Abstract: Methods and apparatus for autoconfiguring microslices in enterprise wireless communication networks using a microslice knowledgebase in a remotely located orchestration platform. Microslices are independent end-to-end logical networks operating on a shared physical infrastructure, which ensure certain Quality of Service (QoS) and Service Level Objective (SLO) requirements are met for different service types or applications. Any of the enterprise networks may be a Citizen's Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) system. A microslice knowledgebase unit in the orchestration platform configures microslices for the enterprise networks based upon communication requirements of applications, devices, and groups of devices such as service type, bandwidth requirements, using machine learning and artificial intelligence to learn communication requirements of each enterprise deployment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining, configuring, operating, monitoring, and modifying microslices in an enterprise network is described. Microslices provide an end-to-end logical network through multiple networks, which allows efficient arrangement of data flows in the enterprise network with a defined Quality of Service (QoS). Various embodiments of a system for creating and implementing microslice instances in a wireless communications network are disclosed. A microslice instance can connect a UE in the enterprise network with an external server. In some embodiments, the enterprise network administrator can define Service Level Objectives (SLOs), device groups, service types, and user application groups, and associate them with one or more microslices. An orchestrator can configure the microslice with an appropriate amount of network resources to be allocated to the microslice, and then set-up, operate, monitor, and modify the microslice instance to adapt to current network conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that determine the allocation of resources within a communication network. In particular, the presently disclosed method and apparatus ensures an efficient allocation of resources, such as resource blocks and the setting of power levels. Various regions are defined based on the quality of signals received by UEs (user equipment).

Abstract: Time Division Duplex (TDD) Configuration Selection for CBRS operation with TDD Configuration Mismatch methods and apparatus are disclosed. The methods and apparatus allocate CBRS bandwidth and select TDD configurations in a manner that allows maximum cooperation between GAA and PAL CBSDs, and includes procedures that avoid forcing the procedures into a fallback mode whenever a TDD configuration mismatch occurs. The methods and apparatus allocate an appropriate TDD configuration across all of the CBSDs (BS/APs) in the CBRS network so that there is minimal interreference between the CBSDs and so that there is uniform usage of the bandwidth in terms of use cases across all of the CBSDs in a given CBRS network. The disclosed methods and apparatus determine how to select the correct TDD configurations for the CBSDs (or BS/APs) based on the constitution of the CBSDs, and taking the GAA and PAL CBSD requirements into account.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing load balancing within wireless networks and, in particular, within wireless networks operating within Enterprise Networks is disclosed. The method and apparatus efficiently balance the load that is shouldered by each BS/AP within the wireless network. This is particularly advantageous within wireless networks operating within an Enterprise Network. Improved BS/AP deployments in Enterprise Networks that maintain high system throughput in the EN while optimizing the performance of UEs (with regard to battery utilization and service) are disclosed. Improved EN deployments for UE mobility that reduces measurement scans required of and performed by the UEs are disclosed.

Abstract: A communication network comprising a plurality of CBSDs (Citizen Broadband Radio System Devices) and a Frequency Allocation System is disclosed. In some embodiments, the Frequency Allocation System includes a SON (self-organizing network). A SON, in accordance with the disclosed method and apparatus, organizes a network to have an outer and inner ring configuration of CBSDs that enhances strategic planning for the spectrum being allocated for use by the network. The use of this configuration may significantly minimize co-channel interference between several frequency bands, such as DoD (Department of Defense) frequency bands 3.1 to 3.4 GHz; CBRS frequency bands 3.55 to 3.7 GHz; and WiFi frequency bands 5 GHz and 6 GHz.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for seamless real-time transitions across LTE and Wi-Fi networks are disclosed. The disclosed method and apparatus relate to determining which communications networks to use when communicating between a UE and a network within an Enterprise Network (EN). In some embodiments, a Communications Client Application (CCA) operates within a selected UE and a Communications Server Application (CSA) operates on the network side of the Enterprise Network. Both the CCA and the CSA act together in concert to coordinate the transmission of packets between the UE and the network using either LTE or Wi-Fi networks. For seamless communications, some embodiments use a single VPN tunnel through which to transmit data packets. In other embodiments, for seamless communications, two VPN tunnels are used, one for LTE packet transfers, and one for Wi-Fi packet transfers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for planning a wireless communication network operating in a spectrum-controlled radio band and determining spectrum availability at an enterprise location. A plurality of network models are generated using machine learning techniques, the network models are provided to a network planner unit, input is received regarding intended deployment, and spectrum availability is determined responsive to the enterprise location. The number of BS/APs needed is estimated, and an enterprise network may be planned and deployed. The enterprise network is monitored, and if network operation is not meeting expected performance, the models may be retrained and the network planner updated. Spectrum availability is determined by registering a discovery group with an SAS at a location to provide spectrum availability, and repeating for each location. The method may be periodically performed to generate a time series of data which may be analyzed to provide spectrum availability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for determining spectrum availability within a radio band managed by a Spectrum Management Entity (SME), and allocating available spectrum to Base Station/Access Points (BS/APs) of an Enterprise Network (EN). The EN includes a domain proxy that sends a registration request to the SME indicating a maximum EIRP for the BS/APs. After receiving registration, the Domain Proxy sends a spectrum inquiry and receives a response specifying available spectrum. If less than the entire requested spectrum is available, then the maximum EIRP indication is reduced, and a next iteration is performed re-registering the BS/APs and requesting spectrum. Iterations are repeated until the entire requested spectrum is available, and then spectrum is allocated to the BS/APs. Each iteration of channel availability is stored, and channels are allocated utilizing a Self-Organizing Network (SON) technique responsive to the stored channel availability. The EN may comprise a CBRS Network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed in which a first UE (User Equipment) receives signals from one or more MNO base stations. The UE synchronizes with the MNO base station timing. The first UE then communicates with a second UE over a wireless side-haul, providing the second UE with timing information derived from the MNO base station. By using the wireless side-haul, a relatively short GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) connection over a wireline can be used to communicate the timing information from the second UE to a PTP GM (Precision Timing Protocol Grand Master). The second UE may be integrated into a cell of a communications network that contains the PTP GM. Accordingly, using the side-haul to communicate the timing information avoids cabling to a master cell.

Abstract: A credential management system for enterprise networks (ENs) that allows credential storage in different levels and enables individual enterprises to manage the sets of credentials for the SIM cards used in their respective networks. Central management of credentials is provided by a remote cloud-based, centralized orchestration network (O-Net) that receives SIM cards from a SIM Provisioning Platform (SPP) and distributes the credentials to the ENs, which store the credentials in an enterprise global database and assign the SIM cards to the UEs. The credentials can be associated with specific policies and user groups so that the enterprise can control the type and quality of access allowed to UEs. Each EN may have a plurality of campus locations and at each location, a local credential database may be provided to act as a cache for quick efficient access to credentials by the UEs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of identifying different factors as part of performance diagnostics is disclosed. The disclosed method and apparatus provides downstream application towards policy configuration and network performance diagnostics.

Abstract: A User Equipment (UE) device, such as a cellular telephone, configured to store Higher Priority Public Land Mobile Network (HPPLMN) timer setting values and enterprise geofence information associated with the entries on its Equivalent Home Public Land Mobile Network (EHPLMN) list is disclosed. When the UE is camped on an EHPLMN, the UE may search/scan for higher priority EHPLMNs using the HPPLMN timer setting values associated with the entries on the list that have higher priority than the current EHPLMN. The rate of the scans may be set based on the shortest HPPLMN timer entry of the higher priority entries on the EHPLMN list. The UE may also or instead be configured to search for geofenced EHPLMNs on the list for which entrance criteria are currently satisfied, even when the current EHPLMN has higher priority than the geofenced EHPLMNs.

Abstract: A Radio Access Network (RAN) Slice Scheduler methods and apparatus allowing shared resources from an Enterprise Network deployment to be managed across Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and private Enterprise users is disclosed. Rebalancing of resource allocations provided to each MNO in the APs on a site is based on the population of User Equipment (UEs) and traffic experienced in accordance with the disclosed methods and apparatus.

Abstract: A first referred to as Approach A has three 40 MHz BWPs. The first BWP of the BWP configuration 2, approach A referred to as “BWP #1” resides in the top of the 100 MHz bandwidth. A second approach referred to as “BWP #2” resides in the middle portion of the 100 MHz band. A third approach referred to as “BWP #3” resides in the bottom portion of the 100 MHz band. BWP configuration 2, approach A allows overlaps between the BWP #1 and BWP #2 and also between BWP #2 and BWP #3. These overlaps can be leveraged to allow a diversity of users to be scheduled across BWPs #1 and #2 and between BWPs #2 and #3. In some embodiments, BWP #2 aligns with BWP Configuration 1 users.

Abstract: A transfer management system for efficiently operating an enterprise wireless communication network (EN) at a campus location enables the EN to control congestion, selectively and smoothly admit UEs, and manage UE exits from the EN. An MNO Network (MN) footprint learning system learns the different MN footprints on the campus, relative to the BS/APs deployed by the individual enterprise, which defines a footprint of wireless coverage for each MNO that has wireless coverage. The MN footprint provides useful information that enables successfully transitioning a UE between an EN and an MNO, which provides the EN with the ability to utilize other networks to offload one or more UEs to manage congestion, delay or deny admission of UEs, and proactively exit UEs to manage congestion or for other reasons.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for scalable machine learning (ML)-based frameworks for resource planning and recommendations for Enterprise Networks are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method for determining network health assessment and providing network planning and recommendations in wireless enterprise networks is provided. The method quantifies resource health of a plurality of network elements operating within the enterprise network by calculating a plurality of distance metrics between acceptable health parameters and observed network resource utilization values associated and corresponding to each selected network element. The method ranks each of the network elements based upon the distance metrics calculated for each network element. Factors that negatively impact the resource health of the network elements are ranked in accordance to how severely they impact the performance of the network elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allocating network resources, including computational nodes available for hosting network functions, such as 4G EPC (Evolved Packet Core) functions and/or 5GC (fifth generation Core) functions. An orchestrator monitors various network operational parameters in order to determine the most efficient allocation of resources (i.e., to determine which computational resources to allocate to hosting which network functions) at each particular point in time based on the network load and resources available.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing microslices in an enterprise wireless communication network to manage and control network performance. The microslice instances are monitored during network operation, for example at communication nodes, functional blocks, and end-to-end to provide Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). These KPI are compared with performance objectives, which may be Service Level Objectives (SLOs). If the performance objectives are not met by the KPIs, then one or more of the microslice instances may be dynamically adjusted until the performance objectives are sufficiently met. Alternatively, the lower priority microslice instances may be dropped (i.e., terminated) until the performance objectives are sufficiently met.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allocating radio resources in a RAN deployment in an Enterprise Network. Radio resource parameter allocation decisions for all the Base Stations and Access Points (BS/APs) in the deployment are made responsive to network graphs formed using predicted path loss. In one embodiment the predicted path loss values are simulated for a particular enterprise network deployment, network graphs are formed using the path loss values, and radio resources parameters are allocated responsive to the network graphs. Advantageously, the network graphs provide the network with the ability to quickly and efficiently allocate radio resources, which can be automated. In the initial installation, this reduces cost and time. During operation, quick and efficient resource re-allocation provides quick adaptation to resource changes, an advantage that is useful particularly in the context of a CBRS system in which previously-available channels can be terminated.