Abstract: A method for implementation of HARQ between a transmitting node and a receiving node in a communication network is provided. HARQ processes may be selected from a list for instantiation according to a policy that may deviate from strict first-in, first-out processing of packets. The greater flexibility that this affords may lead to improved efficiency in the use of transmission resources.

Abstract: A method for scheduling transmissions to a plurality of users in a communication network determines a satisfaction metric and a dissatisfaction metric for each user in a given timeslot that is to be used for a next scheduled transmission to one of the users. Each user is assigned a weight based on a value of at least one of the user's satisfaction metric, the user's dissatisfaction metric and a rate requested by the user. The use having the highest weight is selected to be served the next scheduled transmission in the given timeslot.

Abstract: Information is transmitted over selected, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) sub-channels to avoid frequencies with unacceptable congestion, noise or interference levels. Using frequency hopping, selected non-contiguous OFDM sub-channels used for transmission may vary with time. Once a group of OFDM sub-channels is selected, a power level and modulation technique may also be selected based on channel quality.

Abstract: Information is transmitted over selected, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) sub-channels to avoid frequencies with unacceptable congestion, noise or interference levels. Using frequency hopping, selected non-contiguous OFDM sub-channels used for transmission may vary with time. Once a group of OFDM sub-channels is selected, a power level and modulation technique may also be selected based on channel quality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coordinating the uplink transmissions from at least one mobile unit to a plurality of base stations. The method is implemented in a control and data plane entity and includes scheduling, at the control plane function, uplink signals for transmission from the mobile unit(s) to the plurality of base stations. The method also includes receiving, at the data plane function from the plurality of base stations, signals including scheduled uplink signals transmitted from the mobile unit(s) to the plurality of base stations. The method further includes estimating, at the data plane function, information bits transmitted in the scheduled uplink signals using the received signals and channel state information indicative of a plurality of wireless communication links between the mobile unit(s) and the plurality of base stations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coordinating the downlink transmissions from a plurality of base stations to at least one mobile unit. The method is implemented in a control plane entity and includes receiving, at the control plane entity and from each of the plurality of base stations, channel state information for a plurality of wireless communication channels between the plurality of base stations and one or more mobile units. The method also includes determining, at the control plane entity and based on the channel state information, transmission formats for downlink transmissions from the plurality of base stations to the mobile unit(s). The method further includes providing the transmission formats to the plurality of base stations.

Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to methods of reducing inter-cell interference in wireless networks using successive interference cancellation (SIC). Example embodiments use inter-cell cooperation between cells and/or sectors to successfully decode their associated users' data signals and pass on the decoded data signals to other cells/sectors in order to reduce inter-cell interference and allow for improved decoding of users' data signals. Example embodiments include passing the decoded data signals via the backhaul. Example embodiments also include static and dynamic ordering of user data signals in conjunction with the application of SIC.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel framing structure that can be used to smoothly evolve a Time Division Duplex (TDD) wireless communications technology to a Frequency Division Duplex wireless communications technology. A method for establishing the start time of an uplink frame that is offset in relation to a downlink frame by an allocation start time is provided. In addition, methods of allocating downlink and uplink resources for half-duplex and full frequency division duplex operation with adequate provisions for transmit-receive and receive-transmit time gaps are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of transmitting includes assigning column vectors of a generalized orthogonal space time code matrix to coverage areas of a plurality of base stations such that each coverage area is assigned one column vector. The same data is transmitted from each of the plurality of base stations in the coverage areas such that the data transmitted in each coverage area is transmitted using the column vector assigned to the coverage area.

Abstract: Methods for proxy-driven content rate selection for streaming media servers are provided. In one method, one or more maximum transmission rate parameters from a network controller are stored at a proxy server in response to a receiver report message from the client. A target rate for the media session is generated based on the stored maximum transmission rate parameters, and the target rate is transmitted to a media server in a proxy-to-server feedback message. The media server selects the content rate from among a plurality of supported content rates in response to the proxy-to-server feedback message from the proxy server, and streams streaming multimedia frames to the client at the selected content rate.

Abstract: In a method for dynamically setting a content rate of a multimedia session for a client in a network, a proxy server receives a channel condition feedback message from a network controller and determines whether a receiver report message has been received from the client since a most recent previous channel condition feedback message. The channel condition feedback message includes current channel condition information for the network. The proxy server sends one of an extended feedback report message and a short feedback report message to a media server based on the determining step. The short feedback report message includes at least a maximum transmission rate parameter for the multimedia session. The extended feedback report message includes at least information contained in the receiver report message. The extended feedback report message may, in addition, include the maximum transmission rate parameter for the multimedia session.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing differentiated quality of service (QoS) within a GPRS/EGPRS network environment. The invention advantageously uses one or more of a microscheduling technique, a peak picking technique and other techniques and methodologies to provide differentiated quality of service levels to users while maximizing total network throughput.

Abstract: In a method of tracking a user in a communication network supporting a broadcast-multicast service, the network classifies groups of users into tracking areas. Movement of a user may be tracked as the user crosses a boundary between two tracking areas in the network. The method may enable a balance to be achieved between use of uplink overhead and the level or granularity of tracking desired, so as to conserve radio resources.

Abstract: Methods for jointly determining tones, power, scheduling and routing of links in a multi-carrier, multi-hop network to achieve certain desired throughput objectives between source and destination nodes. The methods effectively enhance or optimize throughput received by each destination router under node traffic constraints such as power, scheduling and flow constraints that apply to each link between each of a plurality of nodes within the mesh network.

Abstract: Methods for signaling information to a group of users in a communication network supporting a broadcast-multicast service are described, in which one or more indicator bits of a sequence may be assigned to indicate transmission of signaling information that is related to the group. The sequence may be transmitted to the group on a first channel, with the signaling information related to the group being transmitted on a second channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method involving a media server, a wireless network, and at least one media client associated with at least one air interface with the wireless network. The method includes accessing first information indicative of at least one state of the at least one media client. The first information is provided by the at least one media client. The method also includes accessing second information indicative of resources associated with the at least one air interface. The second information is provided by the wireless network. The method further includes providing at least one feedback parameter to the media server. The at least one feedback parameter is formed based on the first and second information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method involving a media server, a wireless access network, at least one media client, and a proxy server. The method includes accessing, at the proxy server, at least one message including information indicating impending establishment of a media session between the media server and said at least one media client. The method also includes providing, from the proxy server, information indicating the impending establishment of the media session and a request to receive feedback associated with the media session. The method further includes receiving, at the proxy server, feedback associated with the media session in response to providing the request to receive feedback associated with the media session.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for content rate selection. The method includes selecting a content rate for play out of at least one frame transmitted from a media server to a media client via a wireless access network. Selection of the content rate is performed based on a statistical representation of a bandwidth available for transmission of frames.

Abstract: Methods for signaling information to a group of users in a communication network supporting a broadcast-multicast service are described, in which one or more indicator bits of a sequence may be assigned to indicate transmission of signaling information that is related to the group. The sequence may be transmitted to the group on a first channel, with the signaling information related to the group being transmitted on a second channel.

Abstract: In a floor control system for a network, a floor control server controls a floor-based application for communications between multiple participant terminals. The server carries out a floor determination process that includes an adaptive waiting function. Upon receiving an initial floor request message, the server waits for additional requests before determining the floor winner. The wait time is a function of the floor request load. When the system is lightly loaded, the wait time is generally small. For heavier request loads, the wait time is generally longer, to ensure that a reasonable number of requests are received before awarding the floor. The wait time may be limited by a maximum wait time, which is a function of the floor request load. If a designated number of floor requests is received before the maximum wait time expires, a temporary floor winner is granted the floor if its priority is sufficiently high.