PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8948187-B2
Application Number: US-201213644191-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Method for updating and managing synchronization identifier by using release messages or status request and response

Abstract:
A method for communicating additional network information using a synchronization identifier is presented. A synchronization identifier is defined. The synchronization identifier is used for the purpose of synchronizing communication between a Mobile Station (MS) and a network. In addition, the synchronization identifier is used to define additional functionality in the wireless network. As such, the synchronization identifier may be used to communicate information about wireless services and/or wireless components between the MS and the network.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of operating comprising:
 a first communication device receiving synchronization information from a second communication device using network messaging in a wireless communication network, the synchronization information capable of use for synchronization; and 
 the communication device implementing a network function other than synchronization by interpreting the synchronization information. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the synchronization information is a Sync_ID. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the synchronization information further comprises multiple Sync_IDs. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the network function includes identifying a network component. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the network function includes a network service. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the network messaging is a Release Order Message. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the network messaging is an Extended Release Message. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the network messaging is a Extended Release Mini Message. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein interpreting the synchronization information comprises using the synchronization information as an index to search a database to access a value that may be used to implement the network function other than synchronization. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first communication device comprises a base station and wherein the second communication device comprises a mobile station. 
     
     
       11. A first device, comprising:
 wireless communication circuitry for performing wireless communication with a second device; and 
 processing hardware coupled to the wireless communication circuitry, wherein the processing hardware is configured to:
 receive synchronization information from the second communication device using network messaging in a wireless communication network, the synchronization information capable of use for synchronization; and 
 implement a network function other than synchronization by interpreting the synchronization information. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The first device of  claim 11 , wherein the synchronization information is a Sync_ID. 
     
     
       13. The first device of  claim 11 , wherein the network function includes identifying a network component. 
     
     
       14. The first device of  claim 11 , wherein the network function includes a network service. 
     
     
       15. The first device of  claim 11 , wherein the network messaging comprises one or more of:
 a Release Order Message; 
 an Extended Release Message; or 
 an Extended Release Mini Message. 
 
     
     
       16. A non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium storing program instructions executable by a first device to:
 receive synchronization information from a second communication device using network messaging in a wireless communication network, the synchronization information capable of use for synchronization; and 
 implement a network function other than synchronization by interpreting the synchronization information. 
 
     
     
       17. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 16 , wherein the synchronization information is a Sync_ID. 
     
     
       18. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 16 , wherein the network function includes identifying a network component. 
     
     
       19. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 16 , wherein the network function includes a network service. 
     
     
       20. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 16 , wherein the network messaging comprises one or more of:
 a Release Order Message; 
 an Extended Release Message; or 
 an Extended Release Mini Message. 
 
     
     
       21. A method comprising:
 a first communication establishing wireless communication with a second communication device; 
 the first communication device determining a network function for implementation by the second communication device 
 the first communication device transmitting synchronization information to the second communication device using network messaging in a wireless communication network, wherein the synchronization information is capable for use in synchronization and for implementing the network function, wherein the network function is not a synchronization function and is implementable by interpreting the synchronization information. 
 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the synchronization information comprises a Sync_ID. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the network function includes identifying a network component. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the network function includes a network service. 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the network messaging is a Release Order Message. 
     
     
       26. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the network messaging is an Extended Release Message. 
     
     
       27. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the network messaging is a Extended Release Mini Message. 
     
     
       28. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the synchronization information is usable as an index to search a database to access a value that may be used to implement the network function other than synchronization. 
     
     
       29. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first communication device comprises a mobile station and wherein the second communication device comprises a base station. 
     
     
       30. A first device, comprising:
 wireless communication circuitry for performing wireless communication with a second device; and 
 processing hardware coupled to the wireless communication circuitry, wherein the processing hardware is configured to:
 establish wireless communication with the second device using the wireless communication circuitry; 
 determine a network function for implementation by the second communication device 
 transmit synchronization information to the second communication device using network messaging in a wireless communication network via the wireless communication circuitry, wherein the synchronization information is capable for use in synchronization and for implementing the network function, wherein the network function is not a synchronization function and is implementable by interpreting the synchronization information. 
 
 
     
     
       31. The first device of  claim 30 , wherein the synchronization information is a Sync_ID. 
     
     
       32. The first device of  claim 30 , wherein the network function includes identifying a network component. 
     
     
       33. The first device of  claim 30 , wherein the network function includes a network service. 
     
     
       34. The first device of  claim 30 , wherein the network messaging comprises one or more of:
 a Release Order Message; 
 an Extended Release Message; or 
 an Extended Release Mini Message. 
 
     
     
       35. A non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium storing program instructions executable by a first device to:
 establish wireless communication with a second communication device; 
 determine a network function for implementation by the second communication device 
 transmit synchronization information to the second communication device using network messaging in a wireless communication network, wherein the synchronization information is capable for use in synchronization and for implementing the network function, wherein the network function is not a synchronization function and is implementable by interpreting the synchronization information. 
 
     
     
       36. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 35 , wherein the synchronization information is a Sync_ID. 
     
     
       37. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 35 , wherein the network function includes identifying a network component. 
     
     
       38. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 35 , wherein the network function includes a network service. 
     
     
       39. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 35 , wherein the network messaging comprises one or more of:
 a Release Order Message; 
 an Extended Release Message; or 
 an Extended Release Mini Message.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/886,412, filed on Jul. 7, 2004, which claims priority from application Ser. No. 60/485,864 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UPDATING AND MANAGING SYNCHRONIZATION IDENTIFIER BY USING RELEASE MESSAGES OR STATUS REQUEST AND RESPONSE” filed on Jul. 9, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, as if set forth completely and in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to communication networks. Specifically, the present invention relates to wireless communication networks. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     In a conventional wireless network, a Mobile Station (MS) may be used by an end user to access network services. The MS includes interface equipment used to terminate a wireless signal at the end-user side of a communication link. Examples of an MS include a cellular telephone, a wireless laptop, etc. 
     The MS communicates with a Base Station System (BS). The BS performs radio-related functions. The BS includes Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) and a Base Station Controller (BSC). The BTS provides an interface to the MS. In one embodiment, the BTS includes radio equipment, such as the transceivers and antennas, needed to service each cell in a wireless network. Several BTSs are typically controlled by a BSC. The BSC provides control functions and physical links between a Message Switching Center (MSC) and the BTS. The MSC provides an interface to network functionality, such as an internal network, virtual private networks, public service telephone networks, etc. 
     During operation, configuration information is communicated between the MS and BS to facilitate communications. The configuration information is synchronized between the MS and the BS for proper operation of the system. One specific type of synchronization information is Sync_ID information (i.e., Sync_ID) as defined by TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002. The Sync_ID information is communicated between the MS and the BS in standardized messages to ensure that configuration information is current and updated between the MS and the BS. 
     With the tremendous increase in wireless technology, bandwidth is at a premium in most wireless systems. Therefore, a number of techniques have been developed to increase bandwidth. However, many of these techniques focus on developing hardware and software that increases speed and processing power. However, the development cost and additional complexity associated with developing hardware and software is often prohibitive. 
     Thus, there is a need for a method and apparatus for increasing performance and functionality of wireless networks within the context of the current signaling and message structure of standardized protocols. There is a need for a method and apparatus that utilizes the Sync_ID information to increase performance and functionality of wireless networks within the framework of various wireless standard. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for increasing performance and functionality of wireless networks that utilize standardized messages. In one embodiment, additional network functions are implemented in a wireless network by utilizing synchronization information, such as the Sync_ID information (i.e., Sync_ID) defined in TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002. 
     In one embodiment, additional meaning is associated with synchronization information, such as Sync_IDs, by mapping and/or correlating the synchronization information to additional information. Standardized messages are then used to communicate the synchronization information between the MS and the BS. For example, additional meaning is attributed to the synchronization information. As such, the synchronization information may be used to facilitate the synchronization of the MS and the BS and the same synchronization information may also be used to communicate additional information between the MS and the BS to provide additional functionality in the wireless system. 
     Additional network functions may be implemented using synchronization information. In one embodiment, the synchronization information may be used to define and/or communicate information about network services and/or network components. As a result, in addition to performing the primary function of synchronizing configuration information between the MS and the network, the synchronization information may also be used to communicate additional information, such as information about network services and/or network components. The additional information is then interpreted and used to implement additional network functions. As a result, the synchronization information is used to add functionality to the wireless system. 
     In one embodiment, the synchronization information is mapped to network services. For example, specific synchronization information may be used to represent a web browsing service. As such, when the synchronization information is communicated between the MS and the BS, information about the web browsing service is communicated between the MS and the BS. 
     In another embodiment, the synchronization information may be mapped to network components. As such, when the synchronization information is communicated between the MS and the BS, information about the network components is communicated between the MS and the BS. For example, information on whether a component exists in the network may be communicated using the synchronization information; information identifying a specific gateway that should be used to provide a better quality of service may be communicated using the synchronization information, etc. 
     Using the synchronization information to communicate information about network services and/or network components enables the implementation of additional network functions. As such, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the synchronization information is used to provide additional functionality in the wireless network. It should be appreciated that although specific network functions are defined and described, a variety of additional network functions may be defined and described using the synchronization information. 
     In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method of operating comprises the steps of receiving synchronization information using network messaging, the synchronization information capable of use for synchronization; and then implementing a network function other than synchronization by interpreting the synchronization information. 
     A method for managing a synchronization identifier, comprises embedding a first synchronization identifier in a release order; transmitting the release order; and causing update of a second synchronization identifier using the first synchronization identifier received in the release order. 
     A method for managing a synchronization identifier, comprises formatting a status request at a base station for checking a mobile station synchronization identifier; transmitting the status request to a mobile station, the status request causing the mobile station to transmit a status response that includes the mobile station synchronization identifier; receiving the status response; and if the mobile station synchronization identifier does not match the base station synchronization identifier, transmitting an update request to the mobile station that includes the base station synchronization identifier. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  displays a network implementing the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  displays a computer architecture implementing the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  displays a data diagram displaying the mapping between the synchronization information and different of network functions. 
         FIG. 4A  displays a data diagram displaying the mapping between a packet including synchronization information and specific network functions. 
         FIG. 4B  displays a data diagram displaying the mapping between a packet including a field including synchronization information and various network functions. 
         FIG. 5  displays a message flow diagram in which a BS updates Sync_ID with a Release Order Message. 
         FIG. 6  displays a message flow diagram in which a BS updates a Sync_ID with a Release Order on Common Channel. 
         FIG. 7A  displays a message flow diagram in which the MS performs a query. 
         FIG. 7B  displays a message flow diagram in which the BS performs a query. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility. 
     It should be appreciated that although the present invention will be described with respect to TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002, it is fully anticipated that this standard will evolve and that the evolved standards are within the scope of the present invention. Further, is should also be appreciated that the underlying teachings of the present invention are applicable to various other standards associated with the evolved standards. 
     A variety of terms defined in TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002 will be used in the present invention. BS is used to represent a base station. MS is used to represent a mobile station. Various types of configuration information are defined. For example, NNSCR is a non-negotiable service configuration information record. The NNSCR contains non-negotiable service configuration parameters of a call. The ERM is an Extended Release Message. One type of synchronization information is the Service Configuration Information Record or SCR. The SCR contains the service configuration parameters of a call. Synchronization information includes the Sync_ID, which is a Service Configuration Synchronization Identifier. The Sync_ID is a variable length identifier corresponding to the SCR and NNSCR that may be stored by the base station and/or the mobile station. In one embodiment, the Sync_ID value is used by the base station to determine whether SCR and NNSCR may be omitted during the call set up. 
     In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, synchronization information is communicated using standardized network messaging. The synchronization information is then used (1) for the purpose of synchronizing components in the network and (2) for adding additional network functions (i.e., additional network functionality) to the network. In one embodiment of the present invention, the standardized network messaging includes standardized messages defined by communications protocols. For example, protocols defined by the 3 rd  generation partnership project (i.e., 3GPP2), such as the 3G wireless protocol, protocols defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (i.e., IETF), such as various internet protocols, etc. It should be appreciated that although two specific standards groups and family of protocols are discussed, the present invention applies to a variety of standards-based groups and communications protocols and messaging defined by the standards-based groups. 
     In one embodiment, the standardized messaging defined in TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002 is used to implement the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, Release Order Messages as defined in TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002 are used to communicate the synchronization information. In another embodiment, a Universal Handoff Messaging as defined in TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002 is used to communicate the synchronization information. 
     The synchronization information is then used to add additional functions (i.e., functionality) to the network. In one embodiment, additional functionality includes a scenario in which the synchronization information is used to implement another function in addition to synchronization. For example, the synchronization information may be used to implement an additional service in the wireless network, such as video services, wireless services, Internet services, etc. Further, the synchronization information may be used to identify a component or network in the wireless network, such as a gateway, router, bridge, etc. For example, identifying various devices for communication may enable the network to implement functions, such as quality of service or load balancing, by routing traffic through various components in the wireless network. 
     In one embodiment, the additional function is implemented by mapping or correlating the synchronization information with values, numbers, symbols, etc. that have a predefined meaning and/or values, numbers, symbols that may be used to implement a predefined function. For example, in one embodiment, databases may be deployed in an MS and placed in association (i.e., in communication) with a BS. When synchronization information is communicated between the MS and the BS the synchronization information may be used to synchronize the two devices. 
     In addition, the synchronization information may be used as an index to map or correlate a value, number, symbol, etc. found in one or both of the databases. The value may be used to represent a service and/or component in the network. For example, the value may represent a video service or a router in the network. In the case where the value represents a video service, communicating the synchronization information between the MS and the BS provides information about the video service and, as such, facilitates the implementation of the video service in the network. In this scenario, the synchronization information is used to implement an additional network function or to add additional functionality in the network. In this example, the additional network function or functionality is the video service. 
     In the case where the value represents a device, such as a router in the network, communicating the synchronization information between the MS and the BS provides information that identifies the router and, as such, facilitates the use of the router in the network. As such, the synchronization information has been used to implement an additional function in the network or to add additional functionality in the network. The additional function or functionality is the identification of a specific device, such as the router that should be used for communication. As a result, functionality, such as load balancing and quality of service, may be realized by identifying which device to use to communicate traffic at a specific time. 
       FIG. 1  displays a network implementing the teachings of the present invention. A mobile station (MS)  100  is in communication with a base station (BS)  104 . The MS  100  and the BS  104  synchronize information, such as a Sync_ID. The BS  104  may communicate with a network  108 . 
     In one embodiment, the MS  100  includes or is in communication with a database (ms)  102 . The database (ms)  102  may store synchronize information. For example, several Sync_IDs may be simultaneously stored in the database (ms)  102 . The BS  104  also communicates with a database (bs)  106 . The database (bs)  106  may also store various types of synchronization information, such as one or several Sync_IDs. It should be appreciated that although the database (bs)  106  is shown communicating with the BS  104 , the database (bs)  106  may communicate across a network, such as network  108  with the BS  104 . 
     In one embodiment, each database, database (ms)  102  and the database (bs)  106  may be used to implement additional network functions in the wireless network by mapping or correlating the synchronize information to a number, value, symbol, code, etc. that represents a component and/or service in the wireless network. For example, the database (ms)  102  and the database (bs)  106  may each be implemented as a relational database and perform a mapping or correlation between the synchronize information and a value representing a wireless service, such as an Internet service, wireless video, wireless audio, etc. As such, in addition to synchronizing configuration information between the MS  100  and the network  108  (i.e., BS  104 ), the synchronize information may be used to provide additional functionality to the wireless network by communicating information about network services. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the synchronization information may be used to implement a number, symbol, etc. that performs a mapping and/or correlation between the synchronization information and a component in the network, such as the MSC, a specific router, a specific end device. As such, the synchronization information may be used to implement, initiate, or communicate information about a specific device in the network. The device may then be used to distribute traffic. For example, load balancing may be achieved using the synchronization information. As such, in addition to synchronizing configuration information between the MS  100  and the network  108  (i.e., base station  104 ), the synchronization information is used to provide additional functionality in the wireless network by communicating information about network components. 
     During operation, synchronization information is communicated between the MS  100  and the BS  104 . In one embodiment, the synchronization information may be used to represent configuration information, such as SCR and NNSCR. However, various types of configuration information may be represented and still remain within the scope of the present invention. 
     In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, standardized messages as defined in TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002 and associated specifications may be used to communicate the synchronization information between MS  100  and BS  104 . For example, in one embodiment, Release Order Messages as defined in TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002 and associated specifications may be used to communicate the synchronization information between MS  100  and BS  104 . For example, the release messages, such as the Release Order Message, the Extended Release Message and/or the Extended Release Mini-Message, etc., may be implemented. 
     In another embodiment, Handoff Messages as defined in TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002 and associated specifications may be used to communicate the synchronization information between MS  100  and BS  104 . In one embodiment, Handoff Messages as defined in TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002 and associated specifications, such as a Universal Handoff Direction Message, may be implemented. 
     Once the synchronization information is communicated between the MS  100  and the BS  104 , the configurations between the MS  100  and the BS  104  may be synchronized. In addition, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the synchronization information may be used to provide additional functionality to the wireless network depicted in  FIG. 1 . For example, in one embodiment, the synchronization information may be used as an index to search database (ms)  102  and/or database (bs)  106 . The synchronization information may map or correlate with a value, symbol, number, etc. representing a service, component, etc. in a network. As such, by communicating the synchronization information and then storing, searching, mapping, correlating, and/or using the synchronization information in association with the database (ms)  102  and the database (bs)  106 , additional network information about network components and/or services are communicated with the synchronization information. Additional network information may include information used to implement additional functions in the network, such as information used to implement additional network services, information used to identify specific components or networks, information used to launch automated routines in the MS  100  or BS  104 , information used to automatically configure network  108 , etc. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the synchronization information is used to implement fast call setup related features. For example, the BS  104  assigns synchronization information representing the configurations (i.e., Sync_ID which represents SCR and NNSCR) that are associated with service option(s) associated with the MS  100  (i.e., based on end user subscription policy, criteria, etc.). When either side (i.e., BS  104  and/or MS  100 ) connects a call using these service options, the BS  104  or the MS  100  can use the synchronization information to identify the stored configurations for the call. For example, in one embodiment, packet data service (i.e., web browsing) can use the synchronization information when the service is connected and disconnected between an idle state and a traffic state. 
     In addition to the configuration information, such as the SCR and the NNSCR that the synchronization information is used to represent, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the synchronization information itself can carry additional useful information and, as such, provide additional functionality in the wireless system. For example, various types of Internet protocol information, such as the MS&#39;s Internet protocol version 4 (i.e., IPv4) address and/or the Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) Key information for the packet data service option of the MS, may be communicated using the synchronization information. As such, the BS  104  may use the synchronization information itself during the service option reconnection to speed up the connection or for other purposes. 
     In one embodiment, synchronization information includes a base station synchronization identifier (BSSI) and a mobile station synchronization identifier (MSSI). In one embodiment, the BSSI may be used to communicate the current configuration status of the BS  104 . The MSSI is synchronization information that is used to convey the current synchronization status of the MS  100 . 
     During operation, the BS  104  may communicate the BSSI to the MS  100  and the MS  100  may communicate the MSSI to the BS  104 . For example, using  FIG. 1  BS  104  may communicate the BSSI to the MS  100 . The MS  100  may then optionally store the MSSI in the database (ms)  102 . In addition, the MS  100  may communicate the MSSI to the BS  104 . The BS  104  may then optionally store the BSSI in the database (bs)  106 . 
     In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the BS  104  may embed the BSSI in a standardized communication message. For example, in one embodiment, the BS  104  may embed the BSSI in a Release Order Message, such as the Release Order Messages as defined in TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002 and associated specifications. In one embodiment, the Release Messages include the Release Order Message, the Extended Release Message, and/or the Extended Release Mini-Message. 
     The BS  104  may then transmit the Release Message to the MS  100 . The MS  100  receives the Release Message communicated by the BS  104  and is then able to update the MSSI using the BSSI embedded in the Release Message. In another embodiment, the MS  100  may then transmit the Release Message to the BS  104 . The BS  104  receives the Release Message communicated by the MS  100 . The BS  104  may embed a BSSI in a Release Message. The BS  104  may then transmit the Release Message to the MS  100 . The MS  100  receives the Release Message communicated by the BS  104  and is then able to update the MSSI using the BSSI embedded in the Release Message. 
     It should be appreciated that the foregoing method may be implemented while the MS  100  and the BS  104  are operating on the traffic channel or in the idle state. In addition, the BSSI may be used to communicate additional information used to implement network functions. For example, in one embodiment, the BSSI is used to communicate additional service information, such as mobile IP information or GRE tunnel information. In another embodiment, the BSSI may be used to communicate additional network component information, such as a specific device to use during the communication session. Lastly, it should be appreciated that the Release Message may include multiple instances of synchronization information, such as multiple BSSIs or multiple MSSIs. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, during operation a status request is formulated at the BS  104 . The status request is formulated to check the current MSSI in the MS  100 . The status request is transmitted from the BS  104  to the MS  100 . After receiving the status request at the MS  100 , a status response is formulated by the MS  100 . The status response includes the MSSI associated with the MS  100 . The status response is transmitted to the BS  104 . The BS  104  then checks to determine if the MSSI transmitted by the MS  100  matches the current MSSI stored in association with the BS  104 . If the MSSI does not match the current BSSI, then an update request including the current MSSI is transmitted from the BS  104  to the MS  100 . 
       FIG. 2  displays a computer architecture implementing the teachings of the present invention. The computer  200  of  FIG. 2  may implement the mobile station (MS)  100 , the database (ms)  102 , the base station (BS)  104 , the database (bs)  106 , and the network  108  of  FIG. 1 . A central processing unit (CPU)  202  functions as the brain of the computer  200 . Internal memory  204  is shown. The internal memory  204  includes short-term memory  206  and long-term memory  208 . The short-term memory  206  may be a Random Access Memory (RAM) or a memory cache used for staging information. The long-term memory  208  may be a Read Only Memory (ROM) or an alternative form of memory used for storing information. Storage memory  220  may be any memory residing within the computer  200  other than internal memory  204 . In one embodiment of the present invention, storage memory  220  is implemented with a hard drive. A communication pathway  210  is used to communicate information within computer  200 . In addition, the communication pathway  210  may be connected to interfaces, which communicate information out of the computer  200  or receive information into the computer  200 . 
     Input devices, such as tactile input device, joystick, keyboards, microphone, communications connections, or a mouse, are shown as  212 . The input devices  212  interface with computer  200  through an input interface  214 . Output devices, such as a monitor, speakers, communications connections, etc., are shown as  216 . The output devices  216  communicate with computer  200  through an output interface  218 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts a data diagram displaying a mapping between the synchronization information and different network functions. The synchronization information  300  is mapped to various network functions  302  (i.e., functionality). For example, the synchronization information is mapped to network components  304 . In one embodiment, the network components  304  may include an MSC, routers, base stations, MS, etc. When the synchronization is mapped to a network component as shown at  304 , information about a specific network component may be communicated between the BS and the MS during synchronization using the synchronization information. As such, routing, load balancing, etc. may be implemented using the synchronization information. 
     In a second embodiment, network services  306  may be communicated, initiated, and implemented using the synchronization information. For example, network services, such as Internet services, web services, maintenance services, audio services, video services, etc., may be implemented using the synchronization information  300 . As such, using the synchronization information provides another option for communicating information about services between the MS and the network. 
       FIG. 4A  displays a data diagram displaying the mapping between a packet including synchronization information and specific network functions. In  FIG. 4A , a data packet including a field comprising synchronization information  400  is mapped to a network function(s)  402 . In one embodiment, the field comprising synchronization information  400  is mapped to a specific network function, such as a network service, a network component, etc. For example, a one-to-one mapping is performed between the synchronization information  400  and specific network function. 
       FIG. 4B  displays a data diagram displaying the mapping between a packet including a field including synchronization information and various network functions. In a second embodiment, a field comprising synchronization information  404  is mapped to several network functions as shown by  406  to  408 . For example, one field comprising synchronization information  404  may be mapped to a network function(s)  406  to  408  where the network function(s)  406  to  408  may represent several network services or several network components. For example, in one embodiment, the field comprising synchronization information  404  may be segmented into several fields comprising synchronization information as shown by  404 A or  404 B. Each field comprising synchronization information, such as  404 A and  404 B may be linked to a specific network service. 
     In an alternative embodiment, synchronization information  404  may be used to implement a variety of different network functions. For example, a single instance of synchronization information may be used to represent multiple components or multiple services. In addition, any permutation or combination of the foregoing is within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  displays a message flow diagram in which a BS updates synchronization information using Release Order messaging. The traffic channel is already established and the mobile station has moved from a first cell to a second cell. 
     At  503  a traffic channel is established and synchronization information is communicated. An MS  500  and a BS  502  communicate synchronization information over traffic as shown by  504 . The BS may then communicate a Release Order to the MS. The Release Order includes Sync_IDs as shown at  506 . It should be appreciated that either the MS or the BS may initiate the Release Order. In one embodiment, if the MS initiates the Release Order, the BS may respond with Release Order including the synchronization information as shown at  506 . In another embodiment, the base station initiates the Release Order including the synchronization information as shown at  506 . The MS may then communicate a Release Order to the BS as shown at  508 . 
     In another embodiment, upon release of a call, the BS  502  sends a Release Order, Extended Release Message, or Extended Release Mini-Message to update the current synchronization information in the MS  500 . In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, in addition to communicating configuration related information on the SCR and NNSCR of the call, the synchronization information may convey additional information, such as mobile IP information and/or Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) Key information for a GRE tunnel. 
       FIG. 6  displays a message flow diagram in which a BS updates synchronization information with a Release Order on a Common Channel. In one embodiment, the message flow diagram depicted in  FIG. 6  occurs in an idle state. An MS  600  communicates an origination message including synchronization information (i.e., Sync_IDs)  604  to a BS  602 . The BS  602  then communicates a Release Order including synchronization information  606  to the MS  600 . In another embodiment, the BS  602  may also use the Release Order while in a Mobile Station Idle State to update the synchronization information stored in the MS  600 . This is especially useful when the MS  600  updates its packet data zone information while in Idle. 
       FIG. 7A  displays a message flow diagram in which the MS performs a query. An MS  700  generates a Status Request Message including synchronization information  704  and communicates the Status Request Messaging including synchronization information  704  to the BS  702 . The BS  702  then generates a Status Response Message including synchronization information  706  to the MS  700 . 
     Since the BS  702  can store multiple instances of synchronization information, there is a chance that the synchronization information stored in the MS  700  and BS  702  may not be synchronized. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, we propose to allow a MS  700  to query (i.e., in CDMA, use Status Request Message, or other messages that have the query capability) the synchronization information stored in the BS  702  either in BS  702  Idle State or in traffic mode (i.e., mobile station can use Status Response Message or other messages that have the ability to report the stored Sync_ID). 
       FIG. 7B  displays a message flow diagram in which the BS performs a query. A BS  702  generates a Status Request Message including synchronization information  708  and communicates the Status Request Messaging including synchronization information  708  to the MS  700 . The MS  700  then generates a Status Response Message including synchronization information  710  to the BS  702 . 
     Since the MS  700  can store multiple instances of synchronization information, there is a chance that the synchronization information stored in the MS  700  and BS  702  may not be synchronized. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, we propose to allow an BS  700  to query (i.e., in CDMA, use Status Request Message, or other messages that have the query capability) the synchronization information stored in the MS  702  either in MS  702  Idle State or in traffic mode (i.e., mobile station can use Status Response Message or other messages that have the ability to report the stored Sync_ID). 
     The synchronization information is used to communicate additional information between the MS  700  and the BS  702 , such as information identifying services or components in the wireless network. In addition, the synchronization information is communicated between the MS  700  and the BS  702  using a variety of different mechanisms. For example, the synchronization information is communicated using Release Order Messages or Handoff Messages. 
     The following text identifies specific sections of the TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002, which is herein incorporated by reference that may be updated to implement the teachings of the present invention. It should also be appreciated that implementing the teachings of the present invention using the Extended Release Message or Extended Release Mini-Message as defined in TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002 are similar to the methods disclosed when using the Release Order Message. It should be appreciated that the following text discloses the teachings of the present invention using a single Sync_ID in the Release Order. In another embodiment, multiple Sync_IDs may be included in the Release Order by including an extra field to indicate the number of Sync_IDs included in the message, by sub-dividing the current Sync_ID field, etc. 
     2.6.3.3 Page Response Substate 
     In this substate, the mobile station sends a Page Response Message or a Reconnect Message in response to a mobile-station-addressed page from a base station. If the mobile station sends a Reconnect Message, it shall set the ORIG_IND field of the message to ‘0’. 
     [ . . . ] 
     
         
         
           
             14. Release Order: If NDSS_ORIG s  is equal to enabled, the mobile station shall set NDSS_ORIG s  to disabled, and should indicate to the user that the call origination has been canceled. The mobile station shall enter the Mobile Station Idle State or the System Determination Substate of the Mobile Station Initialization State with a release indication (see 2.6.1.1). If the mobile station enters the Mobile Station Idle State, and if PACA s  is equal to enabled, the mobile station shall set PACA s  to disabled and PACA_CANCEL to ‘0’, shall disable the PACA state timer, and should indicate to the user that the PACA call has been canceled. If P_REV_IN_USE s  is equal to or greater than eleven, ORDQ is equal to ‘00000000’, and SYNC_ID_INCL r  is equal to ‘1’, the mobile station shall update the synchronization identifier received from the base station corresponding to the current service configuration (SYNC_ID s =SYNC_ID r ).
 
[ . . . ]
 
           
         
       
    
     2.6.3.5 Mobile Station Origination Attempt Substate 
     In this substate, the mobile station sends an Origination Message or a Reconnect Message. If the mobile station sends a Reconnect Message, it shall set the ORIG_IND field of the message to ‘1’. 
     The mobile station shall not send the Reconnect Message if RECONNECT_MSG_IND s  equals ‘0’ or if this message is not being sent to reconnect a dormant packet data service instance. 
     [ . . . ] 
     
         
         
           
             16. Release Order: If NDSS_ORIG s  is equal to enabled, the mobile station shall set NDSS_ORIG s  to disabled, and should indicate to the user that the call origination has been canceled. The mobile station shall enter the Mobile Station Idle State or the System Determination Substate of the Mobile Station Initialization State with a release indication (see 2.6.1.1). If the mobile station enters the Mobile Station Idle State, and if PACA s  is equal to enabled, the mobile station shall set PACA s  to disabled and PACA_CANCEL to ‘0’, shall disable the PACA state timer, and should indicate to the user that the PACA call has been canceled. If P_REV_IN_USE s  is equal to or greater than eleven, ORDQ is equal to ‘00000000’, and SYNC_ID_INCL r  is equal to ‘1’, the mobile station shall update the synchronization identifier received from the base station corresponding to the current service configuration (SYNC_ID s =SYNC_ID r ). 
           
         
       
    
     2.6.3.6 Registration Access Substate 
     In this substate, the mobile station sends a Registration Message. If the base station responds with an authentication request, the mobile station responds in this substate. 
     [ . . . ] 
     
         
         
           
             13. Release Order: If NDSS_ORIG s  is equal to enabled, the mobile station shall set NDSS_ORIG s  to disabled, and should indicate to the user that the call origination has been canceled. The mobile station shall enter the Mobile Station Idle State or the System Determination Substate of the Mobile Station Initialization State with a release indication (see 2.6.1.1). If the mobile station enters the Mobile Station Idle State, and if PACA s  is equal to enabled, the mobile station shall set PACA s  to disabled and PACA_CANCEL to ‘0’, shall disable the PACA state timer, and should indicate to the user that the PACA call has been canceled. If P_REV_IN_USE s  is equal to or greater than eleven, ORDQ is equal to ‘00000000’, and SYNC_ID_INCL r  is equal to ‘1’, the mobile station shall update the synchronization identifier received from the base station corresponding to the current service configuration (SYNC_ID s =SYNC_ID r ).
 
[ . . . ]
 
           
         
       
    
     2.6.4.3 Traffic Channel Substate 
     In this substate, the mobile station may exchange Traffic Channel frames with the base station in accordance with the current service configuration. The mobile station may perform the gating operation of Reverse Pilot Channel. 
     [ . . . ] 
     
         
         
           
             If the mobile station receives a message which is included in the following list and every message field value is within its permissible range, the mobile station shall process the message as described below and in accordance with the message&#39;s action time (see 2.6.4.1.5).
 
[ . . . ]
 
             42. Release Order: The Layer 3 shall send a “release indication” to all Call Control instances, the mobile station shall perform the following:
           If P_REV_IN_USE s  is equal to or greater than eleven, ORDQ is equal to ‘00000000’, and SYNC_ID_INCL r  is equal to ‘1’, the mobile station shall update the synchronization identifier received from the base station corresponding to the current service configuration (SYNC_ID s =SYNC_ID r ).   The mobile station shall enter the Release Substate with a base station release indication (see 2.6.4.4).
 
[ . . . ]
   
         
           
         
       
    
     2.6.4.4 Release Substate 
     In this substate, the mobile station confirms the disconnect of all calls and physical channels. 
     Upon entering the Release Substate, the mobile station shall perform the following: 
     [ . . . ] 
     
         
         
           
             If the mobile station enters the Release Substate with a service inactive indication, the mobile station shall send a Release Order (ORDQ=‘00000010’), and set RETURN_CAUSE s  to ‘0000’. 
             If the mobile station enters the Release Substate with a base station release indication, the mobile station shall send a Release Order (ORDQ=‘00000000’). The Layer 3 shall terminate all Call Control instances. The mobile station shall disable its transmitter, set RETURN_CAUSE s  to ‘0000’, and shall perform the procedures as specified in 2.6.4.4.1.
 
[ . . . ]
 
             If the mobile station receives a message which is included in the following list, and if every message field value is within its permissible range, the mobile station shall process the message as described below and in accordance with the message&#39;s action time (see 2.6.4.1.5): 
             [ . . . ] 
             24. Release Order: The mobile station shall disable its transmitter. The Layer 3 shall terminate all Call Control instances. The mobile station shall perform the following:
           If P_REV_IN_USE s  is equal to or greater than eleven, ORDQ is equal to ‘00000000’, and SYNC_ID_INCL r  is equal to ‘1’, the mobile station shall update the synchronization identifier received from the base station corresponding to the current service configuration (SYNC_ID s =SYNC_ID r ).   If the mobile station enters the Release Substate with a power-down indication, the mobile station may power down; otherwise, the mobile station shall perform the procedures as specified in 2.6.4.4.1
 
[ . . . ]
   
         
           
         
       
    
     2.6.4.4.1 Procedures for Exiting the Release Substate 
     The mobile station shall perform the following procedures to determine whether to enter the Mobile Station Idle State or System Determination Substate of the Mobile Station Initialization State. 
     [ . . . ] 
     2.7.4 Information Records 
     On the r-csch, information records may be included in the Status Response Message, the Extended Status Response Message, the Origination Message, and the Device Information Message. On the r-dsch, information records may be included in the Origination Continuation Message, the Enhanced Origination Message, the Flash With Information Message, the Extended Flash With Information Message, the Service Request Message, the Service Response Message, the Status Message, and the Status Response Message. Table 2.7.4-1 lists the information record type values that may be used with each message type. The following sections describe the contents of each of the record types in detail. 
     [ . . . ] 
                     TABLE 2.7.4-1                  Information Record Types (Part 3 of 3)                                         Record                           Type   Message   r-   r-       Information Record   (binary)   Type   csch   dsch   P_REV_IN_USE               Signaling Message Integrity   00100100   Status [2]   Y   Y   ≧10       Capability       STORED_SYNC_ID   00100101   Status [2]   Y   Y   ≧11                             Extended Record Type -   11111110   Country-Specific   1, ≧4       International               All other record type values are reserved.       “Flash” refers to either the Flash With Information Message or the Extended Flash With Information Message.       “DIM” refers to the Device Information Message.       [1] This information record may be included in a Status Message, a Status Response Message, or an Extended Status Response Message.       [2] This information record may be included in a Status Response Message or an Extended Status Response Message.            
[ . . . ]
 
     2.7.4.36 Stored SYNC_ID 
     This information record can be included in a Status Response Message or an Extended Status Response Message to return the mobile station stored SYNC_ID. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Type-Specific Field 
                 Length (bits) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 NUM_SYNC_ID 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
         
         
           
             NUM_SYNC_ID occurrences of the following two-field record: 
           
         
       
    
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 SYNC_ID_LEN 
                 0 or 4 
               
               
                   
                 SYNC_ID 
                 0 or (8 × 
               
               
                   
                   
                 SYNC_ID_LEN) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
         
         NUM_SYNC_ID—Number of Service Configuration synchronization identifier.
       The mobile station shall set this field to the number of Service Configuration synchronization identifier stored by the mobile station. The mobile station shall set this field to ‘000’ if no SYNC_ID is stored.   
     
         SYNC_ID_LEN—Service Configuration synchronization identifier length.
       If the SYNC_ID_INCL field is set to ‘000’, the base station shall omit this field; otherwise, the base station shall include this field and set it as follows:   The base station shall set this field to the length (in octets) of the SYNC_ID field included in this message. The base station shall set this field to a value larger than zero.   
     
         SYNC_ID—Service Configuration synchronization identifier.
       If the SYNC_ID_INCL field is set to ‘000’, the base station shall omit this field; otherwise, the base station shall include this field and set it as follows:   The base station shall set this field to the synchronization identifier corresponding to the service configuration conveyed by this message.   
     
       
    
     3.7.2.3.2.15 Status Request Message 
     MSG_TAG: STRQM 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Field 
                 Length (bits) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 RESERVED 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                 QUAL_INFO_TYPE 
                 8 
               
               
                   
                 QUAL_INFO_LEN 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 Type-specific fields 
                 8 □ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 QUAL_INFO_LEN 
               
               
                   
                 NUM_FIELDS 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
         
         
           
             NUM_FIELDS occurrences of the following field: 
           
         
       
    
                                                RECORD_TYPE   8                        
[ . . . ]
 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3.7.2.3.2.15-2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Status Information Record Types 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Record Type 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (see Table 2.7.4- 
               
               
                 Information Record 
                 1) 
                 QUAL_INFO_TYPE 
               
               
                 Requested 
                 (binary) 
                 (binary) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Reserved for obsolete 
                 00000110 
                 — 
               
               
                 Identification 
               
               
                 Call Mode 
                 00000111 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 Terminal Information 
                 00001000 
                 00000010 
               
               
                 Roaming Information 
                 00001001 
                 00000010 
               
               
                 Security Status 
                 00001010 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 IMSI 
                 00001100 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 ESN 
                 00001101 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 Band Class Information 
                 00001110 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 Power Class Information 
                 00001111 
                 00000010 
               
               
                 Operating Mode Information 
                 00010000 
                 00000001 
               
               
                 Service Option Information 
                 00010001 
                 00000010 
               
               
                 Multiplex Option Information 
                 00010010 
                 00000010 
               
               
                 Service Configuration 
                 00010011 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 Power Control Information 
                 00010111 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 IMSI_M 
                 00011000 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 IMSI_T 
                 00011001 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 Capability Information 
                 00011010 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 Channel Configuration 
                 00011011 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 Capability Information 
               
               
                 Extended Multiplex Option 
                 00011100 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 Information 
               
               
                 Geo-location Information 
                 00011110 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 Band Subclass Information 
                 00011111 
                 00000001 
               
               
                 Hook Status 
                 00100001 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 Encryption Capability 
                 00100011 
                 00000000 
               
               
                 STORED_SYNC_ID 
                 00100101 
                 00000000 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 All other record type values are reserved. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3.7.4-1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Order and Order Qualification Codes Used on the f-csch and the 
               
               
                 f-dsch (Part 2 of 4) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Order 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Qual- 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Order 
                 ification 
                   
                 Additional 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Code, 
                 Code, 
                 ACTION_TIME 
                 Fields 
                   
                   
               
               
                 f-csch 
                 f-dsch 
                 ORDER 
                 ORDQ 
                 can be 
                 other than 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Order 
                 Order 
                 (binary) 
                 (binary) 
                 specified 
                 ORDQ 
                 P_REV_IN_USE 
                 Name/Function 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 N 
                 Y 
                 010011 
                 00000000 
                 Y 
                 Y 
                  &lt;7 
                 Service Option Request 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Order (Band Class 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 0 only) (see 3.7.4.2) 
               
               
                 N 
                 Y 
                 010100 
                 00000000 
                 Y 
                 Y 
                  &lt;7 
                 Service Option 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Response Order (Band 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Class 0 only; see 3.7.4.3) 
               
               
                 Y 
                 Y 
                 010101 
                 00000000 
                 N 
                 Y 
                 All 
                 Release Order (no reason 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 given. See 3.7.4.10 for 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 additional fields other 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 than ORDQ if the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 P_REV_IN_USE ≧ 11.) 
               
               
                 Y 
                 Y 
                 010101 
                 00000010 
                 N 
                 N 
                 All 
                 Release Order 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 (indicates that 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 requested service 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 option is rejected) 
               
               
                 N 
                 Y 
                 010101 
                 00000011 
                 N 
                 Y 
                 ≧9 
                 Release Order 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 (Enhanced Release 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Order to direct the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 mobile station to Mobile 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Station Idle State or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 System Determination 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Substate; see 3.7.4.8) 
               
               
                 N 
                 Y 
                 010110 
                 00000000 
                 N 
                 N 
                 All 
                 Outer Loop Report 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Request Order 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     3.7.4.10 Release Order 
     If P_REV_IN_USE≧11, the Release Order with ORDQ=‘00000000’ and additional field other than ORDQ can be sent on the either f-csch or f-dsch to update station&#39;s SYNC_ID if included. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Order-Specific Field 
                 Length (bits) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 ORDQ 
                 8 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
         
         
           
             If the ORDQ is ‘00000000’, the mobile station shall include the following order-specific record: 
           
         
       
    
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 SYNC_ID_INCL 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                 SYNC_ID_LEN 
                 0 or 4 
               
               
                   
                 SYNC_ID 
                 0 or (8 × 
               
               
                   
                   
                 SYNC_ID_LEN) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
         
         ORDQ—Order qualification code.
       The base station shall set this field to ‘00000000’.   
     
         SYNC_ID_INCL—Service Configuration synchronization identifier included indicator.
       The base station shall set this field to ‘1’ if the SYNC_ID field is included in this message; otherwise, the base station shall set this field to ‘0’.   
     
         SYNC_ID_LEN—Service Configuration synchronization identifier length.
       If the SYNC_ID_INCL field is set to ‘0’, the base station shall omit this field; otherwise, the base station shall include this field and set it as follows:   The base station shall set this field to the length (in octets) of the SYNC_ID field included in this message. The base station shall set this field to a value larger than zero.   
     
         SYNC_ID—Service Configuration synchronization identifier.
       If the SYNC_ID_INCL field is set to ‘0’, the base station shall omit this field; otherwise, the base station shall include this field and set it as follows:   The base station shall set this field to the synchronization identifier corresponding to the service configuration conveyed by this message.   
     
       
    
     In another embodiment to the present invention, Handoff Messages may be used to communicate the synchronization information between the MS and the BS. The following Handoff Direction Messages are used to update the Sync_ID information in the corresponding sections of the TIA/EIA IS-2000.5-C, Signaling Standards for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems—Release C, May 2002 to communicate Sync_ID information that identifies services or components in a wireless network. 
     2.6.6.2.5 Handoff Messages 
     2.6.6.2.5.1 Processing of Forward Traffic Channel Handoff Messages 
     If the mobile station receives any of the following messages, then the mobile station shall process the message as described. 
     [ . . . ] 
     
         
         
           
             11. Universal Handoff Direction Message: The mobile station shall process the message as follows:
           In addition to the requirements in this section, if the SCR_INCLUDED field is included in this message and is set to ‘1’ the mobile station shall also process this message in accordance with the requirements for the active service subfunction (see 2.6.4.1.2.2).
 
[ . . . ]
   
         
             If NNSCR_INCLUDED field is included and set to ‘1’ and SCR_INCLUDED field is either not included or included but set to ‘0’, the mobile station shall process the received Non-negotiable Service Configuration Record as specified in 2.6.4.1.13 at the action time of this message. If the synchronization identifier is received from the base station corresponding to this updated service configuration:
           The mobile station shall store (if included) the synchronization identifier received from the base station corresponding to this service configuration (SYNC_IDs=SYNC_ID r ).   The mobile station shall store the current service configuration as specified in 2.6.4.1.2.2.5.1 at the action time of this message.   
         
             Otherwise, the mobile station shall set SYNC_ID s  to NULL. 
             If SYNC_ID_INCL r  is set to ‘1’, NNSCR_INCLUDED field is not included or is included and set to ‘0’, and SCR_INCLUDED is not included or is included and set to ‘0’, the mobile station shall perform the following:
           The mobile station shall store the synchronization identifier received from the base station (SYNC_ID s =SYNC_ID r ).   If the currently used service configuration has a corresponding SYNC_ID, SID_INCL r  is set to ‘0’ and NID_INCL r  is set to ‘0’, the mobile station shall update the stored SYNC_ID value corresponding to the currently used service configuration with SYNC_ID r .   If the currently used service configuration has a corresponding SYNC_ID, SID_INCL r  is set to ‘1’, or NID_INCL r  is set to ‘1’, the mobile station shall perform one of the following:
               If either SID r  or NID r  included in the message is not equal to the stored SID or NID corresponding to the currently used service configuration, the mobile station shall store the current service configuration as specified in 2.6.4.1.2.2.5.1 at the action time of this message.   Otherwise, the mobile station shall update the stored SYNC_ID value corresponding to the currently used service configuration with SYNC_ID r .   
               If the currently used service configuration does not have a corresponding SYNC_ID, the mobile station shall store the current service configuration as specified in 2.6.4.1.2.2.5.1 at the action time of this message.   
         
           
         
       
    
     When the message takes effect, the mobile station shall perform the following actions: 
     [ . . . ] 
     
         
         
           
             Store the following parameters from the Universal Handoff Direction Message:
           Universal Handoff Direction Message sequence number (HDM_SEQ s =HDM_SEQ r )   Forward power control subchannel relative gain (FPC_SUBCHAN_GAIN s =FPC_SUBCHAN_GAIN r ).   If the mobile station uses FPC_SUBCHAN_GAIN s , the mobile station shall perform the following:   
         
             [ . . . ]
           If SID_INCL r  is equal to ‘1’, the mobile station shall store the following:
               System identification (SID s =SID r )   
               If NID_INCL r  is equal to ‘1’, the mobile station shall store the following:
               Network identification (NID s =NID r )   
               If CH_IND r  is equal to ‘101’, the mobile station shall perform the following:
 
[ . . . ]
   
         
           
         
       
    
     3.7.3.3.2.36 Universal Handoff Direction Message 
     MSG_TAG: UHDM 
                                             Field   Length (bits)                          USE_TIME   1           ACTION_TIME   0 or 6           [ . . . ]   [ . . . ]           SYNC_ID_INCL   0 or 1           SYNC_ID_LEN   0 or 4           SYNC_ID   0 or (8 ×               SYNC_ID_LEN)           [ . . . ]   [ . . . ]                        
[ . . . ]
 
     SYNC_ID_INCL—Service Configuration synchronization identifier included indicator.
         If the SCR_INCLUDED field is included and is set to ‘1’ or the NNSCR_INCLUDED field is included and is set to ‘1’, or P_REV_IN_USE is equal or greater than 11, the base station shall include this field; otherwise, the base station shall omit this field. If included, the base station shall set this field as follows:   The base station shall set this field to ‘1’ if the SYNC_ID field is included in this message; otherwise, the base station shall set this field to ‘0’.       

     SYNC_ID_LEN—Service Configuration synchronization identifier length.
         If the SYNC_ID_INCL field is not included or is included and is set to ‘0’, the base station shall omit this field; otherwise, the base station shall include this field and set it as follows:   The base station shall set this field to the length (in octets) of the SYNC_ID field included in this message. The base station shall set this field to a value larger than zero.       

     SYNC_ID—Service Configuration synchronization identifier.
         If the SYNC_ID_INCL field is not included or is included and is set to ‘0’, the base station shall omit this field; otherwise, the base station shall include this field and set it as follows:   If the SCR_INCLUDED field is included and is set to ‘1’ or the NNSCR_INCLUDED field is included and is set to ‘1’, the base station shall set this field to the synchronization identifier corresponding to the service configuration conveyed by this message; otherwise, the base station shall set this field to the updated synchronization identifier corresponding to the current service configuration.       

     While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility. 
     It is, therefore, intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20121003
Publication Date: 20150203
Grant Date: 20150203
Priority Date: 20030709
Inventors: JANG KE-CHI
WANG CHUNG-CHING
VASUDEVAN MINI
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04L7/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W56/0085", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W48/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W48/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L7/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W56/0085", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L7/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W48/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W56/0085", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 34710023