Abstract: A system for geographically locating and tracking mobile stations within a mobile communication network. The system includes an equipment identity register (EIR) comprising equipment identifiers, such as internal mobile equipment identities (IMEIs), subscriber identity modules (SIMs), or some combination thereof, that are each uniquely associated with mobile stations operable within the network. Each IMEI may be used to identify a particular status of an associated mobile station. A mobile switching center (MSC) or an external location services (LCS) client may be configured to identify a targeted mobile station based upon its status (for example, lost, stolen, malfunctioning, and the like). A serving mobile location center (SMLC) responsively provides position location information for the targeted mobile station.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method provides location services to a mobile station by employing equipment identity information. In one aspect of the present inventive concept, a location server uses the equipment identity information of a mobile station in order to select the best protocol for LCS communication. In another aspect of the inventive concept, a mobile station uses the equipment identity information of a location server to select the best protocol to use for LCS communication. Advantageously, the equipment identity information can be used to correct manufacturing defects, fix design flaws and software bugs, track performance, optimize performance, or any combinations thereof. Information about features and defects relating to equipment identity information may be determined and stored for future use.

Abstract: A method of and system for supporting a handover decision in a wireless communication system is described. An estimate of the position, velocity or direction of motion of a subscriber station is obtained. The estimate, or information derived there-from, is then used to support a handover decision. In one embodiment, an estimate of the velocity of the subscriber station is obtained if the handover rate experienced by the subscriber station exceeds a threshold while the subscriber station is within the coverage area of an umbrella cell. A decision is made to handover the subscriber station to the umbrella cell if the estimate of the velocity of the subscriber station exceeds a threshold. In a second embodiment, one or more estimates of the position, velocity, or direction of motion of the subscriber station are obtained responsive to the subscriber station experiencing a directed retry condition.

Abstract: A system for geographically locating and tracking mobile stations within a mobile communication network. The system includes an equipment identity register (EIR) comprising equipment identifiers, such as internal mobile equipment identities (IMEIs), subscriber identity modules (SIMs), or some combination thereof, that are each uniquely associated with mobile stations operable within the network. Each IMEI may be used to identify a particular status of an associated mobile station. A mobile switching center (MSC) or an external location services (LCS) client may be configured to identify a targeted mobile station based upon its status (for example, lost, stolen, malfunctioning, and the like). A serving mobile location center (SMLC) responsively provides position location information for the targeted mobile station.

Abstract: A method of and system for supporting a handover decision in a wireless communication system is described. An estimate of the position, velocity or direction of motion of a subscriber station is obtained. The estimate, or information derived there-from, is then used to support a handover decision. In one embodiment, an estimate of the velocity of the subscriber station is obtained if the handover rate experienced by the subscriber station exceeds a threshold while the subscriber station is within the coverage area of an umbrella cell. A decision is made to handover the subscriber station to the umbrella cell if the estimate of the velocity of the subscriber station exceeds a threshold. In a second embodiment, one or more estimates of the position, velocity, or direction of motion of the subscriber station are obtained responsive to the subscriber station experiencing a directed retry condition.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method provides location services to a mobile station by employing equipment identity information. In one aspect of the present inventive concept, a location server uses the equipment identity information of a mobile station in order to select the best protocol for LCS communication. In another aspect of the inventive concept, a mobile station uses the equipment identity information of a location server to select the best protocol to use for LCS communication. Advantageously, the equipment identity information can be used to correct manufacturing defects, fix design flaws and software bugs, track performance, optimize performance, or any combinations thereof. Information about features and defects relating to equipment identity information may be determined and stored for future use.