JP6068588B2 - Handoff of wireless devices between wireless networks - Google Patents

Description

  Unless otherwise indicated herein, the techniques described in this section are not prior art to the claims of this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

  Hybrid wireless communication systems may be deployed such that the coverage areas of different types of wireless networks (“heterogeneous wireless networks”) included in those wireless communication systems at least temporarily overlap or overlap. Such hybrid wireless communication systems may include at least some wireless networks that use adaptive antenna capabilities that allow active beamforming. Active beamforming can be performed, for example, according to user traffic patterns and other system management policies. Some wireless networks may also include a communication tower with an antenna array having dozens of coverage sectors that constantly change due to active beamforming. Because the coverage sector constantly changes, the wireless device may be able to detect the wireless network at any location during a given period. However, if the coverage sector changes, the wireless device may not be able to detect the wireless network at the same location for another given period of time.

  The present disclosure describes an exemplary method implemented in a first wireless network for handing off a wireless device to a second wireless network. The method includes receiving coverage information associated with the wireless device and determining whether the wireless device can be covered by the second wireless network based at least in part on the received coverage information. be able to. A handoff request can then be transmitted to the second wireless network based at least in part on determining that the wireless device can be covered by the second wireless network.

  The present disclosure also describes an exemplary method implemented in a first wireless network to handoff a wireless device between a first wireless network and a second wireless network. The method is to receive a handoff request from a second wireless network, where the handoff request can be covered by the first wireless network, although the wireless device is not currently covered by the first wireless network. Can be based at least in part on determining that the second wireless network is. One or more beams of the antenna array can be adapted based at least in part on the handoff request to facilitate coverage of the wireless device by the first wireless network. The wireless device can then be handed off from the second wireless network to the first wireless network.

  The present disclosure also describes an exemplary apparatus for a first wireless network to handoff a wireless device to a second wireless network. An example apparatus may have a coverage manager with logic. The logic can be configured to receive coverage information associated with the wireless device and determine whether the wireless device can be covered by the second wireless network based at least in part on the coverage information. The logic can be configured to send a handoff request to the second wireless network based at least in part on determining that the wireless device can be covered by the second wireless network.

  The present disclosure also describes an exemplary system for handing off a wireless device between a first wireless network and a second wireless network. An example system can include an antenna array configured to generate one or more adaptable beams for changing a coverage area of a first wireless network. The exemplary system can also include an adaptation manager. The conforming manager can have logic configured to receive a handoff request from the second wireless network, and the handoff request can be covered by the first wireless network when the wireless device can be covered by the first wireless network. Based at least in part on the determination of the wireless network. The logic can also be configured to adapt the beams in one or more adaptable beams so that the wireless device can be covered by the first wireless network. The logic can further be configured to send a confirmation to the second wireless network to indicate that the handoff request has been accepted, and the wireless device is handed off from the second wireless network to the first wireless network. The

  The present disclosure also describes an exemplary computer program product. In some examples, the computer program products can include a signal bearing medium having instructions for a first wireless network to handoff a wireless device to a second wireless network. The instructions can cause the logic to receive coverage information associated with the wireless device when executed by the logic. In response to the received notification, the instructions may cause the logic to determine whether the wireless device can be covered by the second wireless network based at least in part on the coverage information. The instructions can then cause the logic to transmit a handoff request to the second wireless network based at least in part on determining that the wireless device can be covered by the second wireless network.

  The above summary is for illustrative purposes only and is not limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent from the drawings and the following detailed description.

  These and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only a few embodiments according to the present disclosure and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure, and the accompanying drawings should be used for the present disclosure. Will be described more specifically and in detail.

1 is a diagram of an example wireless communication system including two wireless networks configured in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example wireless communication system including two wireless networks configured in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example wireless communication system including two wireless networks configured in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary architecture of a coverage manager configured in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary architecture of a conforming manager configured in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary method implemented in a wireless network for handing off a wireless device to another wireless network configured in accordance with the present disclosure. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method implemented in the other wireless network for handing off a wireless device between the other wireless networks configured in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer program product configured in accordance with the present disclosure. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary computing device configured in accordance with the present disclosure.

  In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative examples or embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other examples or embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. The aspects of the present disclosure as outlined herein and illustrated in the figures may be configured, replaced, combined, and designed in a wide variety of configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated and form part of the present disclosure. It will be easily understood.

  The present disclosure is particularly directed to methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program products related to handoff of wireless devices between a first wireless network and a second wireless network.

  As envisioned in this disclosure, if the sector of coverage changes constantly, it may be possible for the wireless device to detect the wireless network anywhere in a given period. However, if the sector of coverage changes, the wireless device may not be able to detect the wireless network at the same location for another given period of time. Thus, beamforming or beamforming may allow handoff attempts for wireless devices to be handed off to the wireless network.

  In some examples, a method for handing off a wireless device to a second wireless network is implemented on a first wireless network. The method includes receiving coverage information associated with a wireless device and determining whether the wireless device can be covered by a second wireless network based at least in part on the received coverage information. be able to. A handoff request can then be transmitted to the second wireless network based at least in part on determining that the wireless device can be covered by the second wireless network. In some examples, a confirmation can then be received that the handoff request has been accepted by the second wireless network. The wireless device can then be handed off to the second wireless network based at least in part on the received confirmation.

  In some other examples, a method is implemented in a first wireless network to handoff a wireless device between a first wireless network and a second wireless network. The method can include receiving a handoff request from a second wireless network, where the handoff request is covered by the first wireless network, although the wireless device is not currently covered by the first wireless device. Based at least in part on the second wireless network determining that it is possible. One or more beams of the antenna array can be adapted based at least in part on the handoff request to facilitate coverage of the wireless device by the first wireless network. The wireless device can then be handed off from the second wireless network to the first wireless network.

  1A-1C illustrate an exemplary wireless communication system 100 that includes wireless networks 110 and 120. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the wireless network 110 includes a coverage manager 112 and an antenna array 114. The wireless network 120 also includes a compatible manager 122 and an antenna array 124. In some examples, the wireless network 110 may have a coverage area shown as the coverage area 115 in FIGS. Also in such an example, the antenna array 124 of the wireless network 120 may be adaptable (eg, via beamforming) so that the coverage area of the wireless network 120 may be variable. Such variable coverage areas are shown as coverage area 125-1 and coverage area 125-2 in FIGS.

  According to some examples, as shown in FIGS. 1A-C, wireless device 130A can be communicatively coupled to wireless network 110 via communication link 116A. Wireless device 140A can also be communicatively coupled to wireless network 120 via communication link 126A. In some examples, the wireless device 140A may be communicatively coupled to the network 110 via the communication link 116I. As described further below, wireless device 140A can be communicatively coupled to both wireless networks, so that communication channel 160 can be established that includes communication links 116I and 126A. Either the wireless network 110 or the wireless network 120 can communicate with the other wireless network via the communication channel 160 using the wireless device 140A as a repeater. In addition and / or alternatively, the wireless network 110 may be communicatively coupled to the wireless network 120 via a communication channel 170 as shown in FIGS.

  In some examples, the wireless networks 110 and 120 may be wireless base stations that operate in association with disparate wireless networks and / or wireless base stations that are individually associated with disparate wireless networks. The wireless networks 110 and 120 may be said to be disparate based on each wireless network potentially operated by a different network service provider and / or each wireless network operated according to a different type of wireless network technology. In such an example, different network service providers may handoff wireless devices between different wireless networks, but may not be able to share operating characteristics such as current and past coverage areas. One type of wireless network technology is described in an industry standard known as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16-2009 and may also be referred to as “WiMax”. Another type of wireless network technology is described in one or more industry standards related to third generation partnership projects such as GSM, GPRS, EDGE, W-CDMA, HSPA, LTE, or LTE-Advanced. This is sometimes referred to as “3GPP”. Yet another type of wireless network technology is CDMA-2000, EV-DO, EV-DO Rev. A and EV-DO Rev. It is described in one or more industry standards related to 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2, such as B, which may be referred to as “3GPP2”. A WiMax, 3GPP, or 3GPP3 type wireless network may also be referred to as a wireless wide area network (WLAN). However, the present disclosure is not limited to just the above standards and types of wireless networks.

  As described above, the wireless networks 110 and 120 can be coupled via communication channels 160 and / or 170. In some examples, communication channels 160 and 170 can operate in accordance with one or more industry standards. One or more industry standards are related to 3GPP, 3GPP2, IEEE 802.11-2007, or IEEE 802.16-2009, or related to other industry standards such as standards related to IEEE 802.1 . In some examples, communication channels 160 and 170 may include wireless and / or wired communication links that couple wireless networks 110 and 120, such as 3GPP, 3GPP2, IEEE 802.111- It can also be configured to operate in compliance with standards related to 2007, IEEE 802.16-2009, or IEEE 802.1. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above standards only. As an example, the communication channel 170 can be used as a network X1 channel in an LTE wireless communication system. The network X1 channel can be used when disparate wireless networks coordinate or manage communication between base stations between wireless networks.

  In some examples, coverage manager 112 may be co-located with a base station associated with wireless network 110. In other examples, although not shown in FIGS. 1A-C, the coverage manager 112 can be located with a control element (eg, a head end of a wireless communication system) that remotely manages and / or controls the wireless network 110. For such other examples, the coverage manager 112 may be remotely located with respect to the antenna array 114 that provides the coverage area 115 of the wireless network 110. Similarly, the adaptation manager 122 can be co-located with the base station associated with the wireless network 120. In another example, the adaptation manager 122 can also be located with control elements that can remotely manage and / or control the wireless network 120. For such other examples, the adaptation manager 122 may be remotely located relative to the antenna array 124 that provides the coverage areas 125-1 and 125-2 of the wireless network 120.

  In some examples, coverage area 125-1 may indicate the coverage area of network 120 for past periods, and coverage area 125-2 may indicate the coverage area for the current period. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a wireless network having two coverage areas over past and current periods, and can include any number of coverage areas over any number of periods. As described above, the antenna array 124 of the wireless network 120 can be adaptable (eg, via beamforming) so that the wireless network 120 can have a variable coverage area. As a result of the variable coverage area, as shown in FIG. 1A, the wireless device 130A is in the past coverage area 125-1 but outside the current coverage area 125-2. Thus, although the wireless device 130A is not currently covered by the wireless network 120, the past coverage area 125-1 indicates that the network 120 may be able to provide coverage.

  FIG. 1B is a diagram of a wireless communication system 100 illustrating a number of wireless devices communicatively coupled to a wireless network 110. As shown in FIG. 1A, wireless devices 130A-H and 140A may be coupled to wireless network 110 via communication links 116A-I. In some examples, as described further below, coverage manager 112 of wireless network 110 receives coverage information from wireless devices 130A-H and 140A to enable possible coverage of neighboring wireless networks such as wireless network 120. Logic and / or functions configured to generate a coverage map showing the area may be included. Coverage information received from a given wireless device can detect the location of the given wireless device, signals from one or more neighboring wireless networks (eg, communicate to one or more neighboring wireless networks) Information such as signal strength notifications from one or more neighboring wireless networks).

  In some examples, wireless devices 130A and 130H are in coverage area 125-1, as shown in FIG. 1B. As a result of being in coverage area 125-1, coverage information from wireless devices 130A and 130H indicates that network 120 provided coverage to those wireless devices in the past period, and that information was generated as described above. It can be shown on the coverage map. Thus, although coverage area 125-2 currently does not show coverage for wireless devices 130A and 130H, coverage manager 112 can cover wireless device 130A and / or wireless device 130H with wireless network 120 based at least on the coverage map. It can be configured to determine that there is a possibility.

  According to some examples, it may be determined that wireless device 130 and / or wireless network 110 can benefit from handing off wireless device 130 to wireless network 120. For example, the wireless device 130 may obtain a stronger signal from the wireless network 120, or the wireless network 110 may be overloaded or need to reduce the number of wireless devices coupled to its own network. There may be. It is also possible that the wireless device 130 is a mobile wireless device and the coverage map information indicates that the wireless device 130 is moving in the direction of the wireless network 120 and is leaving the wireless network 110.

  The coverage manager 112 of the wireless network 110 may have already determined that the wireless device 130A may be covered by the wireless network 120, as described above. As a result of the wireless network 120 covering the wireless device 130A, the coverage manager 112 may include logic and / or functionality to send a handoff request to the wireless network 120. The handoff request can be transmitted over communication channel 160 or 170, for example. As described further below, the adaptation manager 122 of the wireless network 120 is configured to receive a handoff request and to determine whether to adapt the antenna array 124 to facilitate coverage of the wireless device 130A. And / or functions. If it is determined that the antenna array 124 is compatible, the compatible manager 122 may send a confirmation (eg, via the communication channel 160 or 170) indicating that the handoff request has been accepted. At this point, the coverage area of wireless network 120 may be similar to coverage area 125-1, and wireless device 130A may be handed off from wireless network 110 to wireless network 120.

  FIG. 1C is an illustration of a wireless communication system 100 illustrating a number of wireless devices communicatively coupled to a wireless network 120. As shown in FIG. 1C, wireless devices 140A-I and 130A may be coupled to wireless network 120 via communication links 126A-J. In some examples, as described further below, the adaptation manager 122 of the wireless network 120 has logic configured to receive a handoff request from the wireless network 110 (eg, via the communication channel 160 or 170) and A function can be included. As described above, the handoff request can be made based on the wireless network 110 determining that the wireless device 130A is not currently covered by the wireless network 120, but may be covered by the wireless network 120. . The adaptation manager 122 is a logic and / or function that adapts one or more beams of the antenna array 124 to adjust the coverage area of the wireless network 120 based on at least the handoff request (eg, back to the coverage area 125-1). Can also be included. For example, one or more beams of the antenna array 124 may be directed to the wireless network 120 by using beamforming techniques including, but not limited to, using conventional beamformers or adaptive beamformers. Can be configured to provide sexual signaling.

  In some examples, the adaptation manager 122 can adapt one or more beams of the antenna array 124 based on any criteria. For example, the adaptation manager 122 may include logic and / or functionality configured to pre-determine criteria such as network load on the wireless network 120 when the wireless device 130A is handed off from the wireless network 110. The network load can be based on, for example, an estimate of an average load (eg, based on historical network data) across the wireless device or information included in a handoff request received from the wireless network 110.

  According to some examples, adaptation manager 122 may also include logic and / or functions that determine the impact of adaptation of one or more beams on wireless devices 140A-I. For example, as shown in FIG. 1C, it is assumed that the wireless device 140C is in the coverage area 125-2. However, if one or more beams of antenna array 124 are adapted to adjust the coverage area back to coverage area 125-1, wireless device 140C is outside that coverage area. Because the wireless device 140C may not be covered, the adaptation manager 122 may determine that one or more beams are not adapted. Accordingly, the confirmation notifying the reception is not transmitted to the wireless network 110. Alternatively, if the adaptation manager 122 positions adding the wireless device 130A higher than eliminating the wireless device 140C (eg, the wireless device 130A is a more profitable or preferred user, etc.) A confirmation can be sent to the wireless network 110. The coverage area of the wireless network 120 can then be adjusted to be similar to the coverage area 125-1, after which the wireless device 130A can be handed off from the wireless network 110 to the wireless network 120.

  In some examples, the wireless devices 130A-I and the wireless devices 140A-J are mobile or stationary wireless devices, such as computers, laptops, netbooks, e-books, tablet PCs, small portables (or mobiles). ) Electronic devices (mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal media player devices, wireless web browsing devices, personal headset devices, etc.), special purpose devices, or composite devices including the above functions.

  FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary architecture of coverage manager 112. As described above with respect to the wireless communication system 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C, the wireless network 110 may include a coverage manager 112. In some examples, the coverage manager 112 may be configured with functions and / or logic configured for a first wireless network (eg, wireless network 110) to handoff a wireless device to a second wireless network (eg, wireless network 120). including.

  The exemplary coverage manager 112 of FIG. 2 includes coverage logic 210, control logic 220, memory 230, input / output (I / O) interface 240, and optionally one or more applications 250. As shown in FIG. 2, coverage logic 210 is coupled to control logic 220, memory 230, and I / O interface 240. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2, the optional application 250 is configured in cooperation with the control logic 220. Coverage logic 210 may further include one or more of interval function 212, receive function 214, decision function 216, request function 218, or handoff function 219, or any suitable combination thereof.

  In some examples, the elements shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2 are configured to assist or enable the coverage manager 112 as described in this disclosure. A given coverage manager 112 may include some, all, or more of the elements shown in FIG. For example, the coverage logic 210 and the control logic 220 can represent a wide variety of logic devices that implement the functionality of the coverage manager 112 individually or collectively. Exemplary logic devices include a computer, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a user rewritable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a multi-core / multi-thread microprocessor separated thread or one of the cores. One or more or a combination thereof may be included.

  In some examples, as shown in FIG. 2, coverage logic 210 includes one or more of an interval function 212, a receive function 214, a decision function 216, a request function 218, or a handoff function 219. Coverage logic 210 may be configured to operate using one or more of these functions. As described in further detail below, exemplary operations may include performing a wireless device handoff between a first wireless network and a second wireless network.

  In some examples, the control logic 220 can be configured to control the overall operation of the coverage manager 112. As described above, the control logic 220 can represent various logic devices configured to operate in the context of executable content or instructions for performing control of the coverage manager 112. In some alternatives, the functionality and functionality of control logic 220 can be implemented within coverage logic 210.

  According to some examples, memory 230 is configured to store executable content or instructions. Executable content or instructions may be used by control logic 220 and / or coverage logic 210 to implement or invoke the functions or elements of coverage manager 112. As described further below, the memory 230 can also be configured to at least temporarily hold coverage information (eg, a coverage map). Coverage information may be associated with multiple wireless devices coupled to a wireless network (eg, wireless network 110).

  Memory 230 may be, but is not limited to, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, flash memory, configurable variables or states, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other static or dynamic Various memory media including one or more of the various storage media can be included.

In some examples, the I / O interface 240 interfaces with an internal communication medium or link between the coverage manager 112 and an element that resides in or is co-located with the coverage manager 112. Can be provided. For example, the I / O interface 240 provides an interface to an element located at the same location as the coverage manager 112 at the wireless base station, or if the coverage manager 112 is located remotely from the wireless base station, the remote An interface to an element located at the same location as the head end of the wireless communication system, for example, can be provided. The I / O interface 240 operates according to various communication protocols and communicates through an internal communication link (for example, an inter-integrated circuit (I ² C), a system management bus (SMBus), or a serial peripheral interface bus (SPI)). Interface.

  The I / O interface 240 may also provide an interface between the coverage manager 112 and elements remote from the coverage manager 112. In some examples, the wireless network 110 may be coupled to the wireless network 120 via a communication channel 160 or 170, as described above with respect to FIGS. The I / O interface 240 includes, for example, various wireless and / or wired communication protocols (for example, IEEE 802.1, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, GSM (registered trademark), GPRS, EDGE, W-CDMA, HSPA, Including an interface configured to operate in accordance with LTE, CDMA-2000, EV-DO, etc.) to allow coverage manager 112 to communicate over communication channel 160 or 170. In other examples, if the coverage manager 112 is located remotely from the antenna array 114, eg, at the head end of a wireless communication system, the I / O interface 240 may allow the coverage manager 112 to communicate with elements such as the antenna array 114. Can be made possible.

  In some examples, the coverage manager 112 includes one or more applications 250 that provide instructions to the control logic 220 and / or the coverage logic 210. The instructions can include, for example, instructions that cause the coverage manager 112 to perform or use one or more of the interval function 212, receive function 214, decision function 216, request function 218, or handoff function 219.

  FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an exemplary architecture of the adaptation manager 122. As described above for the wireless communication system 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C, the wireless network 120 may include an adapted manager 122. In some examples, the adaptation manager 122 includes functionality and / or logic configured to handoff wireless devices between wireless networks (eg, wireless networks 110 and 120).

  The example adaptation manager 122 of FIG. 3 includes adaptation logic 310, control logic 320, memory 330, input / output (I / O) interface 340, and optionally one or more applications 350. As shown in FIG. 3, adaptation logic 310 is coupled to control logic 320, memory 330, and I / O interface 340. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, the optional application 350 is configured in cooperation with the control logic 320. Adaptation logic 310 may further include one or more of receive function 312, cost function 314, beam function 316, or handoff function 218, or any suitable combination thereof.

  In some examples, the elements shown in the block diagram of FIG. 3 are configured to assist or enable the adaptation manager 122 as described in this disclosure. A given matching manager 122 may include some, all, or more of the elements shown in FIG. For example, the adaptation logic 310 and the control logic 320 can represent a wide variety of logic devices that implement the functionality of the adaptation manager 122 individually or collectively. Exemplary logic devices include a computer, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a user rewritable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a multithreaded / multithreaded microprocessor separated thread or one of the cores. One or more or a combination thereof may be included.

  In some examples, the adaptation logic 310 includes one or more of a receive function 312, a cost function 314, a beam function 316, or a handoff function 318, as shown in FIG. The adaptation logic 310 can be configured to operate using one or more of these functions. As described in further detail below, exemplary operations may include performing a wireless device handoff between a first wireless network and a second wireless network.

  In some examples, the control logic 320 can be configured to control the overall operation of the adaptation manager 122. Similar to the control logic 220 described above, the control logic 320 can represent various logic devices configured to operate in the context of executable content or instructions for performing the control of the adaptation manager 122. In some alternatives, the functionality and functionality of control logic 320 can be implemented within adaptation logic 310.

  According to some examples, memory 330 is configured to store executable content or instructions. Executable content or instructions may be used by the control logic 320 and / or the adaptation logic 310 to implement or activate the functions or elements of the adaptation manager 122. The memory 330 can also be configured to temporarily hold information (eg, a predetermined network load) related to determining whether to accept a handoff request.

  Memory 330 includes, but is not limited to, one or more of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, flash memory, configurable variables or states, RAM, ROM, or other static or dynamic storage media. Various memory media can be included.

  In some examples, similar to the I / O interface 240 described above, the I / O interface 340 is between the conforming manager 122 and elements residing in or co-located with the conforming manager 122. The interface can be provided via an internal communication medium or link. As with the I / O interface 240, the I / O interface 340 can also provide an interface between the conforming manager 122 and elements remote from the conforming manager 122. In some examples, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C, the wireless network 120 couples to the wireless network 110 via a communication channel 160 or 170 that operates according to various wireless and / or wired communication protocols. Can do. In another example, if the compliant manager 122 is located remotely from the antenna array 114, such as at the head end of a wireless communication system, the I / O interface 340 may allow the compliant manager 122 to communicate with elements such as the antenna array 124. Can be possible.

  In some examples, adaptation manager 122 includes one or more applications 350 that provide instructions to control logic 320 and / or adaptation logic 310. The instructions may include, for example, instructions that cause adaptation manager 122 to perform or use one or more of receive function 312, cost function 314, beam function 316, or handoff function 318.

  FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method implemented in a wireless network (eg, wireless network 110) for handing off a wireless device to another wireless network (eg, wireless network 120). In some examples, a wireless communication system 100 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C is used to describe an exemplary method associated with the flowchart shown in FIG. An exemplary method may also be described using the coverage manager 112 shown in FIG. However, the method described here is not limited to the implementation in the wireless communication system 100 shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and the coverage manager 112 shown in FIG. The example method may be implemented in other wireless communication systems having one or more of the elements shown in FIGS.

  Beginning at block 410 (“Start Coverage Period”), the coverage manager 112 may include logic and / or functions configured to start a coverage period (eg, via the interval function 212). In some examples, the coverage period may instruct the coverage manager 112 of the wireless network 110 to determine whether the wireless device can or should be handed off to another wireless network. It is a possible period. This period does not overload the wireless communication system with excessive overhead, but dynamically adjusts to the changing network environment (eg, mobile / moving wireless device and / or changing network load). It can be based on the amount of time that can provide timely information.

  Proceeding from block 410 to decision block 420 (“Is there a wireless device to handoff?”), The coverage manager 112 determines whether the wireless device needs to be handed over to another wireless network (eg, via the receive function 214). Logic) and / or functions configured to determine. In some examples, the handoff candidate wireless device is a mobile device that is moving away from the coverage area 115 of the wireless network 110 soon (eg, wireless device 130A). In this example, the coverage manager 112 may or may not determine that the wireless device 130A is considered a handoff candidate to be handed off to the wireless network 120. Thus, for this example, if wireless device 130A is a wireless device that can be handed off, processing proceeds from decision block 420 to block 430. Otherwise, processing proceeds to decision block 490.

  Proceeding from decision block 420 to block 430 (“receive coverage information”), the coverage manager 112 receives coverage information associated with a wireless device that may handoff to the wireless network 120 (eg, via the receive function 214). ) May include logic and / or functionality configured to receive. In some examples, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C, the coverage information may include a coverage map that is generated based on information received from wireless devices 130A-130H. Coverage information may also include additional information related to the physical location of wireless device 130A and / or a notification indicating that wireless device 130A has not detected a signal from wireless network 120.

  Proceeding from block 430 to decision block 440 (“coverage is possible?”), The coverage manager 112 determines whether the wireless device 130A has been in a coverage area previously covered by the wireless network 120 (eg, coverage area 125-1). Logic and / or functions configured to determine (eg, via determination function 216) may be included. In some examples, the coverage map can be used to determine the likelihood that the wireless network 120 can cover. If the coverage map indicates that wireless device 130A may be covered by wireless network 120, processing proceeds from decision block 440 to decision block 450. Otherwise, processing proceeds to decision block 490.

  Proceeding from decision block 440 to decision block 450 (“Send handoff request?”), Coverage manager 112 determines whether to send a handoff request to wireless network 120 (eg, via request function 218). It may include configured logic and / or functionality. In some examples, the coverage manager 112 can evaluate various criteria to determine whether a wireless device handoff is cost effective or beneficial to the wireless device 130A and / or the wireless network 110. . The criteria may include an estimated cost for handing off the wireless device 130A to the wireless network 120. For example, the wireless device 130A may not be a contract user with a service provider that operates the wireless network 120, and may be so expensive that handoff cannot be allowed due to high costs (eg, roaming fees). The criteria may also include an estimated signal strength from the wireless network 120 when a handoff request is accepted. The criteria may further include whether the wireless device 130 is a mobile device or a fixed device. For example, if the wireless device 130A is a mobile device and the coverage information indicates that the wireless device 130A is moving in the direction of the wireless network 120, it may be beneficial to request a handoff. If a handoff request is sent to the wireless network 120, processing can proceed from decision block 450 to block 460. Otherwise, processing proceeds to decision block 490.

  Proceeding from decision block 450 to block 460 (“send handoff request”), the coverage manager 112 may include logic configured to send a handoff request to the wireless network 120 (eg, via the request function 218) and / or Functions can be included. In some examples, the handoff request is transmitted over communication channel 160, which can include using wireless device 140A as a repeater. In other examples, the handoff request can be sent over communication channel 170. The handoff request may also include a location or other information that allows the wireless network 120 to determine how to fit one or more beams of the antenna array 124 to cover the wireless device 130A. it can.

  Proceeding from decision block 460 to decision block 470 (“Confirmation received?”), Coverage manager 112 is configured to determine whether a confirmation has been received from wireless network 120 (eg, via receive function 218). Logic and / or functions can be included. In some examples, the received confirmation informs coverage manager 112 that a handoff request for wireless device 130A handoff to wireless network 120 has been accepted. The confirmation can also inform that the wireless network 120 has adapted its coverage area to cover the location of the wireless device 130A. Coverage manager 112 may also include logic and / or functions configured to initiate a confirmation period (eg, via interval function 212) that sets a period of time to wait for confirmation. If a confirmation is received from wireless network 120 before the confirmation period expires, processing proceeds from decision block 470 to block 480. Otherwise, if the confirmation period has expired and no confirmation has been received, processing proceeds to decision block 490.

  Proceeding from decision block 470 to block 480 (“handoff wireless device”), the coverage manager 112 includes logic configured to handoff the wireless device 130A to the wireless network 120 (eg, via the handoff function 219) and / or Or it can include functionality. In some examples, the coverage manager 112 can be configured to perform handoffs according to the protocols / procedures described in the operational arrangements between the operators of the wireless networks 110 and 120. In addition, handoff can be performed according to various industry standards (for example, IEEE 802.16, GSM (registered trademark), GPRS, EDGE, W-CDMA, HSPA, LTE, CDMA-2000, EV-DO, etc.).

  Proceeding from decision block 480 to decision block 490 (“Coverage period is finished?”), Coverage manager 112 may be configured to determine whether the coverage period has expired (eg, via interval function 212) and / or Or it can include functionality. In some examples, as described above, the coverage period causes the coverage manager 112 of the wireless network 110 to determine whether the wireless device can or should be handed off to another wireless network. It is a period that can be instructed. If the coverage period has expired, processing continues at block 410 where a new period begins or begins. Otherwise, if the coverage period has not yet expired, the process proceeds to decision block 420 where other wireless devices coupled to the wireless network 110 can be considered for handoff.

  FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method that may be performed in a wireless network (eg, wireless network 120) to handoff a wireless device between another wireless network (eg, wireless network 110) and the wireless network. In some examples, a wireless communication system 100 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C is used to describe an exemplary method associated with the flowchart shown in FIG. An exemplary method may also be described using an adaptation manager 122 as shown in FIG. However, the method described here is not limited to the implementation in the wireless communication system 100 shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C or the adaptation manager 122 shown in FIG. The example method may be implemented in other wireless communication systems having one or more of the elements shown in FIGS. 1A-1C or FIG.

  Proceeding from start to block 510 (“receive handoff request”), the adaptation manager 122 of the wireless network 120 and logic configured to receive a handoff request from the wireless network 110 (eg, via the receive function 312) and A function can be included. In some examples, the handoff request may be covered by the wireless network 120 (eg, coverage area 125-1), although the wireless device 130A is not currently covered by the wireless network 120 (eg, coverage area 125-2). This can be done based on what the wireless network 110 has determined. As described above, the handoff request can be received via communication channel 160 or 170.

  Proceeding from block 510 to decision block 520 (“fit coverage area?”), The adaptation manager 122 is configured to determine whether the coverage area of the wireless network 120 is matched (eg, via the cost function 214). Logic and / or functions may be included. In some examples, the adaptation manager 122 can evaluate the cost associated with handing off the wireless device 130A to the wireless network 120 and make a determination based on the cost. Such costs can be based on criteria including a predetermined network load on the wireless network 120 when handing off the wireless device 130A. Costs may also be based on the impact of adapting the coverage area on other wireless devices (eg, wireless devices 140A-I) coupled to wireless network 120. If the matching manager 122 determines that the coverage area is compatible, processing proceeds from decision block 520 to block 530. Otherwise, the process ends.

  Proceeding from decision block 520 to block 530 (“fit one or more beams”), the adaptation manager 122 is generated by the antenna array 124 to facilitate coverage of the wireless device 130A by the wireless network 120. Logic and / or functions configured to adapt one or more beams (eg, via beam function 216) may be included. In some examples, the combination of beams generated by the antenna array 124 can be a directional beam. In those examples, the adaptation manager 122 changes the coverage area of the wireless network 120 (eg, similar to the coverage area 125-1) so that the wireless device 130A can be covered by the wireless network 120. At least one of can be adapted.

  Proceeding from block 530 to block 540 ("send confirmation"), the adaptation manager 122 sends a confirmation (e.g., via the beam function 216) informing the acceptance of the handoff request received from the wireless network 110 for the wireless device 130A. Logic and / or functions configured as described above. In some examples, a confirmation can be sent over communication channel 160 or 170 to indicate that a handoff request has been accepted. The confirmation can also inform that the coverage area of the wireless network 120 has been adapted to cover the wireless device 130A.

  Proceeding from block 540 to block 550 (“handoff wireless device”), the adaptation manager 122 may include logic configured to handoff the wireless device 130A from the wireless network 110 (eg, via the handoff function 318) and / or Functions can be included. In some examples, the adaptation manager 122 may be configured to perform a handoff according to the protocols / procedures described in the operational arrangements between the operators of the wireless networks 110 and 120. In addition, handoff can be performed in accordance with various industry standards. Thereafter, the process proceeds from block 550 and ends.

  FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an exemplary computer program product 600. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 6, the computer program product 600 includes a signal retention medium 620 that is a first wireless network (eg, wireless network 110) that is a wireless device (eg, wireless device 130A). ) May also include instructions 604 for handing off to a second wireless network (eg, wireless network 120). The instructions 604, when executed by logic (eg, coverage logic 210), can cause the logic to receive coverage information associated with the wireless device. Instruction 604 may also cause logic to determine whether the wireless device is likely to be covered by the second wireless network based at least in part on the coverage information. Instruction 604 may also cause the logic to transmit a handoff request to the second wireless network based at least in part on determining that the wireless device may be covered by the second wireless network.

  As also illustrated in FIG. 6, in some examples, the computer product 600 may include one or more of a computer readable medium 606, a recordable medium 608, and a communication medium 610. Dotted lines surrounding these elements indicate, but are not limited to, different types of media included in the signal bearing medium 620. These various media can distribute instructions 604 that are executed in logic (eg, coverage logic 210). Computer readable media 606 and recordable media 608 may include, but are not limited to, flexible disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), compact disks (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), digital tapes, computer memory, and the like. it can. Communication media 610 can include, but is not limited to, digital and / or analog communication media (eg, fiber optic cables, waveguides, wired communication links, wireless communication links, etc.).

  FIG. 7 shows an exemplary computing device 700. In some examples, the coverage manager 112 or the adaptation manager 122 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, 2, or 3 may be implemented on the computing device 700. In those examples, the elements of computing device 700 may be configured to handoff a wireless device between a first wireless network and a second wireless network. In a very basic configuration 701, the computing device 700 typically includes one or more processors 710 and system memory 720. The memory bus 730 can be used for communication between the processor 710 and the system memory 720.

  Depending on the desired configuration, processor 710 can be of any type including, but not limited to, a microprocessor (μP), a microcontroller (μC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination thereof. . The processor 710 may include one or more levels of cache functions, such as a level 1 cache 711 and a level 2 cache 712, a processor core 713, and a register 714. The processor core 713 can include an arithmetic processing unit (ALU), a floating point processing unit (FPU), a digital signal processing core (DSP core), or a combination thereof. A memory controller 715 can also be used within the processor 710 or, depending on the implementation, the memory controller 715 can be part of the interior of the processor 710.

  Depending on the desired configuration, system memory 720 may be of any type including, but not limited to, volatile memory (such as RAM), non-volatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or combinations thereof. it can. System memory 720 typically includes an operating system 721, one or more applications 722, and program data 724. The application 722 includes the operations described in connection with the architecture of the coverage manager 112 shown in FIG. 2, the architecture of the adaptation manager 122 shown in FIG. 3, or the operations described in connection with the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Instructions 723 configured to perform the functions described herein. Program data 724 includes handoff data 725 useful for implementing instructions 723 (eg, determining whether to perform a handoff, handoff coordination or execution between wireless networks). In some examples, application 722 operates with operating system 721 using program data 724 to perform wireless device handoff implementations between a first wireless network and a second wireless network, as described herein. Can be provided as is. The desired basic configuration is indicated by the components within the dotted line 701 in FIG.

  The computing device 700 may have additional functionality or functionality that facilitates communication between the base configuration 701 and the required equipment and interfaces, and additional interfaces. For example, the bus / interface controller 740 can be used to facilitate communication between the base configuration 701 and one or more data storage devices 750 via the storage interface bus 741. The data storage device 750 can be a removable storage device 751, a non-removable storage device 752, or a combination thereof. Examples of removable storage and non-removable storage devices include, for example, magnetic disk devices such as flexible disk drives and hard disk drives (HDD), compact disk (CD) drives, and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives. Optical disk drives, solid state drives (SSD), and tape drives. Examples of computer storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technique for storing information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Can be included.

  System memory 720, removable storage 751, and non-removable storage 752 are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), or other optical storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, Includes magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information (eg, coverage map) and that is accessible by computing device 700. Such computer storage media can form part of device 700.

  The computing device 700 may also include an interface bus 742 that facilitates communication with the basic configuration 701 via the bus / interface controller 740 from various interface devices (eg, output interfaces, peripheral interfaces, and communication interfaces). Examples of the output interface 760 can include a graphics processing unit 761 and an audio processing unit 762 that communicate with various external devices such as a display and speakers via one or more A / V ports 763. Can be configured. Examples of the peripheral interface 760 include a serial interface controller 771 or a parallel interface controller 772, which are input devices (eg, keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch, etc.) via one or more I / O ports 773. It can be configured to communicate with an external device such as an input device) or other peripheral device (e.g., printer, scanner, etc.). An example communication interface 780 includes a network controller 781 that is configured to facilitate communication with one or more other computing devices 790 through network communication via one or more communication ports 782. can do. A network communication connection is an example of a communication medium. Communication media typically may be implemented with computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. A “modulated data signal” can be a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media can include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), and other wireless media. The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein can include both storage media and communication media.

  The computing device 700 can be implemented as part of a personal computer, including both laptop and non-laptop computer configurations, or can be implemented in a workstation or server configuration. In some examples, computing device 700 may be included in or associated with a base station of a wireless network (eg, wireless network 110 or 120). In other examples, the computing device 700 may be part of a wireless communication system headend capable of controlling or managing a wireless network.

  References to the terms “responsive to” or “in response to” made in this disclosure are not limited to responses to a particular function and / or structure. A function may be responsive to another function and / or structure and may be located within that function and / or structure. In addition, terms or expressions such as “coupled” or “responsible”, “in response to”, or “in communication with” are present. The terms should be interpreted broadly when used in the specification or the claims below. For example, the expression “coupled to” can mean communicatively, electrically, and / or operatively coupled, depending on the context in which the expression is used.

  Devices and / or processes are described in the manner described herein, and then devices (eg, transmitters, receivers, wireless devices, computing platforms, computing devices, etc.) and / or methods described as such Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common in the art to use engineering schemes to integrate data into data processing systems. That is, at least some of the devices and / or methods described herein can be integrated into a data processing system with a reasonable number of experiments. Conventional data processing systems generally include system unit housings, video display devices, memories such as volatile and non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors and digital signal processors, computing entities such as operating systems, drivers, graphical user interfaces , And one or more of the application programs, one or more interactive devices such as a touchpad or screen, and / or a control system including a feedback loop and a control motor (eg, position sensing and / or speed sensing) Those skilled in the art will understand that it includes control motors for feedback, component movement and / or quantity adjustment).A typical data processing system may be implemented utilizing suitable commercially available components, such as those typically found in data computing / communication systems and / or network computing / communication systems.

  The subject matter described herein often illustrates various components or elements, which are encompassed by or otherwise various other components or elements. Connected to. It will be appreciated that the architecture so illustrated is merely an example, and in practice many other architectures that implement the same functionality can be implemented. In a conceptual sense, any configuration of components that achieve the same function is effectively “associated” to achieve the desired function. Thus, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular function are “associated” with each other so that the desired function is achieved, regardless of architecture or intermediate components. You can see that. Similarly, any two components so associated may be considered “operably connected” or “operably coupled” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and as such Any two components that can be associated with can also be considered "operably coupled" to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Examples where it can be operatively coupled include physically interlockable and / or physically interacting components, and / or wirelessly interacting and / or wirelessly interacting components, And / or components that interact logically and / or logically interact with each other.

  For the use of substantially all plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art will recognize from the plural to the singular and / or singular as appropriate to the situation and / or application. You can convert from shape to plural. Various singular / plural permutations can be clearly described herein for ease of understanding.

  In general, the terms used herein, particularly in the appended claims (eg, the body of the appended claims), are intended throughout as “open” terms. Will be understood by those skilled in the art (eg, the term “including” should be construed as “including but not limited to” and the term “having”). Should be interpreted as “having at least,” and the term “includes” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”. ,Such). Where a specific number of statements is intended in the claims to be introduced, such intentions will be explicitly stated in the claims, and in the absence of such statements, such intentions It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that is not present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims use the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to guide the claims. May include that. However, the use of such phrases may be used even if the same claim contains indefinite articles such as the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and “a” or “an”. The introduction of a claim statement by the indefinite article “a” or “an” shall include any particular claim, including the claim statement so introduced, to an invention containing only one such statement. Should not be construed as suggesting limiting (eg, “a” and / or “an” are to be interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more”). It should be). The same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Further, even if a specific number is explicitly stated in the description of the claim to be introduced, such a description should normally be interpreted to mean at least the stated number, As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art (for example, the mere description of “two descriptions” without other modifiers usually means at least two descriptions, or two or more descriptions). Further, in cases where a conventional expression similar to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, such syntax usually means that one skilled in the art would understand the conventional expression. Contemplated (eg, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” includes A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together And / or systems having both A, B, and C together, etc.). In cases where a customary expression similar to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, such syntax is usually intended in the sense that one skilled in the art would understand the customary expression. (Eg, “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” includes A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, And / or systems having both A, B, and C together, etc.). Any disjunctive word and / or phrase that presents two or more alternative terms may be either one of the terms, anywhere in the specification, claims, or drawings. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that it should be understood that the possibility of including either of the terms (both terms), or both of them. For example, it will be understood that the phrase “A or B” includes the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

  While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. The true scope and spirit of the invention is indicated by the following claims.

Claims (17)

The Mobile wireless devices, in order to handoff to the second wireless network is configured to generate one or more adaptable beams to modify the coverage area, the coverage manager of the first wireless network A method to be implemented ,
Receiving coverage information associated with the wireless device, the coverage information including a physical location of the wireless device;
Determining whether the wireless device can be covered by the second wireless network based at least in part on the received coverage information, wherein the wireless device is currently covered by the second wireless network. Determining, including determining not to be,
Wherein the at least partially based on the wireless device is determined to be covered by the second wireless network, see containing and transmitting a handoff request to the second wireless network,
The coverage information, wherein the physical position including the second the wireless device the wireless network previously had coverage method.   The coverage information of claim 1, further comprising an indication that the wireless device has not detected a signal from the second wireless network, or an indication of signal strength from the second wireless network. Method.   The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the wireless device can be covered by the second wireless network includes accessing a coverage map indicating that the second wireless network can cover the wireless device. the method of. Receiving additional coverage information from one or more additional wireless devices, the additional coverage information comprising a physical location associated with each of the one or more additional wireless devices; Receiving, each of said one or more additional wireless devices including an indication of whether or not it is detecting said second wireless network;
The method of claim 3, further comprising generating the coverage map based on the additional coverage information.   Receiving a confirmation from the second wireless network that the handoff request has been accepted by the second wireless network, and based at least in part on the received confirmation, the wireless device includes: The method of claim 1, further comprising being handed off to a second wireless network.   Sending the handoff request is an estimated cost for handing off the wireless device to the second wireless network if the handoff request is accepted, or the second wireless network at the location of the wireless device. The method of claim 1, comprising transmitting the handoff request based at least in part on at least one of the estimated signal strengths from.   The transmitting the handoff request comprises transmitting the handoff request via a wireless or wired communication link that communicatively couples the first wireless network with the second wireless network. The method described in 1. Executed by a wireless communication system to generate a coverage map indicating possible coverage areas for a wireless network configured to generate one or more adaptable beams for changing the coverage area A method,
Receiving coverage information from a wireless device, the coverage information including a physical location of the wireless device and an indication of whether the wireless device has detected one or more wireless networks. When,
Generating the coverage map based on the received coverage information, the coverage map indicating whether the one or more wireless networks can cover the physical location of the wireless device; including, and only contains that generate,
The coverage information, the one or more wireless networks previously had coverage is not currently have coverage, including the physical location of the wireless device, the method. Generating the coverage map includes
Receiving additional coverage information from one or more additional wireless devices, the additional coverage information comprising a physical location associated with each of the one or more additional wireless devices; Receiving, each of the one or more additional wireless devices including an indication of whether the one or more wireless networks are detected;
9. The method of claim 8 , comprising aggregating the additional coverage information and updating the coverage map. The coverage information further includes an indication of the signal strength from the indication that the wireless device does not detect the signal from the one or more wireless networks or the one or more wireless networks, claim 9. The method according to 8 . An apparatus for a first wireless network for handing off a mobile wireless device to a second wireless network configured to generate one or more adaptable beams for changing a coverage area ,
Including a coverage manager that includes logic,
Receiving coverage information associated with the wireless device and including a physical location of the wireless device;
Determining whether the wireless device can be covered by the second wireless network based at least in part on the coverage information; and further, the wireless device is not currently covered by the second wireless network, Determining that it can be covered by the second wireless network;
Configured to transmit a handoff request to the second wireless network based at least in part on determining that the wireless device can be covered by the second wireless network ;
The coverage information includes the physical location of the wireless device that the second wireless network previously had coverage for . The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the logic is further configured to access a coverage map indicating that the second wireless network can cover the wireless device. The coverage information further includes an indication of the signal strength of the instruction, or from the second wireless network to the wireless device does not detect a signal from the second wireless network, according to claim 11 apparatus. The logic further includes
From one or more additional wireless devices, a physical location associated with each of the one or more additional wireless devices, and each of the one or more additional wireless devices is the second Receive additional coverage information, including an indication of whether or not the wireless network is detected,
The apparatus of claim 11 , configured to generate the coverage map based on the additional coverage information. An apparatus for generating a coverage map for indicating possible coverage areas for a wireless network configured to generate one or more adaptable beams for changing coverage areas, comprising :
Including a coverage manager that includes logic,
Receiving coverage information from a wireless device including a physical location of the wireless device and an indication of whether the wireless device is detecting one or more wireless networks;
Configured to generate the coverage map based on the received coverage information;
The coverage map indicates whether the one or more wireless networks that can cover the physical location of the wireless device,
The coverage information includes the physical location of the wireless device where the one or more wireless networks previously had coverage but no current coverage . The logic further includes
From one or more additional wireless devices, a physical location associated with each of the one or more additional wireless devices, and each of the one or more additional wireless devices is the one or more Receive additional coverage information, including an indication of whether or not multiple wireless networks are detected,
The apparatus of claim 15 , configured to aggregate the additional coverage information and update the coverage map. The coverage information further includes an indication of the signal strength from the indication that the wireless device does not detect the signal from the one or more wireless networks or the one or more wireless networks, claim 15. The apparatus according to 15 .

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