Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically assigning cell identifier values in a communication network and to a method and apparatus for managing the assignment of cell identifier values in a communication network. In particular, the present invention relates to the management and assignment of cell identifier values that are required to be unique between adjacent cells, in a border region within a communication network in which cells from two or more cell sets are present. The present invention provides a novel method and apparatus for assigning cell identifier values in a communication network and for managing the assignment of cell identifier values in a communication network. Embodiments of the invention enable the automatic assignment of cell identifiers in a communication network, such as the assignment of physical cell identities (PCI) and scrambling codes (SC) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically assigning cell identifier values in a communication network and to a method and apparatus for managing the assignment of cell identifier values in a communication network. In particular, the present invention relates to the management and assignment of cell identifier values that are required to be unique between adjacent cells, in a border region within a communication network in which cells from two or more cell sets are present. The present invention provides a novel method and apparatus for assigning cell identifier values in a communication network and for managing the assignment of cell identifier values in a communication network. Embodiments of the invention enable the automatic assignment of cell identifiers in a communication network, such as the assignment of physical cell identities (PCI) and scrambling codes (SC) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for adaptively configuring the cell structure of a cell having at least two carrier frequencies between an overlaid/underlaid (OL/UL) sub-cell structure and a normal cell structure based on the position of mobile stations within the cell. A Base Station Controller (BSC) for the cell determines the position of all of the mobile stations involved in a call connection within the cell relative to the cell site. If the number of mobile stations within a predefined distance from the cell site is greater than a channel threshold, the BSC adapts the cell configuration to the OL/UL sub-cell structure. The channel threshold is an operator-defined percentage of available channels (throughout the cell or within either the overlaid or underlaid cell). However, if the BSC determines that the percentage of mobile stations closer than the predefined distance is less than the channel threshold, the BSC maintains the normal cell structure.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently utilizing the radio interface in a mobile station positioning capable mobile communications network. A maximum period of mobile station positioning inactivity is allowed after which any system resources, such as semi-permanently allocated control channels, may be deallocated, thereby allowing the control channel or like resource to be utilized for other Switching System/Base Station System communications.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for allowing an ongoing Time of Arrival (TOA) based positioning of a mobile station to proceed if a radio related handover has occurred before the expiration of a delta timer in a Base Station Controller (BSC). The BSC stores an HOTIMER value therein, which corresponds to the amount of time involved in a normal radio-related handover procedure from the sending of a Handover Command to the reception of a Handover Complete message. If the BSC delta timer is active, e.g., positioning is ongoing, and the BSC determines that a radio related handover is needed, the BSC checks the amount of time remaining in the BSC delta timer. If that amount is more than the HOTIMER, then the ongoing positioning is not canceled.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently utilizing the radio interface in a mobile station positioning capable mobile communications network. A maximum period of mobile station positioning inactivity is allowed after which any system resources, such as semi-permanently allocated control channels, may be deallocated, thereby allowing the control channel or like resource to be utilized for other Switching System/Base Station System communications.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for determining a position of a mobile station in a mobile telecommunications network is disclosed. Speech interruptions during mobile station positioning are reduced or eliminated by controlling the number of access bursts transmitted by the mobile station. The number of access burst transmitted by the mobile station is controlled to a level commensurate with the degree of positioning accuracy required by the requesting application. The number of access bursts is calculated by the Mobile Location Center (MLC) and communicated to the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) via the Base Station Controller (BSC). After the requisite number of access bursts are received, the BTS transmits a signal to the mobile station, causing the mobile station to cease transmitting access bursts.

Abstract: An improved system and method for determining a position of a mobile station in a mobile telecommunications network is disclosed. The system includes a database having geographical information pertaining to the service area of the telecommunications network, including whether service areas therein are characterized as urban areas, suburban areas or “badurban” areas in which radio communication is especially limited. The system further includes a mobile location center (MLC) which, among other things, calculates the number of access signal bursts which are required for transmission by the mobile station to be located. The access burst number is calculated based upon the geographical information pertaining to the service areas stored in the database and upon a requested position determination accuracy. By measuring the time of arrival delay of the burst signal transmission received by two or more base transceiver stations, the MLC computes the position of the mobile station.