selected request group, and the generated report is transmitted over a wireless communications link.

Abstract: An initial reporting structure for an uplink dedicated control channel is used by a wireless terminal following a transition into a state of wireless terminal operation or action which makes it desirable to provide a base station with an initial set of control information which can be used to support uplink transmission of user data. Subsequently while continuing operation in a state supporting uplink transmission of user data, a recurring scheduled reporting structure for the uplink dedicated control channel is followed by the wireless terminal. The initial reporting structure provides for communication of at least some information reports, e.g., infrequently scheduled reports, which may not have been otherwise communicated during the same time interval if the recurring scheduled reporting structure had not been overridden. Thus the use of initial report sets facilitates a rapid overall understanding by the serving base station attachment point of the wireless terminal's status.

Abstract: Wireless terminals and base stations support multiple modes of dedicated control channel operation wherein wireless terminals are allocated different amounts of dedicated uplink resources for reporting control information. A set of dedicated control channel segments is utilized by a wireless terminal to communicate uplink control information reports to its serving base station attachment point. Full tone and split-tone modes of dedicated control channel operation are supported. In full tone mode, a single wireless terminal is allocated each of the dedicated control channel segments associated with a single logical tone. In split tone mode, dedicated control channel segments associated with a single logical tone are allocated between different wireless terminals, with each of the multiple wireless terminals receiving a different non-overlapping subset of the dedicated control channel segments. Logical dedicated control channel tones can be dynamically reallocated for full-tone mode use or split tone mode use.

Abstract: Wireless terminals and base stations support multiple modes of control channel operation wherein wireless terminals are allocated different amounts of uplink resources for reporting control information. A set of control channel segments is utilized by a wireless terminal to communicate uplink control information reports to its serving base station attachment point. Full tone and split-tone modes of control channel operation are supported. In full tone mode, a single wireless terminal is allocated each of the control channel segments associated with a single logical tone. In split tone mode, control channel segments associated with a single logical tone are allocated between different wireless terminals, with each of the multiple wireless terminals receiving a different non-overlapping subset of the control channel segments. Logical control channel tones can be dynamically reallocated for full-tone mode use or split tone mode use.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for communicating transmission backlog information are described. Reporting control factors are utilized to expand reporting possibilities for a fixed bit size request report. At least one report control factor is determined as a function of channel quality information, power information, device capability information, and/or quality of service information. A transmission backlog report value is interpreted as a function of a reporting control factor. A wide range of quantization schemes for reporting transmission backlog information are facilitated corresponding to a small bit size report. A communications device can adaptively select a quantization request level closely matched to its current needs such as to provide an accurate representation of its current traffic channel resource needs.

Abstract: Aspect of the present disclosure include A Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) in which an intermediate relay node may engage in discreet packet-dropping practices for selfish (e.g., to conserve power) or other reasons. Each node in such a MANET has a dynamic reputation level known to all other nodes. Embodiments include improving the overall performance or robustness of such a MANET by adopting a routing strategy (e.g. routing protocol) which considers the reputation levels of intermediate relaying nodes in determining the best route from a source to a destination. Embodiments of the present disclosure also include a system for discovering a route between two nodes in a communication network. One or more nodes: (i) determine a reputation level of each neighboring node; (ii) sending a route discovery message that is addressed to the destination node to one neighboring node having a highest reputation level.

Abstract: Aspect of the present disclosure include A Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) in which an intermediate relay node may engage in discreet packet-dropping practices for selfish (e.g., to conserve power) or other reasons. Each node in such a MANET has a dynamic reputation level known to all other nodes. Embodiments include improving the overall performance or robustness of such a MANET by adopting a routing strategy (e.g. routing protocol) which considers the reputation levels of intermediate relaying nodes in determining the best route from a source to a destination. Embodiments of the present disclosure also include a system for discovering a route between two nodes in a communication network. One or more nodes: (i) determine a reputation level of each neighboring node; (ii) sending a route discovery message that is addressed to the destination node to one neighboring node having a highest reputation level.

Abstract: A wireless communications system supports wireless connections between base station sector attachment points and wireless terminals. Individual wireless connections correspond to one of a downlink-macrodiversity mode of operation and a downlink non-macrodiversity mode of operation. A wireless terminal has, for each of its current connections, a base station assigned dedicated control channel for communicating uplink control information reports. The uplink control information reports include downlink signal-to-noise ratio reports based on measured received pilot channel signals. If a connection corresponds to a macrodiversity mode of operation, a reporting format for the SNR report is used which reports (i) an SNR value and (ii) an indication as to whether or not the connection is considered a preferred connection by the wireless terminal. If a connection corresponds to a non-macrodiversity mode of operation, a reporting format for the SNR report is used which reports an SNR value.

Abstract: A wireless terminal receives a broadcast uplink interference report request conveying a requested report type and/or a locally unique base station identifier. The wireless terminal receives and measures broadcast reference signals, e.g., beacon and/or pilot signals, transmitted from a plurality of base station attachment points. Specific type interference reports relate a current serving connection base station attachment point to a selected base station attachment point corresponding to the received base station identifier. Generic type interference reports relate a current serving base station connection attachment point to other unspecified base station attachment points whose broadcast reference signals have been detected by the wireless terminal. Sub-types of generic reports include summation function and maximum function reports. Timing information is sometimes used to determine report sub-type and/or sector type of the selected attachment point.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for managing cost in a wireless enabled advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). The system includes a remote server, a wide area network, and an access point device. The system further includes wireless enabled meters coupled to each other and to the access point through a neighborhood area network (NAN). The system includes datasinks. Each datasink is a wireless enabled meter capable of being a data coordinator and capable of receiving metering information from the sensors, processing metering information, and transmitting metering information to the access point. Moreover, each wireless enabled meter is capable of being a routing node and an endpoint node. Also, a first set of wireless enabled meters are configured to be routing nodes and a second set of wireless enabled meters are configured to be endpoint nodes based on a graph theoretic algorithm to reduce the cost of the AMI.

Abstract: A wireless terminal determines the transmission power used for its dedicated control channel at a point in time, and generates a power report indicating a ratio of a maximum wireless terminal transmit power to the transmit power of the dedicated control channel at the point in time. The power report provides a measure of available transmit power for wireless terminal use for other purposes, e.g., uplink traffic channels, after taking into consideration the transmit power used for the dedicated control channel. The point in time has a known time offset from the start of a communications segment in which the power report is transmitted. This allows the base station receiving dedicated control channel uplink signals from the wireless terminal to measure the received signals, receive and process the communicated power report, and correlate information to be used for accurate wireless terminal closed loop power control.

Abstract: Reporting methods well suited for reporting control information in a wireless system are described. A wireless terminal reports information to a serving base station, e.g., a base station attachment point, according to a reporting schedule. The reporting schedule includes a plurality of different types of fixed type information reports which communicate information of a type dictated by the reporting schedule. The reporting schedule also includes flexible reports at predetermined locations within the reporting schedule. The wireless terminal selects the type of report to be communicated in the flexible report, e.g., as a function of a report prioritization operation. Information identifying the wireless terminal's report type selection for the flexible report is jointly coded along with the report body information and communicated in the same dedicated control channel segment. The reporting schedule repeats over time.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate communicating reverse link control information over OFDMA control channel(s) and CDMA control channel(s). Dedicated OFDMA control channel resources can be assigned to mobile device(s). Control information related to one or more logical control channels can be generated by a mobile device. Further, a physical control channel type (e.g., OFDMA control channel or a CDMA control channel) can be selected for sending the control information via the reverse link. For example, control information associated with periodic, logical control channels can be multiplexed and sent over the OFDMA control channel (e.g., utilizing the dedicated OFDMA control channel resources) while control information related to non-periodic, logical control channels can be transmitted over the CDMA control channel.

Abstract: A wireless communications system supports wireless connections between base station sector attachment points and wireless terminals. Individual wireless connections correspond to one of a downlink-macrodiversity mode of operation and a downlink non-macrodiversity mode of operation. A wireless terminal has, for each of its current connections, a base station assigned dedicated control channel for communicating uplink control information reports. The uplink control information reports include downlink signal-to-noise ratio reports based on measured received pilot channel signals. If a connection corresponds to a macrodiversity mode of operation, a reporting format for the SNR report is used which reports (i) an SNR value and (ii) an indication as to whether or not the connection is considered a preferred connection by the wireless terminal. If a connection corresponds to a non-macrodiversity mode of operation, a reporting format for the SNR report is used which reports an SNR value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to control information reporting over wireless communication channels are described. Various embodiments include communicating control information format definition information over a wireless link. For example, in some embodiments, a base station downloads control information reporting format definition information, e.g., corresponding to a new release or a custom reporting format, into a wireless terminal. As another example, a wireless terminal generates a custom control information reporting format, that it intends to use, and communicates definition information corresponding to the generated custom control reporting format to a base station.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for efficient communication of backlog information, e.g., backlog information indicating amounts of uplink traffic waiting to transmitted by a wireless terminal are described. Delta backlog reports are used in addition to absolute backlog reports, thus reducing control signaling overhead, at least some information communicated in a delta backlog report being referenced with respect to a previously transmitted backlog report. A base station uses received backlog information from wireless terminals in determining scheduling of uplink traffic channel segments In some embodiments, the absolute backlog report uses a first fixed size report format, while the delta backlog report using a second fixed size report format, said second size being different from said first fixed size.

Abstract: A base station uses a common link layer controller for multiple physical attachment points to facilitate concurrent wireless connections between different sector physical attachment points and a wireless terminal using the same link layer link. A wireless terminal maintains multiple simultaneous wireless connections for the same link layer link. A packet of user data is fragmented into a plurality of grouping of MAC frames, thus a packet portion can be communicated over a connection. A single packet is sometimes communicated with different portions conveyed over different wireless connections. Automatic repeat request, using the common link layer controller, allows for retransmission of a packet portion over a different connection than it was initially transmitted over. A wireless terminal sends connection request messages including lists of link layer identifiers associated with the wireless terminal. A base station responds with an indication of whether logical link state was already present.