Abstract: A method is disclosed for systems in which the enterprise network is connected to a MOCN GW and in which the enterprise core provides enterprise network addresses for each of the enterprise BS/APs to the MOCN GW together with the associated Cell-ID to allow the MOCN GW to cross-reference the addresses of the enterprise BS/APs from Cell-IDs. A Handover Request is sent in S1AP messaging protocol with a new field for the Cell-ID of the target BS/AP. The MNO source BS/AP receives the Cell-IDs of potential enterprise target BS/APs from the UE. The MNO source BS/AP determines an enterprise target BS/AP. A Handover Request having a field carrying the Cell-ID of the target BS/AP is sent from the MNO source BS/AP to the MOCN GW. The MOCN GW uses the Cell-ID to determine the full IP address within the enterprise network of the target BS/AP.

Abstract: Communications are transferred from being including a connection between User Equipment (UE) and a source node to including a connection between the UE and a target node, without requiring use of an X2 gateway. The method includes (1) ceasing to send messages from a source node, along the communications path, to User Equipment (UE), (2) then waiting a period of time, and (3) after the waiting, beginning to send messages along a new communication path from the target to the UE. The period of time is chosen to be adequate for flushing messages from a queue associated with the first communication path.

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: 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 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 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: A method and apparatus for managing network loading and adjusting admission, and/or congestion and service types based on real-time analytics in an enterprise wireless communication network that includes Base Stations/Access Points (BS/APs) in communication with a number of User Equipment devices (UEs) within the coverage area at a campus location. The system dynamically learns the parameterizations for the control system, and adapts the parameters as the network usage evolves, which is useful for an efficient self-managed network. Such a system can provide a greater QoS across users and other efficiencies. The system simplifies deployment at the enterprise's campus locations because load heatmaps and service patterns are learned based on the actual campus locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing wireless Enterprise Networks (EN) for greater efficiency by developing inactivity timers for packet streams on bearers, monitoring the packet streams of UEs on the bearers, and if inactivity is found determining whether or not to release or modify a bearer, or maintain the current status of the UE considering factors such as congestion, expected lull time, reconstruction cost, and UE type and location. Accordingly, UEs can be more efficiently allocated the EN's available resources. To learn the timers, packet streams are monitored over a period of time, the packet streams are sorted by service type and bearer (and optionally time), and an inter-burst packet arrival time is determined. Timers are developed that provide inactivity time limits and an expected lull time that predicts the behavior of the packet streams based on service type and bearer, and optionally time.

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 for defining and administering microslices by a network administrator in an enterprise network is described. Microslices provide an end-to-end logical network through multiple networks, which allows a network administrator to efficiently arrange data flows in the enterprise network with a defined Quality of Service (QoS). Various embodiments of a system for creating and implementing microslices in a wireless communications network, such as a 4G LTE or 5G network are disclosed. In some embodiments the logical network connects a UE in the enterprise network with an external server through at least a Radio Access Network (RAN) and a Core Network. In some embodiments, the network administrator can define groups of UEs, define a plurality of service types, and specify an amount of network resources to be allocated to the microslice. After a microslice instance is set up, network operation can be monitored and modified.

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 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 deploying Base Stations/Access Points (BS/APs) in an enterprise wireless communications network. The method is useful to deploy BS/APs in a managed radio communication environment to mitigate and prevent interference between competing transmitters in the area. The BS/APs may comprise Citizens Broadband radio Service Devices (CBSDs) deployed in 4G and 5G enterprise communications networks operating under FCC rules relating to Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). Spectrum may be managed by a Spectrum Management Entity (SME). In order to pre-register BS/APs prior to deployment, location coordinates corresponding to an enterprise address may be used. A domain proxy (DP) may request registration, obtain a spectrum grant, and maintain the grant.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A wireless device may receive a semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) grant of initial resources for receiving a transmission, receive, in a group control channel, a resource allocation for additional resources for receiving the transmission, determine resources for receiving the transmission based on the resource allocation and the SPS grant, and receive the transmission on the determined resources. A base station may transmit a SPS grant for scheduling a transmission on a set of resources, receive a feedback report from a user equipment (UE) indicating the UE requires additional resources for receiving the transmission, generate, based at least on the UE requiring the additional resources, a resource allocation for scheduling the additional resources for the UE, transmit the resource allocation in a group control channel, and transmit the transmission on the set of resources and the additional resources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning a plurality of base stations to be installed within an area such as an enterprise location or a floor space within an enterprise location of an enterprise network. The wireless communication network is a spectrum-controlled network such as a Citizen's Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) network that is spectrum-controlled by a spectrum access server, and the base stations may comprise CBRS devices (CBSDs). A method of allocating radio bands among the base stations is described that effectively utilizes the available spectrum. A domain proxy is connected to communicate with the spectrum access server on behalf of the CBSDs, to inquire regarding spectrum and request spectrum grant.

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: Systems and methods for mitigation of cross channel interference are disclosed in which the TDD configuration of a potential cross channel interference source is detected by received signals within the network with which the source interferes. The TDD configuration is then used to synchronize the transmissions from the network with which the source interferes to reduce the interference. In addition, interference is mitigated by providing adaptive guard bands based on results of a radio frequency environmental survey and/or coaxing an interfering user to another channel. Sub-channels can be assigned based on the results of the radio frequency environmental survey and Quality of Service requirements for traffic flows.

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 method and apparatus for dimensioning a plurality of base stations to be installed within an area such as an enterprise location or a floor space within an enterprise location of an enterprise network. The wireless communication network is a spectrum-controlled network such as a Citizen's Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) network that is spectrum-controlled by a spectrum access server, and the base stations may comprise CBRS devices (CBSDs). A method of allocating radio bands among the base stations is described that effectively utilizes the available spectrum. A domain proxy is connected to communicate with the spectrum access server on behalf of the CBSDs, to inquire regarding spectrum and request spectrum grant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling channel termination in a spectrum-controlled wireless communication network and bringing power back up to resume normal operation. The network includes Base Stations/Access Points (BS/APs) in communication with a number of User Equipment devices (UEs) within the coverage area over wireless channels. When a channel termination order is received, the network identifies at least one BS/AP communicating on the prohibited channel and designates at least one BS/AP not transmitting on the prohibited channel which is allowed to increase transmission power. The system gradually reduces power on the impacted BS/AP and gradually increases power on the designated BS/AP to induce handoff to provide a smooth transition and avoid service interruptions to connected UEs. In one embodiment the wireless network is a Citizen's Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) network, and the BS/APs are located at an enterprise location and form part of an enterprise network.