Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining and implementing out of coverage sidelink communications between user equipment devices are described. An exemplary method includes the steps of: receiving from a first wireless network, by a geo-fencing proximity analyzer of a second wireless network, session request information for a session to be established between a first user equipment device and a second user equipment device; determining, by the geo-fencing proximity analyzer, whether or not a sidelink communications session is to be established between the first user equipment device and the second user equipment device based on: (i) the location of the first user equipment device, and (ii) the location of the second user equipment device; and wherein the first user equipment device and the second user equipment device are both located outside the coverage area of the second wireless network.

Abstract: It is determined that a request has been received to make a change in a radiation pattern of an antenna coupled to a Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD) from a first radiation pattern to a second radiation pattern. A registration object associated with the CBSD maintained by a spectrum access system (SAS) is obtained. A new radiation pattern characteristic of the second radiation pattern that is different from an existing radiation pattern characteristic of the first radiation pattern is determined. A new registration object that includes the new radiation pattern characteristic and omits the existing radiation pattern characteristic is generated. The new registration object is caused to be stored by the SAS in lieu of the registration object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically identifying overshooting cells and automatically changing PCIs in cases of actual or possible PCI confusion are described. A cell with a poor KPI, e.g., indicative of failed attachment attempts, is identified. PCI confusion is considered as a possible cause of the poor KPI. A cell which uses the same PCI as the cell with the poor KPI is identified and the coverage areas of the cell with the poor KPI and the other cell using the same PCI is determined. Operating UEs in trace mode combined with deactivation of a cell while the other cell using the same PCI remains active is sometimes used to map cell coverage areas. If the coverage areas of two cells using the same PCI are determined to overlap, a different PCI is assigned to one of the two cells using the same PCI to thereby eliminate possible PCI confusion.

Abstract: When two dual-SIM, dual-subscription (DSDS) wireless devices are located outside of their own (first) network operator's coverage area, but inside the coverage area of a second network operator having a roaming agreement with the first operator, the two devices are instructed to transmit data directly to one another via a side-link that is instigated and approved by the first operator, thereby reducing fees owed by the first operator to the second operator for the inter-device communications. In one implementation, the first operator secures a channel grant for the side-link from a CBRS SAS, and synchronization information for the side-link is provided to the two devices by the second operator.

Abstract: In a wireless communications system, such as a 5G CBRS system, a server maintains an inter-SAS (Spectrum Allocation System) database that stores propagation files for base stations (e.g., Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs)) associated with different SASs. A first SAS retrieves, from the inter-SAS database, propagation files for other SASs' CBSDs that are nearby a (e.g., new or reconfigured) CBSD associated with the first SAS and uses the retrieved propagation files to assign, to its CBSD, channel(s) that have minimal interference with the other SASs' nearby CBSDs. The first SAS retrieves information about the nearby CBSDs from an FCC database and then communicates with the other SASs about the existence of the nearby CBSDs' propagation files in the inter-SAS database. Each other SAS ensures that the propagation files for its nearby CBSDs are in the inter-SAS database.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preemptive handoff in response to receiving a grant suspension at a Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) device (CBSD). A traffic distribution system (TDS) maintains a base station list with a wireless coverage area. An operations support system receives a CBRS spectrum suspension command for a CBSD. In response to the CBRS spectrum suspension command, the TDS requests from a core network (CN), data for the mobile device and data for one or more neighbor base stations selected from the list based on the suspended CBSD and the mobile device data. The TDS determines an alternative base station for the mobile device, which is selected from the one or more neighbor base stations based on the data for the mobile device data and the one or more neighbor base stations, and sends to the CN, the alternative base station to initiate a handover command.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing multi-tier quasi-licensed spectrum service via a common wireless access node. In one embodiment, the quasi-licensed system utilizes 3.55-3.70 GHz CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) GAA and PAL spectrum selectively applied to first and second transceiver chains (including one or more antenna elements each) of the wireless access node. In one variant, GAA spectrum is used for unlicensed and unrestricted user access within an indoor portion of a premises, while PAL is used for licensed and restricted use in an outdoor area of/external to the premises.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting handover via efficiently updating neighbor tables in response to a detected dissimilar channel assignment, e.g., a temporary PAL channel assignment to one or more cells in a network, are described. In various cases the newly assigned temporary PAL channel has a different bandwidth and/or a different carrier frequency than the original PAL channel. The content of neighbor tables is supplemented to reflect the temporary dissimilar assignment. After the temporary assignment ends the original neighbor tables are restored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for preventing roaming of user equipment on a first wireless network. An exemplary embodiment includes the steps of: receiving, at a location tracking device of a first wireless network, geographic location information for a user equipment device connected to a first wireless base station of the first wireless network; determining, by the location tracking device, whether or not to restrict the user equipment device from roaming to a second wireless network based on the received geographic location information; and when the determination is to restrict the user equipment device from roaming to the second wireless network, communicating a temporary roaming restriction instruction to the user equipment device, the temporary roaming restriction instruction when implemented by the user equipment device restricting the user equipment device from roaming to the second wireless network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing backhaul wireless services to wireless base stations. An exemplary embodiment includes the steps of: receiving, at a backhaul management node, user equipment connection information for a first base station, the first base station having a first wireless backhaul connection path to a second base station; determining, by the backhaul management node, whether or not a second wireless backhaul connection path is to be established for the first base station based on the received user equipment connection request information; and in response to determining to establish the second wireless backhaul connection path for the first base station: sending, by the backhaul management node, a message to establish the second wireless backhaul connection from the first base station to a third base station, said second and third base stations being connected to a core network via a wired and/or fiber backhaul connection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for wireless local area network system assisted sidelink communications using Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum are described herein. A method includes receiving, from a mobile device by a wireless local area network system, a request for sidelink communications with another mobile device, sending, by the wireless local area network system to a service provider system, a request for CBRS spectrum when the sidelink communications is beneficial based on at least a known location of the mobile device and a location of the another mobile device, receiving, by the wireless local area network system from the service provider system, a sidelink communications information including a CBRS grant when an interference check passes, and sending, by the wireless local area network system to at least the mobile device, the sidelink communications information to enable establishment of the sidelink communications between the mobile device and the another mobile device.

Abstract: A user equipment (UE) is provided. The UE operates on a wireless communication network and is served by a serving base station. The wireless communication network includes a plurality of neighbor base stations that are adjacent to the serving base station. The UE obtains location data associated with the UE and, based on the location data, disables neighbor cell measurements for at least one neighbor base station. The neighbor cell measurements characterize a communication link between the UE and the at least one neighbor base station. The UE may disable the neighbor cell measurements for some, or all, of the neighbor base stations.

Abstract: Methods and systems for saving power in a hybrid mobile network in view of traffic usage and operational costs. A method includes employing, by a service provider, a first wireless network and a second wireless network, wherein the first wireless network is controlled by the service provider and the second wireless network is not controlled by the service provider, receiving, by a cost power engine from an operations support system, traffic usage information from one or more base stations of the first wireless network to turn off power to base stations at the first wireless network. The method can include generating, by the cost power engine, a power off list based on the traffic usage information falling below a cost power off threshold, and sending, by the cost power engine to service provider components, the power off list to turn off power to base stations on the power off list.

Abstract: A network environment includes a communication management hardware to manage connectivity of a first mobile communication device to multiple different networks. The communication management resource receives first performance information associated with use of a first mobile communication device in a first geographical region. The first performance information indicates a first performance of wireless connectivity between a first wireless network and the first mobile communication device. The communication management hardware further compares the first performance to a threshold level. Based on the comparing, the communication management hardware produces configuration information to support subsequent handoffs of the first mobile communication device from the first wireless network to a second wireless network based on the first geographical region.

Abstract: Methods and systems for saving power in response to receiving a grant suspension at a Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) device (CBSD). A method for power savings in a wireless network using Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum includes receiving, by a power saving engine from a spectrum access system (SAS), CBRS spectrum suspension commands, generating, by the power saving engine, a suspension list of CBRS devices (CBSDs) impacted by the CBRS spectrum suspension commands, and sending, by the power saving engine to service provider components, the suspension list to turn off power for the CBSDs on the suspension list.

Abstract: An alternative channel for communicating information relating to renewal of a spectrum grant from SAS to a first base station is implemented. This alternative channel provides a communications path to communicate grant status from SAS to first base station, while the first base station's primary communication channel with SAS, which typically involves a domain proxy remains interrupted. The alternative channel includes a second base station and a UE. A selected UE sends a grant renewal request message to SAS for the first base station and receives a response message indicating grant status from the SAS. The grant status is forwarded to the first base station, and if the grant is renewed, the first base station renews the grant transmit expiration time and continues to transmit. This approach reduces potential service outages at the first base station due to lack of awareness of the actual status of the SAS grant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining and implementing out of coverage sidelink communications between user equipment devices. An exemplary method includes the steps of: receiving from a first wireless network, by a geo-fencing proximity analyzer of a second wireless network, session request information for a session to be established between a first user equipment device and a second user equipment device; determining, by the geo-fencing proximity analyzer, whether or not a sidelink communications session is to be established between the first user equipment device and the second user equipment device based on: (i) the location of the first user equipment device, and (ii) the location of the second user equipment device; and wherein the first user equipment device and the second user equipment device are both located outside the coverage area of the second wireless network.

Abstract: An alternative channel for communicating information relating to renewal of a spectrum grant from SAS to a base station is implemented. This alternative channel provides a communications path to communicate status of a grant from an SAS to the base station, while the base station's primary communication channel with SAS, which typically involves a domain proxy remains interrupted. The alternative channel includes a UE with a connection manager (CM). An identified UE sends a grant renewal request message to SAS for the base station and receives a grant renewal request response message indicating grant status from the SAS. The grant status is forwarded to the base station, and if the grant is renewed, the base station renews the grant transmit expiration time and continues to transmit. This approach reduces potential service outages at the base station due to lack of awareness of the actual status of the SAS grant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically identifying overshooting cells and automatically changing PCIs in cases of actual or possible PCI confusion are described. A cell with a poor KPI, e.g., indicative of failed attachment attempts, is identified. PCI confusion is considered as a possible cause of the poor KPI. A cell which uses the same PCI as the cell with the poor KPI is identified and the coverage areas of the cell with the poor KPI and the other cell using the same PCI is determined. Operating UEs in trace mode combined with deactivation of a cell while the other cell using the same PCI remains active is sometimes used to map cell coverage areas. If the coverage areas of two cells using the same PCI are determined to overlap, a different PCI is assigned to one of the two cells using the same PCI to thereby eliminate possible PCI confusion.

Abstract: An automatic management entity is included in a Hybrid Mobile Network Operator's system. The automatic management entity operates in conjunction with an Operations Support System (OSS) to automatically identify cells within the HMNO's own mobile wireless network to be removed from service due to poor performance, low throughput, or for other reasons, and initiates the un-management process. By automating the process timely identification of cells to be removed from service and removal of cells from service can be implemented quickly without human involvement. The automatic management entity takes into consideration the availability of alternative wireless coverage and impact to quality of service to the HMNO subscriber, e.g., user experience, when making a decision as to whether or not to take a cell with poor performance out of service. The automatic management entity prioritizes the desired repair order and communicates service priority information to the OSS along with the unmanage list.