Wireless network interference management using geographic data

An interference management system of a wireless network provider using geographic data and network information to recommend and/or facilitate transfer of services to an alternative connection.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications and, more particularly, to control of one or more wireless network resources using geographic data.

BACKGROUND

Wireless communications providers strive to provide robust and reliable service to their subscribers. Despite best efforts on the part of the providers, however, providing reliable service in some locations within a service area can be problematic. Service reliability in these locations can be compromised due to, for example, low signal levels, network resource scarcity, and interference introduced by land topology, physical obstructions, a large volume of transient subscribers, and sources of radio interference specific to a given location.

For example, a tall building or other obstruction in an urban area can block the propagation of radio signals, causing an area of low or no signal proximate to the obstruction. Similar issues can be caused by hilly or mountainous terrain. Multipath fading can be caused by reflection of radio waves off of multiple obstructions. Network resource scarcity can be caused by an abnormally large numbers of transient subscribers entering an area, or an inability on the part of the service provider to add additional resources due to legal and/or technical reasons (such as, for example, legal hurdles to building a new base station/cellular tower).

Locations where low performance may be experienced by a subscriber are referred to generally herein as “dead zones”, and can also be referred to as “coverage holes”, or “no-service areas”. Wireless providers attempt to minimize these areas, but often there are still locations in a coverage area where a subscriber may experience dropped calls or other access failures. As used herein, a dropped call is an unexpected termination of a voice call due to technical reasons. Although these problematic locations are generally isolated pockets within a larger service area, subscribers attempting to access the network in these locations can find the user experience to be less than optimal

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a system including a cellular communication network and an interference management system that includes a signal coverage map and a dead zone analysis module, where the interference management system can direct one or more network elements to transfer a service between a mobile device and the cellular communication network from the cellular communication network to an alternative connection device.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method including monitoring a performance characteristic of a wireless voice call connection between a mobile device and a cellular network, monitoring available alternative connections, and requesting a handoff of the voice call from the cellular network to an available alternative connection based at least in part on data available at an interference management system.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to cause data processing apparatus to monitor a performance characteristic of a wireless voice call connection between a mobile device and a cellular network, monitor available alternative connections, and request a handoff of the voice call from the cellular network to an available alternative connection based at least in part on data available at an interference management system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are merely examples that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, for example, “exemplary,” and similar terms, refer expansively to embodiments that serve as an illustration, specimen, model or pattern. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized, such as to show details of particular components. In some instances, well-known components, systems, materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

While the description includes a general context of computer-executable instructions, the present disclosure can also be implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software. The term “application,” or variants thereof, is used expansively herein to include routines, program modules, programs, components, data structures, algorithms, and the like. Applications can be implemented on various system configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal computers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based, programmable consumer electronics, combinations thereof, and the like.

Overview of the Disclosure

In various embodiments, the present disclosure describes a wireless communication system incorporating an interference management system and methods related thereto. In some embodiments, the interference management system models radio wave propagation based on geographic information to, for example, base network operation in whole or in part on the resulting model or models.

Interference Management System

Now turning to the figures, and more particularly to the first figure,FIG. 1illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary environment100of an interference management system102for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

The interference management system102includes, in some embodiments, a server or multiple co-located or distributed servers. Data from multiple sources can be provided to and/or accessed by the interference management system102. For example, mobility data104, geographic information system (GIS) data106, and broadband data108can be provided to respective data parsing modules110,112, and114. Parsing modules are configured to, for example, retrieve, process, and/or format data for use by the interference management system102. In some embodiments, one or more parsing modules are configured to accept and process data from multiple sources. For example, in one embodiment, a single parsing module is configured to accept and process mobility data104, GIS data106, and broadband data108.

Mobility data104includes, for example, data related to mobile device performance on a given network. Such data can include, for example, (i) wireless signal parameters recorded in the field by testing devices, (ii) one or more locations at which the measurement(s) were made, (iii) call record data including, but not limited to, signal levels measured at mobile devices, (iv) location(s) of devices making measurements, (v) identification of one or more base stations being received at a mobile device, (vi) call duration data, (vii) dropped call data (as detected by, for example a mobile device, a wireless network with which a mobile device was communicating, or subscriber complaints), (viii) dropped data connection information, (ix) base station traffic load data, and (x) quality of service data. In general, mobility data104can include any data relating to performance of a wireless network. In many respects, the description below focuses primarily on analysis and provisioning of voice call services, however, it should be understood these techniques can also be applied to the analysis and control of data services.

GIS data106includes data relating to physical characteristics of a wireless network. For example, GIS data106can include (i) locations (e.g., latitude and longitude) of base stations, or other nodes of the wireless network, (ii) antenna configurations (e.g., antenna type, height, azimuth, shape) of base stations or other network nodes, (iii) power output of base stations or other network notes, (iv) topography of a wireless service area, (v) location and physical characteristics of structures in a wireless service area (e.g., buildings, trees), (vi) location of potential sources of interference (base stations of another provider, television transmitters, and power transmission lines, for example), (vii) locations of WiFi access points, (viii) areas of high traffic demand (voice and/or data), and (ix) other radio wave propagation modeling information.

Broadband data108includes data relating to characteristics of a wired broadband network. For example, broadband data108can include (i) DSL bandwidth/capacity, (ii) optical fiber bandwidth/capacity, (iii) coaxial cable bandwidth/capacity, (iv) backhaul costing, (v) broadband network service performance data, and (vi) other parameters relating to performance and use of one or more elements of a wired network.

Some or all of the data from the data sources104,106, and108can be loaded into one or more data stores (not shown in detail) of the interference management system102. Alternatively or in addition, some or all of the data from the data sources104,106, and108can be accessed by the interference management system102from external sources.

The data retrieved from the data sources104,106, and108and/or external sources can be used by the interference management system102to generate one or more maps and/or models for use in providing wireless communication services to subscribers. For example, the data can be used to generate a wireless coverage map116, and a DSL capacity map118.

The interference management system102includes a call/data connection monitor module120configured to collect and monitor mobile device uplink and downlink performance. Monitored performance parameters can include, for example, signal to noise ratio, energy per chip to interference spectral density, packet loss, latency, throughput, and voice mean opinion score. The interference management system102also includes a dead zone analysis module122configured to use identify potentially problematic areas where, for example, calls might be dropped or wireless service quality could otherwise be compromised. The dead zone analysis module122can use mobile device performance data (signal-to-noise ratios experienced at a given location, for example), geographic information, radio propagation models, dropped call reports, and other information available at the interference management system102to identify these areas. In some embodiments, a threshold for dropped calls is set such that more dropped calls than the threshold amount in a given area results in that area being designated as a dead zone. In some embodiments, a threshold for signal-to-noise ratio is set such that a signal-to-noise ratio less than this threshold being measured at a given area results in that area being designated as a dead zone.

In some embodiments, GIS data106is used to generate corresponding radio frequency propagation parameters for use in a propagation model. For example, the GIS data, including, for example, the locations and dimensions of multiple buildings in a given area (an urban area, for example) can be used by one or more modules of the interference management system102(the dead zone analysis module122, for example) in identifying potential problematic areas and/or dead zones within a wireless coverage area.

The interference management system102further includes a GIS visualization module124configured to generate one or more interactive maps suitable for display on, for example, a computer monitor. In some embodiments, these maps display data received from the data sources104,106, and108, and/or information derived from this data by one or more modules of the interference management system102. For example, a map can be generated that shows characteristics of a given geographical area within a wireless service area. Such a map can include, for example, landmarks (e.g., roadways, city names, bodies of water) and land topology, overlaid with information regarding wireless service in that geographic area. For example, the map can include measured and/or theoretical wireless signal strengths in the area, base station locations, and potentially problematic areas where performance of the wireless network might be compromised. In addition, the map can include WiFi access points. In some implementations, the interference management system102includes a map interface (not shown) allowing a user to selectively display all, some, or none of these wireless network characteristics on a map display. An example interactive map is described below with reference toFIG. 2.

The interference management system102also includes an interference module126and an infrastructure management module128. These modules126,128are configured to use the information available at the interference management system102to instruct one or more elements in a wireless communication system129and/or a combined wireless/wired broadband network to perform one or more steps to improve wireless service. The interference management module126directs the operation of the elements of the wireless network in order to manage the physical layer to reduce interference and improve signal-to-noise ratios. The infrastructure management module directs the operation of network elements to reduce network congestion/overloading to improve service performance.

For example, a voice call on a mobile device that is at or near an identified dead zone can be transferred (handed off) to alternative network resources to prevent the voice call from being dropped. Examples of such operations are further described below with reference toFIGS. 3-6. An example mobile device than can be used in conjunction with the described systems and methods is described below with reference toFIG. 7. Example elements of a wireless communication system129are further described below with reference toFIG. 8.

In some embodiments, the interference management system102can include network interfaces130,132connected to an external network134and an internal network136, respectively. In some embodiments, the network interfaces130,132include components (not shown in detail) such as, for example, a web server, web pages, and one or more web applications (e.g., Java applications). An external user computer138can access the interference management system102through the external network134. An internal user computer138can access the interference management system102through the internal network136.

A graphical interface (an example of which is described below) provided through the network interface130or132can be accessed by users to view, add, and/or edit data available at the interference management system102.

Example Graphical Display and Interface

FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary graphical interface200of the interference management system102. The graphical interface200can be provided to client devices138and140over the network interfaces130and132, respectively. It should be understood that some features such as the ability to add, delete, and/or edit data in using the graphical interface200may be limited depending on the network over which the graphical interface200is being served (e.g., the external network134or the internal network136). Features of the graphical interface200may also be limited based on user log in credentials and permissions.

The graphical interface200includes an interactive map section202displaying information available at the interference management system102. In some embodiments, the interference management system102is configured so that a user can, for example, manipulate the interactive map section202using an input device (e.g., mouse, keyboard, and/or touch screen). For example, a user at a client device (such as client device138or140) can reposition a view shown in the interactive map202by selecting (e.g., clicking with a mouse) and moving the map view (e.g., by moving the mouse) to reposition the map view. In some embodiments, the graphical interface200includes selection buttons or areas (not shown) that, when selected by the user, cause the map view to move incrementally to the north, south, east, west, northeast, etc. In some embodiments, the graphical interface200is configured to allow a user to select a location (e.g., identify an address, landmark, or latitude and longitude) to reposition the map view. The map view shown in the interactive map section202can also include zoom controls, such as a slider bar204.

The interactive map202also includes a user selection pane206by which a user can choose types of data to be displayed on the interactive map202. In some embodiments, the user selection pane206includes controls (e.g., check boxes, radio buttons, selection buttons, drop down selection boxes, etc.) for choosing which data of the data available at the interference management system102is displayed on the interactive map202at any given time.

In the example view shown inFIG. 2, the interactive map202includes information for Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) coverage information and signal strength for a first carrier, cell tower locations for the same carrier, public WiFi locations, and identified dead zones. This displayed data corresponds with the user selections shown in the selection pane206. Checkboxes next to each of these options are shown as having been selected by a user. Selection of these options cause the interactive map202to display the corresponding data.

In some embodiments, the selection pane206includes an “Apply” button208, a “Reset Map” button210, and/or a “New Search” button212. The interactive map202can be updated upon a change in any selections of the selection pane206, or alternatively, when the “Apply” button208is selected. Selection of the “Reset Map” button210can cause the information shown on the map to be cleared. Selection of the “New Search” button212can, for example, cause a form field to be displayed for entering a new location (e.g., latitude and longitude, address, landmark) to be shown in the interactive map202.

The selection pane206can also serve as a legend for the interactive map. Options in the selection pane206can include corresponding graphics or icons that indicate how data will be graphically displayed on the interactive map202if the option is selected for display. For example, the “GSM” coverage option in the selection pane206includes three graphics214,216, and218for displaying respective GSM signal strengths in the interactive map202. The three graphics can, for example, have different shades of a similar color. In the interactive map202, these colors indicate relative GSM signal levels for locations covered by that color/shade on the interactive map202. In some embodiments, there can be more than three graphics/levels of shading for indicating signal levels.

The cell tower icon220indicates the location of cell towers for the first carrier on the interactive map202. The public WiFi icon222indicates the location of public WiFi access points (or “hot spots”). These WiFi access points may be access points installed by and under the control and/or supervision of a wireless carrier. The WiFi access points may be installed at business or retail offices owned and/or operated by business partners of a wireless service provider. For example, the WiFi access points may be installed at coffee shops, bookstores, and fast food restaurants.

The dead zone graphic224indicates the location of actual and/or potential dead zones identified by the interference management system through uploaded data and/or signal propagation models based on some or part of this data (e.g., from the data sources104,106,108). In one contemplated embodiment, the dead zone graphic224includes multiple categories for identifying various types of dead zones. For example, in one embodiment, the dead zone graphic224includes one visual indication for actual, already identified, dead zones and one visual indication for potential dead zones. The underlying data used to display the dead zone areas is in any form sufficient to identify a geographic region, such as by including coordinate boundaries and/or a center point with a radius.

GSM signal levels are shown on the interactive map202as an example, and coverage maps for any wireless protocol can be displayed in the same manner. In some embodiments, the selection pane206can include display options for multiple carriers. This can be helpful if, for example, one carrier is considering the purchase of some or all of another carrier's assets and/or has just completed such a purchase.

In some embodiments, a user of the computer138can access the interference management system102to enter data. This entered data can be added to the information already available at the interference management system as received from data sources104,106,108. For example, a wireless subscriber can access the interference management system102to input data regarding a dropped call (e.g., location, time, etc.). In some embodiments, a location of a dropped call can be entered by clicking on the location of the dropped call on the interactive map202.

In some embodiments, a user of the computer140can access to the interference management system102to enter, delete, update, and/or edit data. These actions can add to or manipulate the information already available at the interference management system as received from data sources104,106,108. For example, an employee of a wireless service provider can access the interference management system102to input data regarding a dropped call (e.g., location, time, etc.). In some embodiments, a location of a dropped call can be entered by clicking on the location of the dropped call on the interactive map202.

In some embodiments, boundaries of a service area and/or dead zone can be clicked and dragged to change their respective shape. In some embodiments, the locations of cell towers, WiFi locations, and other elements can be entered, deleted, updated, and/or edited at least in part through user interaction with the interactive map202.

The data available at and/or generated by the interference management system102can be used in provisioning network services to improve wireless service reliability. For example, alternative connection options can be identified for a wireless subscriber based on the subscriber's current location and/or current performance characteristics of the wireless communication system129, including actual signals strengths and dead zones and/or estimated or potential problem areas. Where alternative connections are available, service can be transferred (e.g., a mobile voice call can be handed off to an alternative connection). Further examples of how the interference management system102can improve reliability in the provision of service to the subscriber, and thus the subscriber experience, will be described below.

Use of Alternative Connections

Wireless service providers have placed broadband access points (e.g., WiFi access points) in various residential and/or commercial areas. These access points provide a broadband connection for mobile devices to the Internet over DSL, coaxial cable (e.g., cable modems), passive optical networks, T1, T3, or other broadband network connections. In addition, many mobile devices include a short range wireless transceiver (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) in addition to a transceiver used for cellular communication. The broadband access points operated by a wireless service provider and the local wireless transceivers (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth) included in many mobile devices, serve as alternative connections for mobile devices that are in or near identified dead zones.

If, for example, the location of a mobile device and/or the status of its connection to the cellular network indicates that the device is in jeopardy of dropping a voice call, the mobile device can be instructed to (and/or already include instructions for) switching to a WiFi access point. An existing voice call can be handed off to a WiFi connection and continued without interruption using voice over internet protocol (VoIP).

Use of such alternative connections can help to reduce dropped calls. The use of alternative connections in or near dead zones can be, for example, particularly effective in urban areas where tall buildings can block signals and cause multipath signal fading. This makes dead zones more likely, but an urban area is also more likely to have a nearby local wireless technology (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth) access point that can be utilized as an alternative connection.

FIG. 3illustrates a schematic block diagram300of an exemplary handoff of a cellular voice call to a broadband network. Consider a mobile device302having an established cellular connection304to a cellular base station306. To maintain an acceptable level of service (e.g., voice service) to the mobile device302, a voice call (and/or in some embodiments other wireless services) can be handed off to a nearby alternative connection such as the WiFi access point310. In some embodiments, for example, if one or more performance parameters of the connection304decreases to or below a minimum acceptable threshold, a handoff procedure is performed. In some embodiments, if a location of the mobile device302(as determined, for example, from a GPS unit of the mobile device302and/or signal timing/triangulation techniques), when compared to data of the interference management system102, indicates that the mobile device is in or near an identified or potential dead zone, the handoff procedure can be performed.

A WiFi connection308between the mobile device302and the access point310can be established, and services can be delivered to the mobile device302. For example, a voice call in progress can be handed off to the WiFi access point310to maintain the continuity of the call. Voice data between the mobile device302and the wireless service provider can be transferred over a broadband network312using VoIP.

FIG. 4illustrates a schematic block diagram400of an exemplary handoff of a cellular voice call through a WiFi connection of an intermediate mobile device. Consider a primary mobile device402having an established cellular connection404to a cellular base station406. To maintain an acceptable level of service (e.g., voice service) to the mobile device402, a voice call (and/or in some embodiments other wireless services) can be handed off to a nearby alternative connection such as the WiFi transceiver of a second mobile device408having a cellular connection to the cellular base station412.

In some embodiments, the interference management system102is configured so that if, for example, one or more performance parameters of the connection404decreases to or below a minimum acceptable threshold, the interference management system102initiates a handoff procedure. Alternatively, or in addition, if a location of the mobile device402(as determined, for example, from a GPS unit of the mobile device402and/or signal timing/triangulation techniques), when compared to data of the interference management system102.

Once a connection (e.g., a WiFi connection)414between the primary mobile device402and the intermediate mobile device408is established, services can be delivered to the primary mobile device402. For example, a voice call in progress can be handed off to the WiFi connection414. In some embodiments, voice data between the primary mobile device402and the wireless service provider is transferred through the intermediate mobile device408using VoIP. This data can be relayed by the intermediate mobile device408to the cellular base station412which can send this data over a broadband network416to the appropriate elements of the wireless network. It should be understood that the intermediate mobile device408could have an established connection with the cellular base station406(i.e., the same base station that the primary mobile device402was previously connected to). The interference management system102may initiate a handoff from the first connection404to the second connection410,414for various reasons, such as in response to determining that a connection between the second mobile device408and the first cellular base station406is, or is expected to become, more reliable than the connection404between the first mobile device402and first the base station406.

FIG. 5illustrates a schematic block diagram500of an exemplary handoff of a cellular voice call to multiplexed hybrid connections. Consider a mobile device502having an established cellular connection504to a cellular base station506. To maintain an acceptable level of service (e.g., voice service) to the mobile device502, a voice call (and/or in some embodiments other wireless services) can be handed off to two or more nearby alternative connections such as a WiFi access point518, the WiFi transceiver of a second mobile device508, and/or the WiFi transceiver of a third mobile device514. The second mobile device508and third mobile device514have respective cellular connections510,516to a cellular base station512. In some embodiments, the second mobile device508and third mobile device514are connected to different cellular base stations.

In some embodiments, the interference management system102is configured so that if, for example, one or more performance parameters of the connection504decreases to or below a minimum acceptable threshold, the interference management system102initiates a handoff procedure. Alternatively, or in addition, if a location of the mobile device502(as determined, for example, from a GPS unit of the mobile device502and/or signal timing/triangulation techniques), when compared to data of the interference management system102, indicates that the mobile device is in or near an identified dead zone, the handoff procedure can be performed.

For example, a voice call in progress can be handed off to two or more of the WiFi connections522,524,526. Voice data between the mobile device502and the wireless service provider can be transferred to and from the multiple intermediate devices using VoIP.

The mobile device502can use two or more of these alternative connections to multiplex voice data using VoIP to/from the wireless service provider. The mobile device502can be configured to encode VoIP traffic using forward error correction (FEC) protocols so that the data transferred through multiple devices can be properly reassembled by the wireless service provider. VoIP traffic to the mobile device502can be similarly encoded so that the mobile device502can properly reassemble the data.

The interference management system102can identify, monitor, and/or provision potential alternative connections, and/or provide alternative connection recommendations to a mobile device. Recommendations can be based on, for example, connection load and/or performance of the alternative connection options. Recommendations differ from instructions (i.e. commands) in that logic in a mobile device can make the final determination as to which alternative connection(s) will be used, and, in some embodiments, whether a handoff is performed at all. Throughout the handoff procedures described inFIGS. 3,4, and5, the interference management system102can support the handover process. Alternatively, or in addition, mobile devices in the wireless communication system can be configured to monitor possible alternative connections such as nearby WiFi access points and/or other WiFi enabled mobile devices. Upon the detection of degraded cellular connection performance, the mobile device can initiate a handoff event. The handoff event can be facilitated by the wireless communication system.

In some embodiments, a handoff is initiated by a mobile device upon information being received at the mobile device indicating that is in or near an identified dead zone, the signal-to-noise ratio for the mobile device uplink or downlink has failed below a minimum acceptable threshold, and/or measured throughput has decreased below a minimum acceptable threshold.

In some embodiments, a handoff is initiated by the interference management system102upon information being at the interference management system102that the location of a given mobile device is in or near an identified dead zone, the signal-to-noise ratio for the mobile device uplink or downlink has failed below a minimum acceptable threshold, and/or measured throughput has decreased below a minimum acceptable threshold.

FIG. 6shows an exemplary method600for routing voice data based on an interference management analysis, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the steps of the method600are not necessarily presented in any particular order and that performance of some or all the steps in an alternative order is possible and is contemplated. The steps have been presented in the demonstrated order for ease of description and illustration. Steps can be added, omitted and/or performed simultaneously without departing from the scope of the appended claims. It should also be understood that the illustrated method600can be ended at any time. In certain embodiments, some or all steps of this process, and/or substantially equivalent steps are performed by execution of computer-readable instructions stored or included on a computer readable medium, such as the memory706of the mobile device700(described below in connection withFIG. 7) and/or a memory module of a location server or mobile locating platform, for example.

The method600begins and flow proceeds to block602, where one or more connection parameters are monitored. This monitoring can be performed by an interference management system102and/or a mobile device. Connection parameters can include the location of a mobile device using the connection. The method proceeds to decision block604where one or more connection parameters are compared to respective minimum performance thresholds. If the performance of the connection is superior to the minimum thresholds, the method returns to block602.

If one or more connection parameters do not meet the minimum performance thresholds, the method proceeds to decision block606where a check is performed to determine if any alternative wireline or wireless connection options are available. If no alternative connection options are available, the method returns to block602.

If alternative connection options are available, the method proceeds to decision block608where a check is performed to determine if a handoff should be performed. This check can include a determination of whether or not a handoff mode is enabled and/or whether the resulting alternative connection would be superior to the current connection. If a handoff should not be performed the method returns to block602. If a handoff should be performed, the method proceeds to decision block610.

At decision block610it is determined whether the handoff should be to a single wireline or wireless alternative connection or to multiple alternative connections. This determination can include, for example, whether or not a single alternative connection available to a mobile device has sufficient capacity and/or performance to handle the required traffic load. If it is determined that a single wireline or wireless device should be used as the alternative connection, the method proceeds to block612.

At block612, a connection is established with the selected alternative access device. The method proceeds to block614where a handoff is requested. For example, a mobile device can request the wireless communication network to handoff a voice call after the alternative connection is established. The method proceeds to block616where the handoff is performed and the voice call is continued.

If, at block610, it is determined that multiple alternative connections should be used the method proceeds to block618. At block618, multiple connections are established with two or more of the selected alternative access devices. The method proceeds to block620where a handoff is requested. For example, a mobile device can request the wireless communication network to handoff a voice call after the alternative connections are established. The method proceeds to block622where voice traffic is encoded using forward error correction. The method proceeds to block624where the handoff is performed and the voice call is continued.

Mobile Device Overview

FIG. 7illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary mobile device700for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The mobile device700may be, for example, a smart phone or dedicated navigation device.

Although connections are not shown between all of the components illustrated inFIG. 7, the components can interact with each other to carry out device functions. In some embodiments, for example, the components are arranged so as to communicate via one or more busses (not shown). It should be understood thatFIG. 7and the following description are intended to provide a general understanding of a suitable environment in which the various aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented.

In some embodiments, the mobile device700is a multimode handset and has a variety of computer readable media, including, for example, volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media. The term “computer-readable media” and variants thereof, as used in the specification and claims, refers to storage media. In some embodiments, storage media includes volatile and/or non-volatile, removable, and/or non-removable media. For example, storage media includes random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), solid state memory or other memory technology, CD ROM, DVD, or other optical disk storage, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by the mobile device700.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the mobile device700includes a display702for displaying multimedia such as, for example, application graphical user interfaces (GUIs), text, images, video, telephony functions such as Caller ID data, setup functions, menus, music, metadata, messages, wallpaper, graphics, Internet content, device status, preferences settings, map and location data, routes and other directions, points of interest (POI), and the like. The illustrated mobile device700also includes a processor704for controlling, processing data, and/or executing computer-executable instructions of one or more applications, and a memory706for storing data and/or one or more applications708. In some embodiments, the memory706stores information associated with determining location of the mobile device700according the methods described herein. For example, the memory706may store information including user preference factors and/or administrative factors set by an administrator, manufacturer, or service provider, which are described in more detail below.

In some embodiments, the application(s)708include a user interface (UI) application710. The UI application710interfaces with a client712(e.g., an operating system (OS)) to facilitate user interaction with device functionality and data. In some embodiments, the client712is one of Symbian OS® (Symbian OS is a registered trademark of Symbian Limited, of London, England), Microsoft® Windows® Mobile OS (Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.), Palm webOS® (Palm WebOS is a registered trademark of the Palm Trademark Holding Company, of Sunnyvale, Calif.), Palm OS® (also a registered trademark of the Palm Trademark Holding Company), RIM® BlackBerry® OS (RIM and Blackberry are registered trademarks of Research In Motion Limited of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada), Apple® iPhone® OS (Apple and iPhone are registered trademarks of the Apple Corporation, of Cupertino, Calif.), or Google Android® OS (Android is a registered trademark of Google, Inc., of Mountain View, Calif.). These operating systems are merely exemplary of the operating systems that can be used in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein. Other operating systems are contemplated.

The UI application710aids the user in entering message content, viewing received messages, answering/initiating calls, entering/deleting data, entering and setting user IDs and passwords, configuring settings, manipulating address book content and/or settings, interacting with other applications714, and the like. In some embodiments, the other applications714include, for example, add-ons, plug-ins, location applications, e-mail applications, music applications, video applications, camera applications, power conservation applications, game applications, productivity applications, entertainment applications, enterprise applications, customer information management applications, accounting applications, authentication applications, applications, proprietary business applications, combinations thereof, and the like. The applications708are stored in the memory706and/or in a firmware716, and can be executed by the processor704. The firmware716can also store code for execution during device700power up, for example.

The illustrated mobile device700also includes an input/output (I/O) interface718for input/output of data, such as, for example, user IDs, passwords, and application initiation (start-up) requests. In some embodiments, the I/O interface718is a hardwire connection, such as, for example, a USB, mini-USB, audio jack, PS2, IEEE 1394, serial, parallel, Ethernet (RJ48) port, RJ11 port, or the like. In some embodiments, the I/O interface718accepts other I/O devices such as, for example, keyboards, keypads, mice, interface tethers, stylus pens, printers, thumb drives, touch screens, multi-touch screens, touch pads, trackballs, joysticks, microphones, remote control devices, monitors, displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), combinations thereof, and the like. It should be appreciated that the I/O interface718can be used for communications between the mobile device700and a network or local device, instead of, or in addition to, a communications component720.

The communications component720interfaces with the processor704to facilitate wired/wireless communications with external systems. Example external systems include, but are not limited to, intranets, network databases, network storage systems, cellular networks, location systems, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), personal area networks (PANs), and other networks. In some embodiments, the external systems are implemented using WIFI, WIMAX, combinations and/or improvements thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, the communications component720includes a multimode communications subsystem for providing cellular communications via different cellular technologies. In some embodiments, for example, a first cellular transceiver722operates in one mode, such as, GSM, and an Nth cellular transceiver724operates in a different mode, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). While only two cellular transceivers722,724are illustrated, the mobile device700may include more than two transceivers.

The illustrated communications component720also includes a transceiver726for use by other communications technologies such as, for example, WIFI, WIMAX, BLUETOOTH, infrared, infrared data association (IRDA), near field communications (NFC), RF, and the like. In some embodiments, the communications component720also facilitate reception from terrestrial radio networks, digital satellite radio networks, Internet-based radio services networks, combinations thereof, and the like. The communications component720can process data from a network such as, for example, the Internet, an intranet, a home broadband network, a WIFI hotspot, and the like, via an ISP, DSL provider, or broadband provider.

In some embodiments of the present invention, audio capabilities for the mobile device700are provided by an audio I/O component728including a speaker to output audio signals and a microphone to receive audio signals.

The illustrated mobile device700also includes a slot interface730for accommodating a subscriber identity system732such as, for example, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a universal SIM (USIM) card, or a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). Alternatively, the subscriber identity system732can be manufactured into the device700, thereby obviating the need for a slot interface730. In some embodiments, the subscriber identity system732stores information associated with determining location of the mobile device700according the methods described herein. For example, the subscriber identity system732may store information including user preference factors and/or administrative factors set by an administrator, manufacturer, or service provider, which are described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the subscriber identity system732is programmed by a manufacturer, a retailer, a user, a computer, a network operator, or the like.

The illustrated mobile device700also includes an image capture and processing system734(image system). Photos can be obtained via an associated image capture subsystem of the image system734, for example, a camera. The illustrated mobile device700also includes a video system736for capturing, processing, recording, modifying, and/or transmitting video content.

The illustrated mobile device700also includes a power source738, such as batteries and/or other power subsystem (AC or DC). The power source738can interface with an external power system or charging equipment via a power I/O component739.

The illustrated mobile device700also includes a location component740for use in determining geographic location of the mobile device700. The location component742may include, for example, a GPS receiver.

Communications Network

FIG. 8illustrates an exemplary network800including an interference management system102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The wireless communications network800includes an interference management system102as described above. In some embodiments, the wireless communications network800includes two radio access networks (RANs). A first RAN, illustrated in the upper left hand portion ofFIG. 8, is dedicated to GSM-based network access. A second RAN, illustrated in the lower left hand portion ofFIG. 8, is dedicated to UMTS-based network access. The innovative aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in alternative networks that use other access technologies, as described above. The first RAN is now described.

The illustrated communications network800includes a first Mobile Station (MS)802and a second MS804that are each in communication with a Base Transceiver Station (BTS)806via the Um radio (air) interface. The BTSs806are terminating nodes for the radio interface in the illustrated first RAN. Each BTS806includes one or more transceivers and is responsible for ciphering of the radio interface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first MS802is a mobile device, such as the mobile device700, described above with reference toFIG. 7, and the second MS804is a portable computer, such as a laptop with an integrated or external, removable GSM access card. Each MS802,804includes mobile equipment, such as, but not limited to, keyboards, screens, touch screens, multi-touch screens, radio transceivers, circuit boards, processors, memory, a SIM, USIM, or UICC that contains subscriber information to enable network access to the wireless telecommunications network800, and the like.

Each BTS806is in communication with a Base Station Controller (BSC)808via an Abis interface. Typically, a BSC has tens or even hundreds of BTSs under its control. The BSC808is configured to allocate radio resources to the MSs802,804, administer frequencies, and control handovers between BTSs806(except in the case of an inter-Mobile Switching Center (MSC) handover in which case control is in part the responsibility of the MSC). One function of the BSC808is to act as a concentrator, so that many different low capacity connections to the BTS806become reduced to a smaller number of connections towards the MSC. Generally, this means that networks are often structured to have many BSCs808distributed into regions near the BTSs806and connected to large centralized MSC sites. Although illustrated as a distinct element, the functions provided by the BSC808may alternatively be incorporated in the BTS806and, in such a configuration, the Abis interface is eliminated.

The BSC808is logically associated with a Packet Control Unit (PCU)810when GPRS capabilities are employed. The PCU810is configured to support radio related aspects of GPRS when connected to a GSM network. The PCU810is in communication with a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)812via a Gb interface. The SGSN812records and tracks the location of each mobile device (e.g., MSs802,804) in the wireless telecommunications network200. The SGSN812also provides security functions and access control functions.

The BSC808is also in communication with an MSC814via an A interface. The MSC814is configured to function as a telecommunications switch. The MSC814is in communication with location databases, such as a Visiting Location Register (VLR)816and a Home Location Register (HLR)817. The VLR816may be logically associated with the MSC814as illustrated or may be provided as a separate network element. The VLR816is a database configured to store all subscriber data that is required for call processing and mobility management for mobile subscribers that are currently located in an area controlled by the VLR816.

The HLR817is in communication with the MSC814and VLR816via the D interface. The HLR817is a database configured to provide routing information for mobile terminated calls and various messaging communications. The HLR817is also configured to maintain subscriber data that is distributed to the relevant VLR (e.g., the VLR816) or the SGSN812through the attach process and to provide mobility management procedures, such as location area and routing area updates. The HLR817may be logically associated with an Authentication Center (AuC) as illustrated, or the AuC may be provided as a separate network element. The AuC is configured to authenticate each UICC/SIM/USIM/X-SIM that attempts to connect to the wireless telecommunications network800, for example, when a mobile device is powered on. Once authenticated, the HLR817is allowed to manage the UICC/SIM/USIM/X-SIM and services provided to the MS802,804. The AuC also is capable of generating an encryption key that is used to encrypt all wireless communications between the MS802,804and the communications network800.

The MSC814is also in communication with a Gateway MSC (GMSC)818via a B interface. The GMSC818is configured to provide an edge function within a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). The GMSC818terminates signaling and traffic from a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)822and an Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN)824, and converts the signaling and traffic to protocols employed by the mobile network. The GMSC818is in communication with the HLR/AuC817via a C interface to obtain routing information for mobile terminated calls originating from fixed network devices, such as landline telephones that are in communication with the mobile network via the PSTN822, for example.

The MSC814is also in communication with an Equipment Identify Register (EIR)828via an F interface. The EIR828is a database that can be configured to identify subscriber devices that are permitted to access the wireless telecommunications network800. An International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique identifier that is allocated to each mobile device and is used to identify subscriber devices in the EIR828. The IMEI includes a type approval code, a final assembly code, a serial number, and a spare digit. An IMEI is typically placed in the EIR828once its operation has been certified for the infrastructure of the network800in a laboratory or validation facility.

The SGSN812and the MSC814are also in communication with a gateway mobile location center (GMLC)829via an Lg interface. The GMLC829can communicate with the HLR/AuC817via an Lh interface to acquire routing information.

The EIR828and the HLR/AuC817are each in communication with the SGSN812via a Gf interface and a Gr interface, respectively. The SGSN812, in turn, is in communication with a GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node)830via a Gn interface. The GGSN830is configured to provide an edge routing function within a GPRS network to external PDNs (Packet Data Networks)832, such as the Internet and one or more intranets, for example. The GGSN830is in communication with the PDN832via a Gi interface. The GGSN830includes firewall and filtering functionality. The HLR/AuC817is in communication with the GGSN830via a Gc interface.

The SGSN812is also in communication with another PLMN834via an external GGSN (not shown). The external GGSN provides access to the other PLMN834. The other PLMN834may be, for example, a foreign network, such as, a wireless telecommunications network operated by another wireless service provider (WSP) or the same WSP.

The second RAN, illustrated in the lower left hand portion ofFIG. 8, is dedicated to UMTS-based network access and is now described. The illustrated wireless telecommunications network800also includes a first UE (User Equipment)836and a second UE838that are each in communication with a Node B840via a Uu radio (air) interface. The Node B840is the terminating node for the radio interface in the second RAN. Each Node B840includes one or more transceivers for transmission and reception of data across the Uu radio interface. Each Node B840is configured to apply codes to describe channels in a CDMA-based UMTS network. Generally, the Node B840performs similar functions for the UMTS network that the BTS806performs for the GSM network.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first UE836is a mobile phone, such as the mobile device700, described above with reference toFIG. 7, and the second UE838is a portable computer, such as a laptop with an integrated or external, removable UMTS card. Each UE836,838includes mobile equipment, such as keyboards, screens, touch screens, multi-touch screens, radio transceivers, circuit boards, processors, a UICC or USIM stand-alone that contains subscriber information to enable network access to the wireless telecommunications network800, and the like. Generally, the UEs836,838perform similar functions in the UMTS network that the MSs802,804perform in the GSM network.

Each Node B840is in communication with a Radio Network Controller (RNC)842via a lub interface. The RNC842is configured to allocate radio resources to the UEs836,838, administer frequencies, and control handovers between Node Bs840(and others not shown). Although illustrated as a distinct element, the RNC842functions may alternatively be located within the Node Bs840. In this configuration the lub interface is eliminated. Generally, the RNC842performs similar functions for the UMTS network that the BSC808performs for the GSM network.

The RNC842is in communication with the MSC814via an lu-CS interface. The RNC842is also in communication with the SGSN812via an lu-PS interface. The other network elements perform the same functions for the UMTS network as described above for the GSM network.

The communications network800also includes an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network844. The IMS network844includes Call State Control Functions (CSCFs), such as, a Proxy-CSCF (P-CSCF), an Interrogating-CSCF (I-CSCF), and a Serving-CSCF (S-CSCF). The P-CSCF is a first contact point in the IMS network844for a UE836,838and routes incoming communications to the I-CSCF. The I-CSCF determines which S-CSCF is serving the communication and routes the communication to that S-CSCF, which performs registration, session control, and application interface functions. The P-CSCF and the I-CSCF are illustrated as a combined I/P-CSCF846and the S-CSCF848is illustrated as a stand-alone element. Other CSCF configurations are contemplated.

The IMS network844also includes a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)850, which is a master user database that supports the IMS network844core network elements. The HSS850stores subscription-related information, such as subscriber account details and subscriber profiles, performs authentication and authorization of the user, and provides information about a subscriber's location and IP address. It is similar to the GSM HLR and AuC, described above as the combination HLR/AuC817.

The IMS network844also includes a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)852, which provides call control protocol conversions between an ISDN User Part (ISUP) protocol used by the PSTN822and a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) used by the IMS network844.

Referring back to the SGSN812, it is shown that the SGSN812is in communication with a charging system854via a CAP interface. The GGSN930is also in communication with the charging system854, via an Ro interface. The charging system854, in turn, is in communication with a billing system856.

Briefly, the charging system854is responsible for offline and online charging of subscriber accounts. The charging system854may be deployed to provide charging rule functions for prepaid and/or postpaid network platforms and for agreements developed between a home network WSP and a foreign WSP, such as a temporary lease agreement, a temporary unlocking agreement, or a temporary roaming agreement. The single charging system854is illustrated for simplicity, however separate charging systems are contemplated and may be utilized if desired by the operating WSP. The billing system856is responsible for billing postpaid customers and handling payments received for service provisioned for both postpaid and prepaid accounts in the network800. Like the charging system854, the billing system856may alternatively be designed as two separate entities for postpaid and prepaid applications.

The law does not require and it is economically prohibitive to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.