Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving label data that indicates all interface labels that belong to each path ID of multiple path IDs associated with corresponding multiple paths between provider edge nodes in a Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network. Each interface label is associated with a network interface on a node in the MPLS network. Based on the label data, an untested list that holds data that indicates all unique interface labels is generated. A tested interface selected from the untested list is scheduled for testing. After scheduling, the interface label of the tested interface is removed from the untested list. It is determined whether the untested list still includes data for at least one interface label. If not, then a test of the MPLS network is completed without testing every path end to end, thus conserving network resources.

Abstract: A mobile wireless telecommunications system includes base stations of a first type operating according to a first air interface, and base stations of a second type operating according to a second air interface. Methods and apparatus are provided for handing over a mobile station in the system from a first base station, which is of the first type, to a second base station, which is of the second type. A communications link is established over the first air interface between the mobile station and the first base station. Data are received from the mobile station responsive to a signal received by the mobile station over the second air interface from the second base station, substantially without breaking the communications link with the first base station. The mobile station is handed over from the first to the second base station responsive to the data received therefrom. In particular, a method of conducting intersystem handover from a multicarrier system to a direct spread system is provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving label data that indicates all interface labels that belong to each path ID of multiple path IDs associated with corresponding multiple paths between provider edge nodes in a Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network. Each interface label is associated with a network interface on a node in the MPLS network. Based on the label data, an untested list that holds data that indicates all unique interface labels is generated. A tested interface selected from the untested list is scheduled for testing. After scheduling, the interface label of the tested interface is removed from the untested list. It is determined whether the untested list still includes data for at least one interface label. If not, then a test of the MPLS network is completed without testing every path end to end, thus conserving network resources.

Abstract: Techniques to reduce the amount of registration required by a mobile station in a wireless communication system, especially if the registration zones are defined to be small areas. In one scheme, a mobile station registers (e.g., at RR-level) with a network entity (e.g., a base station) each time it enters a new registration zone, which can correspond to an R-TMSI zone defined by GSM MC-MAP. The mobile station maintains a timer for each zone with which it has already registered but has since left. If the mobile station leaves a particular zone for a period longer than a time-out period, the registration with that zone times out, and the mobile station re-registers with that zone whenever it re-enters the zone. The mobile station may implement zone-based, timer-based, implicit, traffic channel RR, and some other registrations, or a combination thereof. Parameters to facilitate registration may be defined by a base station.

Abstract: Techniques to reduce the amount of registration required by a mobile station in a wireless communication system, especially if the registration zones are defined to be small areas. In one scheme, a mobile station registers (e.g., at RR-level) with a network entity (e.g., a base station) each time it enters a new registration zone, which can correspond to an R-TMSI zone defined by GSM MC-MAP. The mobile station maintains a timer for each zone with which it has already registered but has since left. If the mobile station leaves a particular zone for a period longer than a time-out period, the registration with that zone times out, and the mobile station re-registers with that zone whenever it re-enters the zone. The mobile station may implement zone-based, timer-based, implicit, traffic channel RR, and some other registrations, or a combination thereof. Parameters to facilitate registration may be defined by a base station.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method efficiently manage reverse link resources by allowing a mobile station to select between transmitting a payload at a standard power level and transmitting a smaller payload at a boosted power level. The mobile station, therefore, can autonomously select a QoS (Quality of Service) level for physical layer packets. Based on reverse link transmission information received from a base station, the mobile station derives a reverse link transmission guideline defining the power levels and associated payloads for at least a standard service and boosted service. The mobile station selects a reverse link transmission power level from a plurality of power levels including at least a standard reverse link transmission power level associated with a standard payload size and a boosted reverse link transmission power level associated with a boosted payload size where the standard payload size is greater than the boosted payload size.

Abstract: A wireless network uses an improved frame structure to increase timing acquisition capabilities as well as reduction of spectral lines. In one aspect, the frame packet can be used to communicate the different modes of operation under which the packet was created.

Abstract: An efficient use of communication resources is provided by determining a behavior for selecting the payload size (data rate) of a reverse link transmission from a mobile station to a base station. The mobile station may store a predetermined table including the ratio of the power levels of the traffic channel and pilot channel (TPR), where each entry corresponds to one or more specific sizes of data payload, and consequently a data rate for transmission in a predetermined time frame. The payload size is selected based on an authorized-TPR. The authorized-TPR and a target-TPR are adjusted in accordance with a value of common TPR commands received from the base station. A fast-ramp-up behavior for adjustments of the authorized-TPR is followed when the authorized-TPR is less than the target-TPR. The down TPR commands are ignored in the adjustments of the authorized-TPR to allow following a fast-ramp-up behavior.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method efficiently manage reverse link resources by allowing a mobile station to select between transmitting a payload at a standard power level and transmitting a smaller payload at a boosted power level. The mobile station, therefore, can autonomously select a QoS (Quality of Service) level for physical layer packets. Based on reverse link transmission information received from a base station, the mobile station derives a reverse link transmission guideline defining the power levels and associated payloads for at least a standard service and boosted service. The mobile station selects a reverse link transmission power level from a plurality of power levels including at least a standard reverse link transmission power level associated with a standard payload size and a boosted reverse link transmission power level associated with a boosted payload size where the standard payload size is greater than the boosted payload size.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method efficiently manage reverse link communication in a communication system having geographically distributed base stations. A base station functioning to at least one mobile station as a non-serving active base station estimates an expected coupled load due to the at least one mobile based on a previous total coupled load. The base station determines a total available capacity based on the difference between the total capacity of the base station and the estimated expected coupled load. The base station allocates reverse link resources to other mobile stations served by the base station so as not to exceed the total available capacity. Since the allocation of reverse link channels resources are controlled directly by the base station, delays due to communications with a central controller are eliminated. As a result, adverse effects of load scheduling based on obsolete reverse channel information are minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method efficiently manage reverse link resources by allowing a mobile station to select between transmitting a payload at a standard power level and transmitting a smaller payload at a boosted power level. The mobile station, therefore, can autonomously select a QoS (Quality of Service) level for physical layer packets. Based on reverse link transmission information received from a base station, the mobile station derives a reverse link transmission guideline defining the power levels and associated payloads for at least a standard service and boosted service. The mobile station selects a reverse link transmission power level from a plurality of power levels including at least a standard reverse link transmission power level associated with a standard payload size and a boosted reverse link transmission power level associated with a boosted payload size where the standard payload size is greater than the boosted payload size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the data rate of a reverse link communication. An embodiment includes transmitting at a null rate on the communication channel only when the station is not transmitting voice, signaling, or data. An embodiment includes determining a maximum requested rate based on the normalized average pilot transmit power and the pilot reference value, and determining the timing of the rate request. An embodiment involves determining a maximum transmission rate. An embodiment involves determining sufficient power and a power-control set point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining multilevel scheduling of a reverse link communication. An embodiment includes estimating capacity on the reverse link based on the sector load. An embodiment includes estimating load contribution based on an estimated signal-to-noise ratio. An embodiment includes estimating capacity available to schedule based on a ratio of measured other-cell interference over thermal noise, and based on sector load. An embodiment includes a method of distributing sector capacity across a base station (BS) and a base station controller (BSC). An embodiment includes determining priority of a station based on the pilot energy over noise plus interference ratio, the soft handoff factor, the fairness value, and the fairness factor ?.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the data rate of a reverse link communication. An embodiment includes transmitting at a null rate on the communication channel only when the station is not transmitting voice, signaling, or data. An embodiment includes determining a maximum requested rate based on the normalized average pilot transmit power and the pilot reference value, and determining the timing of the rate request. An embodiment involves determining a maximum transmission rate. An embodiment involves determining sufficient power and a power-control set point.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for congestion control in a wireless communication system. In one embodiment, the status of a congestion bit indicates the type of adjustment, such as increase or decrease, to be performed at an access terminal to determine the next data rate for transmissions on the reverse link. The status of the congestion bit is determined by comparing a congestion parameter to a predetermined threshold. One embodiment implements an outerloop threshold having a margin with respect to the desired congestion metric threshold. The outerloop threshold is adjusted in response to comparing a measured congestion metric to the desired threshold. The outerloop threshold adjustment maintains the congestion metric to within a predetermined probability of exceeding the desired threshold.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving label data that indicates all interface labels that belong to each path ID of multiple path IDs associated with corresponding multiple paths between provider edge nodes in a Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network. Each interface label is associated with a network interface on a node in the MPLS network. Based on the label data, an untested list that holds data that indicates all unique interface labels is generated. A tested interface selected from the untested list is scheduled for testing. After scheduling, the interface label of the tested interface is removed from the untested list. It is determined whether the untested list still includes data for at least one interface label. If not, then a test of the MPLS network is completed without testing every path end to end, thus conserving network resources.

Abstract: Techniques for performing duplicate detection and re-ordering for a HARQ transmission are described. For duplicate detection, a receiver determines whether a decoded packet x for an ARQ channel y is a duplicate packet based on packet x and a prior decoded packet for ARQ channel y. For re-ordering, the receiver determines whether an earlier packet is still pending on any other ARQ channel based on prior decoded packets for the ARQ channels and forwards packet x only if there are no pending earlier packets. There are no pending earlier packets on another ARQ channel z if (1) a decoded packet was received on ARQ channel z at a designated time or later or (2) a decoded packet was not received on ARQ channel z within a time window from current time.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method efficiently manage reverse link communication in a communication system having geographically distributed base stations. Coupled load information is exchanged between base stations allowing a base station to determine an appropriate allocation of reverse link channel resources to mobile stations served by the base station. Since the allocation of reverse link channels resources are controlled directly by the base station, delays due to communications with a central controller are eliminated. As a result, adverse effects of load scheduling based on obsolete reverse channel information are minimized.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein address the need in the art for an extended acknowledgment/rate control channel. In one aspect, an acknowledgment command and a rate control command are combined to form a combined command. In another aspect, the combined command is generated in accordance with a constellation of points, each point corresponding to a pair consisting of a rate control command and an acknowledgment command. In yet another aspect, the points of the constellation are designed to provide the desired probability of error for the respective command pairs. In yet another aspect, a common rate control command is transmitted along with a combined or dedicated rate control command. Various other aspects are also presented. These aspects have the benefit of reduced overhead while providing acknowledgment and rate control to single remote stations and/or groups of remote stations.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein address the need in the art for reduced overhead control with the ability to adjust transmission rates as necessary. In one aspect, a first signal indicates an acknowledgement of a decoded subpacket and whether or not a rate control command is generated, and a second signal conditionally indicates the rate control command when one is generated. In another aspect, a grant may be generated concurrently with the acknowledgement. In yet another aspect, a mobile station monitors the first signal, conditionally monitors the second signal as indicated by the first signal, and may monitor a third signal comprising a grant. In yet another aspect, one or more base stations transmit one or more of the various signals. Various other aspects are also presented. These aspects have the benefit of providing the flexibility of grant-based control while utilizing lower overhead when rate control commands are used, thus increasing system utilization, increasing capacity and throughput.