Abstract:
Herein there is a method for reducing handover latency on a wireless communication system, which includes receiving a handover request at a target base station; and prior to receiving a handover confirm message at the target base station, sending information descriptive of a mobile station handover resource allocation towards the mobile station.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS: 
       [0001]    This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from Provisional Patent Application No. 60/877,487, filed Dec. 28, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of this invention relate generally to wireless communication systems, methods, devices and computer program products and, more specifically, relate to techniques for handing off a mobile device from one fixed wireless network node to another. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Various abbreviations that appear in the description are defined as follows:
   HO handover   MS mobile station   BS base station   DCD downlink channel descriptor   UCD uplink channel descriptor   VoIP voice over internet protocol   UL uplink   DL downlink   IE information element   WiMAX worldwide interoperability for microwave access (IEEE 802.16 standard)   
 
         [0014]    Handover is a process in which a MS migrates from the air-interface provided by one BS to the air-interface provided by another BS. According to the current IEEE 802.16e 2005 (published in February 2006) standard, the HO process includes the following main steps (reference can also be made to  FIG. 1  which shows the MS-initiated HO case): 
         [0015]    A. Cell reselection: The MS may use neighbor BS information acquired from a decoded MOB_NBR-ADV (neighbor BS advertisement) message, or may make a request to schedule scanning intervals or sleep-intervals to scan, and possibly range, neighbor BSs for the purpose of evaluating MS interest in handover to potential target BS. The cell reselection process need not occur in conjunction with any specific, contemplated HO decision. 
         [0016]    B. HO decision and initiation: A handover begins with a decision for the MS to handover from a serving BS to a target BS. The decision may originate either at the MS or at the serving BS. The HO decision consummates with a notification of the MS intent to handover through a MOB_MSHO-REQ (MS HO request) message (Message  1  in  FIG. 1 ) or a MOB_BSHO-REQ (BS HO request) message. The next steps are for network re-entry at the target BS. The MS stops transmission with the serving BS when it starts the network re-entry procedure. 
         [0017]    C. Synchronization to target BS downlink: The MS synchronizes to the DL transmissions of the target BS and obtains DL and UL transmission parameters. If the MS had previously received a MOB_NBR-ADV message that included a target BS ID, physical frequency, downlink channel descriptor (DCD) and uplink channel description (UCD), this process may be shortened. If the target BS had previously received a HO notification from the serving BS over the backbone network, then the target BS may allocate a non-contention-based initial ranging opportunity indicated by UL-MAP. 
         [0018]    D. Ranging: The MS and the target BS conduct handover ranging. The purpose of the ranging processing is to obtain adjustment parameters for timing, frequency and power from the target BS. 
         [0019]    E. Termination of MS context: the final step in handover. Termination of the MS context is defined as the serving BS termination of all connections belonging to the MS and the context associated with them. 
         [0020]    After step D, the MS can set up a connection with the target BS. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  shows the various necessary messages related to the HO process for MS initiated HO (a normal standardized case). Cell reselection and network re-entry, except for the receiving of the UL-MAP (message  7  in  FIG. 1 ) are not included in the figure. As shown in  FIG. 1 , HO latency begins at the time when the MS sends out the MOB_MSHO-REQ, and a HO disruption time (the time interval during handover when no data can be sent or received by the MS over the bearer channel, assuming L 3  continuity) begins from the time that the MS sends out MOB_HO-IND. From  FIG. 1  it can be seen that the UL-MAP message, which includes a Fast-Ranging_IE, is sent only after the target BS receives the HO Confirm information (message  6  in  FIG. 1 ) from the serving BS. The Fast_Ranging_IE includes information descriptive of allocated unique CDMA ranging codes and ranging subchannels (e.g., in time and frequency) that are needed by the MS. In practice, it is very possible that the time between step  5  and step  7  is long due to transport latency between the serving and target BSs, especially for a case where there is no direct connection between the BSs and the message must be passed through a backhaul network path. 
         [0022]    A very reasonable requirement for mobile WiMAX is to support the continuity of the connections, especially in the case of a real time application such as VoIP and real-time streaming. In these exemplary cases the HO disruption time should be minimized. 
         [0023]    According to the HO procedure as currently specified it is necessary for the MS to receive the subchannel allocation information from the UL-MAP (message  7  in  FIG. 1 ) before the MS can begin the ranging process. Because of the possibly long transport time between BSs, it can take an undesirably long time for the MS to receive the UL-MAP if the target BS sends out this message only after it receives the HO Confirm message (message  6  in  FIG. 1 ) from the serving BS. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0024]    In an exemplary aspect of the invention there is a method, comprising receiving a mobile station handover request at a target base station, and prior to receiving a handover confirm message at the target base station, sending information descriptive of a mobile station handover resource allocation towards the mobile station. 
         [0025]    In an exemplary aspect of the invention there is a method, comprising sending a mobile station handover request to a target base station, and prior to sending a handover confirm message to the target base station, receiving information descriptive of a mobile station handover resource allocation with a handover response message from the target base station. 
         [0026]    In another exemplary aspect of the invention, there is a method, comprising sending from a mobile station to a currently serving base station a mobile station handover request, and prior to sending from a mobile station information descriptive of a mobile station handover indication message, receiving information at the mobile station descriptive of a mobile station handover resource allocation. 
         [0027]    In another exemplary aspect of the invention, there is a computer program product comprising program instructions embodied on a tangible computer-readable medium, execution of the program instructions resulting in operations comprising receiving a mobile station handover request at a target base station, and prior to receiving a handover confirm message at the target base station, sending information descriptive of a mobile station handover resource allocation towards the mobile station. 
         [0028]    In another exemplary aspect of the invention, there is a base station, comprising a receiver, a transmitter, and a processor, wherein when operating as a target base station, the receiver is adapted to receive a signal, wherein said signal comprises a mobile station handover request, the processor is adapted to allocate resources for the mobile station handover in response to the mobile station handover request prior to the receiver receiving a handover confirm message; and the transmitter is adapted to send information descriptive of the mobile station handover resource allocation. 
         [0029]    In yet another exemplary aspect of the invention, there is a mobile station, comprising a processor, a transmitter adapted to send a handover request, and a handover indication message; and a receiver adapted to receive information descriptive of a resource allocation of a target base station, where the information is received after sending the handover request and before sending the handover indication message. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    The foregoing and other aspects of embodiments of this invention are made more evident in the following Detailed Description, when read in conjunction with the attached Drawing Figures, wherein: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a message flow diagram showing MS initiated HO (normal standardized case). 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a message flow diagram in accordance with exemplary embodiments of this invention showing MS initiated HO (option  1 : backwards compatible with both air-interface and protocol). 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a message flow diagram in accordance with exemplary embodiments of this invention showing MS initiated HO (option  2 : backwards compatible with air-interface). 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a message flow diagram in accordance with exemplary embodiments of this invention showing a Network/BS initiated HO. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  shows a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    The exemplary embodiments of this invention relate in general to mobility management in a mobile wireless WiMAX communication network. In particular, the exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a technique to achieve fast HO in order to reduce total HO-related data transmission disruption time. 
         [0037]    The exemplary embodiments of this invention address and solve the problem of HO latency by introducing an efficient network signaling to achieve faster HO. In greater detail, by providing a protocol for the MS to receive the UL-MAP message much earlier than the conventional case shown in  FIG. 1 , the HO latency and the HO disruption time are both reduced significantly. An allocation of the Fast_Ranging_IE during the HO preparation phase enables the radio resource to be utilized in a more efficient way. 
         [0038]    It should be noted at the outset while the exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in the context of the mobile wireless WiMAX communication network (i.e., IEEE 802.16e), the exemplary embodiments of this invention are not limited for use only with this particular mobile wireless network type, and may be used in whole or in part and/or adapted for use in whole or in part in other types of mobile wireless networks where a mobile device HO can occur between a serving network node and a target network node. 
         [0039]    Before further describing the exemplary embodiments of this invention reference is made to  FIG. 5  for illustrating a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this invention. In  FIG. 5  a wireless network  1  is adapted for communication with a MS  10  via at least one BS  12 . The, network  1  in this non-limiting case is assumed to be a mobile wireless WiMAX communication network, and may include a network control element (NCE)  14  coupled to the BS  12  via a data link  13 . The MS  10  includes a data processor (DP)  10 A, a memory (MEM)  10 B that stores a program (PROG)  10 C, and a suitable radio frequency (RF) transceiver  10 D for bidirectional wireless communications with the BS  12 , which also includes a DP  12 A, a MEM  12 B that stores a PROG  12 C, and a suitable RF transceiver  12 D. The NCE  14  that also includes at least one DP  14 A and a MEM  14 B storing an associated PROG  14 C. The PROGs  10 C and  12 C are assumed to include program instructions that, when executed by the associated DP, enable the electronic device to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, as will be discussed below in greater detail. 
         [0040]    Shown for completeness in  FIG. 5  is at least one second BS, referred to as BS  12 ′. During a HO event the BS  12  may be considered the serving or source BS, i.e., the BS to which the MS  10  is currently connected and communicating in the associated serving cell, and the BS  12 ′ may be considered the target BS, i.e., the BS to which the MS  10  is to be connected and communicating with in the target cell after the HO procedure is completed. Note that in practice the serving cell and the target cell with at least partially overlap one another. Note further that during some typical HO events there may be, initially, a plurality of potential or candidate target BSs  12 ′. 
         [0041]    It can also be noted that the illustrated connection of the data link  13  between the BS  12  and BS  12 ′ is not intended to indicate a direct connection, and in practice this connection may be made through a network backhaul with one or more interposed network elements. 
         [0042]    In general, the various embodiments of the MS  10  can include, but are not limited to, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions. 
         [0043]    The exemplary embodiments of this invention may be implemented by computer software executable by the DP  12 A of the BSs  12  and  12 ′ in cooperation with the DP  10 A of the MS  10 , or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. 
         [0044]    The MEMs  10 B,  12 B and  14 B may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The DPs  10 A,  12 A and  14 A may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. 
         [0045]    The exemplary embodiments of this invention provide efficient techniques for the MS  10  to receive the UL-MAP message soon after it is synchronized to the target BS  12 ′. Due to the operation of the MOB_NBR-ADV and scanning procedure, the synchronization time with the target BS  12 ′ can be very short. 
         [0046]    For scenarios in which the HO decision is originated from MS  10 , two different techniques to provide an early UL-MAP, which includes the Fast_Ranging_IE, are described. A first technique to send the UL-MAP message early (earlier than would be done in accordance with conventional practice).is to set a Timer  12 E at the target BS  12 ′, the timer here is also called as end Timer, in which the Timer  12 E is set for the target BS  12 ′ to begin allocating the unique subchannel and CDMA codes to the MS  10  and send the UL-MAP. A different Timer to release the reserved resource can also be set. Note in  FIG. 5  that each BS is shown to include a Timer  12 E, the timer here is also called a release Timer, as each can at some time function as the target BS. Note further that it is assumed that the Timer  12 E may contain multiple timer functions that can be set and operated independently (e.g., Timer # 1 , Timer # 2 , etc.) 
         [0047]    The second technique operates such that, after the serving BS  12  sends back the MOB_BSHO-RSP to the MS  10  (see message  4  in  FIG. 1 ), simultaneously, the serving BS  12  can inform the recommended target BS  12 ′ via a HO Pre-confirmation message to allocate the unique CDMA ranging codes and ranging subchannel. Immediately after receiving HO Pre-confirmation message, and if the message is “Yes” which means the BS(s) are selected as target BS(s), the target BS(s)  12 ′ (note that in practice the number of target BSs  12 ′ may be greater than one) can allocate the HO ranging codes and subchannels to the MS  10  and send out the UL-MAP message. 
         [0048]    For the scenarios in which the HO decision is originated from the BS  12  or at some other place in the network  1 I in addition to the two techniques above, another technique includes the UL-MAP in a MOB_BSHO-REQ message which is derived from a HO Response from the target BS  12 ′. At the same time, the serving BS  12  informs the selection result to the target BS  12 ′ and other neighbor BSs. Therefore, only the target BS  12 ′ keeps the resource for the MS  10  and all other BSs release the ranging code and ranging subchannel after receiving a HO Cancellation message, thereby conserving radio resources. 
         [0049]    Network re-entry begins with the MS  10  detaching from the serving BS  12  and attempting to synchronize with the target BS  12 ′. The synchronization processing procedure can be made faster if the target BS  12 ′ parameters obtained from the MS scanning procedure are still valid. Only after receiving the UL-MAP from the target BS  12 ′ can the MS  10  begin to send the ranging request to the target BS  12 ′. 
         [0050]    In the case of the MS  10  making the decision as to the final target BS  12 ′, the exemplary embodiments of this invention consider two implementation options in order for the MS  10  to obtain the UL-MAP message as early as possible (described in  FIGS. 2 and 3  below). For those scenarios in which a BS or the network make the decision of the final target BS  12 ′, another technique is disclosed and is described below in reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0051]    It is noted that all other HO-related processing procedures not specifically mentioned in the ensuing descriptions of  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4  are assumed to be unchanged from those already described in the current IEEE 802.16e 2005 standard. 
         [0052]    Discussed first are those embodiments where the MS  10  makes the decision about the HO target. In  FIGS. 2 and 3  (and  4 ) the enhanced messaging and operations, in accordance with the exemplary embodiments, is indicated by the use of an asterisk (*). In  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4  the vertical axis represents time, and that portion designated ‘Saving’ indicates the amount of time saved in the HO disruption time by the use of the enhanced signaling in accordance with the exemplary embodiments. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , and as opposed to normal operation, after the target BS  12 ′ (one or more target BSs  12 ′) receives the HO Request from the serving BS  12  in message  2 , and-if the target BS  12 ′ is to accept the HO request, it starts a Timer # 1  (one of the Timers  12 E shown in  FIG. 1 ) for sending out the UL-MAP message that includes the allocation information of the ranging subchannel and CDMA ranging code for the MS  10 . The value of the Timer # 1  may be made a system optimization parameter that depends at least in part on the transport latency between the BSs  12 ,  12 ′ and the processing time at the BSs  12 , 12 ′ and the MS  10 . When the Timer # 1  expires, the target BS  12 ′ sends the UL-MAP message (message  7 ′) to the MS  10 . 
         [0054]    As there may be more than one BS  12 ′ included in the MOB_MSHO-REQ/MOB_BSHO-RSP messages, it is preferred that all of the potential target BSs  12 ′ run a second Timer # 2  to control how long the ranging subchannel and CDMA ranging codes will be allocated for the MS  10 . In a case where the target BS  12 ′ receives the HO Confirm message from the serving BS  12  (message  6 ), the Timer # 2  is stopped automatically. If no HO Confirm message is received from the serving BS  12 ,.the target BS(s)  12 ′ (those not selected for the HO to the-MS  10 ) release the resources allocated for the MS  10  when the Timer # 2  expires. 
         [0055]    This implementation minimizes any impact due to a long transport latency between BSs in that at least some of the signaling and related operations occur in-parallel E : as opposed to in series as in the case of  FIG. 1 . From the embodiment of  FIG. 2  the advantage realized in time savings can be seen clearly by comparing step  7  and step  7 ′. From the message flow it can be observed that as soon as the MS  10  detaches from the serving BS  12 , and if the synchronization parameters are still valid (which is very possible), the MS  10  can obtain the necessary UL-MAP message very quickly. However, in the conventional case the MS  10  needs to wait for the UL-MAP message and related parameters until after the processing time at both serving BS  12  and the target BS  12 ′, plus the (possibly indeterminate) transport time between two BSs  12  and  12 ′. 
         [0056]    It should be noted that the implementation of the first option shown in  FIG. 2  is fully backwards compatible with the conventional procedure, except for the Timers  12 E which are readily implemented. 
         [0057]    In practice the target BS  12 ′ indicates in the UL-MAP message the position of the Uplink-frame (slot) where each MS associated with this BS should place their transmitted UL data. An UL slot is reserved for the MS  10  (according to the Fast Ranging IE delivered to the source BS  12  and the MS  10  in the HO_Response and MOB_BSHO-RSP) that is handing over, and is indicated in consecutive UL-MAP messages until the Timer # 2  expires. The Timer # 2  guarantees that the reserved uplink resource will be released for other MSs  10 , such as for a case where the HO fails. The exemplary embodiments of this invention assume that the MS  10  is capable of receiving the UL-MAP message  7 ′, after which it is able to send data to the target BS (Ranging Request message), and that the target BS  12 ′ begins to allocate/schedule uplink transmission opportunities to the MS  10  as usual. 
         [0058]    Another implementation option is illustrated in  FIG. 3 , and thus depicts additional exemplary embodiments of this invention. 
         [0059]    As in the conventional processing, after receiving the HO Request from the serving BS  12 , the target BS  12 ′ (at least one target BS  12 ′) sends the HO Response. The serving BS  12  receives the response message and sends to the MS  10  the MOB_BSHO-RSP as a response message to the MOB_MSHO-REQ. In addition, after processing the HO response messages from possibly different target BSs  12 ′, the serving BS  12  sends to the selected target BS(s)  12 ′ at step  6 ′ HO Pre-confirm information. The content of this “HO Pre-confirm” message (this name being simply descriptive of the functionality of the message) is different for those target BSs  12 ′ within a selected target group (“Yes”) and outside of the group (“No”). The selection criterion is implementation dependent and may be the same as the selection criterion for the BSs included in the message MOB_BSHO-RSP. 
         [0060]    Those BSs  12 ′ that receive the HO Pre-confirm messages prepare to allocate the ranging subchannel and ranging CDMA codes for the MS  10 . And the target BS  12 ′ sends out the UL-MAP message to the MS  10 . Since there can be more than one BS  12 ′ that receives the HO Pre-confirm message it is preferred to define the Timer # 2  to control how long the target BS  12 ′ will keep resources allocated for the MS  10 . Timer # 2  automatically stops if the HO Confirm message (message  6 ) is received. 
         [0061]    Note that in the embodiments of  FIGS. 2 and 3  each potential target BS  12 ′ may need to at least temporarily allocate the ranging resources for the MS  10 . However, since it is the MS  10  that makes the final decision about the target BS  12 ′, this situation cannot be avoided unless the final target BS  12 ′ is selected by the serving BS  12 , or by the network  1 , as described below. 
         [0062]    In a case where the network or the BS selects the final target BS  12 ′, this corresponds to a scenario where there is only one target BS  12 ′ included in the MOB_BSHO-REQ as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0063]    The basic processing principle for this embodiment is as follows. In step  1  the serving BS  12  checks the availability of the neighbor BSs for the MS  10  HO via a HO Request message. If one neighbor BS agrees to the HO, this BS includes the ranging subchannel and ranging CDMA code information in the HO Response message to the serving BS  12  (in message  2 ). While this information is shown as a “Fast_Ranging_IE”, the particular name is illustrative and not limiting. At the same time, the neighbor BS starts Timer # 2  to control the amount of time to maintain the resource allocation for the MS  10 . Based on some criteria (possibly implementation specific) the serving BS  12  selects the final target BS  12 ′ and includes the UL-MAP (Fast_Ranging_IE) from the selected target BS  12 ′ in the MOB_BSHO-REQ message in step  3 . The serving BS  12  also informs the non-selected neighbor BSs with a HO Cancellation message ( 3 ′) and, upon receiving the HO Cancellation message  3 ′ from the serving BS  12 , these BSs release the resources reserved for the MS  1 . 0  (and automatically stop the Timer # 2 ). At the same time the serving BS  12  may send the HO Pre-Confirm message  3 ” to the selected target BS  12 ′ to inform the selected target BS  12 ′ of the HO of the MS  10 . The selected target BS  12 ′ maintains the allocated resources for the MS  10  for some time. After the MS  10  makes the final decision of HO target and sends out the MOB_HO-IND (message  4 ) to the serving BS  12 , it detaches from the serving BS  12  and can immediately utilize the UL-MAP message included in the MOB_BSHO-REQ to determine the ranging resource information without waiting for any further information from the target BS  12 ′. Thus, the UL-MAP (message  6 ) is not needed. In a case where the MS  10  does not HO, the target BS  12 ′ releases the-resources-reserved for the MS  10  where the Timer # 2  expires. 
         [0064]    It should be noted that the embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3  can also be applied to the case in which the BS or the network makes the selection of the final target BS  12 ′. 
         [0065]    By the use of these exemplary embodiments the HO latency and HO disruption time can be reduced significantly. 
         [0066]    The advantages include, but are not limited to, providing simple and efficient techniques to improve HO performance. Further, improved conservation of radio resources in the candidate target BS(s) can be realized. Note that the assignment of the Fast_Ranging_IE during the HO preparation phase can achieve significantly improved HO latency performance. Further, the embodiment described in reference to  FIG. 2  is fully backwards compatible with already defined HO procedures except for the Timer which, however, can be readily implemented in the BSs. Note further that in  FIG. 3  the MS  10  initiated HO is fully backwards compatible with the already specified air-interface. 
         [0067]    (A) Based on the foregoing it should be apparent that the exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a method, apparatus and computer program product(s) to reduce HO latency by sending information descriptive of a MS HO resource allocation from at least one potential target BS prior to the target BS receiving a HO Confirm message from a currently serving BS. 
         [0068]    (B) The method, apparatus and computer program product(s) as in the previous paragraph, where the information descriptive of the MS HO resource allocation is sent in response to expiration of a Timer that is started after receiving a HO Request from the currently serving BS. 
         [0069]    (C) The method, apparatus and computer program product(s) as in paragraph (A), where the information descriptive of the MS HO resource allocation is sent in response to a receipt of an affirmative HO Pre-confirm message received from the currently serving BS after sending the currently serving BS a HO Response message. 
         [0070]    (D) The method, apparatus and computer program product(s) as in paragraph (A), where the information descriptive of the MS HO resource allocation is sent with a HO Response message in response to a receipt of a HO Request message. 
         [0071]    (E) The method, apparatus and computer program product(s) as in paragraphs (B) and (C), where the information descriptive of the MS HO resource allocation is sent directly to the MS. 
         [0072]    (F) The method, apparatus and computer program product(s) as in paragraph (D), where the information descriptive of the MS HO resource allocation is sent to the currently serving BS, which forwards the information descriptive of the MS HO resource allocation to the MS as part of a MOB_BSHO-REQ message. 
         [0073]    (G) The method, apparatus and computer program product(s) as in paragraphs (A)-(F), further comprising the potential target BS initiating a release Timer upon sending the information descriptive of the MS HO resource allocation, and subsequently releasing the MS HO resource allocation upon an expiration of the release Timer. 
         [0074]    (H) The method, apparatus and computer program product(s) as in paragraphs (A)-(G), where the information descriptive of the MS HO resource allocation comprises information descriptive of allocated unique CDMA ranging codes and ranging subchannels. 
         [0075]    (I) The method, apparatus and computer program product(s) as in paragraphs (A)-(H), embodied in a network compatible with IEEE 802.16e. 
         [0076]    In general, the various message flows and blocks shown in  FIGS. 2-4  may be viewed as method steps, and/or as operations that result from operation of computer program code, and/or as a plurality of coupled logic circuit elements constructed to carry out the associated function(s). 
         [0077]    In general, the various exemplary embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. 
         [0078]    As such, it should be appreciated that at least some aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit chips and modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be fabricated on a semiconductor substrate. Such software tools can automatically route conductors and locate components on a semiconductor substrate using well established rules of design, as well as libraries of pre-stored design modules. Once the design for a semiconductor circuit has been completed, the resultant design, in a standardized electronic format (e.g., Opus, GDSII, or the like) may be transmitted to a semiconductor fabrication facility for fabrication as one or more integrated circuit devices. 
         [0079]    Various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing exemplary embodiments of this invention may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, any and all modifications will still fall within the scope of the non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of this invention. 
         [0080]    For example, while the exemplary embodiments have been described above in the context of the WiMAX IEEE 802.16-type system, it should again be noted that the exemplary embodiments of this invention are not limited for use with only this one particular type of wireless communication system, and that they may be used to advantage in other wireless communication systems. 
         [0081]    Furthermore, some of the features of the various non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of this invention may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles, teachings and exemplary embodiments of this invention, and not in limitation thereof.