Abstract: A wireless access point is configured to regularly monitor the status of WLAN, WAN and ePDG data links to determine whether the current connections are sufficient to support VoWiFI services. When a device connects to the WLAN of the hub and attempts to switch from its VoLTE service to VoWiFi via the hub, the hub is configured to determine whether the current conditions can satisfy a VoWiFi connection. If the VoWiFi service can support the connection, the request is routed to the ePDG associated with the mobile device's subscriber LTE network. However, if the current conditions cannot satisfactorily support a VoWiFi connection such that incoming calls may be missed or the quality of active calls would not be clear, then the hub is configured to block the request so that the client device will time out and remain connected to VoLTE.

Abstract: A mobile device capable of connecting to a voice service using Voice over LTE (VoLTE) via a cellular network and Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) via a wireless local area network is connected to VoWiFi and arranged to receive notifications from a wireless access point when the voice service via VoWiFi is disrupted and to disconnect from VoWiFi and connect to VoLTE to maintain the voice service. The mobile device is operable to test the connection to the cellular network and if the cellular network connection is insufficient to support VoLTE, the mobile device ignored the notification and remains connected to VoWiFi.

Abstract: A VoWiFi service monitor monitors the logical data path to the ePDG of a MNO as an indication of whether VoWiFi service is possible for subscribers of the MNO network. Due to the standard configuration of UEs in preferring WLAN connectivity over LTE cellular connectivity, if the VoWiFi service is unavailable the UEs will not automatically switch to VoLTE while a WLAN connection is available between the UE and a hub. When a change in the status of an ePDG is detected, the VoWiFi service monitor informs any connected hubs. The hubs receive notifications from the VoWiFi service monitor and for each notification determine whether the ePDG status change affects one or more of the VoWiFi capable UEs connected to the hub. If at least one such device is affected by the change, the hub notifies the affected UE with instructions to handover from VoWiFi to VoLTE.

Abstract: In a cellular communications network having a radio access network of macrocells and small cells, a mobile device having a UICC/SIM card is configured to change its displayed network name and functionality in accordance with whether the mobile device has connected to a macrocell or a small cell. The displayed network name information is modified to inform the user about new services or data usage restrictions.

Abstract: An LTE cellular network having management mobility servers (MMEs), base stations (enodeBs) and mobile user equipment (UE). The network supporting two groups of mobile device subscribers; subscribers of a macrocell network and subscribers of a small cell network. The base stations being configured to broadcast network information and device configuration information to the mobile devices through System Information Block messages. The base stations being configured to selectively send override parameters to subscribers of the mobile devices to alter the idle mode reselection processing to prefer connections to the small cell network.

Abstract: In a cellular communications network having a radio access network of macrocells and small cells. A mobile device having a UICC/SIM card is configured to change its displayed network name and functionality in accordance with whether the mobile device has connected to a macrocell or a small cell. The displayed network name information is modified to inform the user about new services or data usage restrictions.

Abstract: A handover process for enabling a user terminal to transfer a connect to a network from a route by way of a source access node to a route by way of a target access node, where the nodes are controlled by different respective control systems is initiated by establishing a link between the terminal and the target node and a data forwarding tunnel between the access nodes to allow data transmitted over a link from the network to the source node to continue to be transmitted to the terminal. The backhaul connection is then re-routed by co-ordination between the access control systems. The source node transmits a flag to the target node which identifies its respective access control system. This flag is forwarded by the target node to its respective access control system to allow it to set up a data link over which relocation instructions can be coordinated to set up a data link between the network and the target node, and to close the data link between the network and the source node.

Abstract: An LTE cellular network having management mobility servers (MMEs), base stations (enodeBs) and mobile user equipment (UE). The network supporting two groups of mobile device subscribers; subscribers of a macrocell network and subscribers of a small cell network. The base stations being configured to broadcast network information and device configuration information to the mobile devices through System Information Block messages. The base stations being configured to selectively send override parameters to subscribers of the mobile devices to alter the idle mode reselection processing to prefer connections to the small cell network.

Abstract: In a cellular communications network, user equipment connected to a base station, the active mode handover behavior of the base station for selecting handover targets is set to be different from idle mode reselection. The MME provides its eNodeBs with supplemental information about other PLMNs which can be considered for handover in accordance with dynamic criteria such as the time, location, subscriber group, etc to allow dynamic handover to other PLMNs in accordance with the commercial agreements.

Abstract: A handover process for enabling a user terminal to transfer a connect to a network from a route by way of a source access node to a route by way of a target access node, where the nodes are controlled by different respective control systems is initiated by establishing a link between the terminal and the target node and a data forwarding tunnel between the access nodes to allow data transmitted over a link from the network to the source node to continue to be transmitted to the terminal. The backhaul connection is then re-routed by co-ordination between the access control systems. The source node transmits a flag to the target node which identifies its respective access control system. This flag is forwarded by the target node to its respective access control system to allow it to set up a data link over which relocation instructions can be coordinated to set up a data link between the network and the target node, and to close the data link between the network and the source node.

Abstract: A Visual Knowledge Publisher (VKP) system provides a graphical user interface environment that acts as a development platform for authoring predetermined dialog text for servicing various customer products and services and a Customer Interaction Platform for managing the interactions between the customer and the system. The VKP creates and outputs an XML document, using a Support Incident Markup Language (SIML). Each SIML document contains the procedural flows of the system's interactions with a human and the presentation elements of those interactions that are necessary to resolve the problem, often by a variety of methods. In this manner using a SIML document as input, voice and website dialogs may be defined a priori for various common problems. These dialogs allow a caller to interactively step through a procedure to resolve the problem using multiple channels (such as phone, web and PDA).

Abstract: A Visual Knowledge Publisher (VKP) system provides a graphical user interface environment that acts as a development platform for authoring predetermined dialog text for servicing various customer products and services and a Customer Interaction Platform for managing the interactions between the customer and the system. The VKP creates and outputs an XML document, using a Support Incident Markup Language (SIML). Each SIML document contains the procedural flows of the system's interactions with a human and the presentation elements of those interactions that are necessary to resolve the problem, often by a variety of methods. In this manner using a SIML document as input, voice and website dialogs may be defined a priori for various common problems. These dialogs allow a caller to interactively step through a procedure to resolve the problem using multiple channels (such as phone, web and PDA).

Abstract: A pool cover (C2) for use in a swimming pool (S) to inhibit algae growth and make the pool water more readily usable when the cover is removed. The cover includes single or multiple, interconnected panels (P) sized to fit within the confines of the pool, regardless of pool size and shape. Each panel comprises a multiple layer of material including upper and layers (L1, L2) of opaque material with a buoyant material (B) between these layers. Side panels (N) attach to the main portion of the cover to cover water surface areas (W, A, V) where people enter the pool, wade, or sit. The cover is used in conjunction with a cover (C1) fitted over the pool to protect the pool and people moving around the pool during those times of the year when the pool is not in use. The two covers are used together in a pool cover system.