Mesh communication network and devices

A method for communicating in a wireless communication network includes establishing a first direct communication link with a base transceiver station and communicating data associated with a communication session over the first direct communication link. The method also includes establishing a mesh connection to the base transceiver station. The mesh connection includes at least one mesh communication link with at least one intermediate communication device of a plurality of communication devices in the wireless network, the at least one intermediate communication device communicating with the base transceiver station over a second direct communication link with the base transceiver station. The method further includes switching between communicating data associated with the communication session over the first direct communication link and communicating data associated with the communication session over the mesh connection.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This present disclosure relates generally to telecommunication networks.

BACKGROUND

Some communication devices such as cell phones typically operate by communicating directly with one or more base transceiver stations (BTSs) in a wireless network. When the quality of a link to one BTS falls below a threshold level or the quality of a link to another BTS is greater than a current link, the wireless network may initiate a handoff procedure between BTSs. While handoff may be an effective means to maintain service when a user moves between cells, it may be insufficient when direct communication to a BTS tower in a wireless network is impaired. Such situations may arise when a communication device enters a tunnel, basement, or urban canyon.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Overview

In one embodiment, a method for communicating in a wireless communication network includes establishing a first direct communication link with a base transceiver station and communicating data associated with a communication session over the first direct communication link. The method also includes establishing a mesh connection to the base transceiver station. The mesh connection includes at least one mesh communication link with at least one intermediate communication device of a plurality of communication devices in the wireless network, the at least one intermediate communication device communicating with the base transceiver station over a second direct communication link with the base transceiver station. The method further includes switching between communicating data associated with the communication session over the first direct communication link and communicating data associated with the communication session over the mesh connection.

In another embodiment, a method for allocating bandwidth in a wireless communication includes determining the quality of a plurality of direct communication links between a plurality of communication devices and a base transceiver station. The method also includes allocating bandwidth to the plurality of communication devices to serve as intermediate communication devices for one or more mesh connections, the allocation based at least on the quality of the plurality of the direct communication links. In certain embodiments, the method includes determining the quality of a plurality of mesh communication links associated with a first intermediate communication device of the plurality of communication devices and allocating bandwidth based at least on the quality of the mesh communication links associated with the first intermediate communication device.

Description

FIG. 1illustrates a communication system10for transmitting and receiving multimedia data. The illustrated embodiment includes network20and radio access network (RAN)30. RAN30is a wireless communication network and may include any suitable components for facilitating wireless communications. Such components may include, for example, any number of base transceiver stations (BTSs)40, a base station controller (BSC)50, communication devices60, and other communication and network components. In operation, BTS40and BSC50may support one or more communication sessions between communication devices60.

As represented inFIG. 1, communication devices60may communicate with a BTS40directly and/or indirectly. Direct communications may occur over a direct communication link62. By contrast, communication devices60may communicate with a BTS40indirectly through a mesh connection which may be implemented using any number of mesh links70. To facilitate the mesh connection, one or more communication devices60may operate as a mesh node which may transmit and/or receive communications to and from one or more communication devices60. Accordingly, a mesh node may function as an intermediate communication device60which indirectly couples one or more other communication devices to a BTS40via mesh links70. In certain embodiments, a communication device60may communicate with a BTS40over a direct communication link62and a mesh connection, simultaneously. Additionally, a communication device60may switch between communicating over a direct communication link62and a mesh connection based on the quality of the mesh connection and/or direct communication link62.

Network20represents communication equipment, including hardware and any appropriate controlling logic, for interconnecting elements coupled to network20. In particular, network20may enable the communication of audio and/or video telecommunication signals, data, and/or messages, including signals, data, or messages transmitted through text chat, instant messaging, and e-mail. Network20may comprise all, or a portion of, a radio access network (RAN), such as RAN30; a public switched telephone network (PSTN); a public or private data network; a local area network (LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); a local, regional, or global communication or computer network such as the Internet; a wireline or wireless network; an enterprise intranet; or any combination of the preceding. To facilitate certain communication capabilities, network20may include any combination of gateways, routers, hubs, switches, access points, and any other hardware, software, or any combination of the preceding that may implement any suitable protocol or communication. While the illustrated embodiment indicates that communication system10includes a single network20, communication system10may include any number or arrangement of networks20.

Communications over network20may employ any suitable communication protocol. In particular embodiments, network20may utilize communication protocols that allow for the addressing or identification of endpoints, nodes, and/or other components coupled to the communication network. For example, using Internet protocol (IP), each of the components coupled together by, network10may be identified in information directed using IP addresses. In this manner, network20may support any form and/or combination of point-to-point, multicast, unicast, or other techniques for exchanging media packets among components in communication system10.

RAN30represents a wireless communication network which provides an interface between communication devices60and network20. In particular, RAN30may provide access services including Layer-2 mobile access, mobility, and/or handoff services within its area of coverage. The communications interface provided by RAN30may facilitate the exchange of data and other communications between communication devices60and any number of selected elements or components of communication system10.

In certain embodiments, RAN30may be apportioned into one or more cells. A cell may be a basic geographic unit of a wireless communication network. A cell may vary in size depending on terrain, capacity, or other demands and each may be equipped with a transmitter/receiver, such as a BTS40. The transition from one cell to another may be substantially transparent to the user of a communication device60. Thus, when a communication device60enters into a new geographical area or cell, a handoff procedure may be initiated to allow a communication session to continue without dropping the session or otherwise reducing session quality. Handoff may also occur when a communication device60is situated in overlapping cells and the call quality, for example, triggers a handover from the current cell handling the wireless communication to the overlapping cell.

Base transceiver stations (BTSs)40represent equipment that supports wireless communications between communication devices60and other elements of communication system10. BTSs40may include any number and configuration of devices and components operable to transmit and receive radio signals. In particular, BTSs40may include radio towers, antennas, signal processors, signal amplifiers and other suitable equipment for signal management. BTSs40may also include encryption and decryption elements for processing communications between components of communication system10. As illustrated, BTSs40each include a processor42. Processor42may execute commands and instructions associated with the services provided by a BTS40. In operation, processor42may be capable of facilitating any of the functionality associated with a BTS40. Examples of processor42include, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FGPAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and any other suitable specific or general purpose processors.

In operation, each BTS40may handle or otherwise manage communication sessions within one or more cells of RAN30. Specifically, each BTS40may communicatively couple a communications device60located within a serviced cell to one or more elements of communication system10through a direct communication link62. As illustrated inFIG. 1, each direct link62is a communication link between a BTS40and a communication device60. To facilitate communications within RAN30, each BTS40may be operable to simultaneously establish and maintain a direct communication link62with any number of communication devices60. While certain components and functionality of BTSs40have been provided, a BTS40may be any device operable to provide wireless access to a communication network such as RAN30or communication network20.

BSC50may operate as management components for a mobile network such as RAN30. This may be performed through remote commands to a corresponding BTS40. In certain embodiments, one base station controller50may manage more than one base transceiver station16. Some of the responsibilities of BSC50may include management of radio channels and assisting in handover scenarios. To provide the recited functionality, BSC50may include any suitable number and combination of processors, memories, and other hardware. BSC50may also include software and encoded logic for execution by one or more processors.

Communication devices60may represent any suitable combination of hardware, software, and/or encoded logic to provide communication services to a user. For example, communication devices60may include telephones; cell phones; computers running telephony, email, or other forms of messaging and/or communication software; end user devices; video monitors; cameras; personal digital assistants (PDAs); or any other communication hardware, software, and/or encoded logic that supports the communication of voice, video, text or other suitable forms of data using communication system10. AlthoughFIG. 1illustrates a particular number and configuration of communication devices60, communication system10contemplates any number or arrangement of such components to support communication of media.

Embodiments of communication devices60may include any suitable configuration of processors, memory units, interfaces. Communications devices60may also include or store software and/or encoded logic for execution by one or more processors64. A processor64may represent any suitable device(s) capable of processing and/or communicating electronic information. In operation, processor64may be capable of facilitating any of the functionality recited with respect to communication devices60. In certain embodiments, communication devices60may include a memory unit which stores processor instructions and/or any other appropriate information used by communication devices60. A memory unit may include any random access memory (RAM) device, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), read only memory (ROM) device, magnetic storage device, optical storage device, flash memory, or any other suitable data storage device(s). In addition, one or more communication devices60may have an interface operable to communicate information and signals to and receive information and signals from a communication network20or another communication device60. While specific components of an embodiment of a communication device60have been described, a communication device60may include any suitable type, number, or arrangement of components configured to provide the recited functionality.

Communications devices60may connect to RAN30or network20using any suitable telecommunication standard or protocol. In particular, communication devices60may connect to network20and one or more BTSs40of RAN30, using various mobile protocols or standards including, but not limited to code division multiple access (CDMA), CDMA2000, general packet radio service (GPRS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), evolution-data optimized (EV-DO), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) or any combination of the preceding. Communications devices60may also be operable to connect to one or more communication networks through a fixed broadband connection such as a digital subscriber line (DSL), cable modem, or Ethernet. Although specific protocols and standards have been provided, various other protocols and standards may be used to connect a communication device60with components of communication system10.

According to an embodiment, communication devices60may provide Layer-3 routing capabilities. In particular, one or more communication devices60may dynamically establish and/or tear down a mesh network among communication devices60. A mesh network represents a group of communication devices60communicatively coupled by one or more mesh links70. Each mesh link70may be a communications pathway connecting two or more communication devices60. Communications over a mesh link70may utilize any suitable technology or standard for transmitting packets over a wireless interface. In certain embodiments, one or more of the communication devices60coupled by mesh links70may also be connected to a BTS40through a direct communication link62. The direct communication link62which couples the mesh network to a BTS40may support the transfer of data from any communication device60in the mesh network to the BTS40. Thus, in certain embodiments, a BTS40is operable support multiple communication sessions in a mesh network through a single direct communication link62.

In operation, each communication device60connected by a mesh link70may operate as a mesh node which routes, forwards or otherwise distributes data and other communications among the coupled devices. Thus, within a mesh network, a call or other communication need not travel directly between a communication device60and a BTS40, but could travel through one or more auxiliary communication devices60within communication system10. Thus, a mesh network may provide an indirect connection between a communication device60and a BTS40. Specifically, data transmitted by a communication device60may travel over any number of mesh links70prior to reaching a destination such as a communication device70or a BTS40. Similarly, communications and data transmitted by a BTS40may pass through any number of mesh links70prior to reaching a destination communication device60. Additionally, as illustrated, a communication device60may communicatively connect to multiple auxiliary communication devices60within RAN30over multiple mesh links70. AlthoughFIG. 1provides a certain number and configuration of mesh links70between certain communication devices60, a mesh link70may be established between any number of communication devices60.

A mesh connection or network may be established by one or more communication devices60or a BTS40. For example, a first communication device60may request a second communication device60to initiate a mesh link70between the two devices. Similarly, a BTS40may signal or otherwise request multiple communication devices60to establish one or more mesh links70. In certain embodiments, a user of a communication device60situated within an existing mesh network may elect whether to allow the communication device60to serve as a mesh node. A user may, for example, decide whether to allow a communication device60to join a network mesh on a case-by-case basis. Thus, each time another communication device60requests to establish a mesh link, the user may be prompted or otherwise notified of the request. Alternatively, a user's preferences may be enforced generally pursuant to an implemented policy. For example, a policy might dictate that a communication device60may only serve as a mesh node if the user is not currently engaged in a communication session.

In an embodiment, communication devices60may monitor, compare, and switch between existing or potential communication links with various components of communication system10. For example, a communication device may monitor the quality of one or more direct communication links62with one or more BTSs40. Similarly, communication devices60may also monitor one or more potential mesh links70with any number of communication devices60functional to serve as nodes in a mesh network. Communication devices60may thereby compare the quality of one or more of the links and switch between a mesh link70or direct communication link62based on the communication link having the highest quality. In some embodiments, a communication device60may initiate communications over a mesh link70when a direct communication link62with a BTS40falls below a threshold quality of service (QoS) level. In certain embodiments, communication devices60may preemptively implement an ad hoc mesh network or connection to a BTS40and monitor the link quality over the direct and mesh links.

In a further embodiment, a communication device60may elect to maintain a direct communication link62and a mesh connection to a BTS40simultaneously. Accordingly, macrodiversity frame-selection may be enabled, whereby a communication device60may evaluate frames directly received from a BTS40and from one or more communication devices60within the mesh. The redundancy which multiple communication paths provide may facilitate error detection and correction or any other optimization technique. To illustrate, a communication device60may continuously compare data received over a mesh connection and a direct communication link62. During a particular communication session, the communication device60may determine that one or more media packets were not received over either the direct communication link62or the mesh connection. Accordingly, if the one or more media packets were not received over the direct communication link62, then communication device60may replace those media packets with media packets that were received over the mesh connection. Likewise, if one or more media packets were not received over the mesh connection, then communication device60may replace those media packets with one or media packets that were received over the direct communication link62. Thus, communication device60may be operable to reconstruct a media stream associated with a particular communication session. Such reconstruction may provide enhanced quality of service as total media data loss may be minimized.

In certain embodiments, communication devices60may be compensated and/or billed for participating in a mesh network. For example, if a communication device60is transmitting data generated by the communication device60over a mesh connection, the user may be billed for the communications. In such situations, a user may be prompted with an option whether to link to a BTS40directly over a direct communication link62or indirectly through one or more mesh links70. By contrast, if a communication device60is serving as a mesh node and routing data directed to another communication device60or generated by another communication device60, then the user of the intermediate communication device60may be compensated. Additionally, in a particular embodiment, the user of the intermediate communication device60may be prompted with a request to serve as a mesh node. In response to a command from the user, the intermediate communication device60may establish a mesh link70with the requesting communication device60.

According to another embodiment, bandwidth or other resources may be dynamically allocated among communication devices60. For example, a BTS40and/or BSC50may allocate bandwidth to communication devices60based on the quality of the direct communication link62each has with the BTS40. Providing the communication device60having the strongest link quality with the most bandwidth, may maximize network throughput. In certain embodiments, BTS40may provide a communication device60associated with the most mesh links70with increased bandwidth. In some embodiments, a BTS40and/or BSC50may allocate extra bandwidth to the communication device60which is positioned so as to best serve as a mesh node. Such a device may be the one associated with the highest quality existing or potential mesh links70. In a further embodiment, a BTS40and/or BSC50may allocate bandwidth according to an algorithm based on any combination of the recited bandwidth allocation schemes.

FIG. 2illustrates a handover example wherein a communication device60switches between a mesh connection and a direct communication link62. In particular,FIG. 2depicts a plurality of communication devices60a-60cwhich are entering a tunnel80, located in tunnel80, and exiting tunnel80, respectively. When a communication device, such as communication device60b, is located in tunnel80, a direct communication link62with BTS40may be obstructed. Accordingly, a mesh connection through one or more mesh links70may be necessary to initiate or maintain a communication session supported by BTS40. It should be noted that communication devices60a-60cmay be substantially similar to communication devices60described with respect toFIG. 1. Similarly, mesh links70a-70b, and direct communication links62aand62cmay be substantially similar to mesh links70and direct communication links62.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, communication devices60a-60cmay engage in communication sessions supported by BTS40. For example, communication device60cmay directly connect to BTS40over direct communication link62c. By contrast, communication device60bmay be obstructed from establishing a direct communication link62to BTS40because it is within tunnel80. Accordingly, communication device60bmay communicatively couple to BTS40via mesh link70b, communication device60c, and direct communication link62c. Communication device60amay connect to BTS40by direct communication link62aor by engaging in a mesh connection through communication devices60b-60cover mesh links70a-70band direct communication link62c.

As mentioned, communication devices60a-60cmay switch between communicating over a direct communication link62and a mesh connection over mesh links70. To illustrate, assume communication device60ais in a handover procedure between direct communication link62aand mesh link70a. In particular, as communication device60aapproaches and begins to enter tunnel80, the signal quality associated with direct communication link62amay begin to deteriorate. Thus, switching to or establishing a mesh connection to BTS40may be necessary to maintain a communication session. In response to the deteriorating signal over direct communication link62a, communication device60amay search for a previously established mesh network between auxiliary communication devices such as communication devices60band60c. Alternatively, communication device60amay signal communication devices60band60cto initiate a mesh network. As another example, communication device60amay signal BTS40to request or signal communication devices60within its communication cell to establish a mesh network. Notwithstanding the method for initiating the mesh network, communication device60amay establish mesh link70awith communication device60b. It should be noted that in certain embodiments mesh link70amay be established before the signal over direct communication link62abegins to deteriorate. Once the mesh connection involving mesh links70a-70band direct communication link62cis established, communication device60amay route data associated with a communication session through mesh link70arather than (or in addition to) through direct communication link62c. Thus, when communication device60aenters tunnel80and direct communication link62ais interrupted, the device may maintain a previously established communication session and/or initiate a new communication session supported by BTS40.

FIG. 3is a flow chart describing a method for communicating in a wireless communication network in accordance with a particular embodiment. In the described process, a communication device60switches from communicating over a direct communication link62to communication over a mesh connection through one or more mesh links70.

The described process begins at step300, wherein a communication device60establishes a direct communication link62with a BTS40. The direct communication link62may facilitate the transfer of multimedia data associated with a communication session involving communication device60or a communication session associated with any number of auxiliary communication devices60within the wireless network. Once direct communication link62is established, communication device60may send and receive data associated with a communication session over direct communication link62at step302.

At step304communication device60may monitor the quality of direct communication link62. In certain embodiments, communication device60may also monitor the quality of one or more mesh links70coupling one or more auxiliary communication devices60in the wireless network. The quality of a communication link may be based on, for example, signal strength, bandwidth, data transfer rate or any combination of the preceding. At step306, communication device60may determine whether the quality of direct communication link62satisfies a threshold level. The threshold level may be a certain quality level of direct communication link62or may be based on the quality of a mesh link70. In certain embodiments, the threshold level may be based on the quality of a potential mesh link70with one or more auxiliary communication devices within the communication network. If the quality of direct communication link62satisfies the threshold level, then the process may return to step304.

In response to the quality of direct communication link62falling below a threshold level, communication device60may initiate and establish a mesh connection at step308. A mesh connection may include one or more mesh links70which indirectly couple communication device60to BTS40through one or more intermediate communication devices60. As discussed, a mesh link70may be a communication link between a pair of communication devices60. It should be noted that in particular embodiments, a BTS40may initiate the establishment of one or more mesh links70. It should also be noted that in one example embodiment the mesh network is always activated.

Next, at step310, communication device60may determine whether the quality of the mesh connection70is greater than the quality of the direct link62. In certain embodiments, this determination may be based on the quality of a plurality of mesh links70which couple communication device60to BTS40. If the quality of the mesh connection is greater than the quality of direct communication link62, then communication device60may switch to communicating data associated with the communication session over the mesh connection at step312. By contrast, if the quality of the mesh connection is not greater than the quality of direct link62, then communication device60may continue to send and receive data associated with the communication session over direct communication link62. Whether or not communication device60switches to communicating over the mesh connection, communication device60may proceed to monitor the quality of the mesh connection and direct communication link62at step314.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the method depicted inFIG. 3. In certain embodiments, the method may include more, fewer, or other steps. For example, communication device60may establish a mesh connection70to a BTS40prior to the quality of a direct link62falling below a threshold quality level. In addition, communication device60may simultaneously communicate over the mesh connection70and direct link62as opposed to switching between the two communication pathways. It should also be noted that steps may be performed in any suitable order without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

While certain embodiments have been described in detail numerous changes, substitutions, variations, alterations and modifications may be ascertained by those skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present disclosure encompass all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations and modifications as falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.