Abstract:
A common control channel for base station (“BS”)/consumer premise equipment (“CPE”) communication in areas of overlapping coverage by wireless regional area network (“WRAN”) cells operating on different working channels is disclosed. A common control channel is selected from among the various working channels sensed in each of a plurality of overlapping WRAN cells so as to enable BS/CPE and BS/BS communication. Once chosen, each CPE within the overlapping area communicates with the controlling BS via an enhanced coexistence beacon protocol messages. These messages include timing and other synchronization information.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present invention claims priority from, and is a continuation application of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/035,374 filed Feb. 21, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/891,122 filed on Feb. 22, 2007, all of which are herein incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Embodiments of the present invention relate, in general, to systems and methods for communication among components within wireless regional area networks and particularly to the selection of common control channels among overlapping wireless regional area network cells. 
         [0004]    2. Relevant Background 
         [0005]    In a wireless network comprising multiple overlapping cells in which the cells are working on different channels, frames must be synchronized; this is called multiple-channel synchronization (“MCS”). In addition to frame synchronization, control information must also be transmitted among multiple overlapping cells. Dynamic Frequency Hopping (“DFH”) is an example of MCS meaning it requires such frame synchronization and control information exchange. DFH incorporates non-traditional dynamic channel allocation with slow frequency hopping. One significant application of DFH is found in the operation of what is referred to in the art as a Wireless Regional Area Network (“WRAN”). 
         [0006]    A WRAN cell consists of a Base Station (“BS”) and the associated customer Premise Equipments (“CPEs”) that communicate to the BS via a fixed point-to-multi-point radio air interface (i.e. an antenna). Overlapping WRAN cells working on the same channel coordinate operations via coexistence beacon protocol (“CBP”) messages. CBP is a best-effort protocol based on coexistence beacon transmissions to cope with self-interference issues and avoid interference with incumbent DFH community users. To operate, WRAN cells must satisfy two apparently conflicting requirements: (1) assure the Quality of Service (“QoS”) satisfaction for WRAN services and (2) continue to provide reliable and timely frequency spectrum sensing. Current sensing requirements state that incumbent signals shall be detected by WRAN devices with no more than a 2 second delay. Thus, a WRAN cell must perform sensing on a working channel at least every 2 seconds. Since a channel that is to be sensed cannot be used for data transmission, a cell operating consistently on a single channel must interrupt data every 2 seconds for sensing. Such a non-hopping mode leads to periodic interruptions and can significantly decrease system throughput and impair QoS. 
         [0007]    Generally, the key concept behind this intelligent type of frequency hopping is to adjust or create frequency hopping patterns based on interference measurements. DFH uses slow frequency hopping and adaptively modifies the utilized frequency hopping pattern based on rapid frequency quality measurements, sometimes referred to as QoS measurements. This technique combines traditional frequency hopping with dynamic channel allocation where a channel is one frequency in a frequency hop pattern. The continuous modification of frequency hop patterns is based on measurements representing an application of dynamic channel allocation to slow frequency hopping. Modifications are based on rapid interference measurements and calculations of the quality of frequencies used in a system by all CPEs and BSs. The target of these modifications is tracking the dynamic behavior of the channel quality as well as of interference. 
         [0008]    DFH differs from conventional frequency hopping in the way the patterns are built. Instead of using random or pre-defined repetitive hopping patterns, DFH patterns are generated for active users on the fly. In this manner, the hopping patterns can be adjusted to adapt to interference changes. In DFH communication, components of a WRAN cell (the CPEs) hop over a set of channels. During operation on a working channel, sensing is performed in parallel on the intended next working channels. After 2 seconds, a channel switch takes place: one of the intended next working channels becomes the new working channel, and the channel previously used is vacated. Hence, an interruption is no longer required for sensing. Obviously, efficient frequency usage and mutual interference-free spectrum sensing can only be achieved if multiple neighboring overlapping WRAN cells operating in the DFH mode coordinate their hopping behavior. This coordination must include frame synchronization. 
         [0009]    A DFH community is a non-empty set of neighboring WRAN cells following a common protocol that supports a coordinated DFH operation. This coordinated operation ensures mutual interference-free channel sensing and minimizes channel usage while applying DFH phase-shifting. A DFH community has one leader and, possibly, some community members. A DFH community also requires MCS if it is to exist among other DFH communities. 
         [0010]    As previously discussed, CBP is a best-effort type of transmission that copes with self-interference issues among overlapping WRAN cells. The basic mechanism of CBP works as follows. BSs of neighboring cells schedule a coexistence window at the end of every Media Access Control (“MAC”) frame (synchronized among BSs). During a coexistence window, neighboring BSs communicate using coexistence beacons. CBP was developed for constant channel assignment. Alternatively, in DFH community mode the channel assigned for transmission to individual cells varies with time. 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  shows a high level view  100  of two overlapping WRAN cells  110 ,  120  operating on different working channels as is known in the prior art. Each WRAN cell  110 ,  120  includes a base station  140 ,  130  and operates on its own working channel. In this case the left most WRAN cell  110  operates on channel C 1  and the right most WRAN cell  120  operates on channel C 2 . Within the overlap area  150  two CPEs  115 ,  125  exist. As is known in the prior art, each of these CPEs continues to operate on the working channel of the WRAN cell with which it is associated. In this example, the first CPE  115  operates on channel C 1  while the second CPE  125  operates on channel C 2 . Within this overlap area  150  the CPEs are not synchronized thus presenting an opportunity for collisions and reduced performance. Furthermore, since the CPEs  115 ,  125  are operating on different working channels, they cannot communicate to one another to aid in coexistence using CBP despite their close proximity. 
         [0012]    So while CBP works well with synchronization of overlapping WRAN cells operating on the same channel and can facilitate self coexistence among these overlapping cells, it cannot be used for multiple-channel synchronization. Frame synchronization among neighboring systems and control information exchange operating on different channels remains a challenge. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    A common control channel for BS/CPE communication in areas of overlapping coverage by WRAN cells operating on different working channels is disclosed. According to the present invention, a common control channel is selected from among the various working channels associated with each of a plurality of overlapping WRAN cells to enable BS/CPE of different cells and BS/BS communication. Once chosen, BS and CPEs within the overlapping area already operating on the common control channel are said to own the common control channel. CPEs within the overlapping area communicate with each other on the common control channel BS via enhanced coexistence beacon protocol (“ECBP”) messages. CPEs within overlapping area also communicate with the BS of the control channel owner on the common control channel BS via enhanced coexistence beacon protocol (“ECBP”) messages. These messages include timing and other control information. 
         [0014]    The features and advantages described in this disclosure and in the following detailed description are not all-inclusive. Many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims hereof. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter; reference to the claims is necessary to determine such inventive subject matter. 
         [0015]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for communicating in overlap regions formed by a plurality of WRAN cells operating on different working channels is disclosed. A communication between a CPE and a BS of one WRAN in which the CPE is operating within an overlap area is conducted using an ECBP message. A communication among CPEs within an overlap area is conducted using an ECBP message including communication among CPEs and the BS of the common control channel owner. The ECBP message includes packets of information not normally found on a CBP message. These packets include the designation of a common control channel and synchronization information. 
         [0016]    The establishment of an ECBP communication between a CPE and BS on the cell&#39;s working channel also enables the CPE to sense other channels that are being used by neighboring cells. Once sensed, the CPE sends a message to its BS about the channels used by neighboring WRAN cells. This information is maintained by each BS and used to determine a common control channel for use in the areas in which coverage areas overlap. Once a common control channel is selected, CPEs within the overlapping area are directed by ECBP packets. These packets can be used to synchronize frames and control other operations of the overlapping cells. 
         [0017]    According to another version of the present invention, a system for common control of CPEs in overlapping areas of a plurality of WRAN cells is discussed. Each of a plurality of WRAN cells operates on a working channel. As these cells overlap, the CPEs operating in the overlap area are subject to communication and control by two differing BSs. In the past CBP messages have been used to coordinate CPEs operating in such areas when the overlapping cells operate on the same working channel. However, with the cells operating on different working channels, such coordination is not possible. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a CPE operating within an overlap area senses other channels on which neighboring cells are operating. This information is conveyed to the BS associated with the CPE which then uses that information to select a common control channel for that particular overlap area. 
         [0018]    The selection of the common control frequency is conveyed to the CPEs operating within that particular overlap area via ECBP packets. Should the new common control channel be larger in frequency than one identified by another CPE within the overlap area, the assignment and selection of the common control channel is adjusted so as to arrive at the smallest common control channel for all CPEs operating within a specific overlap area. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood, by reference to the following description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a high level view of two overlapping WRAN cells that are operating on different working channels and which include two CPEs operating within the overlap area according to techniques known in the prior art; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  shows a high level view of two overlapping WRAN cells operating on different working channels as well as two CPEs within the overlap area of the two WRAN cells operating on a common control channel according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  shows a high level view of three overlapping WRAN cells operating on different working channels creating four separate overlap areas that include a plurality of CPEs operating on a common control channel according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  shows a high level flowchart for a method to select and operate on a common control channel for CPEs operating in overlap areas formed by a plurality of WRAN cells operating on different working channels. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    The Figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    A common control channel for CPE/BS communication within regions of overlapping coverage formed by a plurality of WRAN cells is herein disclosed. A plurality of WRAN cells working on different working channels create several overlap regions or areas. Within each of these areas several working channels may be operating to direct and communicate with the CPEs. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a common control channel for each overlap area is selected. Once chosen the common control channel is used to direct and communicate with each CPE within a particular overlap area so as to synchronize frames and convey timing information and other data so as to enhance wireless communication. 
         [0026]    Specific embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. Like elements in the various Figures are identified by like reference numerals for consistency. Although the invention has been described and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the combination and arrangement of parts can be resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  shows a high level view  200  of two overlapping WRAN cells  210 ,  220  operating on different working channels utilizing a common control channel within the overlap area defined by their coverage intersection. As in the prior art, each WRAN cell  210 ,  220  is associated with a BS  240 ,  230 . Each WRAN cell  210 ,  220  operates initially on a different working channel. While the cells may together utilize DFH to eliminate quiet time, the control channel for the purposes of conveying information among the BS of the control channel owner CPE and the CPEs associated with different BSs in the overlapping area is unique. 
         [0028]    Unlike the prior art, the CPEs  215  shown in  FIG. 1  operate on the same control channel regardless of which BS they were originally associated. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an ECBP message is communicated among the BSs and CPEs associated with the common control channel in the overlap area  250 . Unlike a normal CBP message, the ECBP message includes additional information necessary for common control channel usage. When a CPE in an overlap area  250  receives an ECBP message from its associated BS using its working channel, it will forward using the common control channel the received ECBP messages to the CPEs associated with other BSs and to the BS associated with the common control channel owner CPE in the same overlap area. When a CPE in an overlap area receives ECBP messages from the CPEs associated with other BSs or the BS associated with the common control channel in the same overlap area using the common control channel, it will forward the ECBP messages to the BS that it associates with using its working channel. 
         [0029]    The ECBP packet shall include fields of the CBP packet but also includes the following new fields: Former common control channel ID, Current common control channel ID, BS ID of the common control channel owner, Current working channel ID, Synchronization type (i.e. being synchronized by a GPS receiver, being synchronized by another cell with GPS receiver, being synchronized without GPS timing information), GPS time (if synchronized by GPS time). Other related fields may also be included. 
         [0030]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, the presence of another working channel within a particular region triggers the BS to initiate a common control channel selection protocol. This protocol may also be executed by CPEs to the extent the CPE may select a particular common control channel on which to operate. 
         [0031]    From the sensed working channels, the BS selects a single channel that will be used to provide ECBP packets to all of the CPEs within the overlap area. When the common control channel is also the working channel for one of the WRAN cells, all of the CPEs within that cell continue to operate using that working channel. However, for CPEs that are operating on a neighboring WRAN cell working channel, and wherein that working channel does not meet the common control channel selection criteria, those CPEs switch to the common control channel when operating in an overlapping area. 
         [0032]    CPEs determine whether they are in an overlap area  150  by continually sensing for other working channels. When no other working channel is found, the CPEs operate on the working channel associated with the BS. However, when other working channels are sensed, the CPEs recognize that they are within an overlap area of at least two WRAN cells and thus must determine upon what working channel they must operate. 
         [0033]    The selection criteria for the common control channel can be determined by the channel having the lowest frequency, the channel having the highest frequency, or some other predetermined criteria. Furthermore, when a WRAN joins a community or one exits a community, the number of overlap areas and working channels may change resulting in a new common control channel for one or more overlap areas. 
         [0034]    Each overlap area has a unique common control channel. According to one embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in  FIG. 3 , the common control channel may vary from one overlap area to another.  FIG. 3  shows a high level depiction of a community  300  of three overlapping WRAN cells  310 ,  320 ,  330  forming four different overlap areas  360 ,  365 ,  370 ,  375 . Each WRAN cell is associated with a BS  315 ,  325 ,  335  and a plurality of CPEs  340 ,  350 . Each BS operates on a different working channel yet the CPEs operating within each of the overlap areas, according to one embodiment of the present invention, operate on a selected common control channel. 
         [0035]    In the example depicted in  FIG. 3 , there are three WRAN cells  310 ,  320 ,  330  for four different overlap areas  360 ,  365 ,  370 ,  375 . Assume that the first WRAN cell  310  operates on a working channel C 1 , the second WRAN cell  320  operates on a working channel C 2 , and the third WRAN  330  operates on a working channel C 3 , Further assume for the purposes of this example that the common control channel selection criteria or protocol is such that it directs the common control channel to be of the lowest frequency possible, C 1  having a frequency lower than that of C 2  or C 3 , respectively. 
         [0036]    In three of the overlap areas  360 ,  365 ,  370 , C 1  is one of the working channels that would be sensed by the CPEs operating in those areas. Only in the far right most overlap area, the one formed by the intersection of WRAN cell  320  and WRAN cell  330 , would C 1  not be present. Thus for three of the four overlap areas, C 1  would be identified and selected as the common control channel. In the last overlap area  375 , the selection is between C 2  and C 3 . The criteria in place for this example would make C 2  the common control channel. 
         [0037]    After the common control channel is found for the CPEs in each overlapping area, all the ECBP packets are transmitted on the common control channel for that particular area. This enables control information communication and synchronization among the overlapping cells working in different channels much like control information communication and synchronization among the overlapping cells working on the same channel. 
         [0038]    After a BS receives ECBP packets in the common control channel(s) from their neighboring cells, the BS can use a synchronization algorithm to synchronize the cells&#39; frames. The present invention supports synchronization by Global Positioning System (“GPS”) receivers as well as the synchronization of cells that either do not include the needed hardware for GPS synchronization, or are installed in such a way that the satellite visibility is limited or obstructed. 
         [0039]    To synchronize the cells that can not receive GPS signal clearly, the cells that are synchronized by a GPS receiver or synchronized by another cell with a GPS receiver send time information using ECBP packets to those neighbor cells incapable of receiving GPS signal. When the cells that can not receive GPS signal receive this time information from the neighboring cells being synchronized by GPS receivers, they synchronize their time to the received GPS time. Otherwise, when the cells that can not receive GPS signal receive the time information from a neighboring cells being synchronized by another cell with a GPS receiver, they synchronize their time to the received GPS time. When the GPS time is acquired, the frame is synchronized to a specific time point of the GPS time baseline. 
         [0040]    If a group of WRAN cells or a community of cells have no neighboring cells that are synchronized by a GPS receiver or are synchronized by another cell with a GPS receiver, these cells use a synchronization algorithm known in the prior art to synchronize their frames after receiving ECBP packets in the common control channels from their neighboring cells. 
         [0041]    As previously indicated, the criteria for common control channel selection may vary according to the needs of the wireless network. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lowest numbered working channel, i.e. the channel operating on the lowest frequency, is selected as the common working channel for a particular overlap area. 
         [0042]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, this selection process may change as WRAN cells are removed from service or a community adds a new WRAN cell member. 
         [0043]    Using the assumption that the smallest channel is the preferable common control channel, when a BS selects a new smallest working channel that is smaller than the original smallest working channel, a CPE that associates with that BS in the overlapping area may have the smallest working channel in the corresponding overlap area. When this is the case, the CPE may transmit ECBP packets to the surrounding CPEs and BSs that indicate that it is the owner of the new common control channel and include the new common control channel identification data. These ECBP packets may be transmitted in the original common control channel to help the neighboring CPEs of the CPE owning the new common control channel to switch to the new common control channel. 
         [0044]    After a BS selects a new smallest working channel that is smaller than the original smallest working channel, a CPE that associates with the original common control channel and its BS is the common control channel owner in the overlap area may no longer be the common control channel owner in the corresponding overlapping area. When this is the case, the CPE may transmit ECBP packets that indicate that its BS is no longer the common control channel owner. Again these ECBP packets may be transmitted in the original common control channel to help neighboring CPEs to select a new common control channel. 
         [0045]    After a BS finds the common control channel for a CPE with which it previously associated, the BS notifies that CPE about its new common control channel. The CPEs now associated with the common control channel shall then transmit their ECBP packets in the common control channel(s) using a back-off procedure. 
         [0046]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, CPEs continuously monitor working channels to determine whether a new common control channel should be selected. This may occur as the CPE moves from one overlap area to the next. Furthermore, when the common control channel is lost by the CPE, a new common control channel is selected using the original criteria. 
         [0047]      FIG. 4  is a high level flowchart of a method for selecting a common control channel in overlap areas formed by a plurality of WRAN cells operating on different working channels according to one embodiment of the present invention. The process begins  405  with the establishment  410  of ECBP messages between CPEs and BSs. Before selecting a common control channel, a BS  410  will request its CPEs forward its ECBP messages in its working channels. In the following description, it will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a machine such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed in the computer or on the other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. 
         [0048]    Accordingly, blocks of the flowchart illustrations support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of steps for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
         [0049]    As previously discussed, the ECBP messages transmitted among the CPEs in the overlap area and the BS of the common control channel owner are transmitted on the common control channel. This is determined by CPEs sensing  420  working channels used by other BSs different from the working channel it is currently using. Once recognizing an overlap exists, the CPEs and/or BS select  460  a common control channel from among the channels sensed in the overlap area. Note that one BS may have several overlap areas based on interactions with several different WRAN cells. 
         [0050]    With a common control channel selected  460 , the process ends  495  with all CPEs within the overlap area being directed  480  via ECBP packets to send and receive synchronization data on the common control channel. Thereafter the CPEs and BSs continuously monitor and sense the presence of new working channels so as to revisit the need to identify a new common control channel. 
         [0051]    As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Likewise, the particular naming and division of the modules, managers, functions, systems, engines, layers, features, attributes, methodologies, and other aspects be they associated with CPEs or BSs are not mandatory or significant, and the mechanisms that implement the invention or its features may have different names, divisions, and/or formats. Furthermore, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, the modules, managers, functions, systems, engines, layers, features, attributes, methodologies, and other aspects of the invention can be implemented as software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of the three. Of course, wherever a component of the present invention is implemented as software, the component can be implemented as a script, as a standalone program, as part of a larger program, as a plurality of separate scripts and/or programs, as a statically or dynamically linked library, as a kernel loadable module, as a device driver and/or in every and any other way known now or in the future to those of skill in the art of computer programming. Additionally, the present invention is in no way limited to implementation in any specific programming language, or for any specific operating system or environment. 
         [0052]    While there have been described above the principles of the present invention in conjunction with synchronization of overlapping cells with different operating channels, it is to be clearly understood that the foregoing description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of the invention. Particularly, it is recognized that the teachings of the foregoing disclosure will suggest other modifications to those persons skilled in the relevant art. Such modifications may involve other features that are already known per se and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. Although claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure herein also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization or modification thereof which would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art, whether or not such relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as confronted by the present invention. The Applicant hereby reserves the right to formulate new claims to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.