Methods and apparatus for collecting and/or using wireless communication related information to facilitate WT mode of operation decisions

Described herein are devices, networks, systems, media, and methods used to collect WT information and to alter, based on or taking the collected information into consideration, one or more parameters used to control a mode of operation in which WTs decide to operate. In this way the relative portions of WTs operating in a first or second mode in one or more regions can be automatically adjusted by a network control node modifying mode of operation control parameters which are then communicated to the WTs in the region in which the modified WT mode control parameter is to be used. The wireless terminals than make a decision as to the mode of operation in which to operate using the modified mode control parameter and one or more signal measurements or other information available to the WT making the mode of operation decision.

FIELD

The present application relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring, analyzing, planning and/or controlling a hybrid cellular and non-cellular network, e.g., a communication network supporting both cellular communication and non-cellular multi-hop communication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cellular communications have gained much popularity since 1990s. With advanced packet switching technologies, any raw signals can be formed in packets which can flow from the sender to the destination via the cellular networks, e.g., CDMA and GSM networks and non-cellular networks, e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and/or other local area networks. On the other hand, the manufacturing cost of cell phones, or called mobile phones, has decreased significantly, so mobile phones become affordable. It is believed that the mobile phones have penetrated more than 85% of the global population. Furthermore, more functionalities are added to mobile phones, leading the boundaries between mobile phones and personal computing devices to disappear. Many mobiles phones have now become smartphones or personal mobile computers. The smartphones allow subscribers not only to talk but also to enjoy the use of the Internet.

Due to a large volume of subscribers using smartphones, the demand of cellular transmission increases exponentially. However, the bandwidths of cellular networks are limited. A typical solution to the problem of bandwidth deficiency is to install more cellular base stations. Nevertheless, in the greater metropolitan areas, e.g., New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo, there are sparse or no spaces to install more cellular base stations. Even though installing more base stations is feasible, users located at the “marginal-to-inoperative regions,” such as the coverage edges of base stations, hilly terrain, concrete walls, or tall buildings, still face weak or blocked signals.

While cellular networks are commonplace, as the need for coverage and/or additional communications capacity grows, there is need for methods and apparatus which facilitate deployments of more advanced networks, e.g., networks which support both cellular communication and on-cellular multi-hop communication where the communications may occur across either or both of the cellular and non-cellular portions of the network. While hybrid networks can offer advantages by leveraging the benefits of different types of communications techniques which can be used in the hybrid network, there is considerable need for methods and apparatus for monitoring such a network and for information and/or equipment which can facilitate the playing, deployment, maintenance and ongoing management of such hybrid networks.

Wireless terminals often support a variety of radio interfaces and modes of operation in which one or more interfaces maybe left unused or used in a restricted manner. For example during a non-WiFi mode of operation a WiFi interface maybe disabled while cellular communications may still be permitted via a cellular network interface.

Parameters used for controlling the mode of operation in which a WT will operate can be static and common to all the devices in a given communications system or set by a user, e.g. with a user disabling WiFi interface for a period of time. Unfortunately the use of static parameters which may generally produce satisfactory results in determining which mode of operation, and thus which interface or interfaces a device will use at a given time, may not lead to optimal results in terms of mode of operation selection in all locations throughout the network. This may result in too many devices trying to operate in a particular region and too few devices operating in a particular mode in another region.

While an individual WT may use locally available information as part of the mode of operation determination, it will normally not have a view of the overall network and an understanding of signal strength or other conditions that may affect decisions being made by nearby wireless terminals (WTs). In addition, the individual WT lacks an understanding of the overall number of devices operating in a particular mode in a given area or more generally the distribution of devices operating as gateways or relays throughout the network. The effect of limited knowledge of network conditions and device operation can be particularly damaging to overall throughput when devices make decisions of not only what interfaces to use at a given time but also whether or not they should perform relay or gateway related functions which maybe part of some modes of operation.

In view of the above it should be appreciated that how to control the mode of operation of devices in a network is a technical problem which can affect the overall throughput of a network, loading on individual devices, power consumption at one or more devices which may have limited battery power and/or a host of other factors which can affect communications network throughput and reliability.

In view of the above, it should be appreciated that there is a need for methods and apparatus for monitoring, analyzing, planning and/or controlling a hybrid network, e.g., a network supporting both cellular communication and non-cellular multi-hop commendation in the network and/or a need for methods and apparatus which would allow the mode of operation in which a WT decides to operate to be influenced by network knowledge which maybe not be directly available to a WT and/or which allows for one or more parameters used to control a WTs decision as to what mode of operation to operate in at a given time to be dynamically influenced or controlled, e.g., based on information from a wide variety of sources and/or devices in a communications network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Methods and apparatus for monitoring, analyzing, planning and/or controlling a hybrid cellular and non-cellular network, e.g., by determining and communicating one or more control parameters to wireless terminals are described. The method and apparatus are well suited for use in a communication network supporting both cellular communication and non-cellular, e.g., single or multi-hop, communication. The cellular communication may and sometimes does involve communication with one or more cellular network components, e.g., components used to support CDMA and/or GSM communication using licensed spectrum in at least some embodiments. Non-cellular communication may and sometimes does involve the use of WiFi and/or Bluetooth and often involves communication using unlicensed spectrum. The non-cellular network may and sometimes is implemented as a local area network which may and sometimes does have connectivity to one or more cellular networks, e.g., via a gateway device.

In various embodiments, mobile devices, e.g., mobile wireless user devices, report network conditions and/or transmission statistics to a core network element, e.g., a network node in the form of a server which can and sometimes does operate as a management system. In some embodiments the functionality of the management system is incorporated into a node in the communications network which servers as a gateway or other node in the communications system but in many embodiments it is implemented as a separate node.

Information about the amount of data transmitted or otherwise communicated via network elements is reported to the server. Also information about the quality of a cellular communications channel and an alternative single or multi-hop communications channel which can be used to communicate to/from a cellular network elements is reported. In this manner, the server can collect, process and generate information which facilitates an understanding how the non-cellular portion of the network facilitates communications with portions of the cellular network and/or provides a meaningful alternative communications path to the cellular network.

The collected information can, and in some embodiments is, processed and displayed. The information is also processed in some embodiments to make automated network management control decisions and/or decisions about when, where and what type of network elements should be deployed to enhance system capacity and/or address network loading issues in a cost effective manner.

In various embodiments communications statistics and channel quality measurements are made for a plurality of different devices in a network. In addition to collecting and displaying information about the amount of data transferred via various elements in the network, information relating to channel quality, e.g., gain, benefits obtained by certain devices using multi-hop communications rather than cellular communications are determined and displayed.

The displayed information in some embodiments is presented on a map allowing a network manager, technician and/or other entity concerned with network performance to visually obtain information about the cellular and non-cellular multi-hop portion of the network in one or more geographic areas.

Based on the collected information and statistics, network component deployment suggestions may, and in some embodiments are, determined a management system. In various embodiments, base station and/or gateway transmission power control determinations are made based on the collected statics. In this manner, automated management of the network may be implemented with the transmission power of different devices being optimized, in some embodiments, to maximize overall data capacity and/or active other network objectives such as reduced latency or jitter.

Based on cellular and/or multi-hop network loading and/or data transmission information, recommendations, and/or control decisions are made by the system, e.g., in an automated manner, as to where additional network components, e.g., femto cells supporting cellular communication and/or gateways supporting non-cellular and cellular communications functions. The management and control system can, and in some embodiments do, affect communications system capacity.

Upon deployment of additional network elements, network configuration information is updated, additional statics collected and transmission power or other features of the various network elements automatically adjusted by the data collection and management system of the present invention.

Advantages of the subject matter described herein utilize analysis of operation information to improve better the allocation of resources in hybrid cellular and non-cellular multi-hop communication network. Some wireless devices in the hybrid network may use multi-hopping systems in a non-cellular network to securely connect themselves to a cellular network. Non-cellular networks, such as wireless local/wide area networks, e.g., WiFi networks, Bluetooth networks and the Internet, are ubiquitous and are also directly or indirectly connected with cellular networks. The subject matter described herein exploits the hybrid of cellular and non-cellular networks to expand the coverage of cellular base stations. To allocate communication resources in a more efficient way, the subject matter described herein deploys a system to monitor and analyze the communication operations and the communication data. The analysis results can benefit telecommunication carriers.

Methods and apparatus for controlling the portion of WTs operating in a particular mode of operation in one or more regions of a network are described. In various embodiments WTs make individual decisions as to which mode of operation they will operate in based on signal strength measurements and/or metrics communicated in beacon or other signals about the quality of connection through which a WT may attached to a network. The metrics maybe used by the WTs to individually select between a plurality of different modes of operation with the WTs using both cellular network interfaces and non-cellular interfaces in some modes of operation but not in others.

While mode of operation decisions may be and in some embodiments are made in WTs, the WTs are provided with one or more control parameters which influence the decision making process. Such control parameters include, for example signal a cellular signal quality threshold, etc. The parameters affect the decision as to what mode of operation the device using the parameter will operate in given the conditions encountered by the WT making a mode of operation decision.

A control node can communicate via one or more base stations control parameter updates to the WTs. Since the mode decisions made by WTs depends not only on the control parameters but also the conditions encountered by individual WTs, it is difficult to determine precisely what parameter setting should be used to achieve a desired portion of the WTs operating in a particular mode of operation. For load balancing and/or other reasons an operator may desire to have a certain portion of WTs in a region operating in each of several modes of operation at a given time. Unfortunately it can be difficult for the operator to determine the appropriate parameter setting to achieve the desired distribution of nodes operating in a given region. While a default set of parameter values may be used, it would be desirable if the parameter values could be easily adjusted from one region to another to achieve desired ratios of WTs operating in each region in particular modes of operation. It would also be desirable if different regions could have different portions of nodes operating in various modes at proportions specified by an operator in a given region.

In various embodiments the control parameters that influence WT mode of operation decisions are set of an initial set of default values. The number of WTs operating in one or more modes of operation are detected. A decision is made as to whether the number of WTs operating in a particular mode are to be increased or decreased. Control parameters are adjusted in successive reporting and monitoring intervals, e.g., in a methodical process with one or a few parameters being adjusted during each adjustment period. Over time, based on feedback of the number of devices operating in a particular mode in a region the parameters are adjusted to achieve the operator specified portions of device operating in one or more specified modes of operation in a given region. Through the use of feedback and automatic parameter adjustment an operator can control the portion of devices operating in a region without having to understand or specify particular values for the multiple control parameters that influence mode of operation decisions by WTs.

Since WT control parameters are determined on a regional basis, an operator can specify different portions of devices to operate in a particular mode in a given region. By automating the adjustment of control parameters a relatively complicated task of manually specifying individual control parameters can be avoided and an operator can easily control and/or adjust the portion of devices operating in one or more different modes of operation by simply indicating the desired portion of devices which should operate in a specified mode in a region under control.

In various embodiments WTs support at least a first mode first mode of operation, e.g., a client or relay mode of operation, in which at least some (but all in some embodiments) uplink traffic directed to a cellular network is transmitted via a non-cellular interface to another device for communication to the cellular network, e.g., directly via a cellular interface or via another network node, and in which at least some (but all in some embodiments) downlink traffic originating from a cellular network is received via a non-cellular interface. For example, in the first mode in some embodiment downlink and uplink traffic maybe to/from the device operating in the first mode or in some cases could be traffic being relayed by the device operating in the first mode. In addition to the first mode of operation WTs support a second mode of operation which is a mode of operation, e.g. a gateway mode of operation, in which all uplink traffic, directed to a cellular network, that is received by the WT operating in the second mode from another WT, is transmitted via a cellular interface in the WT and in which all downlink traffic directed to another WT and originating from a cellular network is received via the cellular interface in the WT operating in the second mode.

One or more subvarients of the first and second modes of operation maybe and sometimes are supported by a WT. In some embodiments a non-cellular non-relay data mode of operation is supported. In this mode of operation which is referred to as a first mode of operation in some places in the present application data to/from a WT (locally generated data) operating in the non-cellular non-relay data mode of operation is communicated via a non-cellular interface (e.g., WiFi interface) to another device (e.g. a relay or gateway device). In the non-cellular non-relay data mode of operation the WT does not operate as a relay for other devices and a cellular interface in the WT operating in this mode, if present, is not used for data transfer. This non-cellular non-relay data mode of operation is sometimes referred to as a first mode of operation.

Other WT modes of operation are also supported in some embodiments. For example in some embodiments WTs not operating in the first mode operate as relay device and or gateway devices thereby relaying data for other devices in the network in the case of a relay operation or from one network to another network as in the case of gateway operation. During relay and gateway supported modes of operation, the WT supports the relay or gateway function in addition to transmitting/receiving its own data.

To reduce the load on cellular network elements in a particular region of a network, a network control device may seek to some portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation to thereby avoid direct utilization of cellular network components by such devices while still allowing the devices to obtain service and network connectivity via non-cellular interfaces of other devices and to directly communicate with other devices via non-cellular interfaces. While a network control device may seek to keep some portion of the WTs in a region operating in the first mode, to support such devices and still allow for utilization of cellular network components, the network control device may also seek to limit the overall portion of devices operating in the first mode to directly or indirectly influence the portion of devices in a network region operating one of the other supported modes, e.g., modes in which relay and/or gateway functions are supported.

In at least some embodiments, WTs report to the network control device information indicating what mode of operation they are operating in as well as information on the quality of one or more network connections available to the WT, e.g., cellular, gateway or relay connections. The network control device collects the information from the WTs and then analyzes the information to determine, on a per region basis, if the portion of WTs operating in a particular mode should be modified, e.g., because the portion of the wireless terminals operating in the first mode or another mode is above a first threshold used to set a minimum portion of WTs which should operate in the first mode in the region or a second threshold used to set a maximum portion of WTs which should operate in the first mode in the first region.

After determining the portion of WTs in a region operating in each of the different supported modes of operation, the network control device compares the determined portions to one or more thresholds to determine what if any changes in the portion of devices operating in the first mode or another mode should be made. For example when the portion of devices operating in the first mode is below a first threshold, the network control device may and sometimes does determine that the portion of WTs operating in the first mode should be increased. When the portion of devices operating in the first mode is above a second threshold the network control device may determine that the number of devices operating in the first mode should be decreased. Altering the number of devices in the first mode in a region can be and sometimes is achieved by updating a control parameter used by devices in to determine whether they should operate in the first mode or another mode of operation. While the decision as to which mode a WT device may operate in is made by the WT based on information available to it and the control parameter, by altering the control parameter used in a region for making the mode control determination the network control device can influence the mode determination process and control the portion of WTs in a region operating in a particular mode.

As devices shift out of the first mode of operation the number of devices operating in a mode in which relay or gateway operations are supported will increase. Similarly as devices are controlled by changing the mode control parameter to shift into the first mode of operation, the relative portion of nodes operating as relays and/or gateways in a region will decrease as the number of WTs operating in the first mode will increase. Thus, by varying a control parameter used by devices to determine if they should operate in the first mode of operation, the network control device can indirectly or directly influence the ratio of devices operating in the first mode to devices operating in one or more other modes, e.g., modes in which relay and gateway functions are supported.

In various embodiments the network control device maintains a set of control parameters corresponding to a network region. One or more of the parameters is updated and transmitted to the WTs in the region based on the information received from WTs in the region or from WTs in multiple different regions. Depending on the position of devices and/or other factors in different network regions, e.g., different geographic regions or different cellular coverage areas, a given parameter value may result in different portions of WTs operating in a particular mode of operation. For this reason in some embodiments parameter values are maintained and updated on a per region bases to achieve a desired portion of devices operating in a given region in a particular mode to achieve efficient use of available communications resources.

In some embodiments the parameter used to control the number of devices operating in the first mode of operation is a received signal strength threshold parameter. In some embodiments a WT terminal measured as received signal strength, compares it to the signal strength parameter it is instructed to use at a given time the control system and decides on which of a plurality of WT modes to operate in based, at least in part, on the comparison of the detected received signal strength and the signal strength parameter.

In at least one embodiment a network node, e.g., a network control device implements the steps of an exemplary method including receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs in a first region, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a communication mode in which the individual WT is operating, said communications mode being one of a plurality of different communications modes including a first communications mode; determining for at least some different network regions (e.g., geographic region or LAC with bad cellular signal strength maybe next to region where devices that can act as a gateway have good cellular signal strength) (a total number of WTs in the network region and) a portion of WTs in the network region operating in a first mode (e.g., client or rely mode) of operation; comparing the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a first threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation should be increased; updating a WT mode control parameter for a first network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation below the first threshold, to increase the probability that WTs in the first region will operate in said first mode of operation; and communicating (e.g., sending the updated WT mode control parameter to base stations which then transmit the parameter to WTs) the updated WT mode control parameter for the first network region to WTs in the first network region. Various other features are directed to a network node which includes a processor and memory and implemented the steps of the exemplary method.

Numerous additional features, benefits and embodiments will be apparent in view of the detailed description which follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Cellular communications have gained much popularity since 1990s. The principle of cellular communications is to divide a broad land area into a number of regular shaped cells, for example hexagonal, square, or circular shapes. Each of the cells is assigned one or more cellular base stations or cellular towers as hubs to manage wireless connectivity between mobile phones (or called cell phones) and the base stations. The base stations are further connected to public switched telephone network (PSTN), so traditionally the mobile phones in cellular networks were dedicated to voice communications.

With the advent of packet switching technologies, raw signals (e.g., voices, sounds, and scenes) can be formed in packets which can flow from a sender to a destination without a direct link between the sender and the destination. When cellular networks are deployed with packet switching technologies, a mobile computing device can connect to the Internet or other data networks via a data cellular network. Thanks to modern semiconductor engineering, the sizes of electronic circuitries keep shrinking. When a mobile phone is equipped with electronic chips for handling traditional cellular networks and data cellular networks, the boundary between mobile phone and mobile computing device becomes illusive. Most modern mobile phones are also mobile computing devices.

The manufacturing cost of mobile devices has decreased significantly. Mobile devices have become affordable to the general public. It is believed that the mobile devices have penetrated more than 85% of the global population. With a dramatically increasing number of mobile device users, telecommunication providers face a challenge to expand their coverage. Moreover, more functionalities (e.g., camera, web search, emails, maps, Internet surfing) have been added to mobile phones and mobile devices. Mobile device users demand more bandwidth to enjoy the added functionalities. Such a demand compounds the challenge faced by the telecommunication providers.

To address the surging bandwidth demand in cellular networks, a typical solution is to install more cellular base stations. Nevertheless, in the greater metropolitan areas, by way of non-limiting examples, such as New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo, there are sparse or no spaces to install more cellular base stations. In the cases where installing more base stations is feasible, users located at the “marginal-to-inoperative regions,” such as the coverage edges of base stations, hilly terrain, concrete walls, or tall buildings, still face weak or blocked signals. As a sequel, a new way to increase the cellular coverage is necessary.

In typical cellular communication systems, a mobile device directly communicates with a cellular base station. In other words, the device connects to the cellular base station via a “single hop,” where the signals are transmitted and received directly between the device and the cellular base station without being mediated or relayed through an intermediary device. Based on the single hopping communication, the maximum number of mobile phones simultaneously connecting to the base station is limited because the bandwidth of the base station is limited. Although sophisticated schemes of modulation and error-correcting codes can be adopted, the data rates are sometimes sacrificed.

In addition to cellular networks, there exist various non-cellular wireless networks, for instance, but not limited to, wireless local area networks, wireless wide area networks, Bluetooth networks, and in general the Internet. Modern technologies allow both cellular interface and non-cellular interface to be embedded in a mobile device. In other words, a modern mobile device can participate in a cellular network via its cellular interface, or participate in a non-cellular network via the non-cellular interface. While the two interfaces independently sit in the same mobile device, the subject matter described herein exploits both types of interfaces to expand the coverage of cellular networks.

The system disclosed herein can use multi-hop schemes in a hybrid of cellular networks and non-cellular networks. The system in some embodiments can be applied to not only mobile devices but also generic wireless devices. To expand the coverage of a cellular communication system, a first wireless device with a poor cellular signal, or without a cellular access, may use its non-cellular interface to communicate to a second wireless device which has a good cellular signal and relays the signals from the first wireless device to the cellular base station. In such embodiments, the cellular resources, such as data rate and bandwidth, of the second wireless device is shared with the first wireless device. The first wireless device successfully communicates to the cellular base station via two hops: hopping to the second wireless device that in turn hops to the cellular base station. The “double-hop” connectivity in these embodiments can be extended to a “multi-hop” connectivity in other embodiments. For example, the first wireless device can hop to the second wireless device, then to a third wireless device, and finally to a cellular base station. The number of hops can be as many as possible, as long as some criteria is satisfied, by way of non-limiting examples, such as battery life, noise level, interference level, data rate, and bandwidth.

The multi-hopping technologies allow the cellular networks to expand their coverage. Complement to the technologies, a new method is necessary to monitor the operations of the hybrid communication network based on the multi-hopping method. The subject matter described herein collects various types of operation information, including but not limited to, device data, traffic data, base station data, gateway data, geographic related data, etc, allowing telecommunication operators to determine the best communication settings and resources.

Described herein, in various embodiments, are computer-implemented systems that comprise: (a) a processing device comprising an operating system configured to perform executable instructions and a memory device; (b) a computer program including instructions executable by the processing device to create an application comprising: (i) a software module configured to receive operation information of a communication network, wherein the communication network is a hybrid cellular and non-cellular multi-hop communication network; and (ii) a software module configured to generate a user interface display, wherein the user interface display comprises a summary of the operation information. In some embodiments, systems further include a software module configured to generate a report summarizing effectiveness of the current operation or generate a recommendation for improving operation efficiency.

Also described herein, in various embodiments, are methods that comprise: (a) receiving operation information of a communication network, wherein the communication network is a hybrid cellular and non-cellular multi-hop communication network; (b) generating a user interface display, wherein the user interface display comprises a summary of the operation information; and (c) providing comments for operation improvement.

Also described herein, in various embodiments, are non-transitory computer-readable storage media encoded with a computer program including instructions executable by a processor to create an application comprising: (a) a software module configured to receive operation information of a communication network, wherein the communication network is a hybrid cellular and non-cellular multi-hop communication network; and (b) a software module configured to generate a user interface display, wherein the user interface display comprises a summary of the operation information.

In some embodiments, the media, devices, networks, systems, and methods described herein include one or more wireless devices. Suitable wireless devices are, by way of non-limiting examples, mobile phones, mobile computing devices, smartphones, portable computers, tablet computers, mobile computers, hot spots, routers, gateways, switches, cameras, audio recorders, video recorders, music players, video players, portable electronic devices, and wearable electronic devices. Alternatively, the wireless devices may be non-portable devices containing cellular interfaces and/or non-cellular interfaces; by way of a non-limiting example, a computing device may have an adaptor for cellular communication and another adaptor for non-cellular communication.

In some embodiments, a wireless device used by the subject matter described herein is equipped with a non-cellular interface only; i.e., the device does not comprise a cellular interface. With appropriate configuration, the wireless device can utilize the non-cellular interface to connect to another wireless device that relays the signals to a cellular network. For instance, mobile computing devices (e.g., iPads) equipped with only non-cellular interfaces (e.g., Wi-Fi chipsets) may be embodied.

In some embodiments, the wireless devices on a hybrid network described in the subject matter are of the same type. By way of non-limiting examples, the wireless devices could be mobile phones, or portable computing devices. In other embodiments, the types of the wireless devices on a hybrid network are mixed. For instance, by way of a non-limiting example, a wireless device may be a smartphone, another wireless device may be a laptop, and another wireless device may be a Wi-Fi hot spot.

In some embodiments, the media, devices, networks, systems, and methods described herein include a wireless device equipped with a digital processor, or use of the same. In further embodiments, the digital processor includes one or more hardware central processing units (CPUs) that carry out the device's functions. In still further embodiments, the digital processor further comprises an operating system configured to perform executable instructions.

In some embodiments, the wireless device includes a storage and/or memory device. The storage and/or memory device is one or more physical apparatuses used to store data or programs on a temporary or permanent basis. In some embodiments, the storage device is a volatile memory and uses power to maintain stored information. In some embodiments, the device is non-volatile memory and retains stored information when the wireless device is not powered. In further embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises flash memory. In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM). In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises phase-change random access memory (PRAM). In other embodiments, the storage device includes, by way of non-limiting examples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, magnetic disk drives, magnetic tapes drives, optical disk drives, and cloud computing based storage. In further embodiments, the storage and/or memory device is a combination of devices such as those disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the wireless device includes a display to send visual information to a user. In some embodiments, the display is a cathode ray tube (CRT). In some embodiments, the display is a liquid crystal display (LCD). In further embodiments, the display is a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). In some embodiments, the display is an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. In various further embodiments, on OLED display is a passive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) or active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) display. In some embodiments, the display is a plasma display. In other embodiments, the display is a video projector. In still further embodiments, the display is a combination of devices such as those disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the media, devices, networks, systems, and methods described herein include a wireless device as a hybrid, multi-hop network.FIG. 1is a non-limiting example illustrating some embodiments of a hybrid, multi-hop network. Referring toFIG. 1, the wireless device102directly connects to a cellular base station101. The communication network between the base station101and device102is based on a cellular communication protocol, namely forming a cellular network. The device102embodied inFIG. 1connects to the base station101via a single hop.

Referring toFIG. 1, the wireless device103does not have optimal cellular signals directly connecting to the base station101. However, the signals of the device103can hop onto the device102which in turn relays the signals to the base station101. The communication between the device103and the base station101is a two-hop communication. Moreover, the communication is on a hybrid of cellular network and non-cellular network. The wireless connection between devices102and103is based on their non-cellular interfaces, by way of non-limiting examples, such as Wi-Fi interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, LTE-Direct interfaces, optical interfaces, or infrared interfaces. The wireless connection between cellular base station101and device102is based on the cellular network, where the cellular communication resources of device102(by way of non-limiting examples, such as bandwidth and data rate) are shared with the device103.

Similarly, with reference toFIG. 1, the wireless device104does not have optimal cellular signals directly connecting to the base station101. However, the device104can communicate with the base station101via three hops: hopping onto the wireless device105, then onto the wireless device102, and then onto the base station101. The wireless links between devices102,104and105are based on their non-cellular interfaces, by way of non-limiting examples, such as Wi-Fi interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, LTE-Direct interfaces, optical interfaces, or infrared interfaces. The wireless link between cellular base station101and device102is based on the cellular network, where the cellular communication resources of device102(by way of non-limiting examples, such as bandwidth and data rate) are shared with the device104.

In some embodiments, with reference toFIG. 1, the device102can concurrently relay signals originated from devices103and104. In some embodiments, the device102can communicate with the base station101for its own use, while relaying signals from one of the devices103and104or from both of the devices103and104.

In some cases embodied inFIG. 1, the wireless links in the non-cellular network can operate on the same protocol. In some cases, the links can operate on different protocols. By way of non-limiting examples, suitable protocol options are IEEE 802.11 standards, AP/AP protocols, STA/STA protocols, AP/STA protocols, AP/IBSS protocols, STA/IBSS protocols, AP/P2P-client protocols, AP/P2P-GO protocols, IBSS/IBSS protocols, P2P-GO/P2P-GO protocols, and P2P-Client/P2P-Client protocols, P2P-GO/STA protocols, STA/P2P-Client protocols, P2P-GO/IBSS protocols, P2P-Client/IBSS protocols, and P2P-GO/P2P-Client protocols. Those with skills in the art can recognize various combinations of protocols can be embodied in the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 2shows an exemplary communications network including non-cellular and cellular network components and a control device which can receive information and adjust parameters to influence WT terminal operation in one or more regions.

In theFIG. 2embodiment wireless terminals, also sometimes referred to as wireless devices or nodes, are shown located in three distinct regions, a first region220, a second region230and a third region240. The first, second and third regions may and sometimes do correspond to different geographic regions.

As will be discussed further below each of the WTs in a region can operate in a plurality of modes of operation, e.g. a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation with one mode of operation being implemented by a WT at a given time.

In at least some embodiments the first mode first mode of operation is a client or relay mode of operation in which at least some (but all in some embodiments) uplink traffic directed to a cellular network is transmitted via a non-cellular interface to another device for communication to the cellular network, e.g., directly via a cellular interface or via another network node, and in which at least some (but all in some embodiments) downlink traffic originating from a cellular network is received via a non-cellular interface. For example, in the first mode in some embodiment downlink and uplink traffic maybe to/from the device operating in the first mode or in some cases could be traffic being relayed by the device operating in the first mode. In addition to the first mode of operation WTs support a second mode of operation which is a mode of operation, e.g. a gateway mode of operation, in which all uplink traffic, directed to a cellular network, that is received by the WT operating in the second mode from another WT, is transmitted via a cellular interface in the WT and in which all downlink traffic directed to another WT and originating from a cellular network is received via the cellular interface in the WT operating in the second mode.

The first region220includes a first WT201and a second WT202. The first WT201is shown operating in the first mode of operation and communicates, when necessary, with the cellular base station via WT202operating as a gateway. The second WT201is shown operating in the second mode of operation, e.g., the gateway mode of operation providing connectivity for the first wireless node201to the cellular network203via a cellular interface of the WT202which is used to transmit uplink traffic to the cellular network and receive downlink traffic from the cellular network. Optionally the device2002can communicate with the first WT201via its non-cellular interface.

The second region230includes a third WT234and a fourth WT232while the third region240includes fifth WT242, sixth WT244and seventh WT246. While communication between WTs may involve use of peer to peer communication or other non-cellular communication, in theFIG. 2example each region230,220and240includes at least one device with connectivity to a cellular network node, e.g., cellular base station203. For network load balancing, battery power conservation reasons, cost, and/or Quality of Service reasons, it can be desirable to have different portions of WTs in each region operating in a particular mode of operation at a given time. In this way traffic can be balanced between non-cellular and/or cellular networks taking into consideration the number of devices, network load, battery power available to individual WTs, etc. The needs in different regions can change over time and/or vary due to different geographic conditions and/or the location of cellular base stations with respect to the particular region. In various embodiments, as will be discussed below various statistics are collected and reported to a network node210which acts as a control device. While the network node210is shown on the cellular side of the network, it can be included at any location in the communications network200and maybe part of a base station, WiFi access point, or any other device in the network.

When integrated into a cellular base station, the network node210can transmit parameters and/or other information to WTs within the coverage area of the base station. For example in some embodiments the cellular base station203serves as the network node210and transmits parameter update information directly to the first, second and third regions220,230and240which are all in the coverage range of the base station203which, in some embodiments is the control device210or includes the control device210. In cases where the control device210is implemented as a separate node from a base station communication of parameters to WTs may and sometimes does sending the parameters to be communicated to the WTs in a region to a cellular or non-cellular base station or access point for transmission to the WTs in a region where the parameters are to be used by the WTs in making mode decisions. The mode decisions maybe and sometimes are made individually by WTs based on the received parameter to be used and one or more locally available pieces of information such as the amount of battery power available to the WT making the mode decision, the strength of a signal received form an access point or base station and/or one or more other conditions such as whether the WT has cellular network connectivity at a given time or only non-cellular connectivity to another communications device, e.g., lacks cellular network connectivity. An operator can and sometimes does change thresholds used on a per region basis to control the setting of one or more control parameters used to control WT mode decisions. As the thresholds change for determining parameters and/or statistics indicate changes in the portion of devices operating in particular mode in a region the control device210can and sometimes does update one or more control parameters for a region and communicates the new parameter value to the WTs in the region to which it applies. In this way the network node can rebalance the portion of devices operating in a particular mode automatically without a human having to determine how the parameter should be changed to balance the portion of devices operating in various modes in a region.

Network node210which is a control device can be at any location in the network200and can be part of a cellular network or non-cellular network.

Gateway devices204,205, and206provide connectivity to the Internet allowing devices to reach the Internet via the cellular base station. Alternative connectivity to the Internet maybe and sometimes is obtained by WTs using local access points of non-cellular networks. While WTs are shown in some embodiments one or more of the WTs operates as a WiFi or Bluetooth access point or hot spot. In the communications system200there could be more than one gateway, such as gateways205and206inFIG. 2. In other cases, more than two gateways are possible. When there is more than one gateway, the arrangement of the gateways may be parallel, serial, or mix of parallel and serial. Various types of gateways may be installed on the communication network; examples include packet gateways, service gateways, evolved packet gateways, Internet protocol security gateway.

In some embodiments, the media, devices, networks, systems, and methods described herein include operation information, or collection of it and use of it. In some embodiments, the operation information and/or its data components may be collected at a time point, or during a time period. The operation information may comprise a quantity of transmitted data. In some cases, the operation information may contain a quantity of data transmission sessions. Alternatively, the operation information may contain user device data, base station data, and/or gateway data. The user device data may be collected from a software module running at one or more user devices on the communication network. The base station data may be collected from a software module running at one or more base stations on the communication network. The gateway data may be collected from a software module running at one or more gateway on the communication network. In further embodiments, the user device data is received from a software module running at one or more user devices on the communication network at one or more of the following instances: one or more times daily during non-peak hours, a user device connects to the Internet via a network other than the cellular network and the communication network.

In some embodiments, the data of user devices, gateways, and base stations include (but not limited to): timestamp, global identifier, software version, operating system, device type, device model, communication protocol, data transmission rate, signal modulation method, amount of transmitted data on a cellular interface, amount of transmitted data on a non-cellular interface, amount of transmitted data on the communication network, amount of received data on a cellular interface, amount of received data on a non-cellular interface, amount of received data on the communication network, geospatial location, node role in the hopping system, path of hopping, routing path, duration of an operational event, power source, battery level, charging status, signal strength of accessing the non-cellular network, signal strength of accessing the cellular network, signal strength of accessing the hybrid of the cellular and non-cellular network, signal quality of the cellular network (for example, including effect from interference), signal quality of the hybrid network, base station identifier, location area code, network type, channel information, user device identifier, a number of users, billing data of user devices, mobility level of user device.

In some embodiments, the data may include information about devices within the neighborhood of the reporting device, also known as neighbor devices. Such neighborhood is determined by the range of the peer to peer connections. Such information include (but not limited to): timestamp, global identifier, software version, operating system, device type, device model, communication protocol, data transmission rate, signal modulation method, amount of transmitted data on a cellular interface, amount of transmitted data on a non-cellular interface, amount of transmitted data on the communication network, amount of received data on a cellular interface, amount of received data on a non-cellular interface, amount of received data on the communication network, geospatial location, node role in the hopping system, path of hopping, routing path, duration of an operational event, power source, battery level, charging status, signal strength of accessing the non-cellular network, signal strength of accessing the cellular network, signal strength of accessing the hybrid of the cellular and non-cellular network, signal quality of the cellular network (for example, including effect from interference), signal quality of accessing the non-cellular network, signal quality of accessing the cellular network, signal quality of accessing the hybrid of the cellular and non-cellular network, signal interference of accessing the non-cellular network, signal interference of accessing the cellular network, signal interference of accessing the hybrid of the cellular and non-cellular network, base station identifier, location area code, network type, non-cellular channel information, cellular channel information, user device identifier, a number of users, billing data of user devices, mobility level of user device. In some embodiments, the area codes are location area codes and/or tracking area codes.

In some embodiments, the media, devices, networks, systems, and methods described herein include a display of the operation information and/or a display of one or more data components of the operation information. A display may be presented, by way of non-limiting examples, using a graph, a line chart, a heat map, a geographic location, or a combination of them. The display may present the operation information and/or data components taking place at a time point, or lasting during a time period.

In some embodiments, the media, devices, networks, systems, and methods described herein include summarizing the operation information and its data components and display of the summary. The summary may be completed by statistical analyses and intelligent computational analysis. The display of the summary may be using, by way of non-limiting examples, a graph, a line chart, a heat map, a geographic location, or a combination of them. The display may present the summary taking place at a time point, or lasting during a time period. In some cases, the summary may be used to determine information, such as service deficiencies, in the cellular network or in the hybrid network. Alternatively, the summary may be used to detect service interruptions in the cellular network or in the hybrid network. Sometimes, the summary can be used to identify communication resource shortage.

The summary of the operation information, obtained from the collection of neighbor information from multiple network devices, may include a graph describing the connectivity of such network devices. By way of non-limiting examples, said graph can be used to measure the density of the devices, or the level of network activity in particular neighborhoods. Surges in network activity can be used to identify local events. Said graph can also be used to identify potential indirect connections to the cellular network and their corresponding gains. Said potential indirect connections can be used to identify one or more devices, and their location, such that by improving their data throughput (either short-term by allocating them more bandwidth, or long-term by deploying additional network infrastructure), the overall network performance is best improved.

The summary of the operation information may be filterable by regions of the communication network, by a time period of operation, by one or more data components, by a combination of them.

The summary of the operation information may be used to recommend future operation plan, filterable by regions of the communication network, by a time period of operation, by one or more data components, by a combination of them.

FIG. 3shows an embodied display of operation data statistics. In the embodiment, the components302,304and306in the display are dropdown menus. The menu302allows a user to select which time frame to display the data summary. Non-limiting examples of time frames include past hours, past day, past week, past month, and/or past year. In certain applications, the time frame is defined by the user. The menu304allows a user to select which types of devices in the network. Non-limiting examples of device types include all devices, devices with specific operating systems (e.g., Android, iOS, Windows), devices with specific manufactures (e.g., Apple, Sumsung, HTC, Blackberry, Nokia, Motorola), devices with specific types (e.g., smartphones, tablets, vehicles, portable computers, desktops, servers). The menu306allows a user to select which regions of base stations. Non-limiting examples of device types include all base stations, base stations in a nation, in a state, in a metro, in a street block, near a building, inside a building, or in a region defined by the user.

Referring toFIG. 3, some embodiments show at least one type of statistics.FIG. 3shows coverage gain acquired by using the hopping technology. The display further shows the signal strength of the devices using the hopping technology. The display can show the cellular signal strength. The display can show the Wi-Fi signal between a node and its next-hop. The display can show the percentage of time wherein the device(s) were plugged into power (e.g., AC outlets, USB ports). The display can show the data of gateway devices, node devices, and battery status. The node devices include the devices connected indirectly to a cellular base station via hopping, or directly to a cellular base station.

FIG. 4shows embodiments where the quantity of data moved is displayed. The figure has two drop down menus402and404. The menu402allows the user to select the statistics type. Non-limiting example include total quantity, average quantity, median quantity, and/or a specific statistical measure defined by the user. The menu404allows the user to select the statistics type. Non-limiting example include total quantity, average quantity, median quantity, and/or a specific statistical measure defined by the user. The menu406allows the user to select the data to be real data or modeled data; furthermore, the menu406allows the user to select the data with versus without using hopping technology. In this embodiment, the menu406chose an option “Real (M87) vs. Real (Cellular)”, which means showing the real traffic data through the network of M87, the assignee of the instant application, versus the real traffic data through the cellular network. In some embodiments, the data traffic is simulated, and the non-limiting examples of the options include: “Real (M87) vs. Real (Cellular),” “Modeled (M87) vs. Real (Cellular),” and/or “Real (M87) vs. Modeled (Cellular).”

InFIG. 4, the data traffic of M87 (i.e., using the hopping technology) and Cellular (i.e., without using the hopping technology) is shown as line charts. When a mouse hovers over a data point, a more detailed data analytics can be displayed. In this figure, a data point shows there are 172311 gateways and 232123 nodes forming the data point.

FIG. 5shows embodiments where the strengths of signals are displayed. The figure comprises a drop down menu502, which allows the user to select average strength, highest strength, lowest strength, median strength, and/or a user-defined measure of strength. Furthermore, the time frame of the signal strength can be adjusted by the user. In additional embodiments, there is an option to display the signal strength as plots, charts, and/or superimposed on a geographical region. InFIG. 5, the signal strengths are displayed as line charts.

FIG. 6shows an embodied interface for displaying the operation information on a geographical region. The interface comprises three dropdown menus602,604, and606. The menu602allows the user to select which region to display; non-limiting examples include nation, state, country, metro, street block, building, floor, and/or a user defined region. In some embodiments, the user defined region is entered by texts. In certain applications, the user defined regions is drawn by the user on a map. The menu604allows the user to determine which time frame to show the data; non-limiting examples include past hour, past day, past week, past month, past year, and/or a user defined time frame. In some embodiments, the user defined time frame is entered by texts. In certain applications, the user defined time frame is selected via a sliding bar. The menu606allows the user to select which base stations to show the data; non-limiting examples include all base stations, all base stations in a state, cellular base stations, Wi-Fi base stations, macro cellular base stations, and small cellular base stations.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the traffic data superimposed on a national map is display as dots, or groups of dots. The type of a dot and/or the size of a dot indicate the quantity of data traffic in the region. When a mouse hovers over a dot, more detailed information is displayed. In the example inFIG. 6, the mouse was moving to the state of Kansas, and a small window popped up to show there were 2341 base stations, cellular data traffic (i.e., data moved vial cellular networks) was 21 petabytes, node data traffic (i.e., data moved via a node device) was 8 petabytes, and the Wi-Fi data traffic (i.e., data moved vial Wi-Fi networks) was 6 petabytes.

FIG. 7is the embodiment ofFIG. 6zoomed in the metro level. In this embodiment, the dots on the map are corresponding to the base stations. When a base station is selected by the user, the dot changes its color. In this embodiment, the white dots are unselected base stations and the black dot is selected. When the base station is selected, its coverage boundaries and its traffic data are shown. InFIG. 7, there are 2 boundaries of the coverage. The smaller boundary is the coverage without using the hopping technology, while the larger boundary is the coverage when the hopping technology is employed. In some embodiments, the boundaries are measured from past data traffic. In other embodiments, the boundaries are estimated by a mathematical model on base station data, device data, and/or gateway data.

FIG. 8is the embodiment ofFIG. 6zoomed in the street block level. In this embodiment, the diamonds on the map are corresponding to the buildings or base stations. When a building is selected by the user, the diamond changes its color. In this embodiment, the white diamonds are unselected buildings and the black diamonds are selected. When a building is selected, its traffic data is shown. In the example ofFIG. 8, two buildings were selected: one building had cellular data traffic of 206 gigabytes, node data traffic of 129 gigabytes, Wi-Fi data traffic of 157 gigabytes, and a signal gain of 8 dB; the other building had cellular data traffic of 80 gigabytes, node data traffic of 32 gigabytes, Wi-Fi data traffic of 16 gigabytes, and a signal gain of 12 dB.

FIG. 9is the embodiment ofFIG. 6zoomed in the building level. In this embodiment, the diamonds on the map are individual devices. When a device is selected by the user, the diamond changes its color. In this embodiment, the white diamonds are unselected devices and the black diamonds are selected. When a device is selected by the user, the other device linked to the selected device is automatically selected and a link connecting the pair of devices is shown as well. Then, the operation information of the device pair is shown. Alternatively, the user can select a group of devices, and their operation information is displayed. In the example ofFIG. 9, two pairs of devices were selected: one pair had cellular data traffic of 42 megabytes, node data traffic of 18 megabytes, Wi-Fi data traffic of 107 megabytes, and a signal gain of 18 dB; the other pair had cellular data traffic of 87 megabytes, node data traffic of 52 megabytes, Wi-Fi data traffic of 0 megabytes, and a signal gain of 12 dB. The group of selected devices had cellular data traffic of 155 megabytes, node data traffic of 101 megabytes, Wi-Fi data traffic of 83 megabytes, and a signal gain of 14 dB.

FIG. 10is the embodiment ofFIG. 6zoomed in the floor level. In this embodiment, the diamonds on the map are individual devices. When a device is selected by the user, the diamond changes its color. In this embodiment, the white diamonds are unselected devices and the black diamonds are selected. When a device is selected by the user, the other device linked to the selected device is automatically selected and a link connecting the pair of devices is shown as well. Then, the operation information of the device pair is shown. Alternatively, the user can select a group of devices, and their operation information is displayed. In the example ofFIG. 10, two pairs of devices were selected: one pair had cellular data traffic of 42 megabytes, node data traffic of 18 megabytes, and a signal gain of 18 dB; the other pair had cellular data traffic of 82 megabytes, node data traffic of 61 megabytes, and a signal gain of 10 dB.

The aforementioned figures and/or the components of the figures can be arbitrarily combined, as shown inFIG. 11toFIG. 16. InFIG. 11, a combination of statistics interface, signal strength plot, and national map are displayed. InFIG. 12, a combination of statistics interface, data moved plot, and national map are displayed. InFIG. 13, a combination of statistics interface, signal strength plot, and metro map are displayed. InFIG. 14, a combination of statistics interface, signal strength plot, and street block map are displayed. InFIG. 15, a combination of statistics interface, signal strength plot, and building map are displayed. InFIG. 16, a combination of statistics interface, signal strength plot, and floor map are displayed. In various embodiments, those with skills in the art are able to combine different components of display to assemble their own desired display.

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a mobile application provided to a wireless device. In some embodiments, the mobile application is provided to a mobile digital processing device at the time it is manufactured. In other embodiments, the mobile application is provided to a mobile digital processing device via the computer network described herein.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that several commercial forums are available for distribution of mobile applications including, by way of non-limiting examples, Apple® App Store, Android™ Market, BlackBerry® App World, App Store for Palm devices, App Catalog for webOS, Windows® Marketplace for Mobile, Ovi Store for Nokia® devices, Samsung® Apps, and Nintendo®DSi Shop.

In some embodiments, the media, devices, networks, systems, and methods disclosed herein include one or more databases, or use of the same. In view of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art will recognize that many databases are suitable for storage and retrieval of network connections tables, billing records, battery life, bandwidth usages, types of devices, levels of mobility, time of day, subscription fees, user profiles, non-cellular signal strengths, cellular signal strengths, noise levels, and interference levels.

The following illustrative examples are representative of embodiments of the media, devices, networks, systems, and methods described herein and are not meant to be limiting in any way. While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention.

FIG. 3is an example of a software module that displayed the user device data collected from a simulated environment where mobile phones were deployed using multi hopping methods in a hybrid of cellular and Wi-Fi networks. The display showed the operation information of the entire network during the past hour. The operation information contained the coverage information. A panel in the middle of the display showed total megabytes transmitted in the sessions, average coverage, percentage of plugged in, average Wi-Fi strength, signal strength (low, high, average).

FIG. 4shows the total quantity of the data transmitted in the network during the same experiment.

FIG. 6shows the geographic heat map indicating the data transmitted at all the base stations in the entire region.

FIG. 7shows an illustrative non-limiting example 700 of a display of operation information on a geographical region; in this case, the operation information on a metro map is shown.

FIG. 8shows an illustrative non-limiting example 800 of a display of operation information on a geographical region; in this case, the operation information on a street block map is shown.

FIG. 9shows an illustrative non-limiting example 900 of a display of operation information on a geographical region; in this case, the operation information on a building map is shown.

FIG. 10shows an illustrative non-limiting example 1000 of a display of operation information on a geographical region; in this case, the operation information on a floor map is shown.

FIG. 11shows an illustrative non-limiting example 1100 of a display of operation information; in this case, a combination of statistics interface, signal strength plot, and national map are displayed.

FIG. 12shows an illustrative non-limiting example 1200 of a display of operation information; in this case, a combination of statistics interface, data moved plot, and national map are displayed.

FIG. 13shows an illustrative non-limiting example 1300 of a display of operation information; in this case, a combination of statistics interface, signal strength plot, and metro map are displayed.

FIG. 14shows an illustrative non-limiting example 1400 of a display of operation information; in this case, a combination of statistics interface, signal strength plot, and street block map are displayed.

FIG. 15shows an illustrative non-limiting example 1500 of a display of operation information; in this case, a combination of statistics interface, signal strength plot, and building map are displayed.

FIG. 16shows an illustrative non-limiting example 1600 of a display of operation information; in this case, a combination of statistics interface, signal strength plot, and floor map are displayed.

FIG. 17Ashows a first part of a diagram showing the steps of a method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17Bshows a second part of a diagram showing the steps of a method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17Cshows a third part of a diagram showing the steps of a method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17Dshows a fourth part of a diagram showing the steps of a method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17Eshows a fifth part of a diagram showing the steps of a method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17Fshows a sixth part of a diagram showing the steps of a method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17Gshows a seventh part of a diagram showing the steps of a method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17Hshows an eight part of a diagram showing the steps of a method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17Ishows a ninth part of a diagram showing the steps of a method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17Jshows a tenth part of a diagram showing the steps of a method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17Kshows an eleventh part of a diagram showing the steps of a method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17Lshows a twelfth part of a diagram showing the steps of a method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17Mshows a thirteenth part of a diagram showing the steps of a method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17is a diagram shows howFIGS. 17A through 17Mcan be combined to form a flow chart showing the steps of the exemplary method, which can be implemented by a network node, in accordance with the invention. The network node implementing the method1700can be any one of the devices shown in the other figures including, for example, network node2100shown inFIG. 20, the cellular base station203, a gateway or relay or even a WT which is assigned the task of acting as a network control device.

The method1700begins in start step1702with the network node implementing the method being powered on and being controlled by the processor in the node to implement the steps of them method, e.g., under control of instructions store in memory in the network node as the instructions are executed by the processor in the network node.

Operation proceeds from start step1702to step1703in which WT control parameters and/or thresholds for different regions of the communications network, e.g., first, second and third thresholds discussed below, are received. The parameter and/thresholds may be initial default values at the start of the process but maybe updated values provided by a human operator providing input to the control node as time progresses and the system continues to control or influence the communications network over time, e.g., by communicating updated parameter values to WTs in one or more regions. The parameters are stored in step1704, e.g., in the network nodes memory. The parameters are stored on a per region basis. While multiple regions may use the same initial set of parameters over time the parameters for each region maybe and sometimes are changes based on the information corresponding to each region that is received by the control node and/or to achieve a particular localized balance of WTs operating in particular modes of operation in a particular region.

In some cases where the parameters received and then stored in step1704are initial parameters, the same parameters are preloaded onto WTs or transmitted to WTs in the region in which they are to be used so that the WTs and the control node have a common understanding of the parameters in use at a given time. The parameters received in step1704are transmitted to the WTs either via a base station or directly from the network node operating as a control device when the parameters to be used are different from parameters which were previously supplied to the WTs or in cases where the parameters were not previously supplied. Thus by the end of step1704both the WTs and the network node have, stored in memory, the current set of parameters to be used for WTs in each of the regions under control of the network node implementing the method1700.

The method proceeds from step1704to step1706. In step1706information is received at the network node implementing the method from a plurality of WTS, said plurality of WTs including a plurality of WTS in a first region220as well as information corresponding to other network regions under control of the network node, e.g., second and third regions230,240. The information received from at least some of the individual WTs in each region including information indicating a communication mode in which the individual WT providing the information is operating in. The indicated communication mode of operation is one of a plurality of different communications modes in which the WTs can operate. In some embodiments the different communications modes include at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation.

In some but not necessarily all embodiments the first mode of operation is a client or relay mode of operation in which at least some (and all in some embodiments) uplink traffic directed from the WT operating in the first mode of operation to a cellular network is transmitted via a non-cellular interface to another device for communication to the cellular network, e.g., directly via a cellular interface or via another network node, and in which at least some (but all in some embodiments) downlink traffic originating from a cellular network is received at the WT implementing the first mode of operation via a non-cellular interface in the WT.

In the first mode in some but not necessarily all embodiments downlink and uplink traffic maybe to/from the device operating in the first mode or in some cases could be traffic being relayed by the device operating in the first mode.

In addition to the first mode of operation WTs support a second mode of operation which in some embodiments is a mode of operation, e.g. a gateway mode of operation, in which all uplink traffic, directed to a cellular network, that is received by the WT operating in the second mode from another WT, is transmitted via a cellular interface in the WT and in which all downlink traffic directed to another WT and originating from a cellular network is received via the cellular interface in the WT operating in the second mode.

At the end of step1706the network node has information about the mode of operation of devices in one or more regions as well as other information which is reported by WTs such as battery power available to the WT, signal strength of received signals from base stations and/or APs and or other information that, as discussed above is sometimes reported by WTs. The information included in the various displayed images of WT related information shown in the present application maybe and sometime is received by the network node implementing the method1700.

Operation proceeds from step1706to step1708. In step1708the network node determines for at least some different network regions a portion of WTs n the network region operating in the first mode. This may and sometimes is expressed as a fraction or percent of the total number of devices in the first region, e.g., ⅕ of the devices in the first network region are operating n the first mode of operation.

Operation proceeds from step1708to step1710. In step1710the portion of WTs operating in the first mode in each of one or more regions is compared to a first threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation should be increased. For example if the first threshold is ⅗ and it was determined that only ⅕ of the WTs were operating in the first mode the comparison would indicate that the number of WTs operating in the first mode in the first region is below the desired ⅗ level and thus a parameter should be changed to increase the number of device operating in the first mode in the first region.

Operation proceeds from step1710to step1712. In step1712a WT mode control parameter for a first network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation below a first threshold is changed to increase the probability that WTs in the first region will operate in the first mode of operation. The parameter maybe, e.g., a battery level parameter, signal strength parameter, SNR parameter or some other parameter used by WTs in the first region when deciding whether they should operate in the first mode of operation or another mode of operation.

Operation proceeds from step1712to step1716. In step1716the network node communicates, e.g. transmits or causes a base station or other node in the network to transmit. the updated WT mode control parameter for the first network region to WTs in the first network region.

Operation proceeds from step1716to step1718in which the network node compares the portion of WTs operating in the first mode in one or more individual regions to a second threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation should be decreased. By using different thresholds for controlling changes to increase or decrease the number of nodes operating in a particular mode of operation minor changes in the portion of devices operating in a mode need not trigger a change in a WT parameter. This reduces the risk of rapid changes in parameters as devices switch between modes of operation.

Operation proceeds from step1718to step1720. In step1720the network nodes updates a WT control parameter for a second network region identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation above the second threshold to decrease the probability that WTs in the second region will operate in the first mode of operation. For example, if the second threshold was ⅘ if the second region had a portion of 4.5/5 WTs operating in the first mode a parameter would be changed to reduce the number of WTs operating in the first mode.

As part of step1720the network node may and sometimes does modify a stored WT mode control parameter for the second region, e.g., where the portion of WTs operating in the first mode is to be decreased, to decrease the probability that WTs in the second region will operate in the first mode of operation.

Then in step1724the updated WT mode control parameter for the second network region which was updated in step1720is communicated, e.g., transmitted, to WTs in the second region either directly from the network node or by the network node sending the updated WT parameter information to another device such as a base station for transmission to the WTs in the second region so that they can stored and use the updated parameter in mode determinations they make.

Operation proceeds from step1724to one or more additional steps via connecting nodes A1726, B1728, C1730, D1732, E1734, F1736, G1738, H1740, I1742, J1744, K1746, L,1747, M1748and/or N1749which can be performed sequentially or in parallel, with the path that is implemented depending in some cases on the particular embodiment and information that is received. Each of the paths will now be discussed.

Via connecting node A1726operation proceeds to step1750ofFIG. 17B. In step1750the network node receives information from a plurality of WTs, the information from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first cellular network signal strength for the individual WT operating in the first network mode providing the information and a second cellular network signal strength for another WT operating in the second mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step1750to step1752. In step1752the network node compares the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a non-zero difference in cellular signal strengths should be increased. Operation proceeds from step1752to step1754in which the network node updates a WT mode control parameter for a third network region identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a non-zero difference in cellular signal strength below the third threshold to a value different form a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to increase the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation and have a non-zero difference in cellular network signal strength.

As part of step1754step1756is performed in some embodiments. In step1756the network node modifies a stored WT mode control parameter for the third region to generate an updated WT mode control parameter for the third region.

Operation proceeds to step1758in which the network node communicates, e.g., transmits the updated mode control parameter or causes the updated mode control parameter generated in step1754to WTs in the third network region. Operation proceeds via connecting node Z1799, e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

Referring now to the processing path corresponding to connecting node B1728, operation proceeds via this path to step1760shown inFIG. 17C. In step1760the network node receives information from a plurality of WTs, the information from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first cellular network signal strength for the individual WT operating in the first network mode providing the information and a second cellular network signal strength for another WT operating in the second mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step1760to step1762. In step1762the network node compares the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a non-zero difference in cellular signal strengths to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a non-zero difference in cellular signal strengths should be decreased.

Operation proceeds from step1762to step1764in which the network node updates a WT mode control parameter for a third network region identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a non-zero difference in cellular signal strength above the third threshold to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to decrease the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation and have a non-zero difference in cellular network signal strength.

As part of step1764, step1766is performed in some embodiments. In step1766the network node modifies a stored WT mode control parameter for the third region to generate an updated WT mode control parameter for the third region which is likely to result in a decreased number of WTs operating in the first mode and having a non-zero difference in cellular signal strength.

Operation proceeds to step1768in which the network node communicates, e.g., transmits the updated mode control parameter, or causes the updated mode control parameter generated in step1764to be transmitted, to WTs in the third network region. Operation proceeds via connecting node Z1799, e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

Referring now to the processing path corresponding to connecting node C1730, operation proceeds via this path to step1770shown inFIG. 17D. In step1770the network node receives information from a plurality of WTs, the information from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a lack of cellular network connectivity.

Operation proceeds from step1770to step1772. In step1772the network node compares the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions operating in the first mode of operation and lacking cellular network connectivity to a third, or in some cases a fourth, threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and lacking cellular network connectivity should be increased.

Operation proceeds from step1772to step1774in which the network node updates a mode control parameter for a third network region identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and lacking cellular network connectivity below the third threshold to a value different form a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to increase the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in a second mode of operation. In some embodiments step1774includes step1776in which the network node modifies a stored WT mode control parameter for the third region to generate an updated WT mode control parameter for the third region.

Operation proceeds from step1774to step1778in which the network node communicates, e.g., transmits or causes the updated parameter generated in step1774, to WTS in the third network region. Operation proceeds via connecting node Z1799, e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

Referring now to the processing path corresponding to connecting node D1732, operation proceeds via this path to step1780shown inFIG. 17E. In step1780the network node receives information from a plurality of WTs, the information from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a lack of cellular network connectivity.

Operation proceeds from step1780to step1782. In step1782the network node compares the portion of WTs operating in the first mode and lacking cellular network connectivity to another threshold, e.g., a third or forth threshold, to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and lacking cellular network connectivity should be decreased.

Operation proceeds from step1782to step1784in which the network node updates a parameter for a third network region identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and lacking cellular network connectivity above the additional threshold to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to decrease the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in a second mode of operation.

In some embodiments step1784includes step1786which includes modifying a stored WT mode control parameter for the third region to generate an updated WT mode control parameter for the third region.

Operation proceeds from step1784to step1788in which the updated WT mode control parameter for the third network region generated in step1784is communicated to WTs in the third network region. Operation proceeds via connecting node Z1799, e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

Referring now to the processing path corresponding to connecting node E1734, operation proceeds via this path to step1790shown inFIG. 17F. In step1790the network node receives information from a plurality of WTs, the information from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first cellular network type for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second cellular network type for another WT operating in a second mode of operation.

Operation proceeds from step1790to step1792. In step1792the network node compares the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions operating in the first mode to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a first difference in cellular network types should be increased.

Operation proceeds from step1792to step1794. In step1794the network node updates a WT mode control parameter for a third network region identified of have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having the first difference in cellular network types below the third threshold to a value different form a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to increase the probability the WTs in the third region will operate in the first mode of operation and have the first difference in cellular network types. In some embodiments step1794includes step1794in which the network node modifies a stored WT mode control parameter for the third region to generate an updated WT mode control parameter for the third region.

Operation proceeds from step11794to step1798in which the network node communicates the updated WT mode control parameter for the third network region to WTs in the third network region. Operation proceeds via connecting node Z1799, e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

Referring now to the processing path corresponding to connecting node F1736, operation proceeds via this path to step1800shown inFIG. 17GIn step1800the network node receives information from a plurality of WTs with the received information including information indicating a difference between a first cellular network type for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second cellular network type for another WT operating in a second mode of operation.

Operation proceeds from step1800to step1802in which the network node compares the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a first difference in cellular network types should be decreased.

Operation proceeds from step1802to step1804. In step1804the network node updates a WT mode control parameter for a third network region identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having the first difference in cellular network types above a third threshold to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to decrease the probability of WTs in the third region will operate in the first mode of operation and have the first difference in cellular network types. In some embodiments step1804includes step1806in which the network node modifies a stored WT mode control parameter for the third region to generate an updated WT mode control parameter for the third region.

Operation proceeds from step1804to step1808in which the network node communicates the updated WT mode control parameter for the third network region to WTs in the third network region. Operation proceeds via connecting node Z1799, e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

Referring now to the processing path corresponding to connecting node G1738, operation proceeds via this path to step1810shown inFIG. 17H. In step1810the network node receives information from a plurality of WTs, the received information form at least some of the individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first cellular network communication band for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second cellular network communications band for another WT operating in a second mode of operation.

Operation proceeds from step1810to step1812. In step1812the network node compares the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third or additional threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a first difference in cellular network communications bands should be increased.

Operation proceeds from step1812to step1814. In step1814the network node updates a WT mode control parameter for a third network region identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having the first difference in cellular network communications bands below the third threshold to a value different form a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to increase the probability the WTs in the third region will operate in the first mode of operation and have the first difference in cellular network communications bands. In some embodiments step1814includes step1816in which the network node modifies a stored WT mode control parameter for the third region to generate an updated WT mode control parameter for the third region.

Operation proceeds from step1814to step1818in which the updated WT mode control parameter for the third network region generated in step1814is communicated to WTs in the third network region. Operation proceeds via connecting node Z1799, e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

Referring now to the processing path corresponding to connecting node H1740, operation proceeds via this path to step1820shown inFIG. 17I. In step1820the network node receives information from a plurality of WTs with the received information from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first cellular network communications band for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second cellular network communications band for another WT operating in a second mode of operation.

Operation proceeds from step1820to step1822. In step1822the network node compares the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a first difference in cellular network communications bands should be decreased.

Operation proceeds from step1822to step1824. In step1824the network node updates a WT mode control parameter for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having the first difference in cellular network communications bands above the third threshold, to a value different form a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to decrease the probability that WTs in the third region will operate in the first mode of operation and have the first difference in cellular network communications bands.

In some embodiments step1824includes step1826in which the network node modifies a stored WT mode control parameter for the third region to generate an updated WT mode control parameter for the third region.

Operation proceeds from step1824to step1828. In step1828the network node communicates the updated WT mode control parameter generated in step1824to WTs in the third network region. Operation proceeds via connecting node Z1799, e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

Via connecting node I1742, operation proceeds to step1830shown onFIG. 17J. In step1830, information from a plurality of WTs is received at a network node. The information received from at least some individual WTs of the plurality of WTs including information indicating a difference between a first device class for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second device class for another WT operating in a second mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step1830to step1832.

In step832, the network node compares the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a first difference in device classes should be increased. Operation proceeds from step1832to step1834.

In step1834, the network node updates a WT mode control parameter for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs, operating in the first mode of operation and having the first difference in device classes below the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to increase the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation and have the first difference in device classes. In some embodiments, step1834includes sub-step1836.

In step1836, the network node modifies a stored WT mode control parameter for the third network region to generate an updated WT mode control parameter for the third network region. Operation proceeds from step1834to step1838.

In step1838, the network node communicates, e.g., transmits, the updated WT mode control parameter or causes the updated mode control parameter generated in step1836for the third network region to WTs in the third network region. Operation proceeds from step1838via connection node Z1799, e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

Via connecting node J1744, operation proceeds to step1840shown onFIG. 17K. In step1840, the network node receives information from a plurality of WTs, the information from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first device class for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second device class for another WT operating in a second mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step1840to step1842.

In step1842, the network node compares the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a first difference in device classes should be decreased. Operation proceeds from step1842to step1844.

In step1844, the network node updates a WT mode control parameter for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs, operating in the first mode of operation and having the first difference in device classes above the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to decrease the probability the WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation and have the first difference in device classes. In some embodiments, step1844includes sub-step1846.

In sub-step1846, the network node modifies a stored WT mode control parameter for the third network region to generate an updated WT mode control parameter for the third network region. Operation proceeds from step1844to step1848.

In step1848, the network node communicates, e.g., transmits, the updated WT mode control parameter for the third network region to WTs in the third network region. Operation proceeds from step1848via connection node Z1799e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

Via connecting node K1746, operation proceeds to step1850shown onFIG. 17L. In step1850, the network node receives information from a plurality of WTs, the information from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a battery level for the individual WT. Operation proceeds from step1850to step1852.

In step1852, the network node updates a WT mode control parameter for the first network region to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the first network region to increase the probability that WTs in the first network region will operate in the first mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step1852to step1854.

In step1854, the network node communicates, e.g., transmits, the updated WT mode control parameter for the first network region to WTs in the first network region. Operation proceeds from step1854via connection node Z1799e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

Via connecting node L1747, operation proceeds to step1856shown onFIG. 17L. In step1856, the network node receives information from a plurality of WTs, the information from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a battery level for the individual WT. Operation proceeds from step1856to step1858.

In step1858, the network node updates a WT mode control parameter for the second network region to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the second network region to decrease the probability that WTs in the second network region will operate in the first mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step1858to step1860.

In step1860, the network node communicates, e.g., transmits, the updated WT mode control parameter for the second network region to WTs in the second network region. Operation proceeds from step1860via connection node Z1799e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

Via connecting node M1748, operation proceeds to step1862shown onFIG. 17M. In step1862, the network node receives information from a plurality of WTs, the information from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a power source for the individual WT. Operation proceeds from step1862to step1864.

In step1864, the network node updates a WT mode control parameter for the first network region to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the first network region to increase the probability that WTs in the first network region will operate in the first mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step1864to step1866.

In step1866, the network node communicates, e.g., transmits, the updated WT mode control parameter for the first network region to WTs in the first network region. Operation proceeds from step1866via connection node Z1799e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

Via connecting node N1749, operation proceeds to step1868shown onFIG. 17M. In step1868, the network node receives information from a plurality of WTs, the information from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a power source for the individual WT. Operation proceeds from step1868to step1870.

In step1870, the network node updates a WT mode control parameter for the second network region to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the second network region to decrease the probability that WTs in the second network region will operate in the first mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step1870to step1872.

In step1872, the network node communicates, e.g., transmits, the updated WT mode control parameter for the second network region to WTs in the second network region. Operation proceeds from step1872via connection node Z1799e.g., back to step1706or alternatively step1703depending on the particular embodiment depending on where the return point is implemented.

FIG. 18shows an exemplary base station that can be used in the exemplary system ofFIG. 2in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 18is a drawing of an exemplary base station1900in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. In various embodiments, a network node, e.g., a network node implementing the steps of the flowchart1700ofFIG. 17, communicates with WTs via base station1900.

Exemplary base station1900includes an LTE network interface1902including a LTE cellular interface1904and a LTE Direct (LTED) interface1906, a WIFI network interface1908, a Bluetooth (BT) network interface1910, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) network interface1912, additional wireless interfaces1913, e.g., other WPAN interfaces, etc., a wired interface1958, a 802.11ad interface1966, a 802.15.4 interface1972, an input device1942, an output device1944, a processor1946, e.g., a CPU, a memory1948, and an assembly of components1950, e.g., an assembly of hardware components, e.g., circuits, coupled together via a bus1964over which the various elements may interchange data and information.

LTE cellular interface1904includes a cellular receiver (RXC)1914and a cellular transmitter (TXC)1916coupled to antenna1934, via which base station1900may receive and transmit cellular wireless signals, respectively. LTE direct (LTE-D) interface1906includes a LTE direct receiver (RXLTED)1918and a LTE direct transmitter (TXLTED)1920coupled to antenna1934, via which base station1900may receive and transmit LTE direct wireless signals, respectively.

WIFI interface1908includes a WIFI receiver (RXWIFI)1922and a WIFI transmitter (TXWIFI)1924coupled to antenna1936, via which base station1900may receive and transmit WIFI wireless signals, respectively

BT interface1910includes a BT receiver (RXBT)1926and a BT transmitter (TXBT)1928coupled to antenna1938, via which device1900may receive and transmit BT wireless signals, respectively. BT wireless signals include BT beacons. BLE interface1912includes a BLE receiver (RXBLE)1930and a BLE transmitter (TXBLE)1932coupled to antenna1940, via which device1900may receive and transmit BLE wireless signals, respectively. BLE wireless signals include BLE beacons. Additional interfaces1913include one or more receivers and one or more transmitters and is coupled to antenna1941, via which base station1900may receive and transmit wireless. In some embodiments, a different number of antenna are used and/or a different antenna configuration is used, e.g., a different antenna for receive and transmit, multiple antennas for receive and multiple antennas for transmit, the same antenna or same set of antennas for different interfaces, etc. In some embodiments, different numbers of antennas are used for at least some different interfaces.

Wired interface1958includes a receiver RW1960and a transmitter TW1962, via which base station1900may receive and transmit signals over the Internet and/or to other base stations, e.g., via a wired and/or fiber optic backhaul link or links. 802.11ad interface1966includes a receiver RX80211ad1968and a transmitter TX80211ad1970, coupled to antenna1969, via which device1900may receive and transmit signals, respectively.

802.15.4 interface1972includes a receiver RX802154 1974 and a transmitter TX802154 1976 coupled to antenna1975via which base station1900may receive and transmit signals, respectively.

Output device1944includes, e.g., a display, a speaker, etc., for outputting data/information to a user of device1900. Memory1948includes routines1952and data/information1956. Routines1952include an assembly of components1954, e.g., an assembly of software components.

FIG. 19is a drawing of an exemplary communications device2000, e.g., a wireless terminal (WT), a user equipment device (UE) or a smart device, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. In various embodiments, communications device2000, e.g., a WT, communicates with a network node implementing steps of method1700ofFIG. 17via a base station.

Exemplary communications device2000includes an LTE network interface2002including a LTE cellular interface2004and a LTE Direct (LTED) interface2006, a WIFI network interface2008, a Bluetooth (BT) network interface2010, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) network interface2012, additional wireless interfaces2013, e.g., other WPAN interfaces, etc., a wired interface2058, a 802.11ad interface2066, a 802.15.4 interface2072, a GPS Module2080, an input device2042, an output device2044, a processor2046, e.g., a CPU, a memory2048, and an assembly of components2050, e.g., an assembly of hardware components, e.g., circuits, coupled together via a bus2064over which the various elements may interchange data and information.

LTE cellular interface2004includes a cellular receiver (RXC)2014and a cellular transmitter (TXC)2016coupled to antenna2034, via which device2000may receive and transmit cellular wireless signals, respectively. LTE direct (LTE-D) interface2006includes a LTE direct receiver (RXLTED)2018and a LTE direct transmitter (TXLTED)2020coupled to antenna2034, via which device2000may receive and transmit LTE direct wireless signals, respectively.

WIFI interface2008includes a WIFI receiver (RXWIFI)2022and a WIFI transmitter (TXWIFI)2024coupled to antenna2036, via which device2000may receive and transmit WIFI wireless signals, respectively.

BT interface2010includes a BT receiver (RXBT)2026and a BT transmitter (TXBT)2028coupled to antenna2038, via which device2000may receive and transmit BT wireless signals, respectively. BLE interface2012includes a BLE receiver (RXBLE)2030and a BLE transmitter (TXBLE)2032coupled to antenna2040, via which device2000may receive and transmit BLE wireless signals, respectively. Additional interfaces2013includes one or more receivers and one or more transmitters and is coupled to antenna2041, via which device2000may receive and transmit wireless signals including beacon signals. In some embodiments, a different number of antenna are used and/or a different antenna configuration is used, e.g., a different antenna for receive and transmit, multiple antennas for receive and multiple antennas for transmit, the same antenna or same set of antennas for different interfaces, etc. In some embodiments, different numbers of antennas are used for at least some different interfaces.

Wired interface2058includes a receiver RW2060and a transmitter TW2062, via which device2000may receive and transmit signals over the Internet and/or to other base stations, e.g., via a wired and/or fiber optic backhaul link or links. 802.11ad interface2066includes a receiver RX80211ad2068and a transmitter TX80211ad2070, coupled to antenna2069, via which device2000may receive and transmit signals.

802.15.4 interface2072includes a receiver RX802154 2074 and a transmitter TX802154 2076 coupled to antenna2075via which device2000may receive and transmit signals, respectively.

Output device2044includes, e.g., a display, a speaker, etc., for outputting data/information to a user of device2000. Memory2048includes routines2052and data/information2056. Routines2052include an assembly of components2054, e.g., an assembly of software components.

FIG. 20illustrates an exemplary network node2100that can be used in the exemplary system ofFIG. 2as a control device or which can be incorporated into a base station such as the one shown inFIG. 18in which case the control device would include both the components of the base station and the network node components shown inFIG. 20.

The exemplary network node2100in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. Exemplary network node2100is, e.g., a network node implementing the method of flowchart1700ofFIG. 17.

Exemplary network node2100includes a wired interface2158, an input device2142, an output device2144, a processor2146, e.g., a CPU, a memory2148, and an assembly of components2150, e.g., an assembly of hardware components, e.g., circuits, coupled together via a bus2164over which the various elements may interchange data and information.

Wired interface2158includes a receiver RW2160and a transmitter TW2162, via which network node2100may receive and transmit signals over the Internet to other network node, and/or to base stations, e.g., via a wired and/or fiber optic backhaul link or links. In some embodiments, network node2100communicates with a wireless terminals via a base station.

Output device2144includes, e.g., a display, a speaker, etc., for outputting data/information to a user of device2100. Memory2148includes routines2152and data/information2156. Routines2152include an assembly of components2154, e.g., an assembly of software components. Data/information2156includes, e.g., information from a plurality of WTs including information indicating a communications mode in which an individual WT is operating, thresholds, and WT control parameters.

In each of the base station1900, communications device2000and network node2100the processor in the device controls the device to operate as described in accordance with the invention, i.e., to implement the steps described as being implemented in the present application.

In each of the following lists of numbered method or apparatus embodiments, a reference to a preceding numbered embodiment refers to an embodiment in the same list. For example a dependent embodiment in the first list refers to a preceding embodiment in the first list while a dependent embodiment in the second list refers to a preceding numbered embodiment in the second list.

First List of Numbered Exemplary Method Embodiments

Numbered Method Embodiment 1 A method of providing network management information, the method comprising: collecting, at one or more devices, a first set of operation information, said first set of operation information including at least first information indicating a first amount of data transferred by said one or more devices over a non-infrastructure network, said non-infrastructure network being a peer to peer network, and a second amount of data transferred by said one or more devices over an infrastructure network, said infrastructure network being one of a cellular network or a local area network operating in infrastructure mode; receiving, at one or more core network nodes, said first set of operation information from said one or more devices; and performing one or both of: i) determining a control parameter from said first set of operation information and communicating the control parameter to at least one wireless terminal and ii) displaying at least some of said operation information corresponding to said one or more devices on a display.

Numbered Method Embodiment 2 The method of method embodiment 1, wherein said one or more devices are mobile phones.

Numbered Method Embodiment 3 The method of method embodiment 1, wherein displaying includes displaying said at least some of said operation information corresponding to said one or more devices on a display of a terminal, a mobile phone or other devices corresponding to a service technician or network manager.

Numbered Method Embodiment 4 The method of method embodiment 1, wherein said one or more core network nodes are servers in a network management system.

Numbered Method Embodiment 5 The method of method embodiment 4, wherein said servers are analysis servers.

Numbered Method Embodiment 6 The method of method embodiment 1, wherein said second amount of data is the amount of data transferred over the cellular network and wherein the first set of operation information further includes a third amount of data which is the amount of data transferred over the local area network operating in infrastructure mode to the cellular network.

Numbered Method Embodiment 7 The method of method embodiment 6, wherein said operation information corresponding to said one or more devices further includes: information indicating a performance improvement obtained by using an indirect connection to a base station in a cellular network as an alternative to a direct cellular connection to said base station.

Numbered Method Embodiment 8 The method of method embodiment 7, wherein said indirect connection is a cellular connection obtained via at least one peer to peer hop involving non-cellular communication.

Numbered Method Embodiment 9 The method of method embodiment 8, wherein said information indicating a performance improvement is a gain value.

Numbered Method Embodiment 10 The method of method embodiment 9, further comprising: receiving geographic location information for each of the said one or more devices.

Numbered Method Embodiment 11 The method of method embodiment 10, comprising displaying the location of said one or more devices along with at least some of the corresponding operation information on a map which also illustrating the location of at least one cellular base station.

Numbered Method Embodiment 12 The method of method embodiment 11, further comprising: identifying a set of information about the network, said set of information includes at least location within the coverage area of a portion of a building where the majority of data traffic corresponding to the location is determined to be via the cellular network rather than infrastructure WiFi; making a recommendation to a cellular service provider to deploy additional infrastructure, said additional infrastructure includes a femto cellular base station, a pico cellular base station, or a distributed antenna system, in said location.

Numbered Method Embodiment 13 The method of method embodiment 12, further comprising: controlling the transmission power, resource allocation and device association of a base station or gateway based on at least some of the information included in said first set of network usage information.

Numbered Method Embodiment 14 A method of providing network management information, the method comprising: receiving, at a core network node, a first set of information corresponding to a first device, said first set of information including a device identifier and first signal information including information indicating a gain to a first cellular network attachment point of a first base station (e.g., a first sector of a base station), a gain to said first cellular network attachment obtained if an indirect connection is used to communicate to said first cellular network attachment point, and a first base station identifier corresponding to said first cellular network attachment point; receiving, at the core network node, a second set of information corresponding to a second device, said second set of information including a second device identifier and second signal information including information indicating a gain between the second device and the first cellular network attachment point of the first base station, a gain to said first cellular network attachment obtained by the second device if a indirect connection is used to communicate to said first cellular network attachment point and a first base station identifier corresponding to said first cellular network attachment point; storing the received information in memory; and generating a display of a geographic area with at least some of said received information or providing a network management recommendation based on the received information.

Numbered Method Embodiment 15 The method of method embodiment 14, wherein the second identifier identifies the node providing the information; and wherein the first cellular network attachment point of the first base station is a first sector of a cellular base station.

Numbered Method Embodiment 16 The method of method embodiment 15, wherein said core network node is server in a network management system.

Numbered Method Embodiment 17 The method of method embodiment 15, wherein said core network node is an analysis and network control server; and wherein said second device is a mobile device.

Numbered Method Embodiment 18 A method of providing network management information, the method comprising: collecting, at one or more devices, operating on a first network, a first set of operation information, said first set of operation information including a device identifier and first set of neighbor information, said first set of neighbor information including identifiers of one or more neighbor devices, operation information of said neighbor devices on a second network, information indicating gains of peer to peer connections from said one or more devices to said neighbor devices; receiving, at one or more core network nodes, said first set of operation information from said one or more devices; and generating a connectivity map of said one or more devices; and making a recommendation to one or more network attachment points of said first network to adjust their operation parameters, said operation parameters including the amount of resource allocated to said one or more devices; and making a recommendation to a cellular service provider to deploy additional infrastructure, said additional infrastructure includes a femto cellular base station, a pico cellular base station, or a distributed antenna system, in location that would improve signal quality of devices with the most number of neighbors.

Numbered Method Embodiment 19 The method of method embodiment 18, wherein said second network is a Wi-Fi network; and wherein said second network is a peer-to-peer network.

In various embodiments WTs support at least a first mode first mode of operation, e.g., a client or relay mode of operation, in which at least some (but all in some embodiments) uplink traffic directed to a cellular network is transmitted via a non-cellular interface to another device for communication to the cellular network, e.g., directly via a cellular interface or via another network node, and in which at least some (but all in some embodiments) downlink traffic originating from a cellular network is received via a non-cellular interface. For example, in the first mode in some embodiment downlink and uplink traffic maybe to/from the device operating in the first mode or in some cases could be traffic being relayed by the device operating in the first mode. In addition to the first mode of operation WTs support a second mode of operation which is a mode of operation, e.g. a gateway mode of operation, in which all uplink traffic, directed to a cellular network, that is received by the WT operating in the second mode from another WT, is transmitted via a cellular interface in the WT and in which all downlink traffic directed to another WT and originating from a cellular network is received via the cellular interface in the WT operating in the second mode.

Second List of Numbered Exemplary Method Embodiments

Numbered Method Embodiment 1 A communications method, the method comprising: receiving, at a network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a communication mode in which the individual WT is operating, said communications mode being one of a plurality of different communications modes including a first communications mode; determining for at least some different network regions (e.g., geographic region or LAC with bad cellular signal strength maybe next to region where devices that can act as a gateway have good cellular signal strength) (a total number of WTs in the network region and) a portion of WTs in the network region operating in a first mode (e.g., client or relay mode) of operation; comparing the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a first threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation should be increased; and updating a WT mode control parameter for a first network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation below the first threshold, to increase the probability that WTs in the first region will operate in said first mode of operation; and communicating (e.g., sending the updated WT mode control parameter to base stations which then transmit the parameter to WTs) the updated WT mode control parameter for the first network region to WTs in the first network region.

Numbered Method Embodiment 2. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 1, further comprising: comparing the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a second threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation should be decreased; and updating a WT mode control parameter for a second network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation above the second threshold, to decrease the probability that WTs in the second region will operate in said first mode of operation.

Numbered Method Embodiment 3. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 1, further comprising: storing WT mode control parameters for different regions; and wherein updating the WT mode control parameter includes modifying a stored WT mode control parameter for the first network region to generate the updated WT mode control parameter for the first region.

Numbered Method Embodiment 4. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 3, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first cellular network signal strength for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second cellular network signal strength for another WT operating in a second mode of operation (e.g. gateway mode); comparing the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a non-zero difference in cellular network signal strengths should be increased; and updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g. signal gain threshold) for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a non-zero difference in cellular network signal strengths below the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to increase the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation and have a non-zero difference in cellular network signal strengths.

Numbered Method Embodiment 5. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 3, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a lack of cellular network connectivity; comparing the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and lacking cellular network connectivity should be increased; and updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g. gateway signal threshold, gateway battery threshold) for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and lacking cellular network connectivity below the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to increase the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation (e.g. client mode).

Numbered Method Embodiment 6. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 3, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first cellular network type for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second cellular network type for another WT operating in a second mode of operation (e.g. gateway mode) (network types are discrete→their difference is also discrete and can be enumerated); comparing the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a first difference in cellular network types should be increased; and updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g. client signal threshold, a gateway signal threshold, client network type threshold or gateway network type threshold) for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having the first difference in cellular network types below the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to increase the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation and have the first difference in cellular network types.

Numbered Method Embodiment 7. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 3, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first cellular network communication band for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second cellular network communication band for another WT operating in a second mode of operation (e.g. gateway mode) (communication bands are discrete→their difference is also discrete and can be enumerated); comparing the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a first difference in cellular network communication bands should be increased; and updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g. client signal threshold, gateway, signal threshold, /client network type threshold, gateway network type threshold, client communication band threshold, or gateway communication band threshold) for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having the first difference in cellular network communication bands below the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to increase the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation and have the first difference in cellular network communication bands.

Numbered Method Embodiment 8. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 3, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first device class for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second device class for another WT operating in a second mode of operation (e.g. gateway mode) (device classes are discrete→their difference is also discrete and can be enumerated); comparing the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a first difference in device classes should be increased; and updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g., client device class threshold or gateway device class threshold) for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having the first difference in device classes below the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to increase the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation and have the first difference in device classes.

Numbered Method Embodiment 9. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 3, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a battery level for the individual WT; updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g. client battery threshold or gateway battery threshold) for the first network region to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the first network region to increase the probability that WTs in the first region will operate in the first mode of operation.

Numbered Method Embodiment 10. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 3, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a power source for the individual WT; updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g. client power-source threshold or gateway power-source threshold) for the first network region to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the first network region to increase the probability that WTs in the first region will operate in the first mode of operation.

Numbered Method Embodiment 11. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 1, wherein said first mode first mode of operation is a mode of operation (e.g., a client or relay mode of operation), in which at least some (but all in some embodiments) uplink traffic directed to a cellular network is transmitted via a non-cellular interface to another device for communication to the cellular network (e.g., directly via a cellular interface or via another network node) and in which at least some (but all in some embodiments) downlink traffic originating from a cellular network is received via a non-cellular interface (e.g., downlink and uplink traffic maybe to/from the device operating in the first mode or in some cases could be traffic being relayed by the device operating in the first mode).

Numbered Method Embodiment 12. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 11, wherein said second mode of operation is a mode of operation (e.g. gateway mode) in which all uplink traffic, directed to a cellular network, that is received by the WT operating in the second mode from another WT, is transmitted via a cellular interface in the WT and in which all downlink traffic directed to another WT and originating from a cellular network is received via the cellular interface in the WT operating in the second mode.

Numbered Method Embodiment 13. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 2, further comprising: storing WT mode control parameters for different regions; and wherein updating the WT mode control parameter for the second network region includes modifying a stored WT mode control parameter for the second network region to generate the updated WT mode control parameter for the second region.

Numbered Method Embodiment 14. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 13, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first cellular network signal strength for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second cellular network signal strength for another WT operating in a second mode of operation (e.g. gateway mode); comparing the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a non-zero difference in cellular network signal strengths should be decreased; and updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g. signal gain threshold) for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a non-zero difference in cellular network signal strengths above the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to decrease the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation and have a non-zero difference in cellular network signal strengths.

Numbered Method Embodiment 15. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 13, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a lack of cellular network connectivity; comparing the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and lacking cellular network connectivity should be decreased; and updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g. gateway signal threshold, gateway battery threshold) for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and lacking cellular network connectivity above the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to decrease the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation (e.g., client mode).

Numbered Method Embodiment 16. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 13, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first cellular network type for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second cellular network type for another WT operating in a second mode of operation (e.g., gateway mode) (network types are discrete→their difference is also discrete and can be enumerated); comparing the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a first difference in cellular network types should be decreased; and updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g. client signal threshold, gateway signal threshold, client network type threshold or gateway network type threshold) for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having the first difference in cellular network types above the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to decrease the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation and have the first difference in cellular network types.

Numbered Method Embodiment 17. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 13, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first cellular network communication band for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second cellular network communication band for another WT operating in a second mode of operation (e.g., gateway mode) (communication bands are discrete→their difference is also discrete and can be enumerated); comparing the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a first difference in cellular network communication bands should be decreased; and updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g., client signal threshold, gateway signal threshold, client network type threshold, gateway network type threshold, client communication band threshold, or gateway communication band threshold) for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having the first difference in cellular network communication bands above the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to decrease the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation and have the first difference in cellular network communication bands.

Numbered Method Embodiment 18. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 13, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first device class for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second device class for another WT operating in a second mode of operation (e.g., gateway mode) (device classes are discrete→their difference is also discrete and can be enumerated); comparing the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a first difference in device classes should be decreased; and updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g. client device class threshold or gateway device class threshold) for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having the first difference in device classes above the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to decrease the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation and having the first difference in device classes.

Numbered Method Embodiment 19. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment claim13, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a battery level for the individual WT; updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g. client battery threshold or gateway battery threshold) for the second network region to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the second network region to decrease the probability that WTs in the second region will operate in the first mode of operation.

Numbered Method Embodiment 20. The method of Numbered Method Embodiment 13, further comprising: receiving, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a power source for the individual WT; updating a WT mode control parameter (e.g. client power-source threshold or gateway power-source threshold) for the second network region to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the second network region to decrease the probability that WTs in the second region will operate in the first mode of operation.

List of Numbered Exemplary Apparatus Embodiments

Numbered Apparatus Embodiment 1. A network node, the network node comprising: memory storing mode control parameters and at least a first threshold value; a receiver; a transmitter; and a processor configured to control the network node to: receive information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a communication mode in which the individual WT is operating, said communications mode being one of a plurality of different communications modes including a first communications mode; determine for at least some different network regions (e.g., geographic region or LAC with bad cellular signal strength maybe next to region where devices that can act as a gateway have good cellular signal strength) (a total number of WTs in the network region and) a portion of WTs in the network region operating in a first mode (e.g., client or relay mode) of operation; compare the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a first threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation should be increased; update a WT mode control parameter for a first network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation below the first threshold, to increase the probability that WTs in the first region will operate in said first mode of operation; and communicate (e.g., sending the updated WT mode control parameter to base stations which then transmit the parameter to WTs) the updated WT mode control parameter for the first network region to WTs in the first network region.

Numbered Apparatus Embodiment 2. The network node of Numbered Apparatus Embodiment 1, wherein the processor configured to control the network node to: compare the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a second threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation should be decreased; and update a WT mode control parameter for a second network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation above the second threshold, to decrease the probability that WTs in the second region will operate in said first mode of operation.

Numbered Apparatus Embodiment 3. The network node of Numbered Apparatus Embodiment 1, wherein the processor configured to control the network node to: store WT mode control parameters for different regions; and wherein updating the WT mode control parameter includes modifying a stored WT mode control parameter for the first network region to generate the updated WT mode control parameter for the first region.

Numbered Apparatus Embodiment 4. The network node of Numbered Apparatus Embodiment 3, wherein the processor configured to control the network node to: receive, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a difference between a first cellular network signal strength for the individual WT operating in the first mode of operation and a second cellular network signal strength for another WT operating in a second mode of operation (e.g. gateway mode) compare the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a non-zero difference in cellular network signal strengths should be increased; and update a WT mode control parameter (e.g. signal gain threshold) for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and having a non-zero difference in cellular network signal strengths below the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to increase the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation and have a non-zero difference in cellular network signal strengths.

Numbered Apparatus Embodiment 5. The network node of Numbered Apparatus Embodiment 3, wherein the processor configured to control the network node to: receive, at the network node, information from a plurality of WTs, the information received from at least some individual WTs including information indicating a lack of cellular network connectivity; compare the portion of WTs in one or more individual regions to a third threshold to identify regions in which the portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and lacking cellular network connectivity should be increased; and update a WT mode control parameter (e.g. gateway signal threshold, gateway battery threshold) for a third network region, identified to have a portion of WTs operating in the first mode of operation and lacking cellular network connectivity below the third threshold, to a value different from a stored mode control parameter for the third network region to increase the probability that WTs in the third network region will operate in the first mode of operation (e.g. client mode).

The techniques of various embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware and/or a combination of software and hardware. Various embodiments are directed to apparatus, e.g., mobile nodes such as mobile access terminals, base stations including one or more attachment points, and/or communications systems. Various embodiments are also directed to methods, e.g., method of controlling and/or operating mobile nodes, base stations and/or communications systems, e.g., hosts. Various embodiments are also directed to machine, e.g., computer, readable medium, e.g., ROM, RAM, CDs, hard discs, etc., which include machine readable instructions for controlling a machine to implement one or more steps of a method.

In some embodiments, the processor or processors, e.g., CPUs, of one or more devices, e.g., communications devices such as wireless terminals are configured to perform the steps of the methods described as being as being performed by the communications device. Accordingly, some but not all embodiments are directed to a device, e.g., communications device, with a processor which includes a module corresponding to each of the steps of the various described methods performed by the device in which the processor is included. In some but not all embodiments a device, e.g., communications device, includes a module corresponding to each of the steps of the various described methods performed by the device in which the processor is included. The modules may be implemented using software and/or hardware.

At least some of the methods and apparatus of various embodiments are applicable to a wide range of communications systems including many OFDM as well as non-OFDM and/or non-cellular systems.

In some embodiments modules are implemented as circuits. In some embodiments, e.g., an all hardware embodiment, each module is implemented as a hardware circuit.

Numerous additional variations on the methods and apparatus of the various embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above description. Such variations are to be considered within the scope. The methods and apparatus may be, and in various embodiments are, used with CDMA, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), and/or various other types of communications techniques which may be used to provide wireless communications links between access nodes and mobile nodes. In some embodiments the access nodes are implemented as base stations which establish communications links with mobile nodes using OFDM and/or CDMA. In various embodiments the mobile nodes are implemented as notebook computers, personal data assistants (PDAs), or other portable devices including receiver/transmitter circuits and logic and/or routines, for implementing the methods.