Systems and methods are provided for providing multi-user PDCCH beamforming. This enables a single beam to provide coverage to multiple users. Initially, a first signal is communicated by a node configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more UEs to a first UE of the one or more UEs. The first signal includes a first orthogonal code. A second signal is communicated by the node configured to wirelessly communicate with the one or more UEs to a second UE of the one or more UE. The second signal includes a second orthogonal code. Importantly, the first signal and the second signal are communicated by the node via a single beam. By utilizing the orthogonal codes, the node and UEs are able to distinguish and interpret the appropriate signals provided by the single beam.

SUMMARY

A high-level overview of various aspects of the present technology is provided in this section to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description section of this disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In aspects set forth herein, systems and methods are provided for multi-user physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) beamforming. More particularly, in aspects set forth herein, systems and methods enable a single PDCCH beam to support more than one user equipment (UE). Initially, a first signal is communicated, by a node configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more UEs, to a first UE of the one or more UEs. The first signal includes a first orthogonal code. A second signal is communicated, by the node configured to wirelessly communicate with the one or more UEs, to a second UE of the one or more UEs. The second signal includes a second orthogonal code. Importantly, the first signal and the second signal are communicated by the node via a single beam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout this disclosure, several acronyms and shorthand notations are employed to aid the understanding of certain concepts pertaining to the associated system and services. These acronyms and shorthand notations are intended to help provide an easy methodology of communicating the ideas expressed herein and are not meant to limit the scope of embodiments described in the present disclosure. The following is a list of these acronyms:3G Third-Generation Wireless Technology4G Fourth-Generation Cellular Communication System5G Fifth-Generation Cellular Communication SystemCD-ROM Compact Disk Read Only MemoryCDMA Code Division Multiple AccesseNodeB Evolved Node BGIS Geographic/Geographical/Geospatial Information SystemgNodeB Next Generation Node BGPRS General Packet Radio ServiceGSM Global System for Mobile communicationsiDEN Integrated Digital Enhanced NetworkDVD Digital Versatile DiscsEEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only MemoryLED Light Emitting DiodeLTE Long Term EvolutionMIMO Multiple Input Multiple OutputMD Mobile DevicePC Personal ComputerPCS Personal Communications ServicePDA Personal Digital AssistantRAM Random Access MemoryRET Remote Electrical TiltRF Radio-FrequencyRFI Radio-Frequency InterferenceR/N Relay NodeRNR Reverse Noise RiseROM Read Only MemoryRSRP Reference Transmission Receive PowerRSRQ Reference Transmission Receive QualityRSSI Received Transmission Strength IndicatorSINR Transmission-to-Interference-Plus-Noise RatioSNR Transmission-to-noise ratioSON Self-Organizing NetworksTDMA Time Division Multiple AccessTXRU Transceiver (or Transceiver Unit)UE User Equipment

Further, various technical terms are used throughout this description. An illustrative resource that fleshes out various aspects of these terms can be found in Newton's Telecom Dictionary, 25th Edition (2009).

As used herein, the term “node” is used to refer to network access technology, such as eNode, gNode, etc. In other aspects, the term “node” may be used to refer to one or more antennas being used to communicate with a user device.

By way of background, a traditional telecommunications network employs a plurality of base stations (i.e., cell sites, cell towers) to provide network coverage. The base stations are employed to broadcast and transmit transmissions to user devices of the telecommunications network. An access point may be considered to be a portion of a base station that may comprise an antenna, a radio, and/or a controller. In aspects, an access point is defined by its ability to communicate with a user equipment (UE), such as a wireless communication device (WCD), according to a single protocol (e.g., 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, and the like); however, in other aspects, a single access point may communicate with a UE according to multiple protocols. As used herein, a base station may comprise one access point or more than one access point. Factors that can affect the telecommunications transmission include, e.g., location and size of the base stations, and frequency of the transmission, antenna array configuration corresponding to both the access point and the UE, among other factors. The base stations are employed to broadcast and transmit transmissions to user devices of the telecommunications network.

As employed herein, a UE (also referenced herein as a user device) or WCD can include any device employed by an end-user to communicate with a wireless telecommunications network. A UE can include a mobile device, a mobile broadband adapter, or any other communications device employed to communicate with the wireless telecommunications network. A UE, as one of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate, generally includes one or more antenna coupled to a radio for exchanging (e.g., transmitting and receiving) transmissions with a nearby base station.

In conventional cellular communications technology, beamforming is a signal processing technique that enables a node to send targeted beams of data to users. Not only does this reduce interference, it also makes more efficient use of the frequency spectrum. PDCCH beamforming is a type of beamforming that can extend coverage to users using the same amount of energy. By leveraging a narrower beam, PDCCH beamforming can extend coverage to UEs farther away from the node than with traditional beamforming. However, PDCCH beamforming is currently limited to a single UE per beam. In other words, PDCCH beamforming does not currently support utilizing a single beam to provide coverage to more than one user.

The present disclosure is directed to providing multi-user PDCCH beamforming. This enables a single beam to provide coverage to multiple users. To do so, a first signal is communicated by a node configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more UEs to a first UE of the one or more UEs. The first signal include a first orthogonal code. A second signal is communicated by the node configured to wirelessly communicate with the one or more UEs to a second UE of the one or more UE. The second signal includes a second orthogonal code. Importantly, the first signal and the second signal are communicated by the node via a single beam. By utilizing the orthogonal codes, the node and UEs are able to distinguish and interpret the appropriate signals provided by the single beam.

In some aspects, an indication is communicated, by the node, to the first UE and the second UE that the node supports more than one UE via the single beam. Upon receiving a signal from the first UE, the node may interpret the signal communicated by the first UE by multiplying the signal by the first orthogonal code. Similarly, upon receiving a signal from the second UE, the node may interpret the signal communicated by the second UE by multiplying the signal by the second orthogonal code. In some aspects, the first UE and the second UE are in approximately similar direction relative to the node. Additionally, the first UE may be in closer proximity to the node relative to the second UE. Moreover, although aspects referred to herein describe a first UE and a second UE, it should be appreciated that, in some aspects, any number of UEs may be provided coverage by a single PDCCH beam.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for multi-user PDCCH beamforming. The method comprises communicating, by a node configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more UEs, a first signal to a first UE of the one or more UEs. The first signal includes a first orthogonal code. The method also comprises communicating, by the node configured to wirelessly communicate with the one or more UEs, a second signal to a second UE of the one or more UEs. The second signal includes a second orthogonal code. The first signal and the second signal are communicated by the node via a single beam.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for multi-user PDCCH beamforming. The method comprises receiving, from a node configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more UEs, an indication that the node supports more than one UE via a single beam. The method also comprises receiving, at a first UE of the one or more UEs, a first signal comprising a first orthogonal code. The method further comprises receiving, at the first UE of the one or more UEs, a second signal comprising a second orthogonal code. The first signal and the second signal are communicated by the node via the single beam.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a system for multi-user PDCCH beamforming. The system comprises one or more UEs and a node configured to wirelessly communicate with the one or more UEs. Then node is configured to: 1) communicate a first signal to a first UE of the one or more UEs, the first signal including a first orthogonal code; and 2) communicate a second signal to a second UE of the one or more UEs, the second signal including a second orthogonal code, wherein the first signal and the second signal are communicated by the node via a single beam.

Turning toFIG.1, a network environment suitable for use in implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. Such a network environment is illustrated and designated generally as network environment100. Network environment100is but one example of a suitable network environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the disclosure. Neither should the network environment100be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated.

A network cell may comprise a base station to facilitate wireless communication between a communications device within the network cell, such as communications device600described with respect toFIG.6, and a network. As shown inFIG.1, communications devices may be UEs102,104. In the network environment100, UEs102,104may communicate with other devices, such as mobile devices, servers, etc. The UEs102,104may take on a variety of forms, such as a personal computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a netbook, a mobile phone, a Smart phone, a personal digital assistant, or any other device capable of communicating with other devices. For example, the UEs102,104may take on any form such as, for example, a mobile device or any other computing device capable of wirelessly communication with the other devices using a network. Makers of illustrative devices include, for example, Research in Motion, Creative Technologies Corp., Samsung, Apple Computer, and the like. A device can include, for example, a display(s), a power source(s) (e.g., a battery), a data store(s), a speaker(s), memory, a buffer(s), and the like. In embodiments, UEs102,104comprise a wireless or mobile device with which a wireless telecommunication network(s) can be utilized for communication (e.g., voice and/or data communication). In this regard, the UEs102,104can be any mobile computing device that communicates by way of, for example, a 5G network.

The UE102may utilize network122to communicate with other computing devices (e.g., mobile device(s), a server(s), a personal computer(s), etc.). In embodiments, network122is a telecommunications network, or a portion thereof. A telecommunications network might include an array of devices or components, some of which are not shown so as to not obscure more relevant aspects of the invention. Components such as terminals, links, and nodes (as well as other components) may provide connectivity in some embodiments. Network122may include multiple networks, as well as being a network of networks, but is shown in more simple form so as to not obscure other aspects of the present disclosure. Network122may be part of a telecommunications network that connects subscribers to their immediate service provider. In embodiments, network122is associated with a telecommunications provider that provides services to user devices, such as UE102. For example, network122may provide voice services to user devices or corresponding users that are registered or subscribed to utilize the services provided by a telecommunications provider. Although it is contemplated network122can be any communication network providing voice and/or data service(s), such as, for example, a 1× circuit voice, a 3G network (e.g., CDMA, CDMA1000, WCDMA, GSM, UMTS), a 4G network (WiMAX, LTE, HSDPA), or the like, network122is depicted inFIG.1as a 5G network.

The network environment100may include a database (not shown). The database may be similar to the memory component612inFIG.6and can be any type of medium that is capable of storing information. The database can be any collection of records (e.g., network or device information). In one embodiment, the database includes a set of embodied computer-executable instructions that, when executed, facilitate various aspects disclosed herein. These embodied instructions will variously be referred to as “instructions” or an “application” for short.

As previously mentioned, the UEs102,104may communicate with other devices by using a base station, such as base station106. In embodiments, base station106is a wireless communications station that is installed at a fixed location, such as at a radio tower, as illustrated inFIG.1. The radio tower may be a tall structure designed to support one or more antennas108for telecommunications and/or broadcasting. In other embodiments, base station106is a mobile base station. The base station106may be an MMU and include gNodeB for mMIMO/5G communications via network122. In this way, the base station106can facilitate wireless communication between UEs102,104and network122.

As stated, the base station106may include a radio (not shown) or a remote radio head (RRH) that generally communicates with one or more antennas associated with the base station106. In this regard, the radio is used to transmit signals or data to an antenna108associated with the base station106and receive signals or data from the antenna108. Communications between the radio and the antenna108can occur using any number of physical paths. A physical path, as used herein, refers to a path used for transmitting signals or data. As such, a physical path may be referred to as a radio frequency (RF) path, a coaxial cable path, cable path, or the like.

The antenna108is used for telecommunications. Generally, the antenna108may be an electrical device that converts electric power into radio waves and converts radio waves into electric power. The antenna108is typically positioned at or near the top of the radio tower as illustrated inFIG.1. Such an installation location, however, is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the present invention. The radio associated with the base station106may include at least one transceiver configured to receive and transmit signals or data.

Continuing, the network environment100may further include a PDCCH beamforming engine108. The PDCCH beamforming engine108may be configured to, among other things, provide multi-user PDCCH beamforming, in accordance with the present disclosure. Though PDCCH beamforming engine108is illustrated as a component of base station106inFIG.1, it may be a standalone device (e.g., a server having one or more processors), a component of the UEs102,104, a service provided via the network122, and/or may be remotely located.

Referring now toFIG.2, the PDCCH beamforming engine110may include, among other things, code component202and interpret component204. The PDCCH110may receive, among other things, data from user devices, such as UEs102,104, within a network cell associated with a particular base station106, or from the base station106itself. For example, the PDCCH beamforming engine110may receive a signal from UE(s)102,104to the base station106or a signal from the base station106to the UE(s)102,104.

The code component202generates an orthogonal code that is communicated as part of the signal from the UE(s)102,104to the base station106or vice versa. The orthogonal code enables the UE(s)102,104to determine if the signal from the base station106was intended for UE102or UE104. Similarly, the orthogonal code enables the base station106to determine if the signal was communicated by UE102or UE104.

The interpret component204utilizes the orthogonal code to interpret the signal. For example, assume the signal was communicated by the base station106to UE104. If the interpret component204utilizes the orthogonal code corresponding to UE102to interpret the signal, the result is zero and UE102understands the signal was not intended for UE102. If however, the interpret component204utilizes the orthogonal code corresponding to UE104to interpret the signal, the result is the signal itself and UE104understands the signal was intended for UE104. Moreover, UE104is able to interpret the signal itself.

Similarly, assume the signal was communicated by UE102to the base station106. If the interpret component204utilizes the orthogonal code corresponding to UE104to interpret the signal, the result is zero and the base station106understands the signal was not communicated by UE104. If however, the interpret component204utilizes the orthogonal code corresponding to UE102to interpret the signal, the result is the signal itself and the base station106understands the signal was communicated by UE102. Moreover, the base station106is able to interpret the signal itself.

Turning toFIG.3, a diagram300is provided depicting two UEs supported by a single PDCCH beam, according to aspects of the technology described herein. As illustrated, the UEs308,310may communicate with other devices by using a base station, such as base station302. In embodiments, base station302is a wireless communications station that supports one or more antennas304for telecommunications and/or broadcasting. The base station302may be an MMU and include gNodeB for mMIMO/5G communications via network. In this way, the base station302can facilitate wireless communication between UEs308,310and network.

More particularly, the base station302may employ a single PDCCH beam306to provide service to UEs308,310. As illustrated, in some aspects, UE308and UE310are in an approximately similar direction relative to the base station302. Also as illustrated, in some aspects, UE308is in close proximity to the base station302and UE310is in extended proximity to the base station302. Put another way, UE308is closer to the base station302than UE310. By utilizing orthogonal codes, as explained in more detail herein, UE308and UE310are able to determine which signal communicated by the base station302is intended for which UE and is further able to interpret the signal that is intended for itself. Additionally, the base station302is able to determine which signal is communicated by which UE and is further able to interpret the signal itself.

Referring toFIG.4, a flow diagram is provided depicting a method400for multi-user PDCCH beamforming, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Method400may be performed by any computing device (such as computing device described with respect toFIG.6) with access to a PDCCH beamforming engine (such as the one described with respect toFIG.2) or by one or more components of the network environment described with respect toFIG.1(such as UE102,104, base station106, or PDCCH beamforming engine110).

Initially, at step402, a first signal is communicated, by a node configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more UEs, to a first UE of the one or more UEs. The first signal includes a first orthogonal code. For example, for illustrative purposes, the first signal may be denoted by S1*C1with the interpretable communication from the first UE denoted by S1and the first orthogonal code denoted by C1.

At step404, a second signal is communicated, by the node configured to wirelessly communicate with the one or more UEs, to a second UE of the one or more UEs. The second signal includes a second orthogonal code. Continuing the example, for illustrative purposes, the second signal may be denoted by S2*C2with the interpretable communication from the second UE denoted by S2the second orthogonal code denoted by C2. Importantly, the first signal and the second signal are communicated by the node via a single beam.

In aspects, the node communicates an indication to the first UE and the second UE that the node supports more than one UE via the single beam. Upon the indication being communicated, in some aspects, the UE may generate and communicate an orthogonal code to the node. Alternatively, the node may generate and communicate the orthogonal code to the UE. In each aspect, the UE and the node are able to utilize the orthogonal code to interpret communications between the UE and the node.

For example, a first signal S1*C1may be received from the first UE at the node and a second signal S2*C2may be received from the second UE at the node. The node may interpret the signal communicated by the first UE by multiplying the first signal S1*C1by the first orthogonal code C1. The result will be S1and the communication can be interpreted. Similarly, the node may interpret the signal communicated by the second UE by multiplying the second signal S2*C2by the second orthogonal code C2. The result will be S2and the communication can be interpreted.

In contrast, if the node attempts to interpret the second signal S2from the second UE using the first orthogonal code C1(by multiplying the second signal S2by the first orthogonal code C1), the result will be zero and the node will be unable to interpret the second signal. Similarly, if the node attempts to interpret the first signal S1from the first UE using the second orthogonal code C2(by multiplying the first signal S1by the second orthogonal code C2), the result will be zero and the node will be unable to interpret the first signal.

In aspects, the first UE and the second UE are in an approximately similar direction relative to the node. In this way, a single beam from the node enables the node to communicate with both the first UE and the second UE. In some aspects, the first UE is in closer proximity to the node relative to the second UE, or vice versa. In other aspects, the first UE and the second UE are in similar proximity relative to the node.

InFIG.5, a flow diagram is provided depicting a method500for multi-user PDCCH beamforming, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Method500may be performed by any computing device (such as computing device described with respect toFIG.6) with access to a PDCCH beamforming engine (such as the one described with respect toFIG.2) or by one or more components of the network environment described with respect toFIG.1(such as UE102,104, base station106, or PDCCH beamforming engine110).

Initially, at step502, an indication that the node supports more than one UE via a single beam is received from a node configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more UEs. The indication may cause a first UE of the one or more UEs attempting to communicate with the node to generate and communicate a first orthogonal code to the node. Alternatively, upon receiving an indication from the first UE of the one or more UEs that the UE is attempting to communicate with the node, the node may generate and communicate a first orthogonal code to the node. The orthogonal codes enable the node to distinguish and interpret signals from the first UE and the second UE as well as enabling the first UE and the second UE to distinguish and interpret the appropriate signals communicated by the node.

At step504, a first signal comprising a first orthogonal code may be received at the first UE of the one or more UEs. For example, for illustrative purposes, the first signal may be denoted by S1*C1with the interpretable communication from the node to the first UE denoted by S1and the first orthogonal code denoted by C1.

At step506, because the node is supporting more than one UE via a single beam, a second signal comprising a second orthogonal code may be received by the first UE from the node. In some aspects, a second UE of the one or more UEs also receives the first signal comprising the first orthogonal code and the second signal comprising the second orthogonal code from the node. Continuing the example, for illustrative purposes, the second signal may be denoted by S2*C2with the interpretable communication from the node to the second UE denoted by S2the second orthogonal code denoted by C2.

In some aspects, the first UE may communicate a signal to the node. A third signal S3comprising a first orthogonal code may be communicated to the node. The node may utilize the first orthogonal code to determine the signal S3was communicate by the first UE by multiplying the signal S3by the first orthogonal code. If the result is S3, the signal was communicated by the first UE and the node is able to interpret the signal. If on the other hand the result is zero, the signal was not communicated by the first UE and the node may attempt to interpret the signal using orthogonal codes from other UEs.

By way of example, assume a node is using a single beam to communicate with a first UE and a second UE. Because the first UE and the second UE are being supported by a single beam from the node, a first signal S1*C1may be received by the first UE and the second UE from the node and a second signal S2*C2may also be received by the first UE and the second UE from the node. The first UE may interpret the first signal communicated by the node by multiplying the first signal S1*C1by the first orthogonal code C1. The result will be S1and the communication can determined by the first UE that it was intended for the first UE. Moreover, the communicated can be interpreted by the first UE. Similarly, the second UE may interpret the second signal communicated by the node by multiplying the second signal S2*C2by the second orthogonal code C2. The result will be S2and the communication can determined by the second UE that it was intended for the second UE. Moreover, the communicated can be interpreted by the second UE.

In contrast, if the first UE attempts to interpret the second signal S2from the node using the first orthogonal code C1(by multiplying the second signal S2by the first orthogonal code C1), the result will be zero and the first UE will be unable to interpret the second signal. Similarly, if the second UE attempts to interpret the first signal S1from the node using the second orthogonal code C2(by multiplying the first signal S1by the second orthogonal code C2), the result will be zero and the second UE will be unable to interpret the first signal.

Embodiments of the technology described herein may be embodied as, among other things, a method, a system, or a computer-program product. Accordingly, the embodiments may take the form of a hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. The present technology may take the form of a computer-program product that includes computer-useable instructions embodied on one or more computer-readable media. The present technology may further be implemented as hard-coded into the mechanical design of network components and/or may be built into a broadcast cell or central server.

Computer-readable media includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media, and contemplate media readable by a database, a switch, and/or various other network devices. Network switches, routers, and related components are conventional in nature, as are methods of communicating with the same. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and/or non-transitory communications media.

Computer storage media, or machine-readable media, may include media implemented in any method or technology for storing information. Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data representations. Computer storage media may include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and/or other magnetic storage devices. These memory components may store data momentarily, temporarily, and/or permanently, and are not limited to the examples provided.

Referring toFIG.6, a block diagram of an exemplary computing device600suitable for use in implementations of the technology described herein is provided. In particular, the exemplary computer environment is shown and designated generally as computing device600. Computing device600is but one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention. Neither should computing device600be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated. It should be noted that although some components inFIG.6are shown in the singular, they may be plural. For example, the computing device600might include multiple processors or multiple radios. In aspects, the computing device600may be a UE/WCD, or other user device, capable of two-way wireless communications with an access point. Some non-limiting examples of the computing device600include a cell phone, tablet, pager, personal electronic device, wearable electronic device, activity tracker, desktop computer, laptop, PC, and the like.

As shown inFIG.6, computing device600includes a bus610that directly or indirectly couples various components together, including memory612, processor(s)614, presentation component(s)616(if applicable), radio(s)624, input/output (I/O) port(s)618, input/output (I/O) component(s)620, and power supply(s)622. Although the components ofFIG.6are shown with lines for the sake of clarity, in reality, delineating various components is not so clear, and metaphorically, the lines would more accurately be grey and fuzzy. For example, one may consider a presentation component such as a display device to be one of I/O components620. Also, processors, such as one or more processors614, have memory. The present disclosure hereof recognizes that such is the nature of the art, and reiterates thatFIG.6is merely illustrative of an exemplary computing environment that can be used in connection with one or more implementations of the present disclosure. Distinction is not made between such categories as “workstation,” “server,” “laptop,” “handheld device,” etc., as all are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure and refer to “computer” or “computing device.”

Memory612may take the form of memory components described herein. Thus, further elaboration will not be provided here, but it should be noted that memory612may include any type of tangible medium that is capable of storing information, such as a database. A database may be any collection of records, data, and/or information. In one embodiment, memory612may include a set of embodied computer-executable instructions that, when executed, facilitate various functions or elements disclosed herein. These embodied instructions will variously be referred to as “instructions” or an “application” for short.

Processor614may actually be multiple processors that receive instructions and process them accordingly. Presentation component616may include a display, a speaker, and/or other components that may present information (e.g., a display, a screen, a lamp (LED), a graphical user interface (GUI), and/or even lighted keyboards) through visual, auditory, and/or other tactile cues.

Radio624represents a radio that facilitates communication with a wireless telecommunications network. Illustrative wireless telecommunications technologies include CDMA, GPRS, TDMA, GSM, and the like. Radio624might additionally or alternatively facilitate other types of wireless communications including Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE, 3G, 4G, LTE, mMIMO/5G, NR, VoLTE, or other VoIP communications. As can be appreciated, in various embodiments, radio624can be configured to support multiple technologies and/or multiple radios can be utilized to support multiple technologies. A wireless telecommunications network might include an array of devices, which are not shown so as to not obscure more relevant aspects of the invention. Components such as a base station, a communications tower, or even access points (as well as other components) can provide wireless connectivity in some embodiments.

The input/output (I/O) ports618may take a variety of forms. Exemplary I/O ports may include a USB jack, a stereo jack, an infrared port, a firewire port, other proprietary communications ports, and the like. Input/output (I/O) components620may comprise keyboards, microphones, speakers, touchscreens, and/or any other item usable to directly or indirectly input data into the computing device600.

Power supply622may include batteries, fuel cells, and/or any other component that may act as a power source to supply power to the computing device600or to other network components, including through one or more electrical connections or couplings. Power supply622may be configured to selectively supply power to different components independently and/or concurrently.