Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for silent start when connecting a point-to-point (P2P) customer premises equipment (CPE) to a fiber access network. The P2P CPE may boot in a silent mode (by disabling an upstream optical transmitter) when the P2P CPE is connected to the fiber access network using a simplex fiber. Upstream transmissions are not sent by the P2P CPE unless a valid downstream signal with expected characteristics is detected by the P2P CPE. A valid downstream signal determination may indicate that the fiber access network is a P2P access network. A variety of characteristics may be used to validate the downstream signal including wavelength, a range of wavelengths, a line coding, a frame format, parity data, point to multipoint network information, point to point network information, logical link identifier, and a multi-point control protocol.

Abstract: A base station in a first wireless network provides first wireless connectivity to user equipment operated by a subscriber. The first wireless network supports first wireless communications such as non-voice communications. A network management resource receives configuration information assigned to the subscriber operating the user equipment. The configuration information indicates that the subscriber is assigned use of a second wireless network that provides support of second wireless communications (such as voice communications). In response to detecting a trigger event (such as a voice call) indicating a need to switch to use of the second wireless network, the network management resource initiates termination of the first wireless connectivity and establishment of second wireless connectivity between the user equipment and a base station in the second wireless network.

Abstract: A communication management resource receives first input registering user equipment to use wireless network services of a first wireless network and a second wireless network. The communication management resource receives second input from the user equipment registering the user equipment to use voice services. In response to receiving a phone communication indicating a corresponding phone call, the communication management resource selects a transport protocol from multiple possible transport protocols to establish a communication session between the communication management resource and the user equipment. The communication management resource initially establishes a communication link or communication session for the corresponding phone call over the first wireless network between the user equipment and the communication management resource using the selected transport protocol.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for estimating a Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device's (CBSD's) coverage area using user equipment (UE) timing advance and/or power headroom information and allocating resources based on the estimate. In an exemplary method embodiment a Spectrum Access System: (i) receives, from a CBSD, user equipment (UE) information including at least one of timing advance or power headroom information for one or more UEs in communication with the CBSD; (ii) estimates, based on the received first UE information, a first CBSD coverage area; and (iii) makes a first resource allocation to the CBSD based on the estimated CBSD coverage area, the first resource allocation including an allocation of at least one of a frequency bandwidth allocation or transmission power allocation to the CBSD.

Abstract: According to one configuration, a base station controller monitors use of multiple wireless channels amongst multiple wireless base stations operating in a wireless network environment. In response to detecting under allocation of wireless channels between a first wireless base station and a first group of communication devices, the base station control allocates a supplemental wireless channel to the first wireless base station. In one embodiment, the base station controller de-allocates a wireless channel from a second wireless base station and assigns the de-allocated wireless channel to the first wireless base station as the supplemental wireless channel. The base station controller then transmits a channel allocation communication to the first wireless base station, the channel allocation communication indicating an identity of the supplemental wireless channel allocated for use by the first wireless base station.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to the use of aggregated links, e.g., links in a bundle, are described. A normal link metric and a limited operation mode link metric a determined for a link bundle, the normal link metric having a lower value than the limited operational mode link metric. The status of links in a link bundle are monitored. Based on the number of currently operational links in a link bundle and a switching threshold, a decision is made whether to advertise the normal link metric, advertise the limited operation mode threshold or refrain from advertising any link metric. The use of the limited operation link metric facilitates the use of a partially failed link bundle providing an alternative routing path in the network that would not otherwise be available.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments disclosed herein may provide a protocol and architecture for decentralization of content delivery. Various embodiments may provide a client based method for content delivery from content delivery networks (CDNs) via tiered caches of content hosted by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). In various embodiments, content delivery protocol (CDP) messages may enable clients to discover local cache network topologies and request content from a CDN based on a discovered local cache network topology. In various embodiments, security may be provided for the content delivery by the use of key encryption and/or file hashing.

Abstract: A connection between two UEs is identified by a single connection identifier. Different streams are transmitted over different wireless links with potential redundancy between streams. Initially a first WiFi link is used to communicate with the second UE. After the first UE decides it will handoff to a second WiFi AP it establishes a connection with a cellular AP and then communicates a second stream corresponding to the same connection. The first and second streams initially communicate the same content. The first WiFi link is terminated, but the second stream continues to communicate content. The first UE then establishes a second WiFi connection with a second WiFi AP and communicates a third content stream of the first connection to second UE via second WiFi link. The third stream initially communicates information also communicated over second stream. The cellular link is terminated. The second WiFi link is used to communicate content.

Abstract: A first communications device may use one or a plurality of communications connections in parallel for a communications session between the first communications device and the second communications device. The first device makes decisions as to the number of connections to use, the level of error correcting code to use, and/or the level of packet redundancy to use based on test scores corresponding to one or more communications session connections. The first communications device generates a first test score corresponding to a first communications session connection based on a test performed over a first test path between the first communications device and a test server, said first communications session connection and the first test path sharing a common link, e.g., a common wireless link between the first device and an access point. The first device may generate and use an overall connection score corresponding to a plurality of session connections.

Abstract: A wireless terminal communicates test packets via alternative wireless access points, e.g., a WiFi access point, a 4G access point, a 5G access point, to a test server to evaluate alternative wireless links. Test scores are generated for each of the wireless links being evaluated based the performance of previous test packets transmitted over the link. In some embodiments, the controlled rate of test packet transmission over a wireless link is a function of WT speed and/or link score. Link test scores may be, and sometime are, conditionally cost adjusted based on the type of communications network, e.g., scores for more expensive networks, e.g., 4G cellular, are reduced to favor more inexpensive networks such as WiFi. The wireless terminal selects one or more of the alternative wireless connections to use for communication with a communications session end point based on the link scores.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for controlling and managing a home network, and expediting service delivery on a communications service provider. The communications service provider may receive information identifying one or more service group selected by a subscriber of the communications service provider. The communications service provider may also identify pre-set configurations associated with each of the one or more selected service group, generate configuration instructions for a micro-domain corresponding to each of the one or more selected service group, and create the micro-domain in the home network for each of the one or more selected service group by applying the generated configuration instructions to network services of the communications service provider.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing quasi-licensed spectrum access within an area or application to enable “end to end” IoT (Internet-of-Things) device connectivity. In one embodiment, the quasi-licensed spectrum utilizes 3.5 GHz CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) spectrum allocated by a Federal or commercial SAS (Spectrum Access System) to a managed content delivery network that includes one or more wireless access nodes (e.g., CBSDs (Citizens Broadband radio Service Devices) and IoT hubs or gateways) in data communication with a controller. In one variant, the controller dynamically allocates (i) spectrum within the area or venue within CBRS bands, and (ii) MSO (multiple systems operator) users to CBRS bands or IoT bands (e.g., public ISM (industrial, scientific and medical)) bands to maximize connectivity and performance.

Abstract: According to one configuration, a shared wireless access node supports wireless access for multiple wireless network service providers. A mobile communication device receives notification of multiple wireless network service providers, each of which provides access to a remote network through the shared wireless access node. The notification includes connection information such as priority information assigned to the wireless network service providers. The priority information indicates an order in which to select amongst the multiple available wireless network service providers to access the remote network. Based at least in part on the priority information, the mobile communication device selects a wireless network service provider amongst the multiple wireless network service providers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for provision of location-based services to wireless device users. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods support location-based services requiring indoors or underground positioning (or other applications which cannot be served by GPS/A-GPS or GLONASS), such as via Wi-Fi Location devices with fine timing measurement (FTM) capability. A cable, terrestrial or satellite network operator can obtain location data on e.g., an LTE-enabled UE with SIM capability located within a served premises or venue, via an HTTP/S GET protocol, and forward the location data. In one variant, a managed 3GPP IP Multimedia System (IMS) infrastructure is used in conjunction with UE-specific identifiers under control of a controller entity (e.g., ePDG) in communication with the IMS infrastructure and one or more FTM-enabled Wi-Fi APs within the premises or venue for supporting VoWi-Fi 911 or 411 packet calls made via the IMS.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments disclosed herein may provide a protocol enabling anycast based discovery of local resources. Various embodiments may provide a lightweight decentralized directory system that pairs local demands with local resources in a network. Various embodiments may provide a routing (or bridging) protocol that brokers communication between endpoints in Internet Service Provider (ISP) networks. Various embodiments may broker any type services, such as virtual network services, physical services, etc. Various embodiments may pair local demands with local resources in a network without requiring any central network infrastructure and/or requiring a Domain Name System (DNS) server. Various embodiments may support low latency and high bandwidth applications through the pairing of local demands with local resources in a network.

Abstract: A control system for automatic provisioning of a network access point comprises a processor device that receives network configuration data from a first computing device. The network configuration data includes a first network parameter value for a first network parameter. The control system also receives, from a second computing device, a request to provision a network access point with the first network parameter value for the first network parameter and with a second network parameter value for a second network parameter. The first network parameter and second network parameter are different from each other. The control system automatically generates the second network parameter value based on the request and the first network parameter value. The control system next provides the first network parameter value and the second network parameter value to the network access point.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses for the provision and management of value added services without a requirement for specific client software on a wireless receive/transmit unit (WRTU). The methods and apparatuses described may be applied to wireless networks supporting HTTP transfers without disrupting the wireless network configuration. In the embodiments described herein, a web request may be received by a Service Management Entity (SME) that may be located in an access point (AP) from a WRTU. The SME may transmit a proxy auto-configuration (PAC) file to the WRTU. This PAC file may include a uniform resource locator (URL) associated with a Service Delivery Entity (SDE), and the URL chosen may be based on rules associated with a location of the WRTU. The SDE may then receive a second web request from the WRTU and respond by transmitting a message to the WRTU such as a transaction trigger.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing quasi-licensed spectrum allocation among two or more entities within a prescribed coverage or operational area. In one embodiment, the quasi-licensed spectrum utilizes 3.5 GHz CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) spectrum allocated between two or more Federal or commercial SASs (Spectrum Access Systems), for use by various service provider entities such as a managed content delivery network that includes one or more wireless access nodes (e.g., CBSDs). In one variant, each of two or more SAS entities generate both proposed allocations for themselves and other participating SAS entities with respect to available GAA spectrum, and differences between the proposed allocations are reconciled and condensed using a dynamic, iterative process to converge on a final allocation which fits the available GAA spectrum and which equitably distributes the spectrum between the participating SAS entities.

Abstract: According to one configuration, a mobile communication device receives first communications over a first wireless communication link from a first wireless network (which potentially supports data only communications). The first communications received over the first wireless network can include a message indicating a pending incoming call available over a second wireless network (which potentially supports voice/call communications). In response to receiving the message indicating the pending incoming call, the mobile communication device is operated to receive second communications (such as a paging signal) from over the second wireless network. For example, the mobile communication device listens for a paging signal from the second wireless network further indicating the pending incoming call. If desired, an operator of the mobile communication device can accept the incoming call via a second wireless communication link to the second wireless network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating the use of a plurality of antenna beams for communications purposes are described. In at least some embodiments beam priority information is periodically exchanged. Multiple timers are used to ensure beam information is exchanged at intervals intended to facilitate reliable beam synchronization and to control switching to one or more alternative beams in a predictable manner in the event beam change information or beam synchronization information is lost. In some but not all embodiments a wideband beam is used to communicate beam synchronization information when synchronization using narrower beams used for normal data communication is lost.