Abstract: The coordination of transmissions by access points (APs) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) is carried out by allowing APs to transmit during slots of a Contention Free Period (CFP). Prior to transmission, slots are assigned to APs using a 4-approximation technique. This technique allows an AP to transmit using multiple frequencies. The assignment of slots satisfies a maximal, lower bound of an AP slot-to-user ratio.

Abstract: Problems associated with hidden nodes and overlapping cells in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) are substantially eliminated by only allowing non-interfering Access Points to transmit during assigned slots of a contention-free period (CFP). The CFP is broken up into a number of slots which are assigned to Access Points based on the number of users associated with each Access Point. This assures a relative level of fairness and a quality of service.

Abstract: A fast and efficient method for network re-optimization is described. In one embodiment, the technique uses an algorithm that requires limited aggregate information to continually monitor the network for re-optimization opportunities. The re-optimization of the present invention enables a network to accommodate more traffic without adding capacity. The re-optimization of the present invention is performed only when network efficiency benefits above a predetermined threshold may be obtained. In addition, a least-cost set of sessions is determined to perform the re-routing of the present invention to attain the desired network efficiency.

Abstract: Line system design techniques are provided for use in performing routing and coloring operations associated with one or more demands. In one aspect of the invention, a technique for designing a line system comprises the following steps/operations. A set of one or more demands is obtained for use in computing the line system design. The line system design is then represented as a graph in accordance with a graph coloring operation wherein colors represent bandwidths such that bandwidths are assigned and the one or more demands are routed so as to attempt to achieve a minimum total design cost. The line system being designed may be an optical line system.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for obtaining the dynamic network state of mobile subscribers, such as subscriber location, presence or other state information. This information, which may be distributed within various core mobile network elements, is obtained via a differentiated network service gateway (DNSG) that interfaces with the mobile network elements in a manner that accommodates the network's operator enforced controls and limitations. The DNSG implements service level agreements (SLAs) that support differentiated quality-of-service (QoS) in terms of accessing the dynamic network state of the mobile subscribers. The consumers (DNSG clients) of the dynamic network state information may include applications that provide communication and transactional services to mobile subscribers based on their network state, and the mobile subscribers themselves.

Abstract: A method and a system for supporting rendezvous based instant group conferencing among mobile users allows a conference originator to initiate and setup instant group conferencing to a set of participants even when the participants may not be immediately available to commit to the conference call at the time of its initiation. All negotiations for obtaining commitments from the participants are performed by the system, thus relieving the originator of the time consuming task of negotiating with the participants. The system automatically decides as to when to actually dial out to the participants to setup the conference call after obtaining commitment from all (or a quorum of) required participants.

Abstract: A system and related method for supporting non-intrusive and effective voice communication among mobile users in which voice calls between mobile users are managed based on callee availability, caller-callee relationships, and non-intrusive information exchange, including interactive exchange at the time of call setup but prior to the call being answered. Callee availability can be based on callee device status, calendar activities, location, past behavior and other factors. The caller-callee relationships specify whether the callee is available, unavailable or on restricted availability relative to the caller. The interactive exchange can be implemented using voice and/or text/graphic displays on caller and callee mobile device. Callees are provided with options for handling the call. Callers are provided with information regarding the callee's current and future availability and willingness to receive a voice call from the caller, thus maximizing the chance of caller reaching the callee on every voice call.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for making available telecommunication network resources associated with network subscribers and exposed by a Network Service Gateway (NSG) to clients of the NSG services based on stored subscriber availability preferences. The method and system can be implemented using an availability Policy Server that sits next to or inside of the NSG. The Policy Server interprets the stored availability preferences of subscribers in response to requests for subscriber information. These availability preferences are translated into a low-level policy rule language. The Policy Server implements a policy rule evaluator to evaluate policies written in this language. Policies written in the low-level language are referred to as aPolicies (availability policies). An aPolicy receives as input a stream of events. Based on these events, the aPolicy may decide to take one or more actions. The NSG or clients of the NSG will carry out the execution of the actions.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for obtaining the dynamic network state of mobile subscribers, such as subscriber location, presence or other state information. This information, which may be distributed within various core mobile network elements, is obtained via a differentiated network service gateway (DNSG) that interfaces with the mobile network elements in a manner that accommodates the network's operator enforced controls and limitations. The DNSG implements service level agreements (SLAs) that support differentiated quality-of-service (QoS) in terms of accessing the dynamic network state of the mobile subscribers. The consumers (DNSG clients) of the dynamic network state information may include applications that provide communication and transactional services to mobile subscribers based on their network state, and the mobile subscribers themselves.