Wireless gateway, network handoffs, and link management

A wireless gateway disposed in a subscriber domain detects presence of a communication device communicating in a vicinity of the subscriber domain over a first wireless communication link such as a wireless cellular phone link. In response to detecting the communication device in the subscriber domain, the wireless gateway provides notification of a presence of the wireless gateway hardware to the communication device. The wireless gateway participates in establishing a second wireless communication link between the communication device and the wireless gateway to facilitate a handoff of a communication session from the first wireless communication link to the second wireless communication link.

BACKGROUND

In general, current technology enables a respective operator of a communication device such as a cell phone to communicate over different type of wireless networks. For example, a respective mobile communication device such as a cellular phone, tablet computer, etc., can include a first RF (Radio Frequency) interface supporting cellular phone connectivity and a second RF interface to support WiFi™ connectivity. The operator of the communication device can manually select amongst the different available communication modes to wirelessly communicate with a target device.

As an example, an operator of a respective communication device can choose to initially communicate over a cellular phone link using the first RF interface. In such a mode, the operator can dial a phone number to make a phone call. As an alternative to voice communications, if desired, the user of the communication device can execute a browser application and use the cellular phone link to retrieve content over a respective data link from one or more different remote servers. Thus, in certain instances, a cellular phone link can be used to retrieve content over a network such as the Internet.

Typically, cellular phone links support long-range communications such as distances greater than 1 mile. In general, because cellular phone links support such long-range communications, the communication device is more likely to be able to connect to the Internet and retrieve content regardless of the location of the communication device in a geographical region.

As mentioned above, a respective communication device can also include an RF interface to communicate over a WiFi™ communication link. As an alternative to using a cellular phone link, if a WiFi™ access point is available in the region in which the communication device resides, the operator of the respective communication device can establish a WiFi™ communication link to retrieve content from one or more remote servers in a network as an alternative to retrieving content over a cellular phone link. Typically, in an outdoor environment, WiFi™ supports only short-range communications such as distances less than a few hundred feet. Indoors, WiFi™ supports a substantially shorter range of connectivity.

Because it is typically more expensive to communicate with a target device such as a remote server using a cellular phone communication link than a WiFi™ communication link, if available, a respective operator usually will typically prefer to communicate over a respective WiFi™ communication link as opposed to communicating over a cellular phone communication link.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Conventional techniques of communicating in a network environment suffer from deficiencies. For example, as discussed above, the operator of a mobile communication device can manually select amongst different available wireless communication options to communicate with a remote target device. For example, the operator can select between communicating over a cellular phone link (long-range link) or a WiFi™ communication link (short range link) to retrieve data from a corresponding server resource. However, currently, there is no way for an operator of a communication device to benefit from handing off a communication link from a mobile communication device communicating over a cellular phone link to a respective short-range wireless link (such as a WiFi™ base station) when the operator roams within a vicinity of the a subscriber domain in which a WiFi™ base station resides.

Embodiments herein deviate with respect to conventional techniques. For example, in one embodiment, a wireless gateway supplied by a service provider enables a respective subscriber to perform handoffs in a network environment. Note that the wireless gateway and any related functionality as described herein can be or include hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software to carry out execution.

More specifically, by way of non-limiting example, a subscriber domain in a network environment (such as a cable network environment) can include a wireless gateway. The wireless gateway can be configured to provide access to a shared communication link (such as a physical link in a cable network environment) through a respective portal.

In one embodiment, the wireless gateway monitors the subscriber domain (such as a user's home) for presence of a communication device operated by the subscriber associated with the subscriber domain. If the wireless gateway detects that a subscriber associated with the subscriber domain currently uses the communication device to communicate over a first wireless communication link such as a cellular phone link, the wireless gateway provides a notification to the communication device. The notification can indicate that an alternative type of communication link (such as a link between the wireless gateway hardware and the communication device) may be available to handoff the cellular phone link.

In accordance with further embodiments, the wireless gateway can have access to mapping information that maps a network address of one or more different communication devices operated in a particular subscriber domain to corresponding carrier frequency spectrums assigned for use by the communication devices to communicate using a respective cellular phone link. Based on monitoring a cellular phone carrier frequency spectrum assigned to the respective communication device, the wireless gateway monitors a respective subscriber domain for cell phone communications. Assume that the operator of the communication device subscribes to a cellular phone service that supports communications via a particular cellular phone carrier frequency spectrum. In such an instance, the wireless gateway monitors the particular carrier frequency spectrum to detect presence of the communication device communicating in the subscriber domain.

Mere detection of the particular cellular phone carrier frequency spectrum does not necessarily mean that the wireless gateway hardware has detected presence of a communication device authorized to perform a handoff. Further processing as discussed below ensures that the communication device is authorized to perform a handoff before a respective handoff takes place.

Assume further in this example embodiment that the wireless gateway detects presence of a communication device communicating over the particular carrier frequency spectrum. In other words, assume that the wireless gateway detects that an operator of the communication device currently communicates over a cellular phone link with a cell phone tower. In one non-limiting example embodiment, in response to detecting presence of the active communication device (which may or may not be authorized to perform a handoff), the wireless gateway broadcasts a notification to the communication device indicating its presence. The notification from the wireless gateway to the communication device can include a unique identifier value (such as a name, network address, etc.) assigned to the wireless gateway.

Note that as an alternative to monitoring the subscriber domain for communications within a particular frequency spectrum assigned to users in the subscriber domain, embodiments herein can include configuring the wireless gateway to repeatedly or occasionally broadcast a wireless probe in the subscriber domain to notify any communication devices of the presence of the wireless gateway. The wireless probe generated by the wireless gateway hardware can include the unique identifier value assigned to the wireless gateway hardware. A communication device can be configured to continuously monitor a respective region for presence of the wireless gateway.

Establishment of a second wireless communication link to perform a handoff can be contingent, at least in part, upon the unique identifier value received from the wireless gateway. For example, in one embodiment, the communication device can be configured to pre-store a unique identifier value assigned to the wireless gateway disposed in the subscriber domain. In other words, prior to using the communication device to communicate over the first wireless communication link, the communication device can be configured to store the unique identifier value assigned to the wireless gateway hardware. Thus, subsequent to establishing and communicating over a first wireless communication link (such as a cellular phone link), the communication device can be configured to receive a notification from the wireless gateway indicating that the wireless gateway is in a vicinity of the communication device and is available for communications. In one embodiment, the communication device initiates a handoff of a communication session from the communication device to the wireless gateway hardware depending on a unique identifier value received from the wireless gateway. That is, if the unique identifier value received from the wireless gateway matches the pre-stored unique identifier value, the communication device can be configured to further communicate with the wireless gateway to establish the second wireless communication link to perform a respective handoff of a communication session.

Pre-storage of the unique identifier value assigned to the wireless gateway hardware ensures that the communication device only attempts to perform handoffs using only authorized wireless gateways as pre-specified by a respective operator of the communication device.

In one embodiment, in furtherance of establishing the second wireless communication link between the communication device and the wireless gateway hardware, the communication device can be configured to transmit a request to establish the second wireless communication link. The request transmitted from the communication device to the wireless gateway can include a network address assigned to the communication device. Thus, during establishment of the second wireless communication link, the wireless gateway can be configured to receive a network address transmitted from the communication device to the wireless gateway. In one embodiment, the network address (such as MAC address, IP address, etc.) is a unique identifier value assigned to the communication device, enabling retrieval of data over the first wireless communication link.

The wireless gateway hardware can be configured to verify that the communication device is authorized to perform a handoff to the wireless gateway hardware prior to a respective handoff. For example, prior to receiving the network address, the wireless gateway compares the received network address of the communication device to a listing of network addresses of corresponding communication devices that are authorized to perform a respective handoff of a communication link to the wireless gateway. Via the comparing operation, assume that the wireless gateway verifies that the network address assigned to the communication device is included in a pre-stored group of communication devices that are authorized to perform a handoff of a respective communication session to the wireless gateway.

Thus, in one embodiment, to prevent improper handoffs to the wireless gateway hardware, prior to the occurrence of a respective handoff, the wireless gateway can verify that the network address of the communication device is included in a group of communication devices that are authorized to perform a handoff of a respective communication link to the wireless gateway.

In furtherance of performing the handoff, the wireless gateway hardware can be configured to receive network session information over the second wireless communication link from the communication device. In one embodiment, the network session information indicates a state or attributes of the communication device retrieving first data from a remote resource over the first wireless communication link (such as a wireless cellular phone link). The wireless gateway utilizes the network session information received from the communication device to retrieve second data over the shared communication link from the remote resource. In one embodiment, the second data received over the shared communication link is a substantial duplicate of the first data retrieved by the communication device over the first wireless communication link.

The wireless gateway communicates over the second wireless communication link to the communication device to notify the communication device of a status of the wireless gateway retrieving the second data over the shared communication link. Eventually, the wireless gateway retrieves the same data from the remote source that an application executing in the communication device retrieves from the remote source. At such time, in response to detecting that the communication device can receive the same data over the second wireless communication link instead of the first wireless communication link, the wireless gateway and/or communication device initiates termination of the first wireless communication link in favor of using the second wireless communication link to retrieve requested data. In other words, in one embodiment, the communication device terminates the first wireless communication link and uses the second wireless communication link with the wireless gateway to receive requested content. This constitutes a handoff of the communication session from the wireless cellular phone link to the wireless gateway.

Transition to the second wireless communication link with the wireless gateway can provide continued and uninterrupted data retrieval. For example, the wireless gateway can be configured to continue requesting retrieval of content over the second wireless communication link from the communication device. On behalf of the communication device, the wireless gateway retrieves the requested content over the shared communication link and transmits the requested content over the second wireless communication link to the communication device.

As noted above, embodiments herein can facilitate wireless communication link handoffs amongst networks managed by different service providers. For example, in one embodiment, assume that the operator of the communication device subscribes to use of the wireless cellular phone link in accordance with an agreement with a first communication service provider (such as a cell phone service provider). Assume further that the operator of the mobile communication device also subscribes to a cable network service and use of the wireless gateway and shared communication link in accordance with an agreement with a second communication service provider (such as a cable network service provider). The first communication service provider may operate independently of the second communication service provider. However, embodiments herein enable substantially seamless handoffs amongst networks managed by different service providers.

In accordance with yet further embodiments, note that the decision to perform a respective handoff can depend on the ability of the shared communication link to support appropriate data throughput. For example, in one embodiment, the wireless gateway can be configured to receive bandwidth requirement information from the communication device over the second wireless communication link. The bandwidth requirement information can indicate a bandwidth needed to support a current communication session over the first wireless communication link between the communication device and a remote server resource. Prior to the handoff, the wireless gateway can be configured to verify an ability of the second wireless communication link and the shared communication link to support the bandwidth needed to communicate with the remote server resource over the shared communication link. In one embodiment, in response to detecting that the second wireless communication link and the shared communication link have the ability to support the communication session, the wireless gateway and/or communication device initiates a handoff of the communication session to the wireless gateway hardware.

Note further that the wireless gateway as described herein can reside in a first subscriber domain of multiple subscriber domains in a respective service group. Each of the multiple subscriber domains can be communicatively coupled to the shared communication link. Each of the subscriber domains can subscribe to use of respective data link resources (supporting IP traffic) in the shared communication link to receive Internet communications in a home environment. In such an instance, each of the subscriber domains is able to retrieve Internet data. In one embodiment, a cable service provider allocates or dedicates a portion of bandwidth of the shared communication link (as a separate portion of bandwidth from bandwidth allocated to support a subscriber's data plan into their home) to support handoffs from communication devices in the multiple subscriber domains. Allocation of the separate bandwidth in the shared physical communication link (or alternatively dynamically increasing a bandwidth for transmitting data packets between the wireless gateway and a respective cable modem termination system) to support handoffs ensures that a guaranteed bandwidth is available and that a handed off link does not experience congestion.

These and other more specific embodiments are disclosed in more detail below.

Note that any of the resources as discussed herein can include one or more computerized devices, servers, base stations, wireless communication equipment, communication management systems, workstations, handheld or laptop computers, or the like to carry out and/or support any or all of the method operations disclosed herein. In other words, one or more computerized devices or processors can be programmed and/or configured to operate as explained herein to carry out different embodiments of the invention.

One or more embodiment includes a computer readable storage medium and/or system having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed by computer processor hardware (such as in wireless gateway hardware), cause the computer processor hardware of the system to: detect presence of a communication device communicating over a first wireless communication link, the first wireless communication link being a wireless cellular phone link; in response to detecting the communication device, provide notification of the wireless gateway hardware to the communication device; and establish a second wireless communication link, the second wireless communication link established between the communication device and the wireless gateway hardware.

Another embodiments herein includes a computer readable storage medium and/or system having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed by computer processor hardware (such as in wireless gateway hardware), cause the computer processor hardware of the system to: pre-store a unique identifier value assigned to wireless gateway hardware disposed in a subscriber domain assigned of an operator of the mobile communication device; subsequent to establishing the first wireless communication link, receive a communication indicating that the wireless gateway hardware is in a vicinity of the mobile communication device; and initiate a handoff of a communication session from the communication device to the wireless gateway hardware depending on a unique identifier value received from the wireless gateway hardware.

Note that the ordering of the operations can vary. For example, any of the processing operations as discussed herein can be performed in any suitable order.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure include software programs and/or respective hardware to perform any of the method embodiment operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below.

It is to be understood that the system, method, apparatus, instructions on computer readable storage media, etc., as discussed herein also can be embodied strictly as a software program, firmware, as a hybrid of software, hardware and/or firmware, or as hardware alone such as within a processor, or within an operating system or a within a software application.

As discussed herein, techniques herein are well suited for implementing a wireless gateway configured to provide different levels of network access to users in a network environment. However, it should be noted that embodiments herein are not limited to use in such applications and that the techniques discussed herein are well suited for other applications as well.

Also, note that this preliminary discussion of embodiments herein purposefully does not specify every embodiment and/or incrementally novel aspect of the present disclosure or claimed invention(s). Instead, this brief description only presents general embodiments and corresponding points of novelty over conventional techniques. For additional details and/or possible perspectives (permutations) of the invention(s), the reader is directed to the Detailed Description section and corresponding figures of the present disclosure as further discussed below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND FURTHER SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

In general, as described herein, a wireless gateway disposed in a subscriber domain detects presence of a communication device communicating in a vicinity of the subscriber domain over a first wireless communication link such as a wireless cellular phone link. In response to detecting the communication device in the subscriber domain, the wireless gateway provides notification of a presence of the wireless gateway hardware to the communication device. The wireless gateway participates in establishing a second wireless communication link (such as a short range communication link) between the communication device and the wireless gateway to facilitate a handoff of a communication session from the first wireless communication link to the second wireless communication link.

Now, more specifically,FIG. 1is an example diagram illustrating a wireless gateway according to embodiments herein. Note that the wireless gateway140represents hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software to carry out functionality as discussed herein.

As shown, network environment100includes one or more networks190such as a packet-switched network190-1, a core network190-2, shared network190-3, cellular phone network190-4, etc.

Each of the networks190can support transmission of digital data such as data packets, MPEG data transport streams, etc. In one embodiment, one or more of networks190supports switching of data packets using source and destination address information. The source address of a data packet indicates a corresponding resource from which the data packet is generated. The destination address indicates a corresponding address of the resource to which the data packet is being transmitted. The network190uses the destination address to route the respective data packets to an identified destination.

In general, via the different types of networks190, respective subscribers and corresponding playback devices in subscriber domains150are able to retrieve and playback different types of content such as over-the-top content (such as web pages), scheduled broadcast content, video on-demand content, Internet content, etc.

Note that each of the subscriber domains150in network environment100can be any suitable type of environment such as a home environment, business environment, etc. In one embodiment, subscriber domain150-1represents a home environment or residence where a respective user108-1domiciles.

In this example embodiment, a user associated with subscriber domain150-1operates communication device110-1. Communication device110-1is assigned a unique identifier value (such as a network address) of ABCD. The unique identifier value can be a MAC address, an IP address, etc.

As shown inFIG. 1, user108-1and corresponding communication device110-1are operated outside of the subscriber domain150-1. Communication device110-1includes a first RF interface185-1supporting long-range communications such as cellular phone communications. Communication device110-1also includes a second RF interface185-2supporting short-range communications such as WiFi™ communications.

As its name suggests, the RF interface185-1of cellular phone network190-4enables corresponding user108-1to communicate with other cell phone devices (via communication over network190-4located in the network environment100. For example, the user108-1can dial a specific number into communication device110-1. The communication device110-1utilizes the phone number to establish a wireless communication link128between communication device110-1and network190-4.

Additionally, note again that communication device110-1includes RF interface185-2supporting short-range communications such as WiFi™ communications. In this example embodiment, the communication device110-1does not currently use the RF interface185-2to communicate with another communication device.

Via communications over wireless communication link128and connection129to gateway122, the communication device is able to communicate with one or more server resources in packet-switched network190-1.

In this non-limiting example embodiment, assume that the user108-1executes application138such as a browser application on communication device110-1. Application138displays corresponding graphical user interface123-1on display screen130-1of communication device110-1. Via application138, and use of communication link128, the user108-1is able to retrieve data (such as a webpage data) from a resource such as server resource119.

For example, user108-1can input a request (including the destination network address of the server resource119) to retrieve a webpage from server resource119. In response to receiving the request, the application138communicates the request over communication link128through network190-4over connection129to gateway122. Gateway122forwards the requests for content over packet-switched network190-1to server resource119.

In a reverse direction, the server resource119transmits the requested data over packet-switched network190-1to gateway122. Gateway122forwards the requested data over connection129through network190-4over communication link128to the application138in communication device110-1. Application138then initiates display of the corresponding retrieved web page information on display screen130-1in graphical user interface123-1.

Note that subscriber domain150-1includes wireless gateway140. Wireless gateway140provides users present in subscriber domain150-1access to one or more networks such as packet-switched network190-1, core network190-2, shared network190-3, etc., via shared communication link191.

Note that in a similar manner that subscriber domain150-1includes wireless gateway140, each of the other subscribers domains can be configured to include a respective wireless gateway. For example, subscriber domain150-2can include a respective wireless gateway142to control access to shared communication link191; subscriber domain150-3can include a respective wireless gateway143to control access to shared communication link191; and so on. Each of the wireless gateways140,142,143, etc., perform similar operations, enabling a respective handoffs in network environment100.

By way of further non-limiting example, a group of subscriber domains150communicatively coupled to shared communication link191represents a service group in a cable network environment. As shown, shared network190-3(including shared communication link191) supports final connectivity to subscribers or subscriber domains150and may include physical media such as one or more coaxial cables, optical fibers, twisted wire pairs, etc., to provide connectivity between distribution resource125and the subscriber domains150.

Shared network190-3can include a respective logical connectivity between the distribution resource125(such as a cable modem termination system) and each of the respective wireless gateways. In other words, a first logical link in shared communication link191supports communications between distribution resource125and the wireless gateway140; a second logical link in shared communication link191supports communications between distribution resource125and the wireless gateway143; a third logical link in shared communication link191supports communications between distribution resource125and the wireless gateway143; and so on.

By further way of non-limiting example, a service provider associated with shared communication link191can allocate a predetermined portion of bandwidth associated with shared communication link to support communications with a respective subscriber domain in network environment100. Thus, each of the subscriber domains150can be assigned use of a portion of bandwidth in the data channels (of shared communication link191) to communicate data in an upstream or downstream direction. Via use of the data channels, each of the users108in respective subscriber domains150can retrieve over-the-top content from respective server sources disposed in packet-switched network190-1(such as the Internet), core network190-2, etc.

Note that wireless gateway140can be any suitable type of resource such as a set-top box, cable modem, WiFi™ access point, server resource, data router, etc. As previously discussed, wireless gateway140includes a combination of hardware and software resources to carry out functionality as discussed herein.

As shown inFIG. 1, the shared communication link can be any suitable type of communication medium such as a physical medium, a wireless medium, etc.

In one embodiment, wireless gateway140is a wireless access point controlling network access for each of multiple members in present in subscriber domain150-1. By further way of a non-limiting example, wireless gateway140can be a wireless access point such as a WiFi™ base station coupled to shared communication link191. As previously discussed, a logical connection between the wireless gateway140and the distribution resource125supports network communications between resources in subscriber domain150-1and resources in packet-switched network190-1.

The wireless gateway140can support communications respective communication devices via any suitable protocol or WiFi™ standards such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, etc.

In an upstream direction, wireless gateway140facilitates forwarding of content from communication devices in subscriber domain150-1through communication portal160-1over shared communication link191. In a downstream direction, wireless gateway140facilitates distribution of content received over shared communication link191to one or more communication devices in subscriber domain150-1.

If desired, wireless gateway140can be configured to support cable modem functionality. Via communications through the wireless gateway140and over shared communication link191to distribution resource125(such as a cable modem termination system), authorized communication devices in subscriber domain150-1can communicate with the wireless gateway140to initiate retrieval of content such as video on demand content, over-the-top content, broadcast content, IPTV content, webpage content, data packets, etc. Wireless gateway140retrieves the requested content on behalf of respective users in subscriber domain150-1.

Accordingly, wireless gateway140can be configured to provide different types of data services such as delivery of different types of content. In more particular embodiments discussed in more detail below, each user or corresponding communication device must be first authenticated for the device to be allowed use of wireless gateway140to retrieve or transmit data over shared communication link191.

Wireless gateway140can receive broadcast content from one or more resources in core network190-2. The broadcast content can be transmitted over predetermined broadcast channels in shared communication link191to the multiple subscriber domains150. To play back broadcast content, the wireless gateway140can be configured to tune to one or more channels as indicated by users of respective communication devices.

As discussed above, in addition to or as an alternative to conveying broadcast content, as mentioned, the shared communication link191can be configured to support distribution of so-called over-the-top content. For example, a portion of bandwidth in shared communication link191can be allocated to support data channels in accordance with DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) or any other suitable communication standard supporting bi-directional communications over shared communication link191.

Wireless gateway140includes communication portal160-1(such as one or more channels, cables, links, etc.) facilitating access to shared communication link191and one or more shared networks190.

In one embodiment, the wireless gateway140monitors the subscriber domain150-1for presence of one or more pre-specified communication device operated by one or more operators in subscriber domain150-1. If the wireless gateway140detects that a user associated with the subscriber domain150-1currently uses the communication device110-1to communicate over a first wireless communication link128such as a cellular phone link, the wireless gateway140provides a notification to the communication device110-1. The notification can indicate that an alternative type of communication link is available to handoff the cellular phone link.

More specifically, in one embodiment, wireless gateway140has access to mapping information120-1.FIG. 2is an example diagram illustrating mapping information120-1according to embodiments herein. In this example embodiment, mapping information120-1associated with wireless gateway140indicates the different mobile communication devices that are authorized to perform handoffs to the wireless gateway140-1when present in the subscriber domain150-1.

For example, as specified by the mapping information120-1, the first member of a household associated with the subscriber domain150-1can operate a corresponding first mobile communication device assigned a unique identifier value (UIV=Unique Identifier Value) such as a MAC address of ABCD; a second member of a household associated with the subscriber domain150-1can operate a second mobile communication device assigned a unique identifier value (or UIV such as a MAC address) of AB34; and so on. In this manner, the mapping information120-1can keep track of the unique addresses of communication devices associated with users in subscriber domain150-1.

In one embodiment, one or more users in the subscriber domain150-1produce the mapping information120-1by inputting the unique identifier value assigned to each respective communication device. Thus, a respective subscriber can initiate creation of mapping information120-1indicating the different users that are authorized to perform handoffs in subscriber domain150-1.

In addition to providing the unique identifier value information, the users in subscriber domain can specify a particular service provider that supports cell phone communications with the specified communication device. In this example embodiment, the mapping information120-1indicates that the user of the mobile communication device110-1(assigned a unique identifier value of ABCD) subscribes to cell phone service provider company A (such as Verizon); the user of a mobile communication device (assigned a unique identifier value of AB34) subscribes to cell phone service provider company B (such as Verizon); and so on.

It is known which carrier frequency spectrum is used by a respective cell phone service provider to provide communications to a corresponding mobile communication device. In this example embodiment, assume that company A supports wireless cellular phone communications in the 700 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum; assume that company B supports wireless cellular phone communications in the 2.5 GHz spectrum; and so on.

Referring again toFIG. 1, via mapping information120-1assigned to wireless gateway140, the wireless gateway140maps a network address of each communication device potentially operated in subscriber domain150-1to a corresponding carrier frequency spectrum assigned for use by the communication device to communicate using a respective cellular phone link. In one embodiment, the mapping information120-1indicates network addresses of respective mobile communication devices in which it is permissible to perform a handoff of a respective communication link to the wireless gateway140as further discussed below.

In one embodiment, monitoring one or more cellular phone carrier frequency spectrums assigned to the respective communication devices associated with subscriber domain150-1is tantamount to monitoring the subscriber domain150-1for cell phone communications.

As mentioned, the operator of the communication device110-1subscribes to a cellular phone service company A that supports communications via a particular cellular phone carrier frequency spectrum (700 MHz/1800 MHz). In accordance with the mapping information120-1, the wireless gateway140monitors subscriber domain150-1for wireless communications in the particular carrier frequency spectrum (700 MHz/1800 MHz) to detect presence of the communication device110-1communicating in the subscriber domain150-1.

As shown inFIG. 1, the user108-1and corresponding communication device110-1reside outside of subscriber domain150-1. In such an instance, because the communication device110-1is out of range with respect to wireless gateway140, the RF interface145-1and145-2does not detect presence of the communication device110-1communicating in subscriber domain150-1.

Assume that, while communication link128is actively used to retrieve data, the user108-1operating communication device110-1roams about network environment100into subscriber domain150-1as shown inFIG. 3. As previously discussed, the wireless gateway140continues to monitor for presence of the particular carrier frequency spectrum assigned to communication device110-1.

Because the communication device110-1currently communicates over communication link128-1in the monitored carrier frequency spectrum associated with company A, the wireless gateway140-1detects presence of communication device110-1communicating over the particular carrier frequency spectrum. In other words, assume that the wireless gateway140detects that the user108-1(operator) of the communication device110-1currently communicates over wireless communication link128(which is in the carrier frequency spectrum monitored by the RF interface145-land145-2) with a respective cell phone tower in cellular network190-4. In response to detecting presence of the actively communicating communication device110, the wireless gateway140broadcasts a wireless notification from RF interface145-1and145-2in the subscriber domain150-1to any listening communication devices in subscriber domain150-1.

In one embodiment, the wireless gateway140broadcasts the notification as a wireless probe in accordance with the WiFi™ protocol. The broadcasted probe (notification) notifies any listening devices of a presence of the wireless gateway140in the subscriber domain150-1.

In accordance with further embodiments, the wireless notification broadcasted in the subscriber domain150-1can include a unique identifier value (XYZ) assigned to the wireless gateway140. The unique identifier value assigned to the wireless gateway140can be any suitable value such as a unique name assigned to the wireless gateway140-1, a unique network address assigned to the wireless gateway140, and so on.

Note that as an alternative to monitoring the subscriber domain for communications within a particular frequency spectrum and generating a corresponding notification when a respective communication is detected, embodiments herein can include configuring the wireless gateway140to repeatedly or occasionally broadcast a wireless probe signal in the subscriber domain150-1(regardless of whether communications are detected on a particular wireless carrier frequency spectrum) to notify any communication devices of the presence of the wireless gateway140in the subscriber domain150-1. As mentioned, a respective communication device in the subscriber domain150-1can be configured to continuously monitor a respective region for presence of the wireless gateway140.

As previously discussed, the communication device110-1includes RF interface185-1, which supports long-range communications, to establish communication link128and communicate over network190-4to gateway122. Additionally, communication device110-1includes RF interface185-2and185-1supporting short-range communications such as WiFi™ communications.

Assume in this example embodiment that a user of the communication device110-1has configured the application138to be amenable to a handoff a respective communication session to the wireless gateway140if possible. In one embodiment, the user108-1can provide configuration settings indicating to the application138that it is to automatically initiate a handoff with a respective wireless gateway140if the wireless gateway140happens to be in a vicinity of the communication device110-1while the user108-1uses the application138to communicate over communication link128and retrieve data from a remote server resource.

In accordance with further embodiments, as an alternative to automatically initiating the handoff, in response to detecting presence of the wireless gateway140, the application138in communication device110-1can initiate display of corresponding message on display screen130-1requesting the user108-1to provide input indicating whether to perform a respective handoff. In situations where security is an issue, the user108-1operating communication device110-1can be required to provide appropriate input such as an appropriate password in order for the wireless gateway140to go forward with a respective handoff.

Handoff of a respective communication session requires establishing a new wireless communication link between the communication device110-1and the wireless gateway140. As further described herein, subsequent to a respective handoff, the application138continues a respective communication session as initiated by a respective user108-1over the new wireless communication link (such as communication link228) instead of over communication link128.

Establishment of a new wireless communication link (such as communication link228) to perform a handoff can be contingent, at least in part, upon the unique identifier value received from the wireless gateway140. For example, as previously discussed, in furtherance of a initiating a possible future handoff, the application138can be configured to monitor a presence of wireless communications received over RF interface145-2and145-1during conditions such as when the communication device110-1executes application138to retrieve data over an activated cell phone link. Configuration settings of the communication device110-1can indicate to perform a handoff to the wireless gateway140if possible.

In one embodiment, user108-1can configure the communication device110-1to pre-store a unique identifier value (XYZ) assigned to the wireless gateway140disposed in the subscriber domain150-1. Thus, subsequent to establishing and communicating over a first wireless communication link128(such as a cellular phone link), the communication device110-1can be configured to receive the broadcasted notification from the wireless gateway140indicating that the wireless gateway resides within a vicinity of the communication device110-1and is available for handoff of communications.

The communication device110-1can be configured to initiate a handoff of a communication session from the communication device to the wireless gateway140depending on a unique identifier value received from the wireless gateway140. That is, if the unique identifier value (such as unique identifier value XYZ) received from the wireless gateway140matches the pre-stored unique identifier value (XYZ), the communication device110-1further communicates with the wireless gateway140over RF interface185-2and185-1to establish the wireless communication link228to perform a respective handoff of a communication session associated with application138to the wireless gateway140.

In one embodiment, in furtherance of automatically establishing a wireless communication link to perform a handoff because wireless gateway140was detected as being available, the communication device110-1transmits a request from RF interface185-1and185-2to the wireless gateway140to establish the wireless communication link228.

The request (such as an association message) transmitted from the communication device110-1to the wireless gateway140can include a network address (such as unique identifier value ABCD) assigned to the communication device110-1. Thus, during association and establishment of the second wireless communication link228, the wireless gateway140receives a network address of the communication device110-1.

In one embodiment, the unique identifier value ABCD (such as a network address) is a unique identifier value assigned to the communication device110-1, enabling retrieval of data over the first wireless communication link128. In other words, the application138supporting communications with server resource119uses the unique identifier value such as ABCD as a source address for data packets transmitted form communication device110-1to server resource119over wireless communication link128.

In yet further embodiments, subsequent to receiving the unique identifier value ABCD assigned to communication device110-1, the wireless gateway140compares the received network address ABCD received from the communication device110-1to a listing of network addresses in mapping information120-1. Mapping information120-1indicates that mobile communication device (assigned unique identifier value ABCD), mobile communication device110-2(unique identifier value AB34), etc., are authorized to perform a respective handoff of a communication link or communication session to the wireless gateway140.

During the operation of comparing the received unique identifier value associated with the communication device110-1and the unique identifier values in mapping information120-1, assume that the wireless gateway140verifies that the network address provided by the communication device110-1happens to be included in the pre-stored list of communication devices (as specified by mapping information120-1) that are authorized to perform a handoff of a respective communication session to the wireless gateway140. In one embodiment, this verification prevents improper handoffs to unauthorized communication devices. That is, to prevent improper handoffs, prior to the occurrence of the handoff, the wireless gateway140verifies that the unique identifier value of the communication device requesting the handoff is included in a group of communication devices that are authorized to perform a handoff of a respective communication link to the wireless gateway140.

Because the unique identifier value associated with the communication device110-1is pre-stored in the mapping information120-1, the communication device110-1is pre-authenticated to perform a respective handoff. For example, in contrast to conventional techniques in which a respective wireless gateway must authenticate a communication device and its network address by communicating with one or more authentication servers over a respective network, the pre-authentication as described herein (such as storing the unique identifier value of the communication device110-1in the mapping information120-1) enables the respective wireless gateway140to more quickly establish the wireless communication228and use of shared communication link191on behalf of the communication device110-1.

Association of the communication device110-1to the wireless gateway140can include further communications. For example, further communications during association of the communication device110-1to the wireless gateway140can include agreement between the communication device110-1in wireless gateway140of the communication parameters (e.g., data rate, security, etc.) to establish a respective wireless communication link228. Thus, in one embodiment, association sets the stage to support future communications between a communication device110-1and the respective wireless gateway (wireless access point).

Assuming that the association is successful in establishing the wireless communication link228, the communication device110-1is now able to transmit and receive data over established wireless communication link228. In one embodiment, as mentioned above, the communication device executes application138and retrieves data through the wireless gateway140via use of HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) or any other suitable communication protocol.

In furtherance of performing the handoff, and after verifying that the communication device110-1and/or wireless gateway140are authorized to perform a handoff, the wireless gateway140communicates over the wireless communication link228to receive network session information associated with communications over communication link128. In one embodiment, the network session information indicates a state or attributes of the communication device110-1retrieving data from a remote server resource119over the first wireless communication link128(such as a wireless cellular phone link). In one embodiment, the network session information includes information such as one or more URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) that are used by the application138to retrieve corresponding data from one or more server resources in packet-switched network190-1.

In accordance with further embodiments, session information transmitted from communication device110-1to the wireless gateway140can include information such as the type of content retrieved by the application138over wireless communication link128; a rate at which the content is retrieved by application138over communication link128; etc.

The wireless gateway140utilizes the network session information received from the application138of the communication device110-1to retrieve data over the shared communication link191from the one or more remote resources in packet-switched network190-1. In one embodiment, the data retrieved over the shared communication link191is a substantial duplicate of the data retrieved by the application138over the wireless communication link128.

In one embodiment, as previously discussed, the wireless gateway140receives a network address assigned to communication device110-1. The wireless gateway140can be configured to serve as a proxy to retrieve requested data on behalf of the communication device110-1. To do so, the wireless gateway140can obtain a new network address in which to retrieve data on behalf of the communication device110-1. The wireless gateway tracks that the new network address maps to the network address of communication device110-1.

To retrieve data on behalf of the communication device110-1, the wireless gateway140communicates through communication portal160-1over shared communication link191to distribution resource125(such as a cable modem termination system). The distribution resource125forwards the data packets over packet-switched network190-1to respective one or more destination server resources. The one or more server resources respond by forwarding the requested data to distribution resource125. Distribution resource (such as a cable modem termination system), in turn, forwards the requested data over an appropriate logical link in shared communication link191to wireless gateway140. As data is received and becomes available, the wireless gateway140forwards the retrieved data over a corresponding communication link228associated with the network address assigned to communication device110-1.

In accordance with further embodiments, prior to a respective handoff, the wireless gateway140communicates over the second wireless communication link228to the communication device110-1to notify the communication device110-1of a status of the wireless gateway140retrieving requested data over the shared communication link191on behalf of the communication device110-1. Eventually, the wireless gateway140retrieves the same data (or substantially the same data) from the remote source that application138executing in the communication device110-1retrieves from the remote source over cellular link128. At such time, in response to detecting that the communication device110-1can receive the same data over the second wireless communication link228, the wireless gateway140and/or communication device110-1initiates termination of the first wireless cellular link128in favor of using the second wireless communication link228to retrieve requested data.

In other words, in one embodiment, in furtherance of performing a respective handoff as further shown inFIG. 4, the communication device110-1terminates the first wireless cellular link128and uses the second wireless communication link228to the wireless gateway140to receive the requested content. This constitutes a handoff of a respective communication session from being transmitted over wireless cellular link128(such as wireless cellular phone link) to being transmitted over the wireless communication link228(such as a WiFi™ communication link).

Transition to use of the wireless communication link228between the communication device110-1and the wireless gateway140can provide the application138continued and uninterrupted data retrieval. For example, the wireless gateway140can be configured to continue requesting retrieval of content over the second wireless communication link228from the communication device110-1. As previously discussed, on behalf of the communication device110-1, the wireless gateway140retrieves the requested content over the shared communication link191and transmits the requested content over the second wireless communication link228to the application138in communication device110-1.

As noted, embodiments herein facilitate handoffs amongst networks managed by different service providers. For example, assume that the operator of the communication device110-1subscribes to use of the wireless cellular phone link in accordance with an agreement with a first communication service provider (company A that provides a cell phone service). Assume further that the operator of the mobile communication device110-1subscribes to a cable network service and use of the wireless gateway140and shared communication link191in accordance with an agreement with a second communication service provider (such as a cable network service provider). The cell phone service provider may operate independently of the cable network service provider. However, embodiments herein enable substantially seamless handoffs amongst networks managed by different service providers.

In accordance with yet further embodiments, note that the decision to perform a respective handoff can depend on the ability of the shared communication link191to support appropriate data throughput on behalf of the communication device110-1.

For example, in one embodiment, prior to performing a handoff, the wireless gateway140can be configured to receive bandwidth information from the communication device110-1over the wireless communication link228. The bandwidth information can indicate a bandwidth needed to support a current communication session occurring over the cellular link128(communication link) between the communication device110-1and one or more remote server resources.

By way of non-limiting example, prior to the handoff, the communication device110-1verifies that the application138is authorized by the user108-1to request a handoff. Additionally, the wireless gateway140verifies that the communication device110-1is authorized to go forward with a respective handoff.

Yet further, prior to a respective handoff, the wireless gateway140can be configured to verify an ability of the wireless communication link228and/or the shared communication link191to support the bandwidth needed to communicate with one or more remote server resources over the shared communication link. More specifically, the application138may require a downlink bandwidth of 5 MB per second and an uplink bandwidth of 2 MB per second to sustain a handoff of the communication session over wireless cellular link128. In response to detecting that the second wireless communication link and the shared communication link have the ability to support the communication session and at least a downlink bandwidth of 5 MB per second and an uplink bandwidth of 2 MB per second, the wireless gateway140and/or communication device110-1enable initiating of a handoff of the communication session to the wireless gateway140. Alternatively, if an appropriate bandwidth is not available, a respective subscriber may not handoff to a lower quality communication link just because they happen to be in a vicinity of the wireless gateway140.

As mentioned, the wireless gateway140as described herein resides in subscriber domain150-1. Each of the multiple subscriber domains150-2,150-3, etc., (such as members of a respective service group) can be communicatively coupled to the shared communication link191. Each of the subscriber domains can subscribe to use of a respective data link in the shared communication link to receive Internet communications in a respective subscriber domain such as a home environment. In such an instance, each of the subscriber domains is able to retrieve Internet data over an allotted bandwidth associated with a purchased data plan.

In one embodiment, a service provider of the shared communication link191can allocate or dedicate an additional, separate portion of bandwidth of the shared communication link (such as extra logic flows between the distribution resource125and wireless gateway140, which are separate from bandwidth allocated to support a subscriber's data plan into their home as discussed above) to support handoffs associated with communication devices in the multiple subscriber domains. Provisioning of the extra logical flows (for extra bandwidth over shared communication link191) ensures a guaranteed bandwidth to allow for handoffs and that the handed off links do not experience congestion. Thus, embodiments herein can include dynamically increasing a bandwidth allocated for use by the wireless gateway140to communicate over the shared communication link to the distribution resource125to facilitate a respective handoff. In one embodiment, in furtherance of performing a respective handoff, the wireless gateway140communicates with the distribution resource125for allocation of one or more extra data channels or flows to handle the new data traffic associated with the handoff.

At some point, the user108-1operating the communication device110-1terminates the respective wireless communication link228. In such an instance, in response to detecting termination of the communication link228, the wireless gateway140communicates with the distribution resource125to de-allocate the data channels that were used to support the handoff.

If desired, the separate dynamically allocated bandwidth in shared communication link191specifically available for supporting handoffs can be purchased by a respective subscriber or cell phone service provider to ensure that handoffs to a new wireless communication link such as wireless communication link228do not result in a lower quality communication link (e.g., lower bandwidth) with respect original wireless communication link128.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating an example computer architecture in which to execute any of the functionality according to embodiments herein. Any of the different processing techniques can be implemented via execution of software code on computer processor hardware.

For example, as shown, computer system550(e.g., computer processor hardware) of the present example can include an interconnect511that couples computer readable storage media512such as a non-transitory type of media (i.e., any type of hardware storage medium) in which digital information can be stored and retrieved. The computer system550can further include processor513(i.e., computer processor hardware such as one or more processor co-located or disparately located processor devices), I/O interface514, communications interface517, etc.

Computer processor hardware (i.e., processor513) can be located in a single location (such as in wireless gateway140) or can be distributed amongst multiple locations.

As its name suggests, I/O interface514provides connectivity to resources such as repository180, control devices (such as controller1192), one or more display screens, etc.

Computer readable storage medium512can be any hardware storage device to store data such as memory, optical storage, hard drive, floppy disk, etc. In one embodiment, the computer readable storage medium512stores instructions and/or data.

Communications interface517(such as communication portal160-1) enables the computer system550and processor resource513to communicate over a resource such as any of networks190. I/O interface514enables processor resource513to access data from a local or remote location, control a respective display screen, receive input, etc.

As shown, computer readable storage media512can be encoded with wireless gateway application140-1(e.g., software, firmware, etc.) executed by processor513. Wireless gateway application140-1can be configured to include instructions to implement any of the operations as discussed herein associated with wireless gateway140.

During operation of one embodiment, processor513accesses computer readable storage media512via the use of interconnect511in order to launch, run, execute, interpret or otherwise perform the instructions in wireless gateway application140-1stored on computer readable storage medium512.

Execution of the wireless gateway application140-1produces processing functionality such as wireless gateway process140-2in processor resource513. In other words, the wireless gateway process140-2associated with processor resource513represents one or more aspects of executing wireless gateway application140-1within or upon the processor resource513in the computer system550.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system550can include other processes and/or software and hardware components, such as an operating system that controls allocation and use of hardware resources to execute wireless gateway application140-1.

In accordance with different embodiments, note that computer system may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a set-top box, access point, a mobile computer, a personal computer system, a wireless device, base station, phone device, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, application server, storage device, a consumer electronics device such as a camera, camcorder, set top box, mobile device, video game console, handheld video game device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, etc., or in general any type of computing or electronic device.

The computer system550may reside at any location or multiple locations in network environment100. The computer system550can be included in any suitable resource in network environment100to implement functionality as discussed herein.

Note that each of the other functions as discussed herein can be executed in a respective computer system based on execution of corresponding instructions. For example, communication device110-1can include respective computer readable storage medium and processor hardware to execute the operations performed by communication device110-1.

FIG. 6is a flowchart600illustrating an example method according to embodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect to concepts as discussed above. Note further that the processing in the flowcharts below can be executed in any suitable order. In one embodiment, the wireless gateway140represents wireless gateway hardware that controls access through communication portal160to shared communication link191via performing the following operations.

In processing block610, the wireless gateway140detects presence of a communication device110-1communicating over a first wireless communication link128such as a wireless cellular phone link.

As previously discussed, the communication device110-1can detect presence of the communication device110-1in subscriber domain150-1in any suitable manner. For example, as previously discussed, the wireless gateway140can be configured to monitor a carrier frequency spectrum assigned to the communication device110-1to support wireless communications. Alternatively, note that the communication device110-1can be configured to transmit a wireless request signal over RF interface185-2. The request signal can be a discovery request transmitted by the communication device110-1to learn of any wireless access points (such as any WiFi™ access points) present in a vicinity of the communication device110-1. In accordance with this latter instance, the wireless gateway140detects presence of the communication device110-1via the wireless discovery request communication transmitted from the communication device110-1to the wireless gateway140.

Accordingly, the wireless gateway140can detect presence of the communication device110-1in any number of ways.

In processing block620, in response to detecting the communication device110-1, the wireless gateway140provides notification of a presence of the wireless gateway140in the subscriber domain150-1to the communication device110-1.

In processing block630, in furtherance of performing a handoff, the wireless gateway140establishes a second wireless communication link228between the communication device110-1and the wireless gateway140.

FIG. 7is a flowchart700illustrating an example method according to embodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect to concepts as discussed above. Note further that the processing in the flowcharts below can be executed in any suitable order. In one embodiment, the wireless gateway140represents wireless gateway hardware that controls access through communication portal160to shared communication link191via performing the following operations.

In processing block710, the communication device110-1pre-stores a unique identifier value assigned to wireless gateway140disposed in a subscriber domain150-1assigned to an operator of the mobile communication device110-1.

In processing block720, subsequent to establishing the first wireless communication link128, the communication device110-1receives a communication indicating that the wireless gateway140is in a vicinity of the mobile communication device110-1.

In processing block730, the communication device110-1initiates a handoff of a communication session to the wireless gateway140depending on a unique identifier value received from the wireless gateway hardware140.

Note again that techniques herein are well suited for enabling handoffs in a respective network environment. However, it should be noted that embodiments herein are not limited to use in such applications and that the techniques discussed herein are well suited for other applications as well.