Abstract:
A communication device executes multiple applications that generate application data. The communication device determines application labels that individually identify the executing applications. The communication device inserts the application data in layer three communication payloads and inserts the application labels in layer three communication headers to individually associate the executing applications with their layer three communication headers and their application data. The communication device inserts the layer three communication headers and the layer three communication payloads in layer two communication payloads. The communication device transfers the layer two communication payloads with layer two headers. In some examples, the communication device inserts the application labels in the layer two communication headers to individually associate the executing applications with their layer two communication headers and their application data.

Description:
RELATED CASES 
       [0001]    This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/827,865 filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and titled “APPLICATION LABELS FOR DATA COMMUNICATION.” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/827,865 is hereby incorporated by reference into this patent application. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Many modern wireless communication devices are capable of executing a variety of different applications that communicate using a communication system. Typically, these communications are formed in layers where, in the case of wireless devices, layer one may be air or space as the communication transport media. Layer two may employ a variety of different communication formats, including Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution Data Only (EVDO), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Wireless Fidelity (WIFI), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), or some other wireless communication format. Layer three may be Internet Protocol or some other network layer. And, layer four may be the application data itself. 
         [0003]    Some of the applications on the wireless communication device use more data than others and are more taxing on portions of the communication system. As a result, when more devices join the communication system, the communication system may see an increase in congestion. Thus, there is a need to efficiently monitor the applications that are using the communication system. 
       OVERVIEW 
       [0004]    A communication device executes multiple applications that generate application data. The communication device determines application labels that individually identify the executing applications. The communication device inserts the application data in layer three communication payloads and inserts the application labels in layer three communication headers to individually associate the executing applications with their layer three communication headers and their application data. The communication device inserts the layer three communication headers and the layer three communication payloads in layer two communication payloads. The communication device transfers the layer two communication payloads with layer two headers. In some examples, the communication device inserts the application labels in the layer two communication headers to individually associate the executing applications with their layer two communication headers and their application data. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  illustrates a wireless communication system. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  illustrates a method for operating a wireless communication device. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  illustrates an overview of a level two communication. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  illustrates an overview of a level two communication. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  illustrates a wireless communication device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0010]    The following description and associated figures teach the best mode of the invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects of the best mode may be simplified or omitted. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Note that some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of the invention as specified by the claims. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from the best mode that fall within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents. 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a wireless communication system  100  for including application labels in data communications. Wireless communication system  100  includes communication network  103  and wireless communication device  101 . Wireless communication device  101  further includes application A  111 , application B  113 , processing system  115 , and level two communication module  117 . Wireless communication device  101  and communication network  103  communicate over wireless link  105 . 
         [0012]    In operation, wireless communication device  101  communicates with other wireless devices, application service systems, the Internet, and other types of communication systems via communication network  103 . Communication network  103  can allow applications on wireless communication device  101  to communicate application data with the Internet and other services. 
         [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates the operation of wireless communication device  101  according to an example. The operation initially identifies a label for an application that requires the communication of application data over communication network  103  (step  201 ). This application could include a video streaming application, a music streaming application, a peer-to-peer (P2P) application, a weather application, or any other type of application. In some examples, the identification of the label could occur when the application is installed on wireless communication device  101 . In other examples, the identification of the label could occur the first time or any other subsequent time that the application is executed on wireless communication device  101 . In still other examples, the identification of the label could occur when the application requires a data communication with communication network  103 . 
         [0014]    The application label, in some examples, could be different for each version of the application. Thus, when an application updates on wireless communication device  101 , the label will change accordingly. The label can be assigned to the application by level two communication module  117 , processing system  115 , or some other module located on wireless communication device  101 . After being assigned, the label can then be stored with the rest of the application data, such as with example application A and example application B. 
         [0015]    Application A and application B can be executed by processing system  115  (step  202 ). During this execution, application A and/or application B may require a data communication with communication network  103 . For example, if application A is a weather application, there may be a need to update the local forecast for the user of wireless communication device  101 . When such a data communication is needed, level two communication module  117  can place the application label in a level two communication header (step  203 ). A level two communication may employ a variety of different communication formats, including Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution Data Only (EVDO), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Wireless Fidelity (WIFI), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), or some other wireless communication format. 
         [0016]    In at least one example, to receive the application label and place the label in the header, processing system  115  or a level three communication module on wireless communication device  101  may pass the label or some other application identifier (such as a URL) to level two communication module  117 . Alternatively, level two communication module  117  may query processing system  115  or the level three communication module for the label or other application identifier. In examples where level two communication module  117  is passed an application identifier other than the label, level two communication module  117  may employ a look up table to find the appropriate application label. 
         [0017]    The level two communication header, which includes the application label, may then be transferred with the application data to communication network  103  (step  204 ). The application label may be used by equipment on communication network  103  to determine the appropriate action with the application data. Examples of appropriate actions include completing the requests of the application, denying the requests of the application, forwarding the requests of the application to an interested third party, or any other action based on the application label—including combinations thereof. 
         [0018]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , wireless communication device  101  comprises Radio Frequency (RF) communication circuitry and an antenna in addition to the items illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The RF communication circuitry typically includes an amplifier, filter, modulator, and signal processing circuitry. In some examples, the RF communication circuitry may be implemented with level two communication module  117 . Wireless communication device  101  may also include a user interface, memory device, other software (including an operating system), or some other communication components. Wireless communication device  101  may be a telephone, computer, e-book, mobile Internet appliance, wireless network interface card, media player, game console, or some other wireless communication apparatus. 
         [0019]    Communication network  103  comprises network elements that provide communications services to wireless device  101 . Communication network  103  may comprise switches, wireless access nodes, Internet routers, network gateways, application servers, computer systems, communication links, or some other type of communication equipment—including combinations thereof. 
         [0020]    Wireless sector  105  includes wireless links that use the air or space as the transport media. The wireless links may use various protocols, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution Data Only (EVDO), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Wireless Fidelity (WIFI), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), or some other wireless communication format. 
         [0021]    Additionally, although two applications are illustrated on wireless communication device  101  for simplicity, it should be understood that wireless communication device  101  could process any number of applications. 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates a level two communication  300  from a wireless communication device according to one example.  FIG. 3  includes level two communication header  301 , level two communication payload  303 , application label  305 , level three communication header  311 , level three communication payload  313 , and application data  320 . 
         [0023]    In operation, a wireless communication device will execute applications that require communication with a communication network. In such instances, application data  320  that needs the communication will pass through a level three communication module. Such a module may be implemented using the main processing system for the wireless device or may be implemented using a separate processing system on the device. As application data  320  passes through the level three communication module, the application data will be formatted into level three communication header  311  and level three communication payload  313 . This level three format may prepare the application data for Internet Protocol (IP) or some other similar communication format. 
         [0024]    Following the level three formatting, the level three communication comprising header  311  and payload  313  are passed to a level two communication module. The level two communication module can be a separate processing system on the wireless communication device, or may be implemented on the main processing system of the wireless communication device. As the level three formatted communication passes through the level two communication module, it is formatted into level two communication header  301  and level two communication payload  303 . The combination of header  301  and payload  303  prepares application data  320  to be communicated using Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution Data Only (EVDO), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Wireless Fidelity (WIFI), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), or some other wireless communication format. 
         [0025]    Within level two communication header  301 , the level two communication module will include application label  305 . Application label  305  can be created when the application is installed, can be created when the application is executed, can be created when the application requires a communication over a communication network, or can be created at any other instance. In some examples, the application label will be saved with the application data on the wireless communication device. Thus, when the application needs to use the communication network, the level two communication module will insert the predetermined label that is saved with the application. Although application label  305  is illustrated in level two communication header  301 , application label  305  may be included in level two communication payload  303  in some circumstances. 
         [0026]    Application label  315  may be defined externally and transferred to the device using a communication network, may be defined during the production of the wireless device, or may be defined by any other method—including combinations thereof. 
         [0027]    In at least one example, application label  305  can be a number that is associated with the importance of the communication. For example, a weather application may have a number with a higher priority than a P2P application. Thus, when the communication network becomes busy, only the applications with the higher priority will be allowed on the communication network. 
         [0028]    In another example, an administrator may prefer that some applications be banned from the communication network. In these situations, any communication from a wireless device containing the forbidden application label can be dismissed or forwarded to the appropriate administrator. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  illustrates a level two communication  400  from a wireless communication device according to an alternative example.  FIG. 4  includes level two communication header  401 , level two communication payload  403 , level three communication header  411 , level three communication payload  413 , application label  415 , and application data  420 . 
         [0030]    In operation, a wireless communication device will execute applications that require communication with the Internet or some other service. In such instances, application data  420  that needs the communication will pass through a level three communication module. Such a module may be implemented using the main processing system for the device or may be implemented using a separate processing system on the device. As application data  420  passes through the level three communication module, application data  420  will be formatted into level three communication header  411  and level three communication payload  413 . This level three format will prepare the application data for Internet Protocol (IP) or some other similar communication format. 
         [0031]    While creating the level three format, the level three module will also prepare application label  415  to be included in level three communication header  411 . Application label  415  may be determined when the application is installed, may be determined when the application is first executed, may be determined every instance the application is executed, may be determined when the application needs to communicate using a communication network, or may be determined at any other instance. In some examples, the application label will be saved with the application data on the wireless communication device. Thus, when the application needs to use the communication network, the level three communication module will insert the predetermined label that is saved with the application. 
         [0032]    Application label  415  may be defined externally and transferred to the device using a communication network, may be defined during the production of the wireless device, or may be defined by any other method—including combinations thereof. 
         [0033]    In at least one example, application label  415  can be a number that is associated with the importance of the communication. For example, a weather application may have a number with a higher priority than a P2P application. Thus, when the communication network becomes busy, only the applications with the higher priority will be allowed on the communication network. 
         [0034]    In another example, an administrator may prefer that some applications be banned from a communication network. In these situations, any communication from a wireless device containing the forbidden application label can be dismissed or forwarded to the appropriate administrator. 
         [0035]    Following the processing with the level three communication module, header  411  and payload  413  are passed to the level two communication module. At the level two communication module header  411  (including application label  415 ) and payload  413  are reformatted into a level two communication format which includes level two communication header  401  and level two communication payload  403 . This level two communication format may include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution Data Only (EVDO), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Wireless Fidelity (WIFI), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), or some other wireless communication format. Once in the level two communication format, the application data is then capable of communication with a communication network. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  illustrates a wireless communication device  500  according to one example. Wireless communication device  500  is an example of wireless communication device  101 , although device  101  could use alternative configurations. Wireless communication device  500  comprises level two communication interface  501 , level three communication interface  502 , user interface  503 , and processing system  504 . Processing system  504  is linked to level two communication interface  501 , level three communication interface  502 , and user interface  503 . Processing system  504  includes processing circuitry  505  and memory device  506  that stores operating software  507 . Wireless communication device  500  may include other well-known components such as a battery and enclosure that are not shown for clarity. Wireless communication device  500  may be a telephone, computer, e-book, mobile Internet appliance, media player, game console, wireless network interface card, or some other wireless communication apparatus—including combinations thereof. 
         [0037]    Level two communication interface  501  may further be connected with RF communication circuitry and an antenna. The RF communication circuitry typically includes an amplifier, filter, RF modulator, and signal processing circuitry. Level two communication interface  501  may also include a memory device, software, processing circuitry, or some other communication device. Level two communication interface  501  may use various protocols, such as CDMA, EVDO, WIMAX, GSM, LTE, WIFI, HSPA, or some other wireless communication format. 
         [0038]    Level three communication interface  502  may include a memory device, software, processing circuitry, or some other device configured to format communications in IP format or some other similar format. Although illustrated separately in the present example, it should be understood that level three communication interface  502  may be implemented in processing system  504 , level two communication interface  501 , or other circuitry on wireless communication device  500 . 
         [0039]    User interface  503  comprises components that interact with a user to receive user inputs and to present media and/or information. User interface  503  may include a speaker, microphone, buttons, lights, display screen, touch screen, touch pad, scroll wheel, communication port, or some other user input/output apparatus—including combinations thereof. User interface  503  may omitted in some examples. 
         [0040]    Processing circuitry  505  comprises microprocessor and other circuitry that retrieves and executes operating software  507  from memory device  506 . Memory device  506  comprises a non-transitory storage medium, such as a disk drive, flash drive, data storage circuitry, or some other memory apparatus. Processing circuitry  505  is typically mounted on a circuit board that may also hold memory device  506  and portions of communication interfaces  501 - 502  and user interface  503 . Operating software  507  comprises computer programs, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable processing instructions. Operating software  507  includes applications  508 - 510 . Operating software  507  may further include an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other type of software. When executed by processing circuitry  505 , operating software  507  operates in wireless communication device  600  as described herein. 
         [0041]    In a particular example, when applications  508 - 510  are installed on wireless communication device  500 , a label will be associated with each of the applications. Such a label may then be stored with applications  508 - 510  on wireless communication device  500 . When one of the applications is executed by processing system  504 , the executed application may require a communication with a communication network. In such situations, the application data will be prepared in IP format or some other similar format of communication in level three communication interface  502 . Following the formatting in level three communication interface  502 , the application data will be prepared for wireless communication at level two communication interface  501 . During the preparation in level two communication interface  501 , the application label will be placed in the level two communication header. Finally, the formatted level two communication, containing the application data and application label, will be communicated to the communication network. 
         [0042]    The above description and associated figures teach the best mode of the invention. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Note that some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of the invention as specified by the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described above can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but only by the following claims and their equivalents.