Patent ID: 8059595
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method by an access terminal in a wireless communication system, comprising: communicating with a first evolved Base Station, the first evolved Base Station configured to communicate directly with the access terminal, the first evolved Base Station further configured as a data attachment point of the access terminal; communicating with a second evolved Base Station, the second evolved Base Station configured to communicate directly with the access terminal and to communicate directly with the data attachment point; providing an assessment of link conditions of said first and second evolved Base Stations; and initiating, by said access terminal, a handoff of said access terminal from said first evolved Base Station to said second evolved Base Station based on said assessment, the handoff including a first time period when the access terminal receives data transmissions from the second evolved Base Station via the first evolved Base Station, and also including a second time period when the access terminal receives data transmissions from the second evolved Base Station without involving the first evolved Base Station.