Method and apparatus for providing communication offloading to unlicensed bands

An apparatus for providing network assisted local communication offloading to unlicensed bands may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least receiving, via signaling associated with licensed band resources, information indicative of unlicensed band resources available in a particular area, and providing resource availability data, via signaling associated with the licensed band resources, to one or more devices within the particular area. The resource availability data may enable unlicensed band resource usage by at least one of the one or more devices. A corresponding method and computer program product are also provided.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to inter-device communications technology and, more particularly, relate to an apparatus and method for providing communication offloading to unlicensed bands.

BACKGROUND

The modern communications era has brought about a tremendous expansion of wireline and wireless networks. Computer networks, television networks, and telephony networks are experiencing an unprecedented technological expansion, fueled by consumer demand. Wireless and mobile networking technologies have addressed related consumer demands, while providing more flexibility and immediacy of information transfer. However, as the number of wireless communication device users continues to increase, the strain on the limited resources in the licensed spectrum also increases.

To provide increased numbers of services to large numbers of users, efficient use of the licensed spectrum has become an important consideration. However, some projections as to the numbers of devices that can be expected in the future suggest that it may be difficult to provide quality service to all such users with the current amount of licensed spectrum resources and the current policies governing use.

Accordingly, it may be desirable to develop mechanisms for finding alternate ways to provide service to potentially large numbers of users in an environment with scare resources.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

A method, apparatus and computer program product are therefore provided that may enable the provision of network assisted local communication offloading to unlicensed bands. In this regard, for example, a central device may acquire information on locally available unlicensed band resources (e.g., from communication devices and/or access points) and direct the usage of such resources by various devices or even access points. Thus, more efficient usage of wireless resources may be enabled.

In one example embodiment, a method of providing network assisted local communication offloading to unlicensed bands is provided. The method may include receiving, via signaling associated with licensed band resources, information indicative of unlicensed band resources available in a particular area, and providing resource availability data, via signaling associated with the licensed band resources, to one or more devices within the particular area. The resource availability data may enable unlicensed band resource usage by at least one of the one or more devices.

In another example embodiment, a computer program product for providing network assisted local communication offloading to unlicensed bands is provided. The computer program product may include at least one computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code instructions stored therein. The computer-executable program code instructions may include program code instructions for receiving, via signaling associated with licensed band resources, information indicative of unlicensed band resources available in a particular area, and providing resource availability data, via signaling associated with the licensed band resources, to one or more devices within the particular area. The resource availability data may enable unlicensed band resource usage by at least one of the one or more devices.

In another example embodiment, an apparatus for providing network assisted local communication offloading to unlicensed bands is provided. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least receiving, via signaling associated with licensed band resources, information indicative of unlicensed band resources available in a particular area, and providing resource availability data, via signaling associated with the licensed band resources, to one or more devices within the particular area. The resource availability data may enable unlicensed band resource usage by at least one of the one or more devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As defined herein a “computer-readable storage medium,” which refers to a non-transitory, physical storage medium (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory device), can be differentiated from a “computer-readable transmission medium,” which refers to an electromagnetic signal.

As indicated above, the licensed spectrum, which is supervised by various network operators, is a limited resource. Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention may provide for the offloading of some communication that would otherwise normally occur via licensed bands to unlicensed bands. Moreover, some embodiments may provide for network coordination and/or assistance for the use of unlicensed and licensed bands for communication. Some embodiments may be useful in connection with device-to-device (D2D) and/or machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, although embodiments may be useful in other environments as well. M2M communication may involve the connection of a device or group of devices to a remote server or computer system to enable remote measurement or remote reporting of information. In some cases, M2M communication involves the use of one or more sensors or other nodes or devices to gather information that can be passed to a network or computing device via some form of gateway device. In some cases, the sensors may communicate with the gateway over unlicensed bands and the gateway may communicate with the network over licensed bands. D2D communication often involves direct communication between a first UE (user equipment) and a second UE without signaling from a network device such as an access point, base station or communication node. D2D communication may also occur over unlicensed bands.

Many devices (e.g., UEs or other mobile terminals, base stations or other access points such as node Bs (NBs) or evolved node Bs (eNBs), etc.) may include multiple radios or may otherwise have configurable antennas to permit operation over multiple frequencies. Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention may provide network assistance or direction that may enable the integration of both licensed and unlicensed bands in relation to providing service to mobile devices.

FIG. 1illustrates a generic system diagram in which a device such as a mobile terminal10(or UE), is shown in an example communication environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be employed. As shown inFIG. 1, an embodiment of a system in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention may include a first communication device (e.g., mobile terminal10) and a second communication device12that may each be capable of communication with a network30. The second communication device12is provided as an example to illustrate potential multiplicity with respect to instances of other devices that may be included in the network30and that may practice example embodiments. The communications devices of the system may be able to communicate with network devices or with each other via the network30. In some cases, the communication devices may be provided with access to the network via a base station or other communication node (e.g., eNB20). The eNB20may have a coverage area22that defines a region within which communication devices may utilize the eNB20to access the network30.

In some embodiments, one or more of the communication devices (e.g., the second communication device12) may be in communication with one or more machines or sensors (e.g., sensors35). The sensors may be devices that detect or sense local conditions and can communicate data indicative of the conditions sensed to other devices or the network. In some embodiments, the second communication device12may act as a relay or gateway device and one or more of the sensors35capable of communication with the gateway device may provide data to the network30or other devices via the gateway device and perhaps also each other. In some cases, communication between the sensors35and perhaps also communication between the sensors35and the gateway device (e.g., the second communication device12) may be conducted via unlicensed bands in accordance with an example embodiment.

In an example embodiment, other access points may be located within the coverage area22of the eNB20. These other access points may include femto or pico base stations (or any other access point associated with a local network or the network30). Access point40is an example of such an access point and the coverage area42of the access point40is shown inFIG. 1by way of example. However, although the mobile terminal10and the second communication device12are each shown as being within the coverage area22of the eNB20and also within the coverage area42of the access point40, it should be appreciated that either device (and other devices) could alternatively be located in a different coverage area and inter-device communication could be provided via the network30in some cases.

The network30may include a collection of various different nodes, devices or functions that may be in communication with each other via corresponding wired and/or wireless interfaces. As such, the illustration ofFIG. 1should be understood to be an example of a broad view of certain elements of the system and not an all inclusive or detailed view of the system or the network30. One or more communication terminals such as the mobile terminal10, the second communication device12and/or the sensors35may be in communication with each other via the network30or via D2D and/or M2M communication. In some cases, each of the communication terminals may include an antenna or antennas for transmitting signals to and for receiving signals from a base site (e.g., access point40or eNB20). The base site could be, for example a base station that is a part of one or more cellular or mobile networks or an access point that may be coupled to a data network, such as a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), and/or a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet. In turn, other devices such as processing elements (e.g., personal computers, server computers or the like) may be coupled to the mobile terminal10, the second communication device12and/or the sensors35via the network30and the access point40. In some embodiments, the network30may employ one or more mobile access mechanisms such as wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), CDMA2000, global system for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A) and/or the like may be supported.

In some example embodiments, the mobile terminal10(and/or the second communication device12) may be a mobile communication device such as, for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless telephone, mobile computing device, camera, video recorder, audio/video player, positioning device (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) device), game device, television device, radio device, or various other like devices or combinations thereof. As such, the mobile terminal10may include one or more processors and one or more memories for storing instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the mobile terminal10to operate in a particular way or execute specific functionality. The mobile terminal10may also include communication circuitry and corresponding hardware/software to enable communication with other devices.

The sensors35may each be a mobile device such as a mobile sensor or other small battery operated device configured to detect local parameters or environmental conditions for reporting to a remote location. As such, the sensor may include some form of detection device or circuitry to measure a physical parameter or other measurable value along with some communication circuitry for enabling the sensor to communicate information to the network30. The sensor may also include one or more memories and one or more processing circuitries in some instances, and the processing circuitry may direct operation of the corresponding sensors. In some cases, the sensors35may be replaced by some other type of machine that may be a mobile or fixed communication device. Multiple sensors35and communication devices are also shown inFIG. 1to illustrate that one access point may serve a plurality of communication devices either employing normal cellular network communications and/or in a capacity as a gateway device.

As shown inFIG. 1, one or more of the machines (e.g., sensors35) may be positioned within the coverage area42of the access point40along with one or more other communication devices (e.g., mobile terminal10and the second communication device12). In an exemplary embodiment, the eNB20may typically operate in the licensed spectrum (although the eNB20may have the capability to also provide services in the unlicensed spectrum). Meanwhile, the access point40may be configured to provide services via either the licensed or unlicensed spectrum. An example embodiment of the present invention may include a network registry node50that may be a network device configured to communicate with communication devices (e.g., mobile terminal10and the second communication device12) and/or base sites (e.g., the eNB20and/or the access point40) to facilitate coordination of the usage of both the licensed and unlicensed spectrum for resource management. Thus, for example, the network registry node50may enable local heterogeneous communication on the unlicensed spectrum supervised by network operators or third parties operating on the licensed spectrum.

In an example embodiment, the network registry node50may be configured to act as a central entity in the network to be shared by network operators or third parties to facilitate cooperation with respect to collecting information about usage of unlicensed bands in the local area. The network registry node50may therefore, for example, collect information on the existence and/or availability of local area radio resources in particular unlicensed bands of interest and utilize the collected information to inform devices (e.g., the eNB20) in the local area to utilize certain unlicensed resources. The network registry node50may also be configured to communicate with the communication devices (e.g., the mobile terminal10and/or the second communication device12) to direct the communication devices to report information to the network registry node50. Thus, for example, the network registry node50may be configured to direct the mobile terminal10to inform the network registry node50of other radio access networks in the area so the network registry node50can record such information for use in resource management decisions.

In an example embodiment, the network registry node50may be configured to register radio access networks (RANs) in the local area based on reports received from devices attached to or otherwise aware of the presence of each respective radio access network. Thus, for example, if the mobile terminal10is in communication with the network30via the eNB20and also is in communication with, or is capable of establishing communication with the access point40(which may perhaps be a communication node of a locally available wireless LAN (WLAN)), the mobile terminal10may provide a report to inform the network registry node50of the presence of the access point40. The mobile terminal10also report characteristics associated with the access point40so that the network registry node50records information about the access point40for potential utilization in accordance with the example embodiment. Accordingly, the network registry node50may act as a central entity configured to determine a location based picture of active and non-active unlicensed band usage based on location information. The location information may be associated with a report received from a communication device. In some embodiments, the communication manager50may be a component, device or apparatus forming a portion of a network server, a D2D registration server function (DRSF), mobility management entity (MME) or other network device.

In an example embodiment, the eNB20or any other base site associated with licensed spectrum communication may access information recorded by the network registry node50to make determinations regarding resources that are to be used for communication among communication devices in the coverage area22of the eNB20. In an example embodiment, the eNB20may include a communication manager52configured to communicate with the network registry node50to receive information on the radio access networks available in a particular area. The information may also identify characteristics regarding available networks so that the communication manager52is enabled to direct specific devices to utilize corresponding specific resources (e.g., including resources of the unlicensed spectrum) to alleviate loading on the licensed spectrum. Thus, for example, the communication manager52may be configured to direct the mobile terminal10to engage in D2D communication with the second communication device12via specific unlicensed assets, direct the mobile terminal10to utilize specific unlicensed assets that may be associated with the access point40, and/or direct the second communication device12to manage M2M communication using unlicensed assets with respect to the sensors35.

In some embodiments, the communication devices (e.g., the mobile terminal10and/or the second communication device12) may include a management entity54configured to interface with the communication manager52and/or the network registry node50to facilitate operation of example embodiments. For example, the management entity54may be configured to receive and respond to commands or requests for information received from the network registry node50. Thus, the management entity54may receive requests or commands regarding the provision of information identifying networks (and perhaps also network operating characteristics) for radio access networks in the local area of which the management entity54is aware. The management entity54may also be configured to provide the information to the network registry node50in response to the collection of such information. In some embodiments, the management entity54is also configured to respond to directions or instructions received from the communication manager52. Thus, for example, the management entity54may be configured to cause the communication device associated therewith to utilize resources specifically indicated by the communication manager52.

In an example embodiment, the eNB20may be configured to include or otherwise employ an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2illustrates a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for providing network assisted local communication offloading to unlicensed bands according to an example embodiment of the present invention. An example embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference toFIG. 2, in which certain elements of an apparatus60for providing network assisted local communication offloading to unlicensed bands are displayed. The apparatus60ofFIG. 2may be employed, for example, on an access point, base site, communication node or a variety of other devices. However, it should be noted that the components, devices or elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. Additionally, some embodiments may include further components, devices or elements beyond those shown and described herein.

Referring now toFIG. 2, the apparatus60may include or otherwise be in communication with a processor70, a communication interface74and a memory device76. The memory device76may include, for example, one or more volatile and/or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memory device76may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storage medium) comprising gates configured to store data (e.g., bits) that may be retrievable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). The memory device76may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions or the like for enabling the apparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention. For example, the memory device76could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor70. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device76could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor70.

The processor70may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor70may be embodied as one or more of various processing means such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In an example embodiment, the processor70may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory device76or otherwise accessible to the processor70. Alternatively or additionally, the processor70may be configured to execute hard coded functionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processor70may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor70is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor70may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor70is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor70to perform the algorithms and/or operations described herein when the instructions are executed. However, in some cases, the processor70may be a processor of a specific device (e.g., an eNB, AP or other network device) adapted for employing embodiments of the present invention by further configuration of the processor70by instructions for performing the algorithms and/or operations described herein. The processor70may include, among other things, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and logic gates configured to support operation of the processor70.

Meanwhile, the communication interface74may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to a network and/or any other device or module in communication with the apparatus. In this regard, the communication interface74may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network. In some environments, the communication interface74may alternatively or also support wired communication. As such, for example, the communication interface74may include a communication modem and/or other hardware/software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB) or other mechanisms.

In an example embodiment, the processor70may be embodied as, include or otherwise control the communication manager52. As such, in some embodiments, the processor70may be said to cause, direct or control the execution or occurrence of the various functions attributed to the communication manager52as described herein. The communication manager52may be any means such as a device or circuitry operating in accordance with software or otherwise embodied in hardware or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., processor70operating under software control, the processor70embodied as an ASIC or FPGA specifically configured to perform the operations described herein, or a combination thereof) thereby configuring the device or circuitry to perform the corresponding functions of the communication manager52as described herein. Thus, in examples in which software is employed, a device or circuitry (e.g., the processor70in one example) executing the software forms the structure associated with such means.

In an example embodiment, the communication manager52is configured to control the allocation of wireless communication resources to enable the communications described above in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. As such, for example, the communication manager52is configured to access information regarding available radio resources from the network registry node50and then, based on the available resources, allocate resources for use by communication devices, machines or sensors to offload some communication to unlicensed bands. In some embodiments, the communication manager52may be configured to direct local devices to engage in M2M and/or D2D communication using unlicensed spectrum resources in order to alleviate demands for licensed spectrum usage. Thus, for example, the communication manager52may be configured to configure the specific band and bandwidth for unlicensed operation of devices originally in communication with the eNB20using licensed bands. The communication manager52may also continue to receive dynamically updated information from the network registry node50regarding unlicensed band utilization and availability to configure devices for offloading them to unlicensed band communication on an as needed basis.

In some situations, limitations may be set by the regulation in an unlicensed band where certain licensed band (e.g., LTE) communication is allocated. For example, if communication is offloaded to a particular unlicensed (e.g., WLAN) band, the corresponding device(s) could use a WLAN transceiver to check nearby WLAN hotspots or active channels and potentially report the WLAN measurement report(s) to the network registry node50. The “un-active” channels could be used for D2D LTE or for communication via a local communication access point. The network registry node50may schedule time/frequency resources on the unlicensed band that fit within the un-active WLAN channel. Also, the D2D LTE transmit power on the unlicensed band may be set to be within the WLAN transmit power limit.

FIG. 3is a block diagram of an apparatus160that may be employed in connection with a communication device (e.g., mobile terminal10and/or the second communication device12) practicing an example embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus160may include or otherwise be in communication with a processor170, a user interface172, a communication interface174and a memory device176. The processor170, the communication interface174, and the memory device176may each be similar in general function and form to the processor70, the communication interface74and the memory device76described above (except perhaps with semantic and scale differences), so a detailed explanation of these components will not be provided. The user interface172may be in communication with the processor170to receive an indication of a user input at the user interface172and/or to provide an audible, visual, mechanical or other output to the user. As such, the user interface172may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a display, a touch screen, soft keys, a microphone, a speaker, or other input/output mechanisms. In this regard, for example, the processor170may comprise user interface circuitry configured to control at least some functions of one or more elements of the user interface, such as, for example, a speaker, ringer, microphone, display, and/or the like. The processor170and/or user interface circuitry comprising the processor170may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more elements of the user interface through computer program instructions (e.g., software and/or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to the processor170(e.g., memory device176, and/or the like).

In an example embodiment, the processor170may be embodied as, include or otherwise control the management entity54. The management entity54may be any means such as a device or circuitry operating in accordance with software or otherwise embodied in hardware or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., processor170operating under software control, the processor170embodied as an ASIC or FPGA specifically configured to perform the operations described herein, or a combination thereof) thereby configuring the device or circuitry to perform the corresponding functions of the communication manager52as described herein. Thus, in examples in which software is employed, a device or circuitry (e.g., the processor170in one example) executing the software forms the structure associated with such means. The management entity54may be configured to utilize the resources allocated by the communication manager52above to communicate with other communication devices, access points and/or sensors or machines using identified radio access network resources.

In some embodiments, the management entity54may be further configured to provide reports to the network registry node50regarding radio access networks detected by the mobile terminal10and perhaps also their corresponding parameters. Thus, for example, the management entity54may provide information descriptive of radio access networks available to the mobile terminal10, on a continuous or periodic basis (either autonomously or when reports are needed by the network registry node50), to the network registry node50to enable the network registry node50to store such information for use by the communication manager52for offloading communications to unlicensed bands where appropriate. As such, the management entity54may be configured to make measurements of signals received from available radio access networks including measurements in unlicensed bands. In some embodiments, the management entity54may also interface with the communication manager52to receive direction regarding which radio resources to utilize for communications to be conducted by the mobile terminal10. Thus, for example, the communication manager52may provide an indication of the center frequency of a corresponding unlicensed band that the mobile terminal10is to use for communication, for example, with another device (e.g., the second communication device12or a machine or sensor).

In an example embodiment, the mobile terminal10(or the second communication device12) may commence communication with another device using unlicensed band resources identified by the communication manager52(e.g., via the management entity54), but maintain communication with an access point associated with the communication manager52(e.g., the eNB20) via licensed band in order to receive control commands. Thus, for example, the mobile terminal10may receive direction from the communication manager52to shift to communication with the second communication device12using D2D communication using unlicensed band resources (e.g., WLAN), but the mobile terminal10may still maintain a connection via licensed band to the eNB20to receive control related information from the communication manager52. In some embodiments, the communication manager52may define on and off periods for the mobile terminal10to check for control information. Thus, during off periods, the mobile terminal10may communicate with another device using resources indicated by the communication manager52. However, during on periods, the mobile terminal10may listen for control information from the communication manager52.

FIG. 4is a block diagram of an apparatus260that may be employed in connection with a network entity (e.g., an MME or DRSF hosting the network registry node50) practicing an example embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus260may include or otherwise be in communication with a processor270, a communication interface274and a memory device276. The processor270, the communication interface274, and the memory device276may each be similar in general function and form to the processor70, the communication interface74and the memory device76described above (except perhaps with semantic and scale differences), so a detailed explanation of these components will not be provided.

In an example embodiment, the processor270may be embodied as, include or otherwise control a network registry80. The network registry80may be any means such as a device or circuitry operating in accordance with software or otherwise embodied in hardware or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., processor270operating under software control, the processor270embodied as an ASIC or FPGA specifically configured to perform the operations described herein, or a combination thereof) thereby configuring the device or circuitry to perform the corresponding functions of the network registry80as described herein. Thus, in examples in which software is employed, a device or circuitry (e.g., the processor270in one example) executing the software forms the structure associated with such means. The network registry80may be configured to register radio access networks (RANs) in the local area based on reports received from devices attached to or otherwise aware of the presence of each respective radio access network. The network registry80may be configured to determine a view of active and non-active unlicensed band usage based on location information associated with each report received from communication devices and provide such information for use by the communication manager52as described above. In some embodiments, the network registry80may also include a view of active and non-active licensed band usage.

FIG. 5illustrates operation of the communication manager52according to an example embodiment. In this regard, the eNB20(via the communication manager52) may utilize information on unlicensed band resources that are available for use by the mobile terminal10(such information being provided by the network registry node50) to determine a secondary frequency for use by the mobile terminal10in communication with the second communication device12. The eNB20may then send, over primary system deployment (e.g., in the LTE or LTE-A domain), an indication of the resources the mobile terminal10is to use for communication with the second communication device12as indicated at instruction300. The instruction300may be provided via control signaling in the licensed spectrum of the primary band (e.g., defined by the primary center frequency fc and the primary bandwidth BWpri). The instruction300may define unlicensed resources to be used by the mobile terminal10(such resources being defined by a secondary center frequency fcsecand the secondary bandwidth BWsec). A D2D connection310may then be established between the mobile terminal10and the second communication device12. However, control information320may continue to be provided to the mobile terminal10via control channels of the primary band. In some embodiments, the resources in the unlicensed band could be divided to resource blocks (e.g., similar to an LTE system). Devices may then receive additional resource allocations from the network via the communication manager52and the communication manager52may signal the allocated resource blocks. As an alternative, knowing the center frequency, devices could use contention based mechanisms to compete for resource blocks on the secondary band. Devices may listen via the downlink of the primary system for control information and use the secondary band for data communication. The network may also identify and notify potentially impacted other local system(s) about the assigned local communication, as the serving radio access network and the other systems may cooperate effectively to occupy resources and serve their users.

FIG. 6is a control flow diagram showing some communication exchanges for offloading by assigning a device (or devices) to an unlicensed band according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 6, the network registry node50may initially exchange information with any access points42in unlicensed bands at operation400. The information may indicate resource utilization of unlicensed bands. At operation402, the network registry node50may exchange information regarding available bandwidth in unlicensed bands with the eNB20. In some cases, the information exchange may be providing a request for reports from communication devices or updating of information collected at the network registry node50for use in making asset utilization determinations. In some cases, there may be an optional exchange of information directly between the mobile terminal10and the network registry node50as shown at operation404. At operation406, which may be accomplished periodically, occasionally or continuously, the mobile terminal10(or UE) may measure unlicensed band resources. The eNB20, based on information provided by the network registry node50, may direct traffic to be offloaded to unlicensed band resources by providing a traffic offload request408to the mobile terminal10to define a new configuration. At operation410, configuration information and updates of resource utilization of the unlicensed band may be exchanged between the eNB20and the mobile terminal10. Information regarding available bandwidth in unlicensed bands may then continue to be exchanged between the eNB20and the network registry node50at operation412. Again, the information exchange may be providing a request for reports from communication devices or updating of information collected at the network registry node50for use in making asset utilization determinations.

In this example embodiment, the eNB may indicate that traffic offloading to unlicensed band is needed on a PDSCH (physical downlink shared channel) via RRC (radio resource control) procedures. The mobile terminal may make supporting measurements on the unlicensed band (e.g. if it has WLAN radio and communication would be offloaded to WLAN band) and indicate, for example, which WLAN channels are free on PUSCH (physical uplink shared channel) within the RRC procedure. Information exchange about between DSRF and mobile terminal may use existing signaling channels.

Rather than specifically directing a mobile terminal or other communication device to switch to an unlicensed band, in some cases, local access points (e.g., access point40) may be directed to utilize unlicensed band resources.FIG. 7is a control flow diagram showing some communication exchanges for offloading by assigning an access point to an unlicensed band according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As indicated above, the network registry node50may initially exchange information with any access points42in unlicensed bands at operation500. The information may indicate resource utilization of unlicensed bands. At operation502, the network registry node50may exchange information regarding available bandwidth in unlicensed bands with the eNB20. In some cases, the information exchange may be providing a request for reports from communication devices or updating of information collected at the network registry node50for use in making asset utilization determinations. In some cases, there may be an optional exchange of information directly between the network registry node50and a local access point (e.g., access point40) regarding measurements related to unlicensed band utilization as indicated at operation504and/or an exchange of information between the mobile terminal10and the eNB20as shown at operation506. The eNB20, based on information provided by the network registry node50and/or the mobile terminal10, may direct traffic to be offloaded by the local access point40to unlicensed band resources by providing a traffic offload request508to the access point40to define a new configuration. At operation510, the eNB20may also direct the mobile terminal10to adopt a new configuration by associating with the access point40(which may be a local femto AP in some cases). Information regarding available bandwidth in unlicensed bands may then continue to be exchanged between the network registry node50and the eNB20at operation512. Again, the information exchange may be providing a request for reports from communication devices or updating of information collected at the network registry node50for use in making asset utilization determinations. At operation514, configuration information and updates of resource utilization of the unlicensed band may be exchanged between the eNB20and the access point40as well.

Thus, some embodiments of the present invention may enable configuring and updating info about available radio resources in a particular unlicensed band of interest for possible cellular integrated D2D communications, integrations with M2M communications or other alternative communication paths involving unlicensed band resources. Some examples may employ a network server or other device (e.g., a DRSF, MME or the network registry node50) that may be configured to initially configure or indicate individual radio access networks that may support heterogeneous local communication (e.g., under supervision of the network device) using unlicensed bands. Thus, for example, the network device may inform other devices about the potential unlicensed band(s) for D2D offload, including information about other systems, cellular or non-cellular, operating in the band(s). These other systems, if trusted, may be connected to the common DRSF. In some embodiments, a mobile terminal assisted option may be implemented to get location based information about usage of unlicensed bands. For example, the mobile terminal10may be configured to measure parameters regarding availability of unlicensed band resources and report to such availability to a serving radio access network. The reported parameters may include, for example, interference levels, detectable other systems operating in the unlicensed band, etc. The serving radio access network may update the network device based on the measurement reports of multiple mobile terminals with detailed location mapping. In some embodiments, a radio access network assisted option may be utilized in which a local eNB is responsible for the aforementioned measurement and reporting. In an example case, a local non-cellular system assisted option may be employed in which trusted local AP measurement and reporting to the network device (e.g., a common DRSF) may be accomplished via a packet data network (PDN) Gateway, also with more extended load information. In such an example, a local trusted AP may report to the serving radio access network directly if some mobile terminal, as a cellular monitoring agent, is embedded in the local AP. In situations in which a device finds a new AP, the device may check to determine whether the network device (e.g., DRSF) already has information about the newly discovered AP. If no information is found, the device may register the AP to the DRSF via the licensed spectrum and assist in establishing an interface between the AP and DRSF.

While some heterogeneous local communication may occur in the licensed band under supervision of a certain radio access network, the serving radio access network and the central entity (e.g., the network registry node50) may interact with each other and try to find unlicensed spectrum for the local communication e.g. when the load in the radio access network is to be decreased for some reason. The signaling and control for local communication may be accomplished via the licensed band. In an example embodiment, the following signaling procedure could be applied (e.g., in LTE/LTE-A) to allocate new resources for the local communication in question.

In an example embodiment, usage of unlicensed band resources may be essentially hidden from the devices involved in a local communication as such devices may still follow control signaling provided in the licensed spectrum. As an example, in the LTE/LTE-A domain, a virtual component carrier could be considered in which the local communication devices are configured on a component carrier that is actually located on the unlicensed spectrum. That component carrier could be considered as a secondary component carrier used by the locally communicating devices for their data transmission and the primary component carrier located on licensed spectrum under supervision of the certain radio access network may be used for control and coordination by the central entity and the serving radio access network. Accordingly, devices may be offloaded to utilized unlicensed resources for D2D or M2M communication. However, in some cases, local access points (and the devices associated therewith) may also be offloaded from licensed to unlicensed bands. The devices may maintain a connection to the primary system (e.g., for control information), but local user plane data may be routed via the unlicensed bands.

In some cases, a plurality of mobile terminals may need to be offloaded and, to avoid contention issues on free secondary band channels, resources may be shared between several mobile terminals (e.g., using time division multiplexing or other scheduling schemes such as a contention based access scheme). The scheduling of a mobile terminal on the secondary band channel may be updated via RRC signaling. Mobile terminals may be allocated some slots (e.g., 1 ms slots) with some periodicity on the free secondary band. In an example embodiment, clustering (e.g., with a cluster head) may be employed with spatially separated clusters providing a way to avoid contention on the secondary band while maximizing reuse of resources. Within a cluster, time and/or frequency division multiplexing modes may be applied.

Thus, some embodiments of the present invention may provide licensed band traffic offloading assisted by the network. Devices that are offloaded may still be connected to the licensed band resources of the initial service network for receipt of certain control commands, but user plane data may be exchanged over a secondary band. Devices can therefore be used for sensing the possible offloading bands and providing information for a central device to ensure fair utilization of the unlicensed band. An entity may therefore be defined to assist in offloading using parameters and configuration data defined by the entity.

In this regard, one embodiment of a method for providing network assisted local communication offloading to unlicensed bands, as shown inFIG. 8, includes receiving, via signaling associated with licensed band resources, information indicative of unlicensed band resources available in a particular area at operation600and providing resource availability data, via signaling associated with the licensed band resources, to one or more devices within the particular area at operation610. The resource availability data may enable unlicensed band resource usage by at least one of the one or more devices with or without user awareness. In situations where resource availability data enables usage without user awareness, the usage of unlicensed band resources may be accomplished without user involvement and, without the user being required to be notified of any switch in resources. Thus, the user need not approve of or acknowledge any such shift in resources.

In some embodiments, certain ones of the operations above may be modified or further amplified as described below. Moreover, in some embodiments additional optional operations may also be included (an example of which is shown in dashed lines inFIG. 8). It should be appreciated that each of the modifications, optional additions or amplifications below may be included with the operations above either alone or in combination with any others among the features described herein. In an example embodiment, the method may further include providing command instructions, via the licensed band resources, to one or more devices that have been directed to communicate user plane data via the unlicensed band resources at operation620. Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include tracking interference levels of unknown unlicensed band systems detectable within the particular area at operation630. In some cases, receiving the information may include receiving a report on unlicensed band resources from a mobile terminal or an access point (e.g., a femto or pico base station) in the particular area. In some cases, receiving the information may further include storing the information at a network registry for provision to an access point associated with the particular area. In such cases, providing resource availability data comprises indicating availability of unlicensed band resources to the access point. In an alternative embodiment, receiving the information may include receiving the information, at an access point associated with the particular area, from a network registry. In such cases, providing resource availability data may include directing a mobile terminal or access point in the particular area to utilize selected unlicensed band resources. Alternatively or additionally, providing resource availability data may include identifying a secondary frequency and bandwidth for use of unlicensed band resources by one or more devices in the particular area. In some embodiments, providing resource availability data may include utilizing a virtual component carrier for use of unlicensed band resources by one or more devices in the particular area.

Another embodiment of a method for providing network assisted local communication offloading to unlicensed bands (from the perspective of a mobile terminal), as shown inFIG. 9, includes providing, via signaling associated with licensed band resources, information indicative of unlicensed band resources available in a particular area at operation700and receiving resource availability data, via signaling associated with the licensed band resources, to one or more devices within the particular area at operation710. The resource availability data may enable unlicensed band resource usage by a mobile terminal performing the method with or without user awareness. In situations where resource availability data enables usage without user awareness, the usage of unlicensed band resources may be accomplished without user involvement and, without the user being required to be notified of any switch in resources. Thus, the user need not approve of or acknowledge any such shift in resources. The method may further include utilizing selected unlicensed band resources based on the resource availability data at operation720.

In some embodiments, certain ones of the operations above may be modified or further amplified as described below. Moreover, in some embodiments additional optional operations may also be included (an example of which is shown in dashed lines inFIG. 9). It should be appreciated that each of the modifications, optional additions or amplifications below may be included with the operations above either alone or in combination with any others among the features described herein. In an example embodiment, the method may further include receiving command instructions, via the licensed band resources at operation730. In some cases, providing the information may further include providing the information for storage at a network registry for provision to an access point associated with the particular area. In some embodiments, receiving resource availability data may include receiving information identifying a secondary frequency and bandwidth for use of unlicensed band resources.

In an example embodiment, an apparatus for performing the method ofFIG. 8above may comprise a processor (e.g., the processor70or270) configured to perform some or each of the operations (600-630) described above. The processor may, for example, be configured to perform the operations (600-630) by performing hardware implemented logical functions, executing stored instructions, or executing algorithms for performing each of the operations. Alternatively, the apparatus may comprise means for performing each of the operations described above. In this regard, according to an example embodiment, examples of means for performing operations600-630may comprise, for example, the processor70or270, the communication manager52, the network registry node50, and/or a device or circuit for executing instructions or executing an algorithm for processing information as described above.

In an example embodiment, an apparatus for performing the method ofFIG. 9above may comprise a processor (e.g., the processor170) configured to perform some or each of the operations (700-730) described above. The processor may, for example, be configured to perform the operations (700-730) by performing hardware implemented logical functions, executing stored instructions, or executing algorithms for performing each of the operations. Alternatively, the apparatus may comprise means for performing each of the operations described above. In this regard, according to an example embodiment, examples of means for performing operations700-730may comprise, for example, the processor170, the management entity54, and/or a device or circuit for executing instructions or executing an algorithm for processing information as described above.