Transmitting data over a radio access technology

Systems, methods, and software can be used to transmit data over a radio access technology (RAT). In some aspect, a data transmission using a first radio access technology (RAT) is initiated at a mobile device. A timer is started at a first value. When the timer expires, it is determined that data remains to be transmitted. In response to determining that data remains to be transmitted: the data transmission is suspended, and a search is initiated for a second RAT for transmitting the remaining data. The second RAT provides a higher data rate than the first RAT.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to relates to data transmission in communication systems and, more specifically, to transmitting data over a radio access technology (RAT).

BACKGROUND

A radio access technology (RAT) can be used to provide data transmissions over a communication network. Different types of RATs can provide different data rates or throughputs for data transmission. For example, a higher rate RAT such as 4th generation (4G) RATs, e.g., long term evolution (LTE) or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), can provide higher data rates for a mobile device to transmit or receive data over the network. On the other hand, a second generation (2G) or a third generation (3G) RAT, e.g., Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)2000, Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), typically provides data rates that are lower than that of the 4G RAT.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

When a new radio access technology (RAT) is initially rolled out, the coverage provided by the network for the new RAT may have coverage holes. Coverage holes may continue to exist during the lifetime of the radio access technology deployment if suitable new wireless links are not located in the near or adjacent locations to provide continuous coverage.

In a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, if a user equipment (UE) detects that it has lost radio coverage, a recovery procedure can be triggered by the UE to recover the radio connectivity, re-establish the Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling protocol, and resume data transmission on the LTE RAT. The recovery procedure can be triggered by a lower layer (e.g. physical layer) indication of loss of the physical (radio) layer, leading to a determination of Radio Link Failure (RLF). During this procedure the UE may start a re-establishment timer T311, during which the UE can attempt to discover and re-establish its RRC Connection with the LTE network in order to continue with its data transmission.

If the UE is unable to find a suitable LTE (e.g. Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA) Network (EUTRAN)) cell with which to re-establish its connection before timer T311expires, on expiry of the timer the UE can leave the radio resource control (RRC) connected mode and return to the RRC idle mode. The UE can indicate this state change to the higher layers including an indication that it was caused by loss of radio coverage following a radio link failure. The UE can then perform cell selection for a suitable cell on EUTRAN or any other RAT supported by the UE. In some cases, a suitable cell can be selected using procedures described in Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Specification TS36.304.

In some cases, following the failure to re-establish its connection, rather than allow the UE to select a suitable cell on another RAT a hysteresis back-off timer can be implemented to prevent the data session from moving to another or lower throughput RAT. This will enable the UE to prolong the search for a suitable cell on the higher rate or initial RAT. For example the UE may discover a particular suitable cell on a RAT that is different than the higher rate or initial RAT where the coverage was initially lost, but whilst the hysteresis back-off timer is running the UE is prevented from selecting this particular suitable cell until the back-off timer expires. In the meantime the UE continues to search for other suitable cells, and in the case of detecting a suitable cell of the higher rate or initial RAT the UE selects this suitable cell and stops the hysteresis back-off timer. This approach can also reduce excessive signaling with the network for RAT switching, especially when the higher and lower throughput RATs do not share the same Packet Core Infrastructure, e.g., between a CDMA network and an LTE network. The hysteresis back-off timer, however, may affect the user experience because the user is stuck without an active data service when the hysteresis back-off timer is running. In some implementations, this timer can be set to a relatively high value, e.g. 200 seconds, which means a loss of data service for approximately 3-4 minutes if the UE loses LTE coverage while in the coverage of only a CDMA RAT, for example.

In some cases, once a data session has moved to the lower throughput RAT, the data call may be maintained on the lower throughput RAT for the duration of the ongoing data session until the data in the transmission queue is transmitted. For a multi-RAT UE implementing a single transceiver for multiple RATs, since the lower throughput RAT provides a lower data rate, it may take a long period of time for the UE to complete the data transmission and return to idle mode, and then being able to perform another RAT search and selection procedure.

In some cases, after the UE loses connection over a higher rate RAT, the UE can perform a scan and find a lower rate RAT that is available. The UE can determine whether there is data queued up in the UE waiting transmission on the radio interface, whether the UE is in active use, or a combination thereof. If there is no data to be transmitted and the UE is not in active use, the UE can start a first timer T1. In some cases, the first timer T1can be a hysteresis back-off timer. The UE can wait until T1expires and select an available suitable cell. On the other hand, if there is data to be transmitted or the UE is in active use, the UE can initiate a connection with the network using the lower rate RAT without starting the first timer T1or if T1is started then without waiting for the first timer T1to expire. Alternatively, the UE can start a second backoff timer T2that is shorter than the first timer T1and select a suitable cell for example on a lower rate or second RAT, after the second timer T2expires. In some cases, a UE is in active use if a user interface of the UE is in use, e.g., the screen is on or the data entry keys are pressed. A UE can also be in active use if data input operation for an application associated with data transmission is ongoing, e.g., an application that sends requests for data transmission is waiting for a user input.FIG. 2and associated descriptions provide additional details of these implementations.

In some cases, when the UE initiates a data transmission using a lower rate RAT, the UE can start a transmission timer, T3. When the timer expires, the UE can determine whether there is data that remains to be transmitted. If there is data that remains to be transmitted, the UE can suspend the data transmission and initiate a search for a higher rate RAT. If the UE finds the higher rate RAT, the UE can resume data transmission over the higher rate RAT. If the UE does not find the higher rate RAT, the UE can reset and re-start the transmission timer T3and continue to transmit the data over the lower rate RAT. In some cases, when reseting the timer the UE can set the timer to a different value. In some cases, the UE can determine whether to suspend the data transmission over the lower rate RAT based on the amount of remaining data when the timer expires.FIGS. 3-5and associated descriptions provide additional details of these implementations. These approaches can provide the UE with more opportunities to discover and connect to the higher rate RAT in order to resume data transmission over the higher rate RAT, and therefore speed up the delivery of the data. An alternative to suspending the data transmission on expiry of transmission timer T3, is to suspend the data and for the UE to temporarily act as in idle mode or alternatively for the UE to temporarily go to idle mode in the lower rate RAT, but without deleting the data still to be transmitted. In this alternative during the temporary idle mode the UE scans for a higher rate RAT. If the UE finds a suitable cell on the higher rate RAT then the UE selects and establishes a connection to the cell and resumes the data transmission on the higher rate RAT. If the UE is unable to find a suitable cell on the higher rate RAT then the UE resumes the data transmission on the lower rate RAT.

FIG. 1illustrates an example communication system100that transmits data over a RAT according to an implementation. At a high level, the example communication system100includes a UE102that is communicably coupled to a network110, which includes a base station104that is configured to communicate with the UE102. The UE can transmit data to the network110over a first RAT120or a second RAT130.

The example communication system100includes the network110. The network110represents an application, set of applications, software, software modules, hardware, or combination thereof that can be configured to transfer data with, including transmitting to, receiving from, or a combination thereof, the UE102. The network110includes a wireless network, a wireline network, or a combination thereof. For example, the network110can include one or a plurality of radio access networks (RANs), core networks (CNs), and external networks. The RANs may comprise one or more radio access technologies. In some implementations, the radio access technologies can be Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)2000, Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), wireless broadband communication technologies, or any combinations thereof. Examples of wireless broadband communication technologies include IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN), IEEE 802.16 WiMAX, and others.

A RAN is part of a wireless telecommunication system which implements a radio access technology. In many applications, a RAN includes at least one base station, e.g., the base station104. A base station can control all or at least some radio-related functions in a fixed part of the system. The base station may provide for a radio interface within its coverage area or a cell for a mobile device to communicate. The base station may be distributed throughout the cellular network to provide a wide area of coverage. The base station directly communicates to one or a plurality of mobile devices, other base stations, and one or more core network nodes. In some cases, a base station can be configured to provide one or more RATs. In some implementations, the network110can include a first base station that can provide a higher rate RAT in a first cell, and a second base station that can provide a lower rate RAT in a second cell. Therefore, if the UE102is located in a first cell, the UE102can connect to the network110using the higher rate RAT provided by the first base station. If the UE102moves to a different geographic area, e.g., the second cell, the UE102can connect to the network110using the lower rate RAT provided by the second base station.

Turning to a general description, a UE, e.g., the UE102, may include, without limitation, any of the following: computing device, mobile device, mobile electronic device, user device, mobile station, subscriber station, portable electronic device, mobile communications device, wireless modem, wireless terminal, or other electronic device. Examples of a mobile device may include a cellular phone, personal data assistant (PDA), smart phone, laptop, tablet, personal computer (PC), pager, portable computer, portable gaming device, wearable electronic device, health/medical/fitness device, camera, or other mobile communications devices having components for communicating voice or data via a wireless communication network. The wireless communication network may include a wireless link over at least one of a licensed spectrum and an unlicensed spectrum. The term “UE” can also refer to any hardware or software component that can terminate a communication session for a user. In addition, the terms “user equipment,” “UE,” “user equipment device,” “user agent,” “UA,” “user device,” and “mobile device” can be used synonymously herein.

In operation, the UE102initiates a data transmission using the first RAT120. The UE102starts a transmission timer T3at a first value. When the timer expires, the UE102determines that data remains to be transmitted. In response to determining that data remains to be transmitted, the UE102suspends the data transmission. The UE102initiates a search for the second RAT130for transmitting the remaining data. In some cases, the second RAT130provides a higher data rate than the first RAT120. For example, the first RAT120is a 2G or 3G RAT and the second RAT is a 4G RAT. Alternatively or additionally, the second RAT can have one or more other characteristics that make it preferable for the continuation of the data transmission over the first RAT. Examples of these characteristics can include cost, less impact to RAT capacity, data transfer rate, and cell coverage. If the UE102detects a suitable cell on the second RAT130during the search, the UE102establishes a radio bearer using the second RAT130. The UE102transmits the remaining data over the radio bearer using the second RAT130. If the UE102fails to detect the second RAT130, e.g. following a full band scan of all the bands supported by the UE, or a defined time scan or any other scanning procedure, the UE102resets the transmission timer and continues to transmit the remaining data using the first RAT120.FIGS. 3-7and associated descriptions provide additional details of these implementations.

While elements ofFIG. 1are shown as including various component parts, portions, or modules that implement the various features and functionality, these elements may instead include a number of sub-modules, third-party services, components, libraries, and such, as appropriate. Furthermore, the features and functionality of various components can be combined into fewer components as appropriate.

FIG. 2is a flow diagram showing an example process200for transmitting data over a RAT according to an implementation. The process200can be implemented by a mobile device, e.g., the UE102shown inFIG. 1. The process200shown inFIG. 2can also be implemented using additional, fewer, or different entities. Furthermore, the process200shown inFIG. 2can also be implemented using additional, fewer, or different operations, which can be performed in the order shown or in a different order.

The example process200begins at202, where a UE is connected to a base station over a higher rate RAT, e.g., LTE. The UE can transmit or receive packet data over the higher rate RAT. At204, the UE determines whether a RLF is detected. A RLF can occur when the physical channel or the physical connection with a base station over the current RAT is lost. If RLF is not detected, the process returns to202where the UE continues to transmit or receive packet data over the higher rate RAT.

If RLF is detected, at210, the UE performs an RRC recovery procedure. In one example, if data transfer had been initiated prior to the detection of RLF, for example Access Stratum (AS) security had been activated, the UE can perform RRC connection reestablishment procedure including starting a reestablishment timer e.g. T311, and attempting to reestablish the RRC connection on the higher rate RAT before the reestablishment timer expires. If the RRC recovery procedure, e.g., the RRC connection reestablishment is successful, the UE can return to202, and continue the data transmission with the network using the higher rate RAT using the re-established RRC connection. If the RRC recovery procedure fails, for example if the UE has not been able to reestablish the RRC connection to the original RAT when the reestablishment timer expires, the UE suspends any data transmission and proceeds to220, where the UE determines whether there is data in the transmission queue of the UE to be transmitted. If there is data remaining in the queue, process200proceeds from220to250, where the UE determines whether a back-off timer T2is configured.

In some cases, before the UE determines whether the back-off timer T2is configured, the UE can determine if a hysteresis back-off timer T1is configured. The hysteresis back-off timer T1can add a delay period for the UE to select a suitable cell on an alternative RAT other than the RAT of the higher rate RAT, following failure by the UE to reestablish its connection to the higher rate RAT and having initiated the scan. If the UE determines that the hysteresis back-off timer T1is configured, process200can proceed to250and determine whether an alternative back-off timer T2is configured. In some cases, if the hysteresis back-off timer T1is not configured, process200can skip250and252, and proceed directly to260. Table 1 provides an example description of different timers.

TABLE 1Timer descriptions TimerTimerReestablishmentTimer started when UE detects radio link failure,timer, T311and UE initiates reestablishment procedurehysteresisTimer started following loss of coverage whenbackoff timer,UE initiates scan for suitable cell to provideT1more time to find cell of higher rate RAT or ofa first type and to delay until T1 expiresselection of RAT of a second type or lower rateBack-off timer,T2 < T1. Started when UE with hysteresis backoffT2timer T1 detects out of coverage and has data totransmit or the UE is in active use, also startedfollowing loss of coverage when UE initiates scanfor suitable cell in order to avoid delay in cellselection, e.g. due to timer T1TransmissionStarted when UE on RAT of a second type ortimer, T3lower rate RAT starts data transmission. Onexpiry UE suspends data transmission or movesto idle and begins search for RAT of first type orhigher rate RAT

If the back-off timer T2is configured, process200proceeds from250to252, where the UE starts the back-off timer T2and continues to scan for a suitable cell. If the UE finds a suitable cell of the higher rate RAT whilst T2is running, the UE can stop T2, select the suitable cell and establish an RRC Connection through which the UE can continue the data transmission with the network using the higher rate RAT. When the back-off timer T2expires, if the UE has found a suitable cell on a lower rate RAT, the UE can select the suitable cell on the lower rate RAT. At260the UE resumes data transmission to the selected suitable cell of the lower rate RAT and transmits the remaining data. By waiting for the back-off timer T2to expire, the UE has additional opportunities to find a higher rate RAT to transmit the remaining data. In some cases, the back-off timer T2can be set to a value that is smaller than the hysteresis back-off timer. Therefore, the wait time in252can be reduced if there is data to transmit or the UE is in active use.

If the back-off timer T2is not configured, but data is detected in the transmission queue in the UE, process200proceeds from250to260, in this case, the UE can select an available suitable cell and resume data transmission to the available suitable cell without waiting for the back-off timer T2to expire. This may result in the UE selecting a suitable cell on a lower rate RAT. By not waiting for the back-off timer T2to expire, the UE can resume data transmission sooner, as soon as a suitable cell of any RAT supported by the UE is found.

If the UE determines that there is no data to be transmitted, process200proceeds from220to222, where the UE determines whether the UE is in active use. Alternatively or additionally, if the UE determines that there is data to be transmitted at220, but the amount of data to be transmitted is below a threshold, the process200can also proceed from220to222. In some implementations, the UE can determine that the UE is in active use by detecting that a user interface of the UE is in use, e.g., the screen is on or the data entry keys are pressed. The UE can also be determined to be in active use if data input operation for an application associated with data transmission is ongoing, e.g., an application that sends requests for data transmission is waiting for a user input. In some cases, if the UE is in active use, there may be a higher chance that the UE may be about to transmit data. Therefore, a UE that is in active use can be treated as the same scenario as if there is data to be transmitted.

If the UE determines that the UE is in active use, process200proceeds from222to250, where the UE determines if back-off timer T2is configured. As discussed previously, if T2is configured, the UE scans for a high rate RAT as well as other UE supported types of RAT and may wait until T2expires to select a suitable cell of a lower rate RAT. If T2is not configured, the UE can select a suitable cell and connect to the suitable cell.

If the UE is determined to not be in active use, process200proceeds from222to230, where the UE starts the hysteresis back-off timer T1. In some implementations, step222can be skipped and process200can proceed from220to230if there is no data to be transmitted. The UE continues to scan for a suitable cell whilst T1is running. If the UE finds a suitable cell of the higher rate RAT whilst T1is running, the UE can stop T1, select the suitable cell, and establish an RRC connection to the high rate RAT. If, when the hysteresis back-off timer T1expires, at232, the UE has not found a suitable cell of the high rate RAT then the UE selects a suitable cell on another RAT type supported by the UE. The suitable cell can be a higher rate RAT or a lower rate RAT.

In some implementations, the timers T1and T2can be set to different values. For example, T1is set to a longer period than T2. Therefore, if there is no data to be transmitted and the UE is not in active use, the UE can wait for a longer period before selecting a suitable cell. By waiting for a longer period, the UE may have a higher chance to select a cell from a higher rate RAT; and because the UE has no data to transmit and the UE is not in active use, the user experience may not be affected. On the other hand, if there is data to be transmitted or the UE is in active use, the UE can wait for a shorter period before selecting a suitable cell, or can select the suitable cell without waiting (e.g., T2not configured or T2set to 0). Therefore, the UE can start transmission sooner.

In some cases, the back-off timers T1or T2can be configured by a user of the UE, a device manufacturer of the UE, a network administrator, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, whether a RAT is classified as a higher rate RAT or a lower rate RAT can be configured by a user of the UE, a device manufacturer of the UE, a network administrator, or a combination thereof. The values of the back-off timers may be signaled to a UE via the network using dedicated, common, or broadcast signaling when operating under one or more RATs. Alternatively or additionally, whether a RAT is classified as a higher RAT or a lower RAT, the back-off timers T1and T2, or any combinations thereof, can be specified in a wireless communication standard.

FIG. 3is a flow diagram showing another example process300for transmitting data over a RAT according to another implementation. The process300can be implemented by a mobile device, e.g., the UE102shown inFIG. 1. The process300shown inFIG. 3can also be implemented using additional, fewer, or different entities. Furthermore, the process300shown inFIG. 3can also be implemented using additional, fewer, or different operations, which can be performed in the order shown or in a different order.

The example process300begins at302, where a UE is connected to a base station over a lower rate RAT, e.g., CDMA2000, EDGE, GPRS, or UMTS. In some cases, the UE can connect to the base station over a lower rate RAT after the RLF and a suitable cell search, e.g., discussed in the process200. Alternatively or additionally, the UE can connect to the base station over a lower rate RAT because the UE has selected the cell using the lower rate RAT during an initial cell search procedure.

At304, the UE starts to transmit data over the lower rate RAT. The UE also starts a transmission timer T3that is set to a configured value. In some cases, the UE can start the timer T3when the first Packet Data Unit (PDU) is transmitted over the lower rate RAT. At306, the timer T3expires. At310, the UE determines whether there is packet data that remains to be transmitted. If there is no packet data that remains to be transmitted, e.g., the UE has completed transmission during the period set by T3, process300proceeds from310to340, where the UE if not already in an RRC idle state enters RRC idle state or other network controlled radio state or mode. During this RRC idle state or other network controlled radio state or mode, the UE may initiate a scan to search for a suitable cell, e.g., a cell that supports a higher rate RAT. If the packet data transmission completes before the timer T3expires, then the device follows the normal call termination steps, returning to idle and at the same time stopping or cancelling the timer T3.

If the UE determines that there is data to be transmitted, process300proceeds from310to312, where the UE determines whether the amount of remaining data to be transmitted is greater than a threshold. If the amount of remaining data is not greater than the threshold, process300proceeds from312to304, where the UE starts the transmission timer T3and continues to transmit the remaining data over the lower rate RAT

If the amount of remaining data is greater than the threshold, process300proceeds from312to320, where the UE suspends the data transmission over the lower rate RAT. At322, the UE scans for a higher rate RAT. In some cases, the UE can transition to the RRC idle state to perform the scanning. Alternatively or additionally, the UE can stay in an RRC connected state and perform the scan operation that is similar to the scan operation performed in a RRC idle state. At330, the UE determines if the higher rate RAT is found. If a suitable cell of the high rate RAT is found, process300proceeds from330to332, where the UE selects a suitable cell that supports the higher rate RAT. At334, the UE transmits the remaining data to the selected cell using the higher rate RAT. The UE can attach to the selected cell and establish a radio bearer over the higher rate RAT prior to resuming data transmission.

If the UE determines that a higher rate RAT is not found during the scan, process300proceeds from330to304, where the UE resets the transmission timer T3to a configured value, starts the timer T3, and continues to transmit the remaining data over the lower rate RAT. In some cases, the UE can establish or reestablish the radio bearer for the suspended packet data session in order to resume the transmission. If the UE is unable to resume the packet data transmission on the lower rate RAT, the UE may stay in the RRC idle state and scan for a suitable cell of any RAT type supported by the UE for data transmission.

In some cases, the transmission timer T3can be reset to the same configured value every time the UE returns to304after failing to find the higher rate RAT at330. Alternatively or additionally, the UE can reset the timer T3to a different value, for example, depending on the number of unsuccessful scans that the UE has performed at330in the same data session. In one example, the timer T3can be set based on the amount of data that remains to be transmitted. For example, if the amount of remaining data exceeds a threshold, the timer T3can be set to a smaller value. If the amount of remaining data is less than or equal to a threshold, the timer T3can be set to a larger value. In some cases, more than one value can be configured. Each value corresponds to a threshold. If the amount of remaining data is larger than a first threshold and smaller than a second threshold, the timer T3is set to a value corresponding to the first threshold.

In another example, the timer T3can be set based on the number of times the UE returns to304after failing to find the higher rate RAT at330. For example, a counter can be maintained for each time the UE enters304and starts T3in a data session. The first time the UE starts T3, T3can be set to an initial value. When the UE starts T3again after failing to find the higher rate RAT at330, T3can be set to a value that is longer than the initial value.

For example, one set of values for the transmission timer T3may consist of 30, 60, 120, 240, 480, 960, 960, 960, etc. seconds, can be configured for each time the UE returns to304in the same data transmission session. At the time of resuming the packet data transfer following an unsuccessful scan, the device (re)starts the transmission timer T3. The duration of the timer on (re)starting may be the same length or as described, e.g. different to the length as used in the first (or previous) instance of running the timer.

In some cases, different T3timer values and scanning algorithms can be used in different iterations of scanning in the same data session. Following is an example sequence:1. Initiate transmission of data on low throughput RAT.2. Set the first instance of T3at 30 seconds: on expiry of T3(Scan #1), scan for higher throughput cells from the most recently used higher rate RAT systems.3. If scan is unsuccessful, resume/continue packet data transmission on the lower throughput RAT.4. Set the next instance of T3for 60 seconds: on expiry of T3(Scan #2), repeat Scan #1, and then scan for the higher throughput RAT bands or carrier frequencies in all registered PLMNs. Alternatively, the scan can be performed on the higher throughput RAT bands or carrier frequencies in all Home Country PLMNs.5. If scan is unsuccessful, resume/continue packet data transmission on the lower throughput RAT.6. Set the next instance of T3for 120 seconds and again thereafter on unsuccessful scans e.g. wherein the original packet data transmission is not complete: and on each expiry of T3repeat Scan #2.

As mentioned above other variations in timer values T3on successive restarts can be used, as can variations in scanning algorithms for detection of the higher throughput RAT and behaviours relating to starting or not starting T3on unsuccessful scans for higher throughput RATs. The scans carried out on expiry of T3may alternatively or additionally be time limited, either fixed in the device or determined based on the amount of data left to transmit, upon the suspension of the data transmission320. By limiting the time for the scan the interruption to the data transmission is limited, which may be advantageous if the device supports multiple other RATs and frequency bands which would require scanning. In some cases, once the UE completes the data session, T3can be reset to the initial value, e.g., 30 seconds.

If the device is unable to resume the packet data transfer on the lower rate RAT after not finding the higher rate RAT, then the device will remain in Idle and scan for a suitable cell of any RAT supported by the device on any supported band, until it is able to establish connection to a suitable cell on any RAT.

In some cases, the threshold determination at310can be skipped. For example, process300can proceed from310to320if there is data that remains to be transmitted. The UE can suspend data transmission and scan for a higher rate RAT.

In some cases, the value or multiple values of T3, the data threshold or multiple data thresholds, or a combinations thereof, can be configured by a user of the UE, a device manufacturer of the UE, a network administrator, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, whether a RAT is classified as a higher rate RAT or a lower rate RAT can be configured by a user of the UE, a device manufacturer of the UE, a network administrator, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of these values can be hard coded into the device during manufacture or implementation, or they can be sent to the UE via signaling from the network, e.g., AS or NAS signaling, or they can be configured by a user via a user interface and a data entry method attached to the UE. A network can signal one or more of these values using a broadcast signal in a cell, which a UE can read during acquisition of the cell. Alternatively or additionally, a network can use dedicated signaling, e.g., RRC configuration information to indicate one or more of these values to the UE. These values can be signaled in an information element (IE) in messages that are used to establish the radio bearers or channels for packet data transmission. Examples of these messages for an EUTRA network include the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message. Alternatively or additionally, the IE can be included in a new RRC message. One or more of these values can be included in an existing IE, e.g., rlf-TimersAndConstants IE, or a new IE.FIG. 4illustrates an example IE400that can be used to indicate T3values. As shown inFIG. 4, the rlf-TimersAndConstants IE400includes multiple values, from 30 s to 960 s, for the timer T3(e.g. t31x-r14).

In some cases, an IE can be used to configure both the different data thresholds and their corresponding T3values described previously.FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate an example IE500that can be used to indicate data thresholds and T3values. As shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the PDCP-Config UE500includes data thresholds (e.g. BackoffThreshold-r14) from 0 kb to 12,800 kb, and the T3(e.g. t-backoffT3-r14) values corresponding to these data thresholds.

In some cases, these values can be sent by the network over the higher rate RAT. Alternatively or additionally, these values can be encoded and sent by the network over the lower rate RAT. In some cases, the UE can be configured to use the values signaled over the higher rate RAT or the lower rate RAT when these values differ. Alternatively or additionally, the network or a wireless communication standards can specify which set of values can be used.

Alternatively or additionally, the value or multiple values of T3, the data threshold or multiple data thresholds, whether a RAT is classified as a higher RAT or a lower RAT, or any combinations thereof, can be specified in a wireless communication standard and signaled from a network or hard coded in the UE.

FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating an example user equipment (UE) device600according to an implementation. The illustrated device600includes a processing unit602, a memory604(for example, ROM or flash memory), a wireless communication subsystem606, a user interface608, and an I/O interface610.

The processing unit602can include one or more processing components (alternatively referred to as “processors” or “central processing units” (CPUs)) configured to execute instructions related to one or more of the processes, steps, or actions described above, in connection with one or more of the implementations disclosed herein. In some implementations, the processing unit602can be configured to generate control information, such as a measurement report, or respond to received information, such as control information from a network node. In some cases, the processing unit602can also be configured to make a radio resource management (RRM) decision, such as cell selection/reselection information or trigger a measurement report. The processing unit602can also include other auxiliary components, such as random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM).

The memory604can be a computer-readable storage medium on the device600. Examples of the memory604include volatile and non-volatile memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), removable media, and others. The memory604can store an operating system (OS) of the device600and various other computer-executable software programs for performing one or more of the processes, steps, or actions described above.

The communication subsystem606can be configured to provide wireless or wireline communication for data or control information provided by the processing unit602. The communication subsystem606can include, for example, one or more antennas, a receiver, a transmitter, a local oscillator, a mixer, and a digital signal processing (DSP) unit. In some implementations, the communication subsystem606can support multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transmissions. In some implementations, the receivers in the communication subsystem606can be an advanced receiver or a baseline receiver. Two receivers can be implemented with identical, similar, or different receiver processing algorithms.

The user interface608can include, for example, any of the following: one or more of a display or touch screen display (for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting display (LED), an organic light emitting display (OLED), or a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) display), a keyboard or keypad, a trackball, a speaker, or a microphone. The I/O interface610can include, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) interface.

Various other components can also be included in the device600. A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

FIG. 7is a block diagram illustrating an example base station700according to an implementation. The illustrated base station700includes a processing module702, a wired communication subsystem704, and a wireless communication subsystem706. The wireless communication subsystem706can receive data traffic and control traffic from a UE. In some implementations, the wireless communication subsystem706may include a receiver and a transmitter. The wired communication subsystem704can be configured to transmit and receive control information between other access node devices via backhaul connections. The processing module702can include one or more processing components (alternatively referred to as “processors” or “central processing units” (CPUs)) capable of executing instructions related to one or more of the processes, steps, or actions described above in connection with one or more of the implementations disclosed herein. The processing module702can also include other auxiliary components, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), secondary storage (for example, a hard disk drive or flash memory). In some implementations, the processing module702may be configured to generate control information or respond to received information, such as a measurement report transmitted from a UE. The processing module702may also be configured to make an RRM decision based at least in part on the information transmitted from the UE, such as cell selection/reselection information or the measurement report. The processing module702can execute certain instructions and commands to provide wireless or wired communication, using the wired communication subsystem704or a wireless communication subsystem706. Various other components can also be included in the base station700.

The terms “data-processing apparatus,” “computer,” or “electronic computer device” encompass all kinds of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including, by way of example, a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple ones, or combinations of the foregoing. The apparatus can include special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). In some implementations, the data processing apparatus or special purpose logic circuitry (or a combination of the data processing apparatus or special purpose logic circuitry) may be hardware- or software-based (or a combination of both hardware- and software-based). The apparatus can optionally include code that creates an execution environment for computer programs, for example, code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of execution environments. The present disclosure contemplates the use of data processing apparatuses with or without conventional operating systems, for example LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, MAC OS, ANDROID, IOS, or any other suitable, conventional operating system.