Dynamically updating the location of mobile wireless repeaters

A Long-Term Evolution (LTE) communication system to facilitate updating network topology information when a mobile wireless repeater changes its attachment comprises a network topology server, a former macro LTE base station to which the mobile wireless repeater was previously attached, and a new macro LTE base station to which the mobile wireless repeater is presently attached. The network topology is server configured to receive updated attachment information transmitted from the mobile wireless repeater and transfer an attachment scan instruction for delivery to the former macro LTE base station and the new macro LTE base station. The former and new macro LTE base stations are configured to determine network attachment information for one or more network wireless repeaters and transfer the network attachment information for delivery to the network topology server. The network topology server is further configured to receive the network attachment information and update a network topology map.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Wireless communication systems typically include wireless access nodes which provide access to communication services for wireless communication devices over wireless links. A typical wireless communication system includes systems to provide wireless access across a geographic region, with different wireless coverage areas associated with individual wireless access nodes. The wireless access systems exchange communications between wireless communication devices, service providers, and other network elements. The communications typically include voice calls, data exchanges, web pages, streaming media, text messages, and other communication services. In Long-Term Evolution (LTE) communication systems, a wireless communication device is referred to as User Equipment (UE), while a wireless access node is called an enhanced Node B (eNodeB).

In some geographic areas, such as rural or remote locations, it is impractical or not cost effective to install eNodeB base stations to provide coverage to a small number of users. In such situations, wireless repeaters may be employed to relay communications between the UE devices and a serving eNodeB, thereby expanding the coverage footprint of the network. The network may also deploy mobile wireless repeaters on-demand, which may frequently change their points of attachment. However, due to the unobtrusive design goal of wireless repeaters, which are intended to operate transparently to the UE and backend location systems, the UE and other network systems currently have no way to tell the difference between whether the UE is attached directly to an eNodeB tower or to a remotely located wireless repeater. Thus, when the location of a UE device is needed, such as for location-based commercial services or emergency services, the use of wireless repeaters distort the returned location if the eNodeB tower that is ultimately serving the UE is used to estimate the location of the UE, particularly when the eNodeB is located a great distance from the UE device and the repeater to which the UE is attached.

Overview

A method of operating a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) communication system to facilitate updating network topology information when a mobile wireless repeater changes its attachment is disclosed. The method comprises, in a network topology server, receiving updated attachment information transmitted from the mobile wireless repeater. The method further comprises, in the network topology server, processing the updated attachment information to identify a former macro LTE base station to which the mobile wireless repeater was previously attached and a new macro LTE base station to which the mobile wireless repeater is presently attached. The method further comprises, in the network topology server, transferring an attachment scan instruction for delivery to the former macro LTE base station and the new macro LTE base station. The method further comprises, in the former macro LTE base station, in response to the attachment scan instruction, determining former network attachment information for one or more former network wireless repeaters attached to the former macro LTE base station and transferring the former network attachment information for delivery to the network topology server. The method further comprises, in the new macro LTE base station, in response to the attachment scan instruction, determining new network attachment information for one or more new network wireless repeaters attached to the new macro LTE base station and transferring the new network attachment information for delivery to the network topology server. The method further comprises, in the network topology server, receiving the former network attachment information and the new network attachment information and updating a network topology map with the former network attachment information and the new network attachment information.

A Long-Term Evolution (LTE) communication system to facilitate updating network topology information when a mobile wireless repeater changes its attachment comprises a network topology server, a former macro LTE base station to which the mobile wireless repeater was previously attached, and a new macro LTE base station to which the mobile wireless repeater is presently attached. The network topology is server configured to receive updated attachment information transmitted from the mobile wireless repeater, process the updated attachment information to identify the former macro LTE base station to which the mobile wireless repeater was previously attached and the new macro LTE base station to which the mobile wireless repeater is presently attached, and transfer an attachment scan instruction for delivery to the former macro LTE base station and the new macro LTE base station. The former macro LTE base station is configured to, in response to the attachment scan instruction, determine former network attachment information for one or more former network wireless repeaters attached to the former macro LTE base station and transfer the former network attachment information for delivery to the network topology server. The new macro LTE base station is configured to, in response to the attachment scan instruction, determine new network attachment information for one or more new network wireless repeaters attached to the new macro LTE base station and transfer the new network attachment information for delivery to the network topology server. The network topology server is further configured to receive the former network attachment information and the new network attachment information and update a network topology map with the former network attachment information and the new network attachment information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and associated drawings teach the best mode of the invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects of the best mode may be simplified or omitted. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of the invention as specified by the claims. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from the best mode that fall within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1is a block diagram that illustrates communication system100. Communication system100includes User Equipment (UE)101, mobile wireless repeater105, wireless repeater106, base stations110and120, communication network130, and network topology server140. UE101and mobile wireless repeater105are in communication over wireless communication link111. Mobile wireless repeater105and base station110initially communicate over wireless communication link112. However, as shown by the dotted line and gray shading of mobile wireless repeater105, in this example mobile wireless repeater105is relocated and changes its attachment from base station110to wireless repeater106, and communicates with wireless repeater106over wireless communication link113. Wireless repeater106is in communication with base station120over wireless communication link114. Base station110and communication network130are in communication over communication link121, while base station120and communication network130communicate over communication link122. Network topology server140and communication network130communicate over communication link131.

FIG. 2is a flow diagram that illustrates an operation of communication system100. The steps of the operation are indicated below parenthetically. The operation of communication system100shown inFIG. 2may be employed by network topology server140and base stations110and120to facilitate updating network topology information when mobile wireless repeater105changes its attachment. In order to illustrate its operations, the following discussion of the process shown inFIG. 2will proceed with reference to base station110initially serving UE device101via mobile wireless repeater105as shown inFIG. 1, but note that the details provided inFIG. 1are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the process to the specific implementation shown inFIG. 1.

In the operational flow ofFIG. 2, network topology server140receives updated attachment information transmitted from mobile wireless repeater105(201). As shown inFIG. 1, mobile wireless repeater105is initially attached to base station110and is serving UE101by relaying communications between base station110and UE101. However, as shown by the dotted lines and gray shading, mobile wireless repeater105relocates its position and changes its attachment to wireless repeater106, which in turn communicates with base station120. UE101may then communicate with mobile wireless repeater105to exchange communications with base station120via wireless repeater106(not shown for clarity). Upon changing its attachment, mobile wireless repeater105transmits updated attachment information for delivery to network topology server140. In some examples, the updated attachment information transmitted from mobile wireless repeater140and received by network topology server140comprises former repeater attachment information and new repeater attachment information. For example, the former repeater attachment information could comprise a former donor node and one or more former serving nodes, and the new repeater attachment information could comprise a new donor node and one or more new serving nodes. From the perspective of wireless repeater105, serving nodes may be defined as any network node, such as a wireless repeater, base station, and the like, that is served by mobile wireless repeater105, and donor nodes may be defined as any network node that serves mobile wireless repeater105. Thus, in this example, mobile wireless repeater105would report the former repeater attachment information as a former donor node of base station110and having no former serving nodes, and the new repeater attachment information as a new donor node of wireless repeater106and having no new serving nodes. Mobile wireless repeater105could report its former and new attachments to network topology server140in other formats and using alternative techniques. In some examples, in addition to the updated attachment information, mobile wireless repeater105could report additional information, such as an identifier of mobile wireless repeater105, latitude and longitude location coordinates of mobile wireless repeater105, a velocity vector that indicates the speed and direction that mobile wireless repeater105is traveling, a number of UE devices formerly or presently attached to mobile wireless repeater105, power status, weather information, signal strength, and any other data detected by mobile wireless repeater105. Accordingly, network topology server140may receive an identifier, location, and velocity vector of mobile wireless repeater105and any other desired information along with the updated attachment information transmitted from mobile wireless repeater105.

Network topology server140processes the updated attachment information to identify a former macro LTE base station110to which mobile wireless repeater105was previously attached and a new macro LTE base station120to which mobile wireless repeater105is presently attached (202). Typically, network topology server140processes the updated attachment information with a network topology map to identify the former macro LTE base station110and the new macro LTE base station120. For example, network topology server140may have previously determined that wireless repeater106is attached to base station120, so that when mobile wireless repeater105reports its new donor node as wireless repeater106, network topology map can use this information to identify base station120as the new macro LTE base station120to which mobile wireless repeater105is presently attached via wireless repeater106. In this example, mobile wireless repeater105would report its former donor node attachment as base station110, so no additional processing by network topology server140would be required to identify the former macro LTE base station110, but in other examples if mobile wireless repeater instead reported a wireless repeater as a former donor node, network topology server140could identify the former macro LTE base station110in the same manner as described above for the new macro LTE base station120. Other techniques for network topology server140to identify former and new macro LTE base stations are possible and within the scope of this disclosure.

Network topology server140transfers an attachment scan instruction for delivery to former macro LTE base station110and new macro LTE base station120(203). Network topology server140typically transfers the attachment scan instruction responsive to receiving the updated attachment information from mobile wireless repeater105, which indicates to network topology server140that mobile wireless repeater105has moved and changed its attachment, resulting in a different network topology than previously discovered by network topology server140. The macro scan instruction triggers the macro base stations110and120to determine their attached nodes to identify their complete node trees, which may then be used by network topology server140to update its network topology map.

In response to the attachment scan instruction, former macro LTE base station110determines former network attachment information for one or more former network wireless repeaters attached to former macro LTE base station110and transfers the former network attachment information for delivery to network topology server140(204). Likewise, new macro LTE base station120determines new network attachment information for one or more new network wireless repeaters attached to new macro LTE base station120and transfers the new network attachment information for delivery to network topology server140(205). Former macro LTE base station110and new macro LTE base station120can determine their attached wireless repeaters in many ways. In some examples, LTE base stations110and120could determine the network attachment information by querying each of the wireless repeaters attached to their respective macro LTE base stations110and120for their attachment information. For example, macro LTE base station120could send a query to wireless repeater106for its attachment information, which could respond with a new serving node of mobile wireless repeater105.

In some examples, LTE base stations110and120could determine the network attachment information by pinging each of the wireless repeaters attached to their respective macro LTE base stations110and120to determine delay time information, and then process the delay time information to determine a sequencing order of the attached wireless repeaters. For example, base station120could determine the round-trip delay (RTD) or round-trip time (RTT) by measuring the length of time it takes for a signal to be sent to a node plus the length of time it takes for an acknowledgment of that signal to be received back at base station120, such as by pinging wireless repeaters105and106or transferring some other type of test signal. In some examples, wireless repeaters105and106may be configured to apply timestamps to packets during a communication session, or may apply timestamps in response to the attachment scan instruction, and base station120could process the timestamps to determine the amount of delay time associated with the wireless repeaters105and106. The amount of delay time could then be used by network topology server140to determine the sequencing order of the attached repeaters, with shorter amounts of delay time indicating closer locations relative to the base station donor site. Other techniques for base stations110and120to determine their attached wireless repeaters for returning their network attachment information to network topology server140are possible and within the scope of this disclosure.

Network topology server140receives the former network attachment information and the new network attachment information and updates a network topology map with the former network attachment information and the new network attachment information (206). The former network attachment information enables network topology server140to update attachments in the network topology map where mobile wireless repeater105was formerly attached, and the new network attachment information provides data to update the attachments where mobile wireless repeater105is presently attached. Accordingly, network topology server140is able to keep track of the network topology as mobile wireless repeater105moves around and changes its attachment in the network. This information in the network topology map can then be used to provide improved location determinations for UE101when requested by emergency service providers and other location-based services. For example, network topology server140may receive a request for a location of UE device101served by mobile wireless repeater105and return the location of mobile wireless repeater105in response to the request. Other uses of the network topology map are possible and within the scope of this disclosure.

Advantageously, when mobile wireless repeater105is relocated and changes its attachment, repeater105reports its updated attachment information. Receipt of the updated attachment information signals to network topology server140that the network topology has changed, causing server140to transfer an attachment scan instruction to the base stations110and120formerly and currently serving mobile wireless repeater105. Base stations110and120responsively determine and transfer their network attachment information back to the network topology server, which employs this information to update its network topology map. In this manner, a complete network topology is discovered and known whenever a mobile wireless repeater105moves and changes its attachment in the network. If UE101is then served by mobile wireless repeater105via base station120, the location of mobile wireless repeater105can be used for the location of UE101instead of base station120, thereby providing a more accurate location determination for UE101. Accordingly, the appropriate public-safety answering point (PSAP) will be contacted in the case of an emergency, and commercial location-based services will also benefit from the improved location accuracy, providing a technical advantage over alternative solutions.

Now referring back toFIG. 1, UE101comprises any device having wireless communication connectivity with hardware and circuitry programmed to function as a telecommunications device, such as Radio Frequency (RF) communication circuitry and an antenna. The RF communication circuitry typically includes an amplifier, filter, modulator, and signal processing circuitry. UE101may also include a user interface, memory system, software, processing circuitry, or some other communication components. For example, UE101could comprise a telephone, transceiver, mobile phone, cellular phone, smartphone, computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), e-book, game console, mobile Internet device, wireless network interface card, media player, or some other wireless communication apparatus, including combinations thereof. UE101could comprise a dual-mode device capable of communicating over multiple wireless protocols, including LTE wireless networks and non-LTE wireless networks. Wireless network protocols that may be utilized by UE101include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 1×RTT, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), EV-DO rev. A, B, and C, Third Generation Partnership Project Long-Term Evolution (3GPP LTE), LTE Advanced, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), IEEE 802.11 protocols (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Internet, telephony, or any other wireless network protocol that facilitates communication between UE device101and a communication network.

Wireless repeaters105and106each individually comprise RF communication circuitry and an antenna. The RF communication circuitry typically includes amplifiers, filters, RF modulators, transceivers, and signal processing circuitry. Wireless repeaters105and106may also comprise a router, server, memory device, software, processing circuitry, cabling, power supply, network communication interface, structural support, or some other communication apparatus. Wireless repeaters105and106may further comprise a processing system, such as a microprocessor, computer-readable storage device, and executable processing instructions, which may be used to provide access to communication services to various devices. For example, wireless repeaters105and106can receive access to communication services over a communication link provided by a base station and provide this access to UE devices over associated wireless links. Wireless repeaters105and106could individually comprise a pico base station, wireless access node, Internet access node, telephony service node, wireless data access point, wireless relay node, or some other wireless communication system—including combinations thereof. Some examples of wireless repeaters105and106include a UE relay node, relay backhaul UE, customer premises equipment (CPE), picocell, femtocell, pico enhanced Node B (eNodeB), wireless access point, relay node, relay backhaul node, and others, including combinations thereof. Wireless network protocols that may be utilized by wireless repeaters105and106include CDMA, GSM, UMTS, HSPA, EV-DO, EV-DO rev. A, B, and C, 3GPP LTE, LTE Advanced, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Internet, telephony, or some other communication format, including combinations thereof.

Base stations110and120each individually comprise RF communication circuitry and an antenna. The RF communication circuitry typically includes amplifiers, filters, RF modulators, transceivers, and signal processing circuitry. Base stations110and120may also comprise a router, server, memory device, software, processing circuitry, cabling, power supply, network communication interface, structural support, or some other communication apparatus. Base stations110and120may further comprise a processing system, such as a microprocessor, computer-readable storage device, and executable processing instructions, which may be used to provide access to communication services to various devices. Base stations110and120could individually comprise a macro base station, pico base station, wireless access node, Internet access node, telephony service node, wireless data access point, or some other wireless communication system—including combinations thereof. Some examples of base stations110and120include a base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio base station (RBS), Node B, enhanced Node B (eNodeB), macro eNodeB, pico eNodeB, backhaul node, picocell, femtocell, and others, including combinations thereof. Wireless network protocols that may be utilized by base stations110and120include CDMA, GSM, UMTS, HSPA, EV-DO, EV-DO rev. A, B, and C, 3GPP LTE, LTE Advanced, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Internet, telephony, or some other communication format, including combinations thereof.

Communication network130comprises the core network of a wireless communication service provider, and could include routers, gateways, telecommunication switches, servers, processing systems, or other communication equipment and systems for providing communication and data services. In some examples, communication network130comprises a cellular voice and data network that can provide voice calls, text messages, data access, or other communication services provided over cellular or wireless communication networks. In some examples, communication network130includes equipment to provide wireless access to communication services within different coverage areas to user devices, route communications between content providers and user devices, and facilitate handoffs between equipment of different coverage areas, among other operations. Communication network130could comprise wireless communication nodes, telephony switches, Internet routers, network gateways, computer systems, communication links, or some other type of communication equipment—including combinations thereof. Communication network130may also comprise optical networks, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks, packet networks, radio access networks (RAN), local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN), wide area networks (WAN), or other network topologies, equipment, or systems—including combinations thereof. Communication network130can also comprise elements such as Mobility Management Entity (MME) equipment, Home Subscriber Servers (HSS), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) nodes, packet data network gateways (P-GW), serving gateways (S-GW), base stations, base transceiver stations (BTS), base station controllers (BSC), eNodeB equipment, mobile switching centers (MSC), home location registers (HLR), radio node controllers (RNC), authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) equipment, access service network gateways (ASN-GW), packet data switching nodes (PDSN), Internet access nodes, database systems, or other communication and control equipment. Communication network130may be configured to communicate over metallic, wireless, or optical links—including combinations thereof. Communication network130may be configured to use time-division multiplexing (TDM), Internet Protocol (IP), Ethernet, optical networking, wireless protocols, communication signaling, or some other communication format—including combinations thereof. In some examples, communication network130includes further access nodes and associated equipment for providing communication services to many wireless communication devices across a large geographic region.

Network topology server140comprises a processing system and communication transceiver. Network topology server140may also include other components such as a router, server, data storage system, and power supply. Network topology server140may reside in a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices. Network topology server140may be a discrete system or may be integrated within other systems—including other systems within communication system100. In some examples, network topology server140could comprise a computing system, location determination system, location repeater server, LTE network element, mobility management entity (MME), policy and charging rules function (PCRF), home subscriber server (HSS), session initiation protocol (SIP) server, authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server, home agent, packet data serving node (PDSN), network switch, mobile switching center, router, switching system, packet gateway, network gateway system, Internet access node, application server, service node, firewall, or some other communication system—including combinations thereof.

Wireless communication links111-114use the air or space as the transport medium. Wireless communication links111-114may use various protocols, such as CDMA, GSM, UMTS, HSPA, EV-DO, EV-DO rev. A, B, and C, 3GPP LTE, LTE Advanced, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Internet, telephony, or some other communication format—including combinations thereof. Wireless communication links111-114may each comprise many different signals sharing the same link. For example, each wireless communication link111-114could individually include multiple signals operating in a single propagation path comprising multiple communication sessions, frequencies, timeslots, transportation ports, logical transportation links, network sockets, IP sockets, packets, or communication directions, including combinations thereof.

Communication links121,122, and131use metal, air, space, optical fiber such as glass or plastic, or some other material as the transport medium—including combinations thereof. Communication links121,122, and131could use various communication protocols, such as TDM, IP, Ethernet, telephony, optical networking, hybrid fiber coax (HFC), communication signaling, wireless protocols such as such as CDMA, GSM, UMTS, HSPA, EV-DO, EV-DO rev. A, B, and C, 3GPP LTE, LTE Advanced, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or some other communication format, including combinations thereof. Communication links121,122, and131may be direct links or could include intermediate networks, systems, or devices.

FIG. 3is a block diagram that illustrates LTE communication system300in an exemplary embodiment. LTE communication system300is an example of communication system100, although communication system100may have alternative configurations and operations. LTE communication system300includes a network topology server, a mobile relay node, and wireless relay nodes A1-A5served by an eNodeB base station A10that is in communication with network elements of the LTE communication network. Likewise wireless relay nodes B1-B5are served by eNodeB base station B10that is also in communication with the LTE communication network. InFIG. 3, relay node A1is served by relay node A2, which is in turn served by the mobile relay node. The mobile relay node is also serving relay node A4which in turn serves relay node A3. The mobile relay node is served by relay node A5which is attached to eNodeB A10. Relay node B1is served by relay node B2, which is in turn served by relay node B3. Relay node B3is also serving relay node B4. Relay node B5is serving relay node B3and is attached to eNodeB B10. Note that although the mobile relay node is the only relay node designated as mobile, any of the relay nodes A1-A5and B1-B5could also be mobile in some examples.

In this example, relay nodes A1-A5and B1-B5are static repeaters that are run along a rural highway to provide coverage to UE devices that are operated in remote areas far away from the serving eNodeB base stations A10and B10. The mobile relay node is a nomadic repeater that may be deployed on demand as needed, particularly when special events occur such as natural disasters or large gatherings at unconventional venues, for example. InFIG. 3, the mobile relay node is initially deployed among relay nodes A1-A5served by eNodeB A10. The mobile relay node then moves away from relay nodes A1-A5and relocates closer to relay nodes B1-B5and eNodeB B10, as indicated by the dotted arrow and the dotted line around the relocated mobile relay node. The effect of the mobile relay node relocating will now be discussed with respect toFIG. 4.

FIG. 4is a block diagram that illustrates LTE communication system400in an exemplary embodiment. Communication system400shows the effect of the mobile relay node moving away from eNodeB A10as shown inFIG. 3and reattaching to relay node B5. Upon relocating, the mobile relay node may report various information to the network topology server, such as new and/or former attachment information, an identifier of the mobile relay node, new and/or former latitude and longitude location data, a velocity vector, power status, signal strength, protocols, and any other desired information.

Upon receipt of the updated attachment information from the mobile relay node, the network topology server recognizes that the network topology has changed, and responsively broadcasts a network topology registration service that all connected repeaters can discover to register any changes to their configuration, including but not limited to repeater name/identifier, repeater type (e.g. static or nomadic), location details (e.g. present and/or previous latitude and longitude), serving and donor node attachments, serving and donor sites, and other information. As part of the protocol to exchange repeater configuration information, the network topology server may not only authenticate the repeater's network topology agent, but also ensure that the repeater is reporting a donor site that is actually the one used to get to the network topology server. Similarly, the network topology server may use timing metrics to poll all repeaters (nomadic or otherwise) connected to a donor site to determine their sequencing order. For example, relay nodes A1-A5reporting to the network topology server as dependent on a donor site served by eNodeB A10and which show communication delays that differ to each other as A1=T+9 microseconds (μs), A2=T+7 μs, A3=T+5 μs, A4=T+3 μs, and A5=T+1 μs, would be noted in the network topology map as A10>A5>A4>A3>A2>A1to reflect the timing sequence. In some examples, network topology server may specifically trigger eNodeBs A10and B10to re-scan their network trees to discover their attached relay nodes. For example, eNodeB A10could receive an attachment scan request from the network topology server and responsively query or ping relay nodes A1-A5for their attached serving and donor nodes.

After relocating as shown inFIG. 3, the mobile relay node is attached to the donor site served by eNodeB B10. The new network topology for the B10donor site is reported as relay node B1served by relay node B2which is served by relay node B3which is served by relay node B5. Relay node B5is served directly by eNodeB B10, and serves the mobile relay node which in turn serves relay node B4. Note that the connection between relay node B3and B4shown inFIG. 3is no longer present due to the addition of the mobile relay node, which is now serving relay node B4. In the donor site served by eNodeB A10where the mobile relay node was formerly attached, relay node A1is now served by relay node A2which is served by relay node A4which is served by relay node A5, and relay node A5is served directly by eNodeB A10. The network topology server receives the necessary attachment information and updates its network topology map accordingly as described above, thereby providing an accurate snapshot of the current network topology.

Using the above techniques, the network through the network topology server will know that a mobile repeater has changed position and can keep track of its current and new attachments and location. The location of the mobile relay node can then be used whenever the location of an attached UE is requested, particularly when the UE cannot use mobile-based/assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) location techniques. Without knowledge of the position of the mobile relay node, the network may not report any location or may inaccurately report a rough location of the eNodeB donor site, which unfortunately may complicate the provision of emergency services. However, the above techniques beneficially enable calculations of much more accurate locations of the queried UE device when served by a wireless relay node remotely located a far distance away from the eNodeB that is ultimately serving the UE. In this manner, commercial location-based services, emergency services, network services, and other systems requiring the location of the UE are afforded enhanced location accuracy, thereby improving the efficacy of these services.

FIG. 5is a block diagram that illustrates network topology server500. Network topology server500provides an example of network topology server140, although server140may have alternative configurations. Network topology server500comprises communication transceiver501and processing system503. Processing system503is linked to communication transceiver501. Processing system503includes processing circuitry505and memory system506that stores operating software507. Operating software507comprises software modules508-511.

Communication transceiver501comprises components that communicate over communication links, such as network cards, ports, RF transceivers, processing circuitry and software, or some other communication components. Communication transceiver501may be configured to communicate over metallic, wireless, or optical links. Communication transceiver501may be configured to use TDM, IP, Ethernet, optical networking, wireless protocols, communication signaling, or some other communication format, including combinations thereof. Communication transceiver501could be configured to receive updated attachment information transmitted from a mobile wireless repeater, transfer an attachment scan instruction for delivery to a former macro LTE base station and a new macro LTE base station, and receive former network attachment information and new network attachment information.

Processing circuitry505comprises microprocessor and other circuitry that retrieves and executes operating software507from memory system506. Processing circuitry505may comprise a single device or could be distributed across multiple devices, including devices in different geographic areas. Processing circuitry505may be embedded in various types of equipment. Examples of processing circuitry505include central processing units, application specific processors, logic devices, and/or any type of computer processing devices, including combinations thereof. Memory system506comprises a non-transitory computer readable storage medium readable by processing circuitry505and capable of storing software507, such as a disk drive, flash drive, data storage circuitry, or some other hardware memory apparatus. Memory system506may comprise a single device or could be distributed across multiple devices, including devices in different geographic areas. Memory system506may be embedded in various types of equipment. In some examples, a computer apparatus could comprise memory system506and operating software507. Operating software507may be implemented in program instructions and may be executed by processing system503. Operating software507comprises computer programs, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable processing instructions. Operating software507may include an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other type of software. In this example, operating software507comprises software modules508-511, although software507could have alternative configurations in other examples.

When executed by circuitry505, operating software507directs processing system503to operate as described herein for network topology server140. In particular, operating software507may direct processing system503to direct communication transceiver501to receive updated attachment information transmitted from a mobile wireless repeater. Operating software507further directs processing system503to process the updated attachment information to identify a former macro LTE base station to which the mobile wireless repeater was previously attached and a new macro LTE base station to which the mobile wireless repeater is presently attached. Operating software507may also direct processing system503to direct communication transceiver501to transfer an attachment scan instruction for delivery to the former macro LTE base station and the new macro LTE base station. Operating software507further directs processing system503to direct communication transceiver501to receive the former network attachment information and the new network attachment information. Operating software507directs processing system503to update a network topology map with the former network attachment information and the new network attachment information.

In this example, operating software507comprises an attachment information receiver software module508that receives updated attachment information transmitted from the mobile wireless repeater. Operating software507also comprises a base station identification software module509that processes the updated attachment information to identify a former macro LTE base station to which the mobile wireless repeater was previously attached and a new macro LTE base station to which the mobile wireless repeater is presently attached. Operating software507further comprises a scan instruction transfer software module510that transfers an attachment scan instruction for delivery to the former macro LTE base station and the new macro LTE base station. Finally, operating software507comprises a network topology map update software module511that receives the former network attachment information and the new network attachment information and updates a network topology map with the former network attachment information and the new network attachment information.

FIG. 6is a block diagram that illustrates LTE base station600. LTE base station600provides an example of base stations110and120, although base stations110and120may have alternative configurations. LTE base station600comprises communication transceiver601, wireless communication transceiver602, and processing system603. Processing system603is linked to communication transceiver601and wireless communication transceiver602. Processing system603includes processing circuitry605and memory system606that stores operating software607. Operating software607comprises software modules608and609.

Communication transceiver601comprises components that communicate over communication links, such as network cards, ports, RF transceivers, processing circuitry and software, or some other communication components. Communication transceiver601may be configured to communicate over metallic, wireless, or optical links. Communication transceiver601may be configured to use TDM, IP, Ethernet, optical networking, wireless protocols, communication signaling, or some other communication format, including combinations thereof. Communication transceiver601could be configured to receive an attachment scan instruction transmitted from a network topology server and transfer network attachment information for delivery to the network topology server.

Wireless communication transceiver602comprises RF communication circuitry and an antenna. The RF communication circuitry typically includes an amplifier, filter, RF modulator, and signal processing circuitry. Wireless communication transceiver602may also include a memory system, software, processing circuitry, or some other communication device. Wireless communication transceiver602may use various protocols, such as CDMA, GSM, UMTS, HSPA, EV-DO, EV-DO rev. A, B, and C, 3GPP LTE, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Internet, telephony, or some other wireless communication format, including combinations thereof. In some examples, wireless communication transceiver602could be configured to receive an attachment scan instruction transmitted from a network topology server and transfer network attachment information for delivery to the network topology server.

Processing circuitry605comprises microprocessor and other circuitry that retrieves and executes operating software607from memory system606. Processing circuitry605may comprise a single device or could be distributed across multiple devices, including devices in different geographic areas. Processing circuitry605may be embedded in various types of equipment. Examples of processing circuitry605include central processing units, application specific processors, logic devices, and/or any type of computer processing devices, including combinations thereof. Memory system606comprises a non-transitory computer readable storage medium readable by processing circuitry605and capable of storing software607, such as a disk drive, flash drive, data storage circuitry, or some other hardware memory apparatus. Memory system606may comprise a single device or could be distributed across multiple devices, including devices in different geographic areas. Memory system606may be embedded in various types of equipment. In some examples, a computer apparatus could comprise memory system606and operating software607. Operating software607may be implemented in program instructions and may be executed by processing system603. Operating software607comprises computer programs, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable processing instructions. Operating software607may include an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other type of software. In this example, operating software607comprises software modules608and609, although software607could have alternative configurations in other examples.

When executed by circuitry605, operating software607directs processing system603to operate as described herein for base stations110and120. In particular, operating software607may direct processing system603to direct communication transceiver601to receive an attachment scan instruction. Operating software607may further direct processing system603to, in response to the attachment scan instruction, determine network attachment information for one or more wireless repeaters attached to LTE base station600. Operating software607may also direct processing system603to direct communication transceiver601to transfer the network attachment information for delivery to a network topology server.

In this example, operating software607comprises a network attachment information determination software module608that, in response to an attachment scan instruction, determines network attachment information for one or more wireless repeaters attached to LTE base station600. Operating software607also comprises a network attachment information transfer software module609that transfers the network attachment information for delivery to a network topology server.