Systems and methods for searching for radio access technologies

A method for searching for radio access technologies by a wireless communication device is described. The method includes initiating a search for one or more radio access technologies. The method also includes determining if the wireless communication device has low mobility. The method also includes suspending the search when a first event occurs. The method also includes storing the search results. The method further includes resuming the search based on the search results when a second event occurs.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for searching for radio access technologies.

BACKGROUND

Communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as data, voice, video and so on. These systems may be multiple-access systems capable of supporting simultaneous communication of multiple communication devices (e.g., wireless communication devices, access terminals, etc.) with one or more other communication devices (e.g., base stations, access points, etc.). Some communication devices (e.g., access terminals, laptop computers, smart phones, media players, gaming devices, etc.) may wirelessly communicate with other communication devices.

In the last several decades, the use of wireless communication devices has become common. In particular, advances in electronic technology have reduced the cost of increasingly complex and useful wireless communication devices. Cost reduction and consumer demand have proliferated the use of wireless communication devices such that they are practically ubiquitous in modern society. As the use of wireless communication devices has expanded, so has the demand for new and improved features of wireless communication devices.

As wireless communication devices have become more widely deployed, the number of radio access technologies available has also increased. However, inefficiencies may arise when searching for radio access technologies. Accordingly, systems and methods that may help to reduce these inefficiencies may be beneficial.

SUMMARY

A method for searching for radio access technologies by a wireless communication device is described. The method includes initiating a search for one or more radio access technologies. The method also includes determining if the wireless communication device has low mobility. The method further includes suspending the search when a first event occurs. The method additionally includes storing search results. The method also includes resuming the search based on the search results when a second event occurs.

The first event may be a change of a wireless communication device connection state. The first event may be a determination that the wireless communication device has low mobility. The second event may be a change of the wireless communication device connection state. The second event may be a determination that connected discontinuous reception is configured and active. The second event may be a release of a radio resource control connection.

The method may include determining a wireless communication device connection state. The method may include stopping the search when a third event occurs. The method may also include outputting the search results. The third event may be an expiration of a time interval. The third event may be a determination of high or medium wireless communication device mobility.

The method may include determining if a connection has been requested. The method may also include continuing the search when a connection has not been requested.

A wireless communication device for searching for radio access technologies is described. The wireless communication device includes search circuitry that initiates a search for one or more radio access technologies. The wireless communication device also includes mobility determination circuitry coupled to the search circuitry. The mobility determination circuitry determines if the wireless communication device has low mobility. The wireless communication device also includes event detection circuitry coupled to the mobility determination circuitry. The event detection circuitry suspends the search when a first event occurs and resumes the search based on search results when a second event occurs. The wireless communication device further includes memory coupled to the search circuitry. The memory stores the search results.

A computer-program product for searching for radio access technologies is described. The computer-program product includes a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium having instructions thereon. The instructions include code for causing a wireless communication device to initiate a search for one or more radio access technologies. The instructions also include code for causing the wireless communication device to determine if the wireless communication device has low mobility. The instructions further include code for causing the wireless communication device to suspend the search when a first event occurs. The instructions additionally include code for causing the wireless communication device to store search results. The instructions further include code for causing the wireless communication device to resume the search based on the search results when a second event occurs.

An apparatus for searching for radio access technologies is also described. The apparatus includes means for initiating a search for one or more radio access technologies. The apparatus also includes means for determining if the apparatus has low mobility. The apparatus further includes means for suspending the search when a first event occurs. The apparatus additionally includes means for storing search results. The apparatus also includes means for resuming the search based on the search results when a second event occurs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of communication devices include cellular telephone base stations or nodes, access points, wireless gateways and wireless routers. A communication device may operate in accordance with certain industry standards, such as Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards. Other examples of standards that a communication device may comply with include Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n and/or 802.11ac (e.g., Wireless Fidelity or “Wi-Fi”) standards, IEEE 802.16 (e.g., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access or “WiMAX”) standards, CDMA 2000 1× standards, Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) standards, Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), evolved High Rate Packet Data (eHRPD) radio standards and others. In some standards, a communication device may be referred to as a Node B, evolved Node B, etc. While some of the systems and methods disclosed herein may be described in terms of one or more standards, this should not limit the scope of the disclosure, as the systems and methods may be applicable to many systems and/or standards.

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a collaboration between groups of telecommunications associations that aims to define a globally applicable 3rd generation (3G) mobile phone specification. 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a 3GPP project aimed at improving the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile phone standard. The 3GPP may define specifications for the next generation of mobile networks, mobile systems and mobile devices.

Some communication devices (e.g., access terminals, client devices, client stations, etc.) may wirelessly communicate with other communication devices. Some communication devices (e.g., wireless communication devices) may be referred to as mobile devices, mobile stations, subscriber stations, clients, client stations, user equipment (UEs), remote stations, access terminals, mobile terminals, terminals, user terminals, subscriber units, etc. Additional examples of communication devices include laptop or desktop computers, cellular phones, smart phones, wireless modems, e-readers, tablet devices, gaming systems, etc. Some of these communication devices may operate in accordance with one or more industry standards as described above. Thus, the general term “communication device” may include communication devices described with varying nomenclatures according to industry standards (e.g., access terminal, user equipment, remote terminal, access point, base station, Node B, evolved Node B, etc.).

Some communication devices may be capable of providing access to a communications network. Examples of communications networks include, but are not limited to, a telephone network (e.g., a “land-line” network such as the Public-Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or cellular phone network), the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), etc.

The terms “networks” and “systems” are often used interchangeably. A CDMA network may implement a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), cdma2000, etc. UTRA includes W-CDMA and Low Chip Rate (LCR) while cdma2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. A TDMA network may implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA network may implement a radio technology such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDMA, etc. UTRA, E-UTRA and GSM are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a release of UMTS that uses E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, GSM, UMTS and Long Term Evolution (LTE) are described in documents from an organization named “3rd Generation Partnership Project” (3GPP). cdma2000 is described in documents from an organization named “3rd Generation Partnership Project 2” (3GPP2).

Searching has become more complex as a user equipment searches multiple radio access technologies (e.g., RATs) within a limited span of time. Because Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a data-centric technology and may run on wireless communication devices on which applications may be data hungry (e.g., a user equipment is in a connected state for a majority of the time), searches in Long Term Evolution (LTE) may be optimized to deliver results to the user.

As used herein, the term “search” denotes an operation to discover the presence of one or more radio access technologies. For example, a search may include scanning one or more frequency bands in an attempt to discover the presence of one or more radio access technologies. For instance, searching may include attempting to receive a beacon or signal in one or more frequency bands that indicates the presence of a radio access technology. Additionally or alternatively, searching may include sending a signal on one or more frequency bands in order to prompt a response that indicates the presence of a radio access technology.

Some configurations of the systems and methods disclosed herein may describe a method for searching in Long Term Evolution (LTE). In one configuration, a user equipment may be able to suspend/resume the search across connection cycles. The user equipment may also be able to perform searches during a Long Term Evolution (LTE) connected state if connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) is configured and active. The user equipment may also be able to determine the mobility state and take appropriate action. For example, in low mobility scenarios and when connected discontinuous reception is configured, the wireless communication device may suspend and/or resume the search without a radio resource control (RRC) state change. In other words, when a wireless communication device is in a connected state and connected discontinuous reception is configured and active, the wireless communication device may suspend the search in non-gap periods and resume the search in gap periods.

Various configurations are now described with reference to the Figures, where like reference numbers may indicate functionally similar elements. The systems and methods as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of several configurations, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit scope, as claimed, but is merely representative of the systems and methods. Features and/or elements depicted in a Figure may be combined with one or more features and/or elements depicted in one or more other Figures.

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating one configuration of a wireless communication device102and one or more radio access technologies104(e.g., RATs) in which systems and methods for searching for radio access technologies104may be implemented. A base station106is a device that may communicate with one or more wireless communication devices102. A base station106may also be referred to as, and may include some or all of the functionality of, an access point, a broadcast transmitter, a NodeB, an evolved NodeB, etc. Each base station106may provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area. A base station106may provide communication coverage for one or more wireless communication devices102. The term “cell” may refer to a base station106and/or its coverage area depending on the context in which the term is used. Examples of the base station106include cellular phone base stations, access points etc.

The wireless communication device102may also be referred to as, and may include some or all of the functionality of, a terminal, an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a station, a user equipment, etc. Examples of the wireless communication device102may include a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless device, a wireless modem, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, etc.

A wireless communication device102may communicate with one or more base stations106on a downlink196and/or an uplink198at any given moment. The downlink196(or forward link) refers to the communication link from a base station106to a wireless communication device102, and the uplink198(or reverse link) refers to the communication link from a wireless communication device102to a base station106.

A wireless communication device102may be capable of communicating with the one or more base stations106as part of one or more radio access technologies104. Examples of radio access technologies104include Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), 1× (also known as cdma2000 1×), high data rate (HDR), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) and Long Term Evolution (LTE). One or more of the radio access technologies104may be of different types. For example, a first radio access technology104may include a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network. In this example, a second radio access technology104may include a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

Communications between the wireless communication device102and base station106may be achieved through transmissions over a wireless link. Such a communication link may be established via a single-input and single-output (SISO), multiple-input and single-output (MISO) or a multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) system. A multiple-input and multiple-output system includes transmitter(s) and receiver(s) equipped, respectively, with multiple (NT) transmit antennas and multiple (NR) receive antennas for data transmission. Single-input and single-output and multiple-input and single-output systems are particular instances of a multiple-input and multiple-output system. The multiple-input and multiple-output system can provide improved performance (e.g., higher throughput, greater capacity or improved reliability) if the additional dimensionalities created by the multiple transmit and receive antennas are utilized.

The wireless communication device102may include an event detection block/module108, a search block/module110and/or memory112. Optionally, the wireless communication device102may include a mobility determination block/module118. As used herein, the term “block/module” may indicate that a particular element may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. For example, the event detection block/module108may be implemented in circuitry, software or a combination of both. It should also be noted that one or more of the elements illustrated inFIG. 1may be implemented in circuitry (e.g., integrated circuitry) in some configurations.

The search block/module110may initiate a search for one or more radio access technologies104. Examples of radio access technologies include, but are not limited to 1×, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks. In some implementations, the search block/module110may search for more than home base stations (e.g., HeNBs). For example, the search block/module110may search for all public land mobile networks (PLMNs) (that the wireless communication device102is capable of communicating with, for example). The search block/module110may initiate or trigger the search. In some configurations, the search may be an automatic search (e.g., a better system reselection (BSR) scan, acquisition scan, off-frequency scan, silent redial scan, cell reselection, etc.). Alternatively, the search may be a manual search (e.g., based on user input). For example, a user may direct the search block/module110to initiate a search via a display (e.g., by pushing a button).

In some implementations, the search block/module110may initiate a search based on Long Term Evolution (LTE). For example, the search block/module110may initiate a search based on one or more Long Term Evolution (LTE) connection states (e.g., idle or connected). In some implementations, the search may not be based on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA). More specifically, the search may not be based on one or more Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) connection states (e.g., CELL-PCH, URA_PCH, CELL_FACH and CELL_DCH). Similarly, the search may not be based on Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). More specifically, the search may not be based on one or more Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) connection states (e.g., OOS state).

In some configurations, the search block/module110may optionally output the search results114. The results may be output upon suspending or stopping a search. For example, if a time interval has expired, the search block/module110may be directed to stop a search. In some configurations, the search block/module110may output the results of the search. For example, the search block/module110may be coupled to a display (not shown). In this configuration, the search block/module110may send the search results114to the display to be presented to a user. In some examples, the wireless communication device102may receive an indication (e.g., via user input) to connect to a particular radio access technology104. The wireless communication device102may switch radio access technologies104based on the received indication. Alternatively, the wireless communication device102may automatically perform an operation based on the search results114. For example, the wireless communication device102may automatically connect to or camp on one or more of the radio access technologies104indicated by the search results114. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication device102may disconnect from another radio access technology104based on the search results114. For example, the wireless communication device102may switch from a 1× network to an LTE network. In another example, the wireless communication device102may connect to a Wi-Fi network in addition to an LTE network.

As described above, the wireless communication device102may optionally include a mobility determination block/module118. The mobility determination block/module118may determine the wireless communication device102mobility. More specifically, the mobility determination block/module118may determine whether the wireless communication device102has high, medium or low mobility. In some configurations, the term “mobility” may refer to the rate of change of a wireless communication device102location. For example, a wireless communication device102that has a high rate of change may have high mobility, while a wireless communication device102that has a low rate of change may have low mobility. The term “low” as used to describe mobility may indicate a threshold range of mobility that is lower than a “medium” threshold range. Similarly, the term “medium” as used to describe mobility may indicate a threshold range of mobility that is greater than a “low” mobility and less than a “high” mobility. The term “high” as used to describe mobility may indicate a threshold range of mobility that is greater than a “low” mobility and a “medium” mobility. In some implementations, low mobility as described herein may correspond to (e.g., may be) normal mobility in accordance with 3GPP specifications. If the wireless communication device102has low mobility, the mobility determination block/module118may notify the event detection block/module108that the mobility is low. As will be described in greater detail below, the event detection block/module108may then direct the search block/module110to suspend the search. If the mobility determination block/module118indicates to the event detection block/module108that the wireless communication device102has high or medium mobility, the event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module110to stop the search.

An event detection block/module108may be coupled to the search block/module110. In some configurations, the event detection block/module108may detect one or more events. Based on the one or more events, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to suspend the search. In other words, if the event detection block/module108detects a first event, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to suspend the search. For example, if the event detection block/module108detects a change in the connection state (e.g., from an idle radio resource control (RRC) state to a connected radio resource control state), the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to suspend the search. In another example, if the wireless communication device102has low mobility, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to suspend the search. In some implementations, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to suspend the search without user input. For example, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to suspend the search independent of any user input.

Based on the one or more events, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume the search. In other words, if the event detection block/module108detects a second event, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume the search. For example, if the event detection block/module108detects a change in the connection state (e.g., from a connected radio resource control state to an idle radio resource control state), the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume the search. In some configurations, the connection state may change when a radio resource control connection is released.

In some configurations, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume the search when the wireless communication device102is in a connected state (e.g., in a connected radio resource control state). An example is given as follows. In this example, the wireless communication device102may be in a connected state. The event detection block/module108may determine whether connected discontinuous reception is configured and active. If connected discontinuous reception is configured and active, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume the search during gaps when the wireless communication device102is in a sleep mode during connected discontinuous reception.

In some configurations, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume the search when the wireless communication device102is in an idle state (e.g., in an idle radio resource control state). For example, the wireless communication device102may attempt to connect to a radio access technology104(e.g., a radio resource control connection). In the event the wireless communication device102cannot establish a connection, and remains in an idle state (e.g., an idle radio resource control state), the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume the search.

In some implementations, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume the search based on the search results114. For example, when given direction by the event detection block/module108to resume a search, the search block/module110may obtain the search results114(e.g., results that were obtained up to a first event), and resume the search from that point.

Based on the one or more events, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to stop the search. In other words, if the event detection block/module108detects a third event, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to stop the search. For example, if the event detection block/module108detects high or medium wireless communication device102mobility, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to stop the search.

In some implementations, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to stop the search at the expiration of a time interval. For example, a time interval may start at the initiation of the search. In this example, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to stop the search at the expiration of the time interval.

In some implementations, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to stop the search when the search is completed. For example, the search may include searching for one or more bands corresponding to one or more radio access technologies104. After searching for the one or more bands, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to stop the search. In some implementations, the search may be completed before the expiration of the time interval.

Memory112coupled to the search block/module110may store the search results114. For example, the memory112may store information corresponding to one or more detected radio access technologies104discovered during a search conducted by the search block/module110. In some configurations, the memory112may store the search results114when a search has been suspended. For example, once the event detection block/module108has directed the search block/module110to suspend a search, the search block/module110may provide the memory112with information corresponding to one or more detected radio access technologies104. The information corresponding to the detected radio access technologies104may be stored in the memory112as search results114.

In some implementations, the memory112may store the search results114when a search has been stopped. For example, once the event detection block/module108has directed the search block/module110to stop a search, the search block/module110may provide the memory112with information corresponding to one or more detected radio access technologies104. The information may be stored in the memory112as search results114. In some configurations, the memory112may provide the search results114to the search block/module110to output the search results114. As described earlier, the search block/module110may output the search results114to a display (not shown) to be displayed to a user.

The memory112may provide the search results114to the search block/module110based on a resumption of the search. For example, once the event detection block/module108has detected a second event, and directed the search block/module110to resume the search, the memory112may provide the search block/module110with the search results114. In this example, the search block/module110may then resume the search as a continuation of a previously suspended search.

FIG. 2is a flow diagram illustrating one configuration of a method200for searching for radio access technologies104. The method200may be performed by a wireless communication device102. The search block/module110of the wireless communication device102may initiate202a search for one or more radio access technologies104. In some configurations, the wireless communication device102may initiate202the search based on received input. For example, a user via a display (e.g., a touchscreen on a smartphone) may direct the search block/module110to initiate202a manual search. In other configurations, the search may be initiated202automatically. For example, the search may be initiated202as part of an automatic acquisition scan, when the wireless communication device102is not in communication with any ratio access technologies104. In another example, the initiated202search may be a better system reselection (BSR) scan, when the wireless communication device102is camped on a radio access technology104but automatically initiates202a search for another radio access technology104.

The search block/module110may identify one or more radio access technologies104that can provide wireless communication between a base station106and the wireless communication device102. The search block/module110may search for multiple types of radio access technologies104. For example, the search block/module110may search for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks and Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks. In some configurations, the search block/module110may search one or more frequency bands of one or more radio access technologies104. For example, by searching a band 13 in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network and a band 1 in a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network.

It may be optional for the wireless communication device102to determine204if the wireless communication device has low mobility, As described above, the term “low” as used to describe mobility may indicate a threshold range of mobility that is lower than a “medium” threshold range. The mobility determination block/module118may determine the mobility of the wireless communication device102.

In some configurations, the mobility determination block/module118may determine the wireless communication device102mobility based on a number of reselections. In other words, the wireless mobility determination block/module118may determine wireless communication device102mobility based on a number of times a wireless communication device102changes radio access technology coverage areas394a-c. In this example, low wireless communication device102mobility may indicate that a wireless communication device has made a number of reselections below a threshold number. In a similar fashion, the mobility determination block/module118may determine if a wireless communication device102has high or medium mobility (e.g., based on a threshold).

In some configurations, the wireless communication device102(e.g., wireless mobility determination block/module) may determine the wireless communication device102mobility in accordance with 3GPP specifications. In particular, section 5.2.4.3 of 3GPP TS 36.304 provides mobility state definitions (e.g., mobility states of a UE), which are given with some edits for readability as follows: Besides the Normal-mobility state, a High-mobility and a Medium-mobility state are applicable if the parameters (TCRmax, NCR_H, NCR_Mand TCRmaxHyst) are sent in the system information broadcast of the serving cell. State detection criteria include the following: Medium-mobility state criteria are detected if a number of cell reselections during a time period TCRmaxexceeds NCR_Mand does not exceed NCR_H. High-mobility state criteria are detected if a number of cell reselections during a time period TCRmaxexceeds NCR_H. The UE shall not count consecutive reselections between the same two cells into mobility state detection criteria if the same cell is reselected just after one other reselection. State transitions are provided as follows. The UE shall, if the criteria for High-mobility state is detected, enter High-mobility state. Otherwise, if the criteria for Medium-mobility state is detected, the UE shall enter Medium-mobility state. Otherwise, if criteria for either Medium- or High-mobility state is not detected during time period TCRmaxHyst, the UE shall enter Normal-mobility state. If the UE is in High- or Medium-mobility state, the UE shall apply the speed dependent scaling rules as defined in subclause 5.2.4.3.1.

More generally, a wireless communication device102may have medium mobility if the number of cell reselections during a time period exceeds a parameter NCR_M, and does not exceed a parameter NCR_H. By Comparison, if the number of cell reselections during a time period exceeds the parameter NCR_H, then the wireless communication device102may have high mobility. In some configurations, the wireless communication device102may not count consecutive cell reselections between the same two cells into a mobility determination if the same cell is reselected just after one other reselection. In this example, if the one or more criteria for high mobility are detected, the wireless communication device102may enter high mobility state. If the one or more criteria for high mobility are not detected and the one or more criteria for medium mobility are detected, the wireless communication device102may enter medium mobility state. If the criteria for high mobility and the criteria for medium mobility are not detected, the wireless communication device may enter normal mobility state. If the wireless communication device102is in high mobility state or medium mobility state, the wireless communication device102may apply speed dependent scaling rules.

The wireless communication device102(e.g., UE) may utilize parameters given in 3GPP TS 36.331 in accordance with Listing (1) and Listing (2) below. In some implementations, the mobility determination block/module118may determine204if the wireless communication device102has low mobility according to Listing (1) as follows:

The information element (IE) MobilityStateParameters may contain parameters to determine the wireless communication device102(e.g., UE) mobility state. One example of the MobilityStateParameters information element is given in Listing (2).

In some configurations, the mobility determination block/module118may include one or more accelerometers (that provide accelerometer data, for example) and/or a locator (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) receiver) that identifies the location of the wireless communication device102. In these configurations, the mobility determination block/module118may additionally or alternatively use information obtained from the accelerometer and/or locator to determine if the wireless communication device102has low mobility. If the mobility determination block/module118detects low wireless communication device102mobility, it may notify the event detection block/module108. The event detection block/module108may then direct the search block/module110to suspend the search. In some configurations, search block/module110may suspend the search without a change in connection state.

The wireless communication device102may suspend206the search when a first event occurs. More specifically, the event detection block/module108of the wireless communication device102may direct the search block/module110to suspend206the search when the event detection block/module108detects a first event. In some implementations, the first event may be initiated independent of user input. For example, the event detection block/module108may detect the first event automatically. In this example, the event detection block/module108may suspend206the search without initiation by a user.

In some configurations, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to suspend206the search when the event detection block/module108detects low wireless communication device102mobility. For example, in some options, a mobility determination block/module118may indicate to the event detection block/module108that the wireless communication device102has low mobility. In other words, one example of the first event is a determination that the wireless communication device102has low mobility. In this example, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to suspend the search. In some configurations, search block/module110may suspend the search without a change in connection state.

The event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to suspend206the search when the event detection block/module108detects a change in the wireless communication device102connection state. For example, if the event detection block/module108detects the wireless communication device102has changed from an idle state (e.g., an idle radio resource control state) to a connected state (e.g., a connected radio resource control state), the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to suspend206the search. In some configurations, the event detection block/module108may detect a change in the wireless communication device102connection state based on an operation of one or more blocks/modules, for example, a state detection block/module and/or a radio resource control detection block/module.

The wireless communication device102may store208the search results114. In some configurations, the memory112of the wireless communication device102may store208the search results114. The memory112may be coupled to the search block/module110. The memory112may store208the search results114based on a suspension of the search. For example, upon suspension of a search, the search block/module110may provide the search results114to the memory112. In some cases, the search results114may include information corresponding to one or more available radio access technologies104. In some configurations, the search results114may include a portion of the information corresponding to the one or more available radio access technologies104, for example, the information corresponding to available radio access technologies104that were detected up to the suspension of the search.

The wireless communication device102may resume210the search based on the search results114when a second event occurs. More specifically, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume210the search when the event detection block/module108detects a second event.

The event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume210the search when the event detection block/module108detects a change in the wireless communication device102connection state. For example, if the event detection block/module108detects the wireless communication device102has changed from a connected state (e.g., a connected radio resource control state) to an idle state (e.g., an idle radio resource control state), the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume210the search. In some configurations, the event detection block/module108may detect a change in the wireless communication device102connection state based on an operation of one or more blocks/modules, for example a state detection block/module and/or a radio resource control detection block/module. For example, the event detection block/module108may detect that a radio resource control connection has been released, and direct the search block/module110to resume210the search.

As described above, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume210the search when the wireless communication device102is in a connected state (e.g., in a connected radio resource control state). For example, when the wireless communication device102is in a connected state (e.g., in a connected radio resource control state), the event detection block/module108may determine whether connected discontinuous reception is configured and active. If connected discontinuous reception is configured and active, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume the search during gaps when the wireless communication device102is in a sleep mode during connected discontinuous reception.

In some configurations, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume210the search based on an attempt at connection. For example, the event detection block/module108may detect an attempt by the wireless communication device102to establish a connection with a radio access technology104(e.g., a radio resource control connection). In the event a connection cannot be established, and the wireless communication device102is in an idle state, the event detection block/module108may direct the search block/module110to resume210the search.

In some implementations, the search block/module110may resume210the search based on the search results114. As described above, the search results114may include information corresponding to a portion of one or more available radio access technologies104detected during a search up to a suspension of the search. The search block/module110may resume searching for radio access technologies104from the point of the suspension of the search. For example, suppose a wireless communication device102initiates202a search for one or more radio access technologies104over a certain number of frequency bands. Upon suspension, the wireless communication device102may have searched a portion of the certain number of frequency bands. Information corresponding to the portion that has been searched may be stored in the memory112as search results114. In this example, the memory112may provide the search results114to the search block/module110. The search block/module110may resume210the search by searching the portion of the certain number of frequency bands that was not searched upon the suspension of the search.

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating one configuration of a wireless communication device302and one or more radio access technology coverage areas394a-cin which a search for radio access technologies104may be performed. The wireless communication device302may be similar to the wireless communication device102described in connection withFIG. 1. For example, the wireless communication device302may include an event detection block/module308, a search block/module310and memory312that may be examples of corresponding elements described in connection withFIG. 1. The memory312may include search results314similar to the search results114described in connection withFIG. 1. As described above, the wireless communication device302may optionally include a mobility determination block/module318similar to the optional mobility determination block/module118described in connection withFIG. 1.

One or more radio access technology coverage areas394a-cmay be available to the wireless communication device302. A radio access technology coverage area394a-cmay indicate a geographic region where a radio access technology104may communicate with the wireless communication device302(e.g., provide a network link to a base station106). The one or more radio access technology coverage areas394a-cmay provide different types of communication links. For example, radio access technology coverage area A394amay provide the wireless communication device302with a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network link, radio access technology coverage area B394bmay provide a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) network link and radio access technology coverage area C394cmay provide a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network link.

In some examples, the wireless communication device302may select to camp on one or more radio access technologies104corresponding to the one or more radio access technology coverage areas394a-c. This may be done by performing a search for one or more radio access technologies104. As described above, a search block/module310may initiate a search for one or more radio access technologies104. In some configurations, the search may be initiated based on received input. For example, the wireless communication device302may receive input (e.g., from a user via a display) to initiate the search. The wireless communication device302may search for one or more radio access technologies104. Once a search has been completed, the wireless communication device302may select from one or more detected radio access technologies104and camp on a particular radio access technology104. In some configurations, this selection may be based on user input.

In some configurations, the wireless communication device302may select from a portion of the available radio access technologies104, for example, when a search is suspended or stopped. For example, the search may be stopped when a third event occurs. In this case, the wireless communication device302may select from the portion of the available radio access technologies104detected until the search was stopped and/or suspended. WhileFIG. 3depicts three radio access technology coverage areas394a-c, any number of radio access technology coverage areas394a-cmay be available.

FIG. 4is a block diagram illustrating another configuration of a wireless communication device402and one or more radio access technologies404in which systems and methods for searching for radio access technologies404may be implemented. The one or more radio access technologies404may be similar to the one or more radio access technologies104described earlier. The one or more radio access technologies404may include one or more base stations406similar to the one or more base stations106described in connection withFIG. 1. The wireless communication device402may be similar to the wireless communication device102described in connection withFIG. 1.

Communications between the wireless communication device402and base station406may be achieved through transmissions over a wireless link. The wireless communication device402may communicate with the one or more base stations406on the downlink496and/or uplink498at any given moment. The downlink496and/or uplink498may be similar to corresponding elements described in connection withFIG. 1.

A wireless communication device402may be capable of communicating with the one or more base stations406as part of one or more radio access technologies404. In some implementations, the one or more radio access technologies404may be similar to the one or more radio access technologies104described in connection withFIG. 1.

The wireless communication device402may include an event detection block/module408, a mobility determination block/module418, a search block/module410, memory412and/or search results414similar to corresponding elements described in connection withFIG. 1.

In some configurations, a timer416may be coupled to the event detection block/module408. The timer416may determine the elapsed duration of a search. The timer416may include a time interval at the expiration of which the search may be suspended. The timer416may detect the expiration of a time interval. The timer416may indicate to the event detection block/module408that the time interval has expired. The event detection block/module408may then direct the search block/module410to stop the search. In some cases, the expiration of the time interval may correspond to a partially completed search.

A state detection block/module420may be coupled to the event detection block/module408and/or the search block/module410. In one configuration, the state detection block/module420may detect the wireless communication device402connection state. For example, the state detection block/module420may detect if there is a radio resource control connection between the base station406and the wireless communication device402. The state detection block/module420may detect one or more connection states. For example, the state detection block/module420may detect an idle wireless communication device402state (e.g., an idle radio resource control state) and/or a connected wireless communication device402state (e.g., a connected radio resource control state). A connected state may denote a logical connection between the wireless communication device402and the base station406where data is being transmitted.

In one configuration, the state detection block/module420may detect a change in the wireless communication device402connection state. In one example, the state detection block/module420may detect a change from an idle state to a connected state. In this example, the state detection block/module420may indicate to the event detection block/module408this change in state. The event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module410to suspend the search.

The state detection block/module420may detect a change from a connected state to an idle state. In this example, the state detection block/module420may indicate to the event detection clock/module408the change in state. The event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module410to resume the search. In some implementations, the state detection block/module420may detect this change in state (e.g., from a connected state to an idle state) by detecting a release of the radio resource control connection.

The state detection block/module420may detect if a connection has been requested. For example, the state detection block/module420may detect a connection (e.g., a radio resource control connection) has been requested. In this example the state detection block/module420may indicate to the event detection block module408that a connection has been requested.

If the state detection block/module420detects a connection has not been requested, the state detection block/module420may direct the search block/module410to continue with the search. In one configuration, the state detection block/module420may indicate to the event detection block/module408that a connection has been requested, but the wireless communication device402is not in a connected state (e.g., the wireless communication device402is in an idle state). In this configuration, the event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module410to resume the search.

A connected discontinuous reception detection block/module422may be coupled to the event detection block/module408. The connected discontinuous reception detection block/module422may detect whether connected discontinuous reception is configured and active between the wireless communication device402and a radio access technology404. In some examples, connected discontinuous reception may include a wireless communication device402in a connected state (e.g., a connected radio resource control state) with a radio access technology404. In this example, the wireless communication device402and the radio access technology404may establish a pattern of periods of transmission/reception of data and periods of sleep. As used herein, the term “sleep” indicates a period during connected discontinuous reception when a wireless communication device402is in a connected state, but is not in an active transmission mode.

In some implementations, connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX) may be configured in a connected state (e.g., RRC_CONNECTED). For example, the wireless communication device402(e.g., a user equipment) may not monitor downlink channels when connected discontinuous reception is enabled. An example of a connected discontinuous reception cycle is given as follows. A wireless communication device402(e.g., a user equipment) may wake up for a period (e.g., OnDuration) to monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). In this example, the wireless communication device402may skip reception during a long or short, discontinuous reception (e.g., Long/Short DRX) period. The wireless communication device402may do this to save battery. In some implementations, this involves a tradeoff between battery saving and latency. A short discontinuous reception (e.g., Short DRX) may accommodate high data rate applications where a wireless communication device402(e.g., the user equipment) may be expected to have frequent scheduling. A long discontinuous reception (e.g., Long DRX) may accommodate web browsing traffic. If the connected discontinuous reception detection block/module422detects that connected discontinuous reception is configured and active, the connected discontinuous reception block/module422may indicate the event detection block/module408. The event detection block/module408may then direct the search block/module410to resume the search during one or more periods of sleep. In other words the search block/module410may suspend the search during periods of transmission/reception of data and resume the search during periods of sleep.

FIG. 5is a flow diagram illustrating another configuration of a method500for searching for radio access technologies404. The method500may be performed by a wireless communication device402. The search block/module410of the wireless communication device402may initiate502a search for one or more radio access technologies404. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 2.

In one configuration, the mobility determination block/module418of the wireless communication device402may determine504if the wireless communication device402mobility is low. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 2.

If the mobility determination block/module418determines504that the wireless communication device402mobility is not low (e.g., it has high or medium mobility), the wireless communication device402may stop506the search. For example, the mobility determination block/module418may indicate to the event detection block/module408that the wireless communication device402does not have low mobility (e.g., it has high or medium mobility). The event detection block/module408may then direct the search block/module410to stop506the search.

In some configurations, the search block/module410of the wireless communication device402may output508the search results414. For example, the event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module410to stop506the search. The search block/module410may output the search results414. As described above, the search results414may include information corresponding to a portion of the detected radio access technologies404discovered during the search up to the stopping point. In some configurations, the search block/module410may provide the search results414to a display (not shown) to display the search results to a user.

If the mobility determination block/module418determines504that the wireless communication device402mobility is low, the wireless communication device402may suspend510the search. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 2.

The wireless communication device402may store512the search results414. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 2.

The wireless communication device402may resume514the search based on the search results414when a second event occurs. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 2.

FIG. 6is a flow diagram illustrating another configuration of a method600for searching for radio access technologies404. The method600may be performed by a wireless communication device402. The search block/module410of the wireless communication device402may initiate602a search for one or more radio access technologies404. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 2.

In one configuration, the state detection block/module420may determine604if the wireless communication device402is connected. For example, the state detection block/module420may determine604if there is a connected radio resource control between the wireless communication device402and the base station406.

If the state detection block/module420determines604that the wireless communication device402is not connected (e.g., in an idle radio resource control state), the search block/module410may continue606the search. In other words, if the wireless communication device402is not in a connected radio resource control state, the search block/module410may continue to search for one or more radio access technologies404.

If the state detection block/module420determines604that the wireless communication device402is connected (e.g., in a connected radio resource control state), the wireless communication device402may determine608if the wireless communication device402has low mobility. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 2. The wireless communication device402may suspend610the search. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 2.

The wireless communication device402may store612the search results414. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 2.

In one configuration, the connected discontinuous reception detection block/module422may determine614if connected discontinuous reception is configured and active. As described above, connected discontinuous reception may include a wireless communication device402in a connected state with a radio access technology404with intermittent periods of transmission/reception of data and sleep. In this configuration, the wireless communication device402may be connected to a radio access technology404.

In one configuration, the connected discontinuous reception detection block/module422determines614that connected discontinuous reception is not configured and active. It should be noted in this configuration, the wireless communication device402may be connected to the radio access technology404. In this example, the wireless communication device402may resume616the search based on the search results414when the connection is released. For example, if the state detection block/module420detects a change in the connection state (e.g., from a connected radio resource control state to an idle radio resource control state), it may notify the event detection block/module408. The event detection block/module408may then direct the search block/module410to resume the search. In some implementations, the search block/module410may resume the search based on the search results414. For example, when given direction by the event detection block/module408to resume a search, the search block/module410may obtain the search results414(e.g., results that were obtained up to a first event) from the memory412, and resume the search from that point.

If the connected discontinuous reception detection block/module422determines614that connected discontinuous reception is configured and active, the wireless communication device402may resume618the search results based on the search results414. More specifically, the connected discontinuous reception detection block/module422may indicate to the event detection block/module408that connected discontinuous reception is configured and active. The event detection block/module408may then direct the search block/module410to resume618the search based on the search results414. In some implementations, the event detection block/module408may direct the search block module410to resume618the search during gaps when the wireless communication device402is in a sleep mode during connected discontinuous reception.

FIG. 7is a flow diagram illustrating another configuration of a method700for searching for radio access technologies404. The method700may be performed by a wireless communication device402. In some implementations, the state detection block/module420may determine702if the wireless communication device402is connected. As described above, the state detection block/module420may detect one or more connection states, for example a connected state (e.g., a connected radio resource control state) and an idle state (e.g., an idle radio resource control state). For example, the state detection block/module420may determine702if there is a radio resource control connection between the radio access technology404and the wireless communication device402. If the state detection block/module420determines702that the wireless communication device402is in a connected state, the wireless communication device402may determine724if connected discontinuous reception is configured and active as described herein.

The search block/module410of the wireless communication device402may initiate704a search for one or more radio access technologies404. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 2.

The wireless communication device402may determine706if the search has been completed. In some configurations, a search may be completed when a determined number of bands corresponding to one or more radio access technologies404have been searched. In some cases, a search may be completed before the expiration of a time interval. If the wireless communication device402determines that the search has been completed, the wireless communication device402may stop708the search. For example, the event detection block/module408may detect that a search has been completed and may direct the search block/module410to stop the search. In some implementations, stopping708the search may be done as described in connection withFIG. 5.

In some configurations, the wireless communication device402may output710the search results414. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 5.

If the wireless communication device402determines706that a search has not been completed, the timer416of the wireless communication device402may determine712if a time interval has expired. As described above, the timer416may determine the elapsed duration of a search. If the timer416detects that the elapsed duration is greater than the time interval, the timer416may indicate to the event detection block/module408that the time interval has expired. In this configuration, the event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module410to stop708the search. In some cases, the expiration of the time interval may correspond to a partially completed search. In some implementations, stopping708the search may be done as described above. In this configuration, the search block/module410may output710the search results414. In some implementations, outputting710the search results414may include outputting710a portion of the search results414(e.g., the portion searched up to the point of the expired time interval). In some implementations, this may be done as described above.

If the timer416determines712that the time interval has not expired, the state detection block/module420may determine714if a connection has been requested. For example, the state detection block/module420may determine714if a connection (e.g., a radio resource control connection) has been requested. If the state detection block/module420determines714that a connection has not been requested, the state detection block/module420may direct the search block/module410to continue searching for one or more radio access technologies404. By comparison, if the state detection block/module420determines714that a connection has been requested, the mobility determination block/module418may determine716if the wireless communication device402has low mobility. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 5.

If the mobility determination block/module418determines716that the wireless communication device402does not have low mobility (e.g., it has high or medium mobility), the event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module410to stop708the search. In some implementations, this may be done as described above. In this configuration, the search block/module410may output710the search results414. In some implementations, this may be done as described above.

If the mobility determination block/module418determines716that the wireless communication device402has low mobility, the event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module410to suspend718the search. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 2.

The wireless communication device402may store720the search results414. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 2.

The state detection block/module420may determine722if the wireless communication device402is connected. For example, the state detection block/module420may determine722if the wireless communication device402has a radio resource control connection with a radio access technology404. If the state detection block/module420determines722that the wireless communication device402is not connected (e.g., an idle radio resource control connection), the state detection block/module420may indicate this to the event detection block/module408. For example, the state detection block/module420may indicate that the wireless communication device402attempted to connect to a radio access technology404, but failed to establish a connection. In this example, the event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module410to resume the search.

If the state detection block/module420determines722that the wireless communication device402is connected, the connected discontinuous reception detection block/module422may determine724if connected discontinuous reception is configured and active. In some configurations this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 6. If the connected discontinuous reception detection block/module422determines724that connected discontinuous reception is not configured and active, the wireless communication device402may wait730until the connection is released. At which, point the event detection block/module408of the wireless communication device402may direct the search block/module410to resume the search based on the search results414. In some implementations, this may be done as described in connection withFIG. 6.

If the state detection block/module420determines724that connected discontinuous reception is configured and active, the event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module410to resume726the search based on the search results. In some implementations, the event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module410to resume726the search during intermittent periods of sleep during connected discontinuous reception.

In some implementations, the state detection block/module420may determine728if the connection has been released. As described above, the state detection block/module420may detect a change from a connected state (e.g., a connected radio resource control state) to an idle state (e.g., an idle radio resource control state). In some examples, the state detection block/module420may detect a change in state by detecting a release of the radio resource control. If the state detection block/module420detects a connection (e.g., a radio resource control connection) has not been released, the wireless communication device402may wait730until the connection is released. At this point, the state detection block/module420may notify the event detection block/module408of the change in state. The event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module410to resume the search. If the connection has been released, the state detection block/module420may notify the event detection block/module408of the change in state. The event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module410to resume the search. In some implementations, resuming the search may be done as described above.

FIG. 8is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a user equipment802and one or more radio access technologies804in which systems and methods for searching for radio access technologies804may be implemented. The one or more radio access technologies804may include one or more evolved Node Bs806. The one or more evolved Node Bs806may be an example of the one or more base stations106,406described earlier.

Communications between the user equipment802and one or more evolved Node Bs806may be achieved through transmissions over a wireless link. The user equipment802may communicate with the one or more evolved Node Bs806on the downlink896and/or uplink898at any given moment. The downlink896and/or the uplink898may be similar to corresponding elements described in connection withFIG. 1.

A user equipment802may be capable of communicating with the one or more evolved Node Bs806as part of one or more radio access technologies804. In some implementations, the one or more radio access technologies804may be similar to the one or more radio access technologies104,404described earlier.

The user equipment802may be an example of the wireless communication device102,402described earlier. The user equipment802may include an event detection block/module808, a search block/module810, memory812, search results814, a timer816, a mobility determination block/module818and/or a connected discontinuous reception detection block/module822similar to corresponding elements described above.

A radio resource control detection block/module820may be coupled to the event detection block/module808and/or the search block/module810. In one configuration, the radio resource control detection block/module820may detect the user equipment802radio resource control state. For example, the radio resource control detection block/module820may detect if there is a radio resource control connection between the evolved Node B806and the user equipment802. The radio resource control detection block/module820may detect one or more radio resource control states. For example, the radio resource control detection block/module820may detect an idle radio resource control state and/or a connected radio resource control state. A connected radio resource control may denote a logical connection between the user equipment802and the evolved Node B806, where data is being transmitted.

In one configuration, the radio resource control detection block/module820may detect a change in the user equipment802radio resource control state. In one example, the radio resource control detection block/module820may detect a change from an idle radio resource control state to a connected radio resource control state. In this example, the radio resource control detection block/module820may indicate to the event detection block/module808this change in radio resource control state. The event detection block/module408may direct the search block/module810to suspend the search.

The radio resource control detection block/module820may detect a change from a connected radio resource control state to an idle radio resource control state. In this example, the radio resource control detection block/module820may indicate to the event detection clock/module808the change in radio resource control state. The event detection block/module808may direct the search block/module810to resume the search. In some implementations, the radio resource control detection block/module820may detect this change in radio resource control state (e.g., from a connected radio resource control state to an idle radio resource control state) by detecting a release of the radio resource control.

The radio resource control detection block/module820may detect if a radio resource control connection has been requested. If the radio resource control detection block/module820detects a radio resource control connection has been requested, the radio resource control detection block/module820may indicate to the event detection block/module808that a connection has been requested.

If the radio resource control detection block/module820detects a radio resource control connection has not been requested, the radio resource control detection block/module820may direct the search block/module810to continue with the search. In one configuration, the radio resource control detection block/module820may indicate to the event detection block/module808that a radio resource control connection has been requested, but the user equipment802is not in a connected radio resource control state. In this configuration, the event detection block/module808may direct the search block/module810to resume the search.

FIG. 9is a block diagram illustrating various types of connectivity between a user equipment902and a core network946that the user equipment902may utilize for data services and/or voice services. The user equipment902ofFIG. 9may be one configuration of the wireless communication device102ofFIG. 1. For example, the user equipment902may include an event detection block/module908, a search block/detection module910and/or memory912similar to corresponding elements described above. The memory912may include search results914similar to search results114described previously. Multiple air interfaces (or airlinks) may provide a data connection for a user equipment902to the Internet924via an Interim Standard 95 (IS95) base station926, a CDMA 2000 1× (referred to herein as “1×”, may also be referred to as IS-2000 or 1×RTT) base station928and/or an Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) radio access network (RAN)930. The IS95 base station926may provide an IS95 airlink932for the user equipment902. The IS95 base station926may be connected to the Internet924via an InterWorking Function (IWF)934. The 1× base station928may provide a 1× airlink936to the user equipment902. The Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) radio access network (RAN)930may provide an Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) airlink938to the user equipment902. The 1× base station928and Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) radio access network (RAN)930may be connected via A10 interfaces940a-bto a Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN)942, which in turn is connected to the Internet924. The Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN)942may include a Foreign Agent (FA). A Home Agent (HA)944may be connected to the Internet924.

The network architecture may include data connectivity via the evolved high rate packet data (EHRPD) airlink948and an evolved high rate packet data (EHRPD) radio access network (RAN)950to the core network946. The evolved high rate packet data (EHRPD) radio access network (RAN)950may employ an A10 interface952to connect to an HRPD Serving Gateway (HSGW)954. The network architecture may also include data connectivity via the Long Term Evolution (LTE) airlink956and Long Term Evolution (LTE) eNodeB958. The Long Term Evolution (LTE) eNodeB958may employ an S1-U interface960to connect to a Serving Gateway (SGW)962. The HRPD Serving Gateway (HSGW)954may connect to a first Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW)964a, a second Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW)964band a third Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW)964cvia S2A interfaces966a-c. The Serving Gateway (SGW)962may connect with the first Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW)964a, the second Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW)964band the third Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW)964cvia S5 interfaces968a-c. The first Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW)964amay connect to a first Application Network (APN)970a. The second Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW)964bmay connect to a second Application Network (APN)970b. The third Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW)964cmay connect to a third Application Network (APN)970c. An Application Network (APN)970may include, but is not limited to, an Internet Multimedia System (IMS) that a user equipment902connects to for obtaining Voice over IP (VoIP) or video telephony services or an Administrative Application Network (APN) the user equipment902may establish a connection with in order to download configuration information for the user equipment902.

FIG. 10illustrates certain components that may be included within a wireless communication device1002. The wireless communication device1002may be implemented in accordance with one or more of the wireless communication devices102,302,402and the user equipment802described above. The wireless communication device1002may be an access terminal, a mobile station, a user equipment, etc. The wireless communication device1002includes a processor1078. The processor1078may be a general purpose single- or multi-chip microprocessor (e.g., an ARM), a special purpose microprocessor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP)), a microcontroller, a programmable gate array, etc. The processor1078may be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). Although just a single processor1078is shown in the wireless communication device1002ofFIG. 10, in an alternative configuration, a combination of processors (e.g., an ARM and DSP) could be used.

The wireless communication device1002also includes memory1072. The memory1072may be any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. The memory1072may be embodied as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices in RAM, on-board memory included with the processor, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers and so forth, including combinations thereof.

Data1076aand instructions1074amay be stored in the memory1072. The instructions1074amay be executable by the processor1078to implement the methods disclosed herein. Executing the instructions1074amay involve the use of the data1076athat is stored in the memory1072. When the processor1078executes the instructions1074a, various portions of the instructions1074bmay be loaded onto the processor1078, and various pieces of data1076bmay be loaded onto the processor1078.

The wireless communication device1002may also include a transmitter1080and a receiver1082to allow transmission and reception of signals to and from the wireless communication device1002. The transmitter1080and receiver1082may be collectively referred to as a transceiver1084. Multiple antennas1092a-nmay be electrically coupled to the transceiver1084. The wireless communication device1002may also include (not shown) multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, multiple transceivers and/or additional antennas.

The wireless communication device1002may include a digital signal processor (DSP)1088. The wireless communication device1002may also include a communications interface1090. The communications interface1090may allow a user to interact with the wireless communication device1002.

The techniques described herein may be used for various communication systems, including communication systems that are based on an orthogonal multiplexing scheme. Examples of such communication systems include Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and so forth. An OFDMA system utilizes orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), which is a modulation technique that partitions the overall system bandwidth into multiple orthogonal sub-carriers. These sub-carriers may also be called tones, bins, etc. With OFDM, each sub-carrier may be independently modulated with data. An SC-FDMA system may utilize interleaved FDMA (IFDMA) to transmit on sub-carriers that are distributed across the system bandwidth, localized FDMA (LFDMA) to transmit on a block of adjacent sub-carriers, or enhanced FDMA (EFDMA) to transmit on multiple blocks of adjacent sub-carriers. In general, modulation symbols are sent in the frequency domain with OFDM and in the time domain with SC-FDMA.

The term “couple” and any variations thereof may indicate a direct or indirect connection between elements. For example, a first element coupled to a second element may be directly connected to the second element, or indirectly connected to the second element through another element.

The functions described herein may be stored as one or more instructions on a processor-readable or computer-readable medium. The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or processor. By way of example, and not limitation, such a medium may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray® disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. It should be noted that a computer-readable medium may be tangible and non-transitory. The term “computer-program product” refers to a computing device or processor in combination with code or instructions (e.g., a “program”) that may be executed, processed or computed by the computing device or processor. As used herein, the term “code” may refer to software, instructions, code or data that is/are executable by a computing device or processor.