Abstract: This invention proposes an integrated process for AAA (Authentication, Authorisation, and Accounting) with the order reversed whereby L2 follows L3. The L3 process treats the wireless link as any normal IP access link, and the L3 authorisation provides L3 processing, but also includes the L2 terminal authentication identifiers so that the L2 security parameters can also be returned. This means that the wireless link and the IP layer are not secured until after the L3 authorisation has completed and therefore the first IP messages that trigger authorisation are sent insecurely. This invention also provides methods to avoid these insecure messages presenting any opportunities to an attacker. Finally, the inventions include methods to enable L3 before L2 authorisation when a user is roaming in a foreign network.

Abstract: A method and system for disabling a mobile unit to handle a call processing function, after being away from its charging unit longer than a predetermined time period, allows a service provider to limit the mobility of the mobile unit with respect to its companion charging unit. Consequently, the service provider may limit the mobility of the mobile unit in a limited area, such as in a wireless local loop.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating a key stream is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cryptographic function is applied on input values selected from a first array of values to generate output values. Mask values are then selected from a second array of values and combined with the output values to generate a key stream block for the key stream. The first and second arrays are finite and may be implemented by a linear feedback shift register.

Abstract: A base station in a wireless communications network counts mobile stations receiving broadcast content via multi-user channel. The base station broadcasts a repeating message identifying at least one broadcast content stream and, for each stream, a REGISTER (R) or DO NOT REGISTER (DNR) indicator. Mobile stations periodically re-examine contents of this message. When the indicator is R for a broadcast content stream, mobile stations whose users have elected to receive it send the base station a registration message for that stream. When the number of registered mobile stations reaches a prescribed number, the base station changes the indicator to DNR. When the indicator is DNR for a broadcast content stream, mobile stations refrain from sending any registration message for that broadcast content stream. The base station may institute a recount by resetting the indicator to R.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fast generation of a cryptographic key. A processor within a wireless communication device generates a public key upon termination of wireless communication. When a user of the wireless communication device desires to initiate a secure communication subsequent to the previous communication, the public key that was generated upon termination of the previous communication is used to engage in secure communications with a second communication device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented herein for allowing a keyless access terminal (AT) to access a packet serving data node (PSDN) over a service network stream without deactivating the authentication functions of the authentication network stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a communication system provide for fast link setup for a mobile station by transmitting a request message, transmitting an assignment message from the base station to the mobile station, and transmitting a notification message from the base station to a base station controller. The mobile station transmits an indication message to the base station controller indicating a successful completion of acquiring the data packet channel. The base station controller processes the indication message for message integrity and security feature. A portion of the available communication resources at the base station is allocated for an immediate response to the request message for acquiring a data packet channel.

Abstract: A system of operating a wireless handset capable of making clear and secure calls is claimed. A secure call may be made by pressing a key for a predetermined amount of time. The handset enters a secure mode if the key is held for a time period greater than the predetermined amount of time. The handset enters a clear mode if the key is held for a time period less than the predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: In wireless communications, transmission devices require continuous supplies of random data for encryption processes. The invention provides a method for generating a continuous pool of truly random data with hardware that is already available in conventional CDMA phones.

Abstract: A novel and improved method and apparatus, in a WCDMA communication system, for informing a mobile station of a downlink data frame time offset by determining the downlink data frame time offset, and transmitting the downlink data frame time offset via an Active Set Update message transmitted from a cell to mobile station. Once an Active Set Update message is received, the data frame time offset information is provided to a timing block which may determine data frame boundary of each downlink signal. Timing block may then adjust the PN sequence timing corresponding to the downlink signal associated with the data frame time offset such that corresponding data symbols in each data frame are correctly soft combined in a combiner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving crypto-syncronization in a packet data communication system employing cryptographic communications. In a transmitter, a state vector is incremented at a predetermined rate and is provided to an encryption module. The encryption module uses the state vector to sequentially encrypt the data frames. During periods of frame dropping prior to encryption, the state vector is disabled, thereby allowing for sequential encryption of the data frames. In a receiver, during a frame dropping condition, the state vector is advanced in proportion to the number of frames dropped. During an underflow condition at the receiver, the state vector is disabled for the duration of the underflow condition, and enabled once the underflow condition has passed.

Abstract: A read/write head for use in a perpendicular magnetic recording head in a data storage system. The read/write head includes a write section that is comprised of a first pole layer, a second pole layer, a third pole layer, and a shield layer. The third pole layer defines a write pole tip, and the third pole layer and the shield layer are separated from each other to define a write gap therebetween. At least part of the shield layer has a generally uniform width, and wherein the write pole tip defines a track width that is substantially equal to the uniform width of the shield layer. According to one embodiment the entire shield layer has a generally uniform width that is substantially equal to the track width. According to another embodiment, the shield layer includes a lower section and an upper section, wherein the lower section has a generally uniform width along its entire length, and wherein the upper section is wider than the lower section.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving head position accuracy in a disk drive during track following of concentric data storage tracks through real-time identification of external vibration and monitoring of write-unsafe (WUS) occurrences. In the method, after a seek operation to a predetermined data storage track, the track is followed using a servo control loop having a nominal gain and responsive to a position error signal (PES). After waiting a vibration detection delay period, occurrences of the PES exceeding a WUS limit are counted generating a WUS limit exception count. Also, a property of a variance is determined from spectral power values generated from the PES during track following. If the WUS limit exception count exceeds a first threshold, and if the property of the variance exceeds a second threshold, the nominal gain is increased to a vibration gain within a frequency band, to attenuate the effect of external vibration.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for selecting format specific parameters in a disk drive comprising a control system and a plurality of disk surfaces each having a surface format for storing data, wherein at least one surface format is different than other surface formats. The method includes initializing the disk drive for operation, receiving a data transfer command, and selecting a disk surface for performing data transfer operations based on the received data transfer command. The method further includes selecting a format specific data structure corresponding to the selected disk surface, calculating a format specific variable using the selected format specific data structure, and performing the data transfer operations by the control system based on the calculated variable.

Abstract: A spindle motor for use in a disk drive includes a spindle motor base and a motor shaft. The motor shaft has a central axis. The spindle motor includes a spindle motor hub rotatably coupled to the spindle motor base, the spindle motor hub including a central magnetic metal portion disposed adjacent a distal end of the motor shaft. The spindle motor includes a ball bearing set disposed between and in mechanical communication with the spindle motor hub and the motor shaft for rotatably coupling the spindle motor hub to the spindle motor base. The spindle motor includes a shaft magnetic element attached to the motor shaft at the distal end adjacent the central magnetic metal portion, the shaft magnetic element being sized and configured to apply an attractive magnetic force to the central magnetic metal portion in a direction along the central axis for pre-loading the ball bearing set.

Abstract: A disk drive includes an enclosure including a disk drive base and a disk drive cover, a disk for storing data, a spindle motor attached to the disk drive base, the spindle motor for rotating the disk and including a fixed spindle shaft defining a longitudinal axis, and a disk plate attached to the disk drive base. The disk plate includes a plate body extending radially above the disk and spaced-apart longitudinally from the disk. The plate body is attached to the fixed spindle shaft.

Abstract: A band of data storage tracks adjacent to an initial OD (outer diameter) limit are analyzed to determine a track defect density based on flagged tracks within the band. If the defect density exceeds a predetermined threshold, them the disk drive is reconfigured by adjusting initial OD and ID (inner diameter) limits to exclude the analyzed band and to maintain a targeted storage capacity. Adjusting the initial OD and ID limits improves the disk drive's seek performance which would otherwise be disproportionately impacted by the defect density in the analyzed band.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head actuated radially over the disk, and a spindle motor for rotating the disk. The spindle motor comprises a stator having at least one stator coil wrapped around a stator tooth. The spindle motor further comprises a hub rotated by the stator when current is applied to the stator coil, and a locking spring arm having a fixed base. The locking spring arm engages the hub when no current is applied to the stator coil, and the locking spring arm disengages from the hub when current applied to the stator coil generates a magnetic flux which pulls the locking spring arm away from the hub.

Abstract: Methods and devices for converting the kinetic energy of the rotating spindle motor of a disk drive of a rechargeable battery operated mobile host device into electrical energy during braking of the rotating spindle motor. The converted electrical energy is conditioned and used to charge the rechargeable battery of the mobile host device.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising an enclosure, a disk, a head actuated radially over the disk, a spindle motor for rotating the disk, and a ratchet arm having a base end connected to the enclosure of the disk drive and a wind vane extending from the base end adjacent the disk. The ratchet arm engages the disk when the disk is not rotating, and the ratchet arm disengages from the disk due to windage pushing on the wind vane, the windage generated by the disk rotating at an angular velocity greater than a threshold.