RU2467511C2 - Classifying access points using pilot identifiers - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics, communications.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to wireless communication. Access points can be assigned pilot identifiers from a group indicating a type or classification related to the access points. Identifiers can be grouped into macrocell and/or femtocell groups or ranges such that mobile devices can efficiently determine, whether the access point provides macrocell or femtocell coverage based on a range from which its pilot identifier is selected or assigned. The pilot identifiers can also be used to indicate restricted association information regarding the access points.

EFFECT: enabling reselection of an optimum cell by grouping pilot identifiers in order to indicate information on the type and/or classification regarding one or more access points.

50 cl, 12 dwg

Description

Cross reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the priority of provisional patent application US No. 60/988631, referred to as "APPARATUS AND METHOD TO FACILITATE IDLE STATE HANDOFF IN SYSTEMS WITH RESTRICTED ASSOCIATION", which was filed November 16, 2007, provisional application for US patent No. 60/988641 , referred to as “APPARATUS AND METHOD TO FACILITATE MANAGEMENT AND ADVERTISMS OF”, US Pat. WITH RESTRICTED ASSOCIATION, which was filed November 16, 2007, and provisional patent application US No. 61/025093, referred to as "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SIGNALING RESTRICTED ASSOCIATION ", which was filed January 31, 2008. All of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] In addition, this application relates to co-pending US patent applications: "UTILIZING RESTRICTION CODES IN WIRELESS ACCESS POINT CONNECTION ATTEMPTS" Gavin Horn and others with attorney registry number 072324U1, "FAVORING ACCESS POINTS IN WIRELESS COMMUNIC COMMINIC GERMANESS COMMUNIC and others, having the number in the register of the attorney 072324U2, "UTILIZING BROADCAST SIGNALS TO CONVEY RESTRICTED ASSOCIATION INFORMATION" Gavin Horn and others, having the number in the register of the attorney 072324U3, and "SECTOR IDENTIFICATION USING SECTOR PARAMETERS GAVINURES SIGNATURES SIGNATURES GIGNURES Attorney 072324U5, which are submitted simultaneously with this application, are transferred to the copyright holder and are explicitly included here by reference.

Technical field

[0003] The following description generally relates to wireless communications and, more specifically, to the use of pilot identifiers to identify types of access points.

State of the art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely used to provide various types of communication content, such as, for example, voice, data, etc. Standard wireless communication systems can be multiple access systems capable of communicating with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., baseband, transmit power ...). Examples of such multiple access systems may include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access systems (OFDMA) and the like. Additionally, these systems can meet specifications such as third-generation partnership project (3GPP), 3GPP long-term development project (LTE), ultra-wideband mobile transmission (UMB), etc.

[0005] In general, multiple access wireless communication systems can simultaneously support communication for multiple mobile devices. Each mobile device can communicate with one or more base stations using transmissions on the forward and reverse links. A forward link (or downlink) refers to a communication link from base stations to mobile devices, and a reverse link (or uplink) refers to a communication link from mobile devices to base stations. Additionally, communication between mobile devices and base stations can be established using a system with a single input and a single output (SISO), a system with multiple inputs and a single output (MISO), a system with multiple inputs and multiple outputs (MIMO), etc. . In addition, mobile devices can communicate with other mobile devices (and / or base stations with other base stations) in peer-to-peer network configurations.

[0006] MIMO systems typically use multiple (N _T ) transmit antennas and multiple (N _R ) receive antennas for data transmission. In one example, antennas can apply to both base stations and mobile devices, allowing bidirectional communication between devices in a wireless network. When mobile devices move around service areas, the cells used for communication through these devices can be re-selected between one or more access points (for example, macrocells, femtocells, etc.). For example, there may be a case where an available access point or its serving cell may offer a better signal or service than the current access point. Mobile devices can measure parameters related to one or more cells, such as signal quality, service level, etc., and rank cells as desired, which can be based on one or more parameters. In one example, an available access point may refer to a home access point for a given mobile device offering the desired billing, coverage, service options, etc. Accordingly, the cells used for communication can be re-selected in search of a more desirable access point when they are within the specified range.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The following is a simplified summary of the invention of one or more embodiments to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all considered embodiments, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor to delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. The sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0008] In accordance with one or more embodiments and their corresponding disclosure, various aspects are described with respect to facilitating identification of access point types and / or related groups using pilot signals transmitted by access points. For example, the pilot signals may comprise pilot identifiers (pilot identifiers) used to identify access points in wireless networks. The pilot identifier space may be divided to indicate one or more types or classifications related to access points, and access points may select pilot identifiers from the corresponding group to indicate the type and / or classification. In one example, macrocells may select pilot identifiers from a different group or range than femtocells; furthermore, limited association femtocells may select pilot identifiers from a different group or range than those that do not implement limited association. Mobile devices can efficiently identify a type based at least in part on pilot identifiers. It should be appreciated that the pilot identifier space can be divided based on power, location, frequency used, transmission frequency, network plan, service provider, owner of the access point and / or essentially any parameters related to the classification of access points.

[0009] According to related aspects, a method is provided for determining cell information for reselecting a cell in a wireless communication network. The method may include receiving the broadcast of the pilot signal from the access point and determining the pilot identifier contained in the pilot signal. The method may further include determining the type of access point based at least in part on the range of the identifier into which the pilot identifier falls.

[0010] Another aspect relates to a wireless communication device. A wireless communications device may include at least one processor configured to receive a pilot transmitted from an access point and to obtain a pilot identifier contained in a pilot that uniquely identifies an access point. The processor is further configured to detect the type of access point based, at least in part, on the association of the pilot identifier with the range of identifiers. The wireless communication device also comprises a memory coupled to at least one processor.

[0011] Another aspect relates to a wireless communication device that facilitates determining information related to an access point in a wireless network. The wireless communication device may include means for receiving a pilot signal from the access point and means for receiving a pilot identifier contained in the pilot signal. The wireless communication device may further include means for determining the type of access point based at least in part on the pilot identifier.

[0012] Another aspect relates to a computer program product, which may have a computer readable medium including code in order to force at least one computer to receive pilot broadcasts from an access point. The computer-readable medium may also contain code in order to force at least one computer to determine the pilot identifier contained in the pilot signal. In addition, the computer-readable medium may comprise code in order to force at least one computer to determine the type of access point based at least in part on the range of the identifier into which the pilot identifier falls.

[0013] In addition, an additional aspect relates to a device. The device may include a cell reselection unit that receives a plurality of pilot broadcasts from a plurality of access points, and a pilot identifier receiving unit that obtains a pilot identifier contained in at least one of the plurality of pilot signals, an identifier identifies at least one of a plurality of access points. The device may further include an access point type determining unit that detects a type of at least one of the plurality of access points based at least in part on the pilot identifier.

[0014] According to further related aspects, a method is provided for selecting pilot identifiers for access points in a wireless communication network. The method includes determining the type of access point for transmitting data in a wireless communication network and determining a range of pilot identifiers related to the type of access point. The method may further include selecting a pilot identifier from a range of pilot identifiers for subsequent transmission in a pilot in a wireless communication network to identify an access point.

[0015] Another aspect relates to a wireless communication device. A wireless communication device may include at least one processor configured to detect an access point type for transmitting data in a wireless communication network and determine a range of pilot identifiers related to the type of access point. The processor is further configured to select a pilot identifier from a range of pilot identifiers for subsequent transmission in a pilot signal in a wireless communication network to identify an access point. The wireless communication device also comprises a memory coupled to at least one processor.

[0016] Another aspect relates to a wireless communications apparatus that facilitates displaying access point information in wireless communications. A wireless communication device may include means for receiving an access point type for transmitting data in a wireless communication network and means for determining a range of pilot identifiers related to the type of access point. The wireless communication device may further include means for selecting a pilot identifier from a range of pilot identifiers for subsequent transmission in a pilot signal in a wireless communication network.

[0017] Another aspect relates to a computer program product, which may have a computer readable medium including code in order to force at least one computer to determine the type of access point for transmitting data in a wireless communication network. Computer-readable media may also contain code to force at least one computer to determine the range of pilot identifiers related to the type of access point. In addition, the computer-readable medium may comprise a code for causing at least one computer to select a pilot identifier from a range of pilot identifiers for subsequent transmission in a pilot signal in a wireless network to identify an access point.

[0018] In addition, an additional aspect relates to a device. The device may include an access point type setting unit that determines the type of access point for transmitting data in a wireless communication network. The device may further include a pilot identifier selection unit that determines a range of pilot identifiers related to the type of access point, and selects a pilot identifier from this range of pilot identifiers for subsequent transmission in a pilot signal in a wireless communication network.

[0019] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related objects, one or more embodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of one or more embodiments. However, these aspects indicate several of the various ways in which the principles of various embodiments may be used, and the described embodiments are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a wireless communication system in accordance with various aspects set forth herein.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a wireless communication network that facilitates cell reselection.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example communication device for use in a wireless communication environment.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example wireless communication system that performs determination of types and / or classifications of an access point using pilot identifiers.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example methodology that facilitates performing cell reselection in wireless networks.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example methodology that facilitates determining the type of access point based on an associated pilot identifier.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example methodology that facilitates determining the type of access point using a selected pilot identifier.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example mobile device that facilitates determining the type of access point using received pilot identifiers.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example system that selects a pilot identifier indicating an access point type.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example wireless network environment that can be used in connection with various systems and methods described herein.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an example system that determines an access point type based on a specific pilot identifier.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an example system that selects a pilot identifier to indicate an access point type.

Detailed description

[0032] Various embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numbers are used to refer to like elements throughout the description. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. However, it may be obvious that such an implementation option (s) may be implemented without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more embodiments.

[0033] As used in this application, the terms “component”, “module”, “system”, and the like. are intended to refer to a computer-related object or hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable component, a control thread, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and a computing device can be a component. One or more components may reside within the process and / or control flow, and the component may be located on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer-readable media having various data structures stored on them. Components can communicate through local and / or remote processes, for example, in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (for example, data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and / or through a network, such as Internet, with other systems via signal).

[0034] Further, various embodiments are described herein in connection with a mobile device. A mobile device may also be called a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile unit, remote station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, terminal, wireless device, user agent, user device, or user equipment (UE). The mobile device may be a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) telephone, a WLAN station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable device having wireless connectivity, a computing device or other processing device connected to wireless modem. In addition, various embodiments are described herein with reference to a base station. A base station may be used to communicate with mobile device (s) and may also be called an access point, Node B, Advanced Node B (eNode B or eNB), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), or some other terminology.

[0035] In addition, various aspects or features described herein may be implemented as a method, device, or product of manufacture using standard programming and / or design techniques. The term “article of manufacture”, as used herein, is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, magnetic disk storage device (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic stripe, etc.), optical disk storage device (e.g., compact disc (CD) , universal digital disk (DVD), etc.), smart cards and flash memory devices (for example, EPROM, card, stick, key carrier, etc.). Additionally, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term “machine-readable medium” may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing and / or transferring command (s) and / or data.

[0036] The techniques described herein can be used for various wireless communication systems, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA) orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), single-carrier frequency diversity multiple access (SC-FDMA) and other systems. The terms “system” and “network” are often used interchangeably. A CDMA system may implement a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access System (UTRA), CDMA2000, etc. UTRA includes Broadband-CDMA (W-CDMA) and other CDMA options. CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. A TDMA system may implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA system can implement radio technology such as Advanced UTRA (E-UTRA), Ultra Broadband for Mobile Devices (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash OFDM, etc. . UTRA and E-UTRA are part of the Universal Mobile Communications System (UMTS). 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) Project is an upcoming release that uses E-UTRA, which uses OFDMA on the downlink and SC-FDMA on the uplink. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, and GSM are described in documents from an organization called the “Third Generation Partnership Project” (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named "Third Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2).

[0037] Now referring to FIG. 1, a wireless communication system 100 is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments presented herein. System 100 comprises a base station 102, which may include groups of multiple antennas. For example, one antenna group may include antennas 104 and 106, another group may comprise antennas 108 and 110, and an additional group may include antennas 112 and 114. Two antennas are illustrated for each antenna group; however, more or fewer antennas can be used for each group. Base station 102 may further include a transmitter circuit and a receiver circuit, each of which may, in turn, comprise a plurality of components associated with signal transmission and reception (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, antennas, etc. D.), as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

[0038] The base station 102 may communicate with one or more mobile devices, such as mobile device 116 and mobile device 126; however, it should be appreciated that the base station 102 can communicate with essentially any number of mobile devices similar to mobile devices 116 and 126. For example, mobile devices 116 and 126 can be cell phones, smartphones, laptops, portable communication devices, portable computing devices, satellite radio devices, global positioning systems, digital assistants PDA and / or any other suitable device for transmitting data in the wireless communication system 100. As shown, mobile device 116 is in communication with antennas 112 and 114, where antennas 112 and 114 transmit information to mobile device 116 on a forward link 118 and receive information from mobile device 116 on a reverse link 120. In a frequency duplex system Separation (FDD) forward link 118 may use a different frequency range than, for example, that used by reverse link 120. Additionally, in a time division duplex (TDD) system, forward link 118 and reverse link link 120 can utilize a common frequency.

[0039] Each group of antennas and / or the area in which they are assigned to transmit data can be called a sector or cell of the base station 102. For example, antenna groups can be designed to transmit data to mobile devices in the sector of areas covered by the base station 102. When transmitting data on the forward link 118, the transmitting antennas of the base station 102 may use beamforming to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the forward link 118 for the mobile device 116. In addition, at that time as base station 102 uses beamforming to transmit to a mobile device 116 located randomly through an associated coverage area, mobile devices in neighboring cells may be less interference than a base station transmitting through a single antenna to all of its mobile devices. In addition, mobile devices 116 and 126 can directly communicate with each other using peer-to-peer or ad hoc (for a specific case) technology.

[0040] In addition, the base station 102 may communicate with a network 122, which may be one or more networks including a wireless services access network (eg, a 3D network) over a reverse link connection. Network 122 may store information regarding access parameters related to mobile devices 116 and 126 and other wireless access network parameters to provide services to devices 116 126. In addition, a femto cell 124 may be provided to facilitate communication with mobile device 126 over a forward link 128 and reverse link 130 (similar to forward link 118 and reverse link 120, as described above). Femtocell 124 may provide access to one or more mobile devices 126 as base station 102, but on a smaller scale. In one example, the femtocell 124 may be configured in an apartment, in an enterprise, and / or in another environment of a close range (e.g., a leisure park, stadium, multi-apartment complex, etc.). In one example, the femtocell 124 may be connected to the network 122 using a reverse link that can pass through a broadband Internet connection (T1 / T3, digital subscriber line (DSL), cable, etc.). The network 122 may similarly provide access information for the mobile device 126. In addition, the base station 102 and / or the femtocell may be a fixed access point or a mobile access point (for example, in a vehicle such as a train, bus, plane, car, etc. d.).

[0041] According to an example, mobile devices 116 and 126 can move around service areas by reselecting cells among unequal base stations and / or femtocells while traveling. In this regard, mobile devices 116 and 126 can implement continuous wireless service “smooth” for users of mobile devices 116 and 126. In one example (not shown), mobile device 126 can be connected to base station 102, similar to mobile device 116, and can move to the indicated range of the femtocell 124. In this regard, the mobile device 126 may re-select one or more cells related to the femtocell 124 to receive the more desired wireless service access. In one example, the femtocell 124 may be a home access point for a mobile device 126 offering more desirable billing and / or other access options. In another example, the femtocell 124 may be associated with business or venue offer options or with data specifically tailored to the respective business or venue. Thus, the mobile device 126 can re-select one or more cells related to the femtocell 124 in standby and / or connection mode to accept such specially adapted options. In addition, when the mobile device 126 moves toward the base station 102, it can reselect a cell related thereto for a variety of reasons (for example, to reduce interference in the femtocell 124, to receive a more optimal signal or improved throughput, etc. .).

[0042] When traveling around a service area, mobile devices 116 and / or 126 can continuously measure available base stations (such as base station 102), femtocells (such as femtocell 124) and / or other access points to determine when to reselect the cell will be advantageous for mobile devices 116 and / or 126. The measurement may include, for example, an estimate of signal quality, throughput, available services, a wireless access provider related to an access point, and / or the like. Based on one or more measurements, mobile devices 116 and / or 126 may rank access points for reselection. After determining the ranking, mobile devices 116 and / or 126 may attempt to reselect a cell for the highest ranking access point. In addition, mobile devices 116 and / or 126 may maintain a list of available access points and / or groups of available access points. Available access points may relate, for example, to limited access access points in which mobile devices 116 and / or 126 are authorized to access and / or for which access is preferred or otherwise favorable at other access points.

[0043] In one example, the femtocell 124 may be such a limited association access point. For example, limited association access points may be limited in some aspects, where each access point provides certain services to certain mobile devices (e.g., mobile devices 116 and / or 126), but not necessarily to other mobile devices or access terminals (not shown). For example, the femtocell 124 may be limited so as not to provide other mobile devices or access terminals with registration, signaling, voice calling, data access and / or additional services. Limited association access points can be deployed ad-hoc . For example, a given homeowner can install and configure a limited home access point.

[0044] In one example, mobile devices 116 and / or 126 can identify one or more available access points, such as base station 102, femtocell 124, and / or other access points based at least in part on one or more indicators in the signal Broadcasting related to access point (s). After receiving one or more indicators, mobile devices 116 and / or 126 can ensure that the access point (s) are on the list or that the associated group identifier is on the list before an attempt is made to reselect the cell. In another example, mobile devices 116 and / or 126 may check the association of an access point with a list before measuring parameters for ranking. Available access points may relate, for example, to limited association access points in which mobile devices 116 and / or 126 are authorized to access and / or for which access is more preferable or otherwise favorable at other access points.

[0045] In one example, the femtocell 124 may be such a limited association access point. For example, limited association access points may be limited in some aspects, where each access point provides some services to certain mobile devices (e.g., mobile devices 116 and / or 126), but not necessarily to other mobile devices or access terminals (not shown). For example, the femtocell 124 may be limited so as not to provide other mobile devices or access terminals with registration, signaling, voice calling, data access and / or additional services. Limited association access points can be deployed ad-hoc . For example, a given homeowner can install and configure a limited home access point.

[0046] The base station 102 and / or the femtocell 124 may transmit pilot identifiers (pilot identifiers) in the pilot signals so that they identify themselves. According to an example, the base station 102 and / or the femtocell 124 may select or be assigned pilot identifiers related to one or more associated classifications or types. Thus, in one example, base station 102 may be assigned a pilot identifier from a range or group separate from femtocell 124. In this regard, mobile devices 116 and / or 126 may determine the associated type or classification (e.g., macrocell or femtocell) based range or group of pilot identifiers. Using this information, mobile devices 116 and / or 126 can determine whether to retrieve additional information before attempting to connect to the access point. Thus, when the mobile device 116 first moves in the range of the base station 102, it can attempt to connect to it after determining that it is a macro cell based on the pilot identifier without an additional request.

[0047] According to another example, in which the mobile device 126 first moves in the range of the femtocell 124, it can determine from the pilot identifier that there is a femtocell, and may further evaluate the femtocell 124 and / or one or more received signals related to that femtocell 124, in search of a sector identifier, limited association identifier, group identifier, and / or other identifier. Upon receipt, the mobile device 126 can ensure that the femtocell 124 or the associated limited association or group identifier is on a supported list of available access points before, for example, attempting to establish a connection with the femtocell 124. In another example, a pilot identifier may further be selected or is assigned to the femtocell 124 based on whether it implements a limited association, to what extent it implements a limited association and / or the like. In this regard, the mobile device 126 may further determine whether to request communication with the femtocell 124 without the need for additional assessment of the femtocell 124. It should be appreciated that the pilot identifiers can be divided according to additional factors, such as: geographical or relative location of the access point, frequency ranges the transmissions, power and / or frequency used by the access point, whether the reverse transmission associated with the access point is safe or unsafe (and / or be security) is a mobile or fixed access point, service providers or owners (or their types) of access point, etc.

[0048] With reference to FIG. 2 illustrates a wireless communication system 200 configured to support many mobile devices. System 200 provides communications for multiple cells, such as, for example, macrocells 202A-202G, with each cell served by a corresponding access point 204A-204G. For example, as described previously, access points 204A - 204G related to macrocells 202A - 202G may be base stations. Mobile devices 206A through 206I are shown distributed at various locations throughout the wireless communication system 200. Each mobile device 206A - 206I may communicate with one or more access points 204A - 204G over a forward link and / or reverse link, as described. In addition, access points 208A through 208C are shown. They can be smaller access points, such as femtocells, offering services related to a particular service location, as described. Mobile devices 206A - 206I may additionally contact these smaller access points 208A - 208C to receive services offered. In one example, the wireless communication system 200 may provide services over a large geographic area (for example, macrocells 202A - 202G may span multiple neighboring units, and access points of the femtocell 208A - 208C may be located in areas such as apartments, office buildings, and / or the like, as described). In the example, mobile devices 206A - 206I can communicate with access points 204A - 204G and / or 208A - 208C via radio and / or via a reverse transmission connection.

[0049] Additionally, as shown, mobile devices 206A - 206I can move throughout the system 200 and can re-select cells belonging to different access points 204A - 204G and / or 208A - 208C when they move through different macrocells 202A - 202G or Femtocell coverage areas. In one example, one or more mobile devices 206A - 206I may be associated with a home femtocell related to at least one of the access points of the femtocell 208A - 208C. For example, mobile device 206I may be associated with an access point of a femtocell 208B as its home femtocell. Thus, although the mobile device 206I is located in the macrocell 202B and, thus, in the coverage area of the access point 204B, it can communicate with the access point of the femtocell 208B instead of (or in addition to) the access point 204B. In one example, the femtocell access point 208B may provide additional services to the mobile device 206I, such as desired billing or costs, low-cost use, advanced services (eg, faster broadband access, media services, etc.). Thus, when the mobile device 206I is in the range of the access point of the femtocell 208B, it can be initialized to communicate with it by approving the access point of the femtocell 208B in re-selection.

[0050] For example, the mobile device 206D may be associated with an access point of the femtocell 208C. When the mobile device 206D moves from the macrocell 202C to 202D and closer to the access points 204D and / or 208C, it can start the cell reselection process, as described herein. It may include, for example, measuring the parameters of surrounding cells (e.g., related to access points 204C, 204D and 208C) to determine the desired connection. The parameters may relate, for example, to signal quality, connection bandwidth, services offered, service provider related to the access point, and / or the like. The previous or next step is to measure such parameters: the mobile device 206D may receive pilot signals containing pilot identifiers, for example, related to access points 204C, 204D and / or 208C. Using pilot identifiers, mobile device 206D can determine if additional information regarding access points is requested. As mentioned in one example, access points may select or be assigned (eg, from a wireless network) pilot identifiers in a range or group related to the type or classification of the access point. Thus, for example, the mobile device 206D can determine that the access points 204C and 204D are macrocells, while the access point 208C is a femtocell.

[0051] In another example, the femtocell access point 208C may optionally select or be assigned a pilot identifier from a range or group that determines whether the femtocell 208C access points realize limited association and / or to what extent. In addition, the used range or group of pilot identifiers may be associated with a service provider or other entity related to the access point of the femtocell 208C, allowing the mobile device 206D to effectively identify information regarding the access point of the femtocell 208C and / or request a connection with the access point of the femtocell 208C. In one example, it should be appreciated that the mobile device 206D may request a connection with access points 204C or 204D based on their respective pilot identifiers in a group or range of macrocells.

[0052] When the pilot identifier indicates that the access point is in the range or group for which the mobile device 206D is requesting additional information, the mobile device 206D, in one example, can check the identifier of the access point as being in the list of available access points, as described. The list may additionally or alternatively identify groups of access points, where the group identifier of the access points can be checked with the group identifiers in the list. In the previous example, the mobile device 206D can measure parameters for access points 204C, 204D, and 208C and rank cells to determine whether to reselect a cell from access point 204C to one of the others, if their rank is higher. As in the previous example, where the femtocell access point 208C refers to the home femtocell of the mobile device 206D (as identified at least partially by the pilot identifier, as described), it can approve it for reselection (for example, by evaluating the added parameter offset to increase its value and / or hysteresis to reduce the parameter values of other access points, for example). If one or more disparate access points 204D and / or 208C are ranked higher than the access point 204C, the mobile device 206D may re-select cells related to the disparate access point 204D or 208C.

[0053] In one example, one or more disparate access points 204D and / or 208C may implement a limited association in which some mobile devices cannot connect to it, and / or access points 204D and / or 208C may limit some mobile devices with respect to providing signaling, data access, registration, maintenance and / or the like. For example, this may be based, at least in part, on a mobile device service provider and a limited associated access point. In another example, a limited association access point may relate to some mobile devices, such as a corporate access point that restricts access only to corporate mobile devices. Thus, if the mobile device 206D cannot re-select cells belonging to one or more disparate access points 204D and / or 208C due to limited association, it may attempt to reselect a cell with one or more other ranked access points until until it finds an access point with which it can connect. Determining whether the mobile device 206D can re-select cells related, for example, to access points, can be based, at least in part, on the association of the pilot identifier with a group or range indicating the classification of the access point.

[0054] Furthermore, as described, mobile devices 206A through 206I may maintain a list of available access points and / or groups thereof. In one example, the list may include only certain types of access points (such as femtocells), since other types of access points (such as macrocells) can be accessed from essentially any mobile device. The list of available access points and / or groups may first be populated, for example, with one or more access points in connection with a mobile device 206A-206I, which can retrieve information from a primary wireless network, as described. When mobile devices 206A - 206I move across the coverage area of wireless system 200 and reselect the cells as described, they can first evaluate the pilot identifier of the cell-related access points to determine if an additional request is desirable or required before selecting a cell to re-select of choice.

[0055] If the pilot identifier for a given cell or associated access point has a range or group indicating that the cell or access point can implement limited association, mobile devices 206A - 206I may first check the cell or access point (or associated group) as whether on the list, when applicable. In one example, if mobile devices 206A - 206I define one or more femtocell access points 208A - 208C as the highest ranking cell based on measurements, as described, they can verify that the corresponding femto cell access point is on the list where the pilot identifiers for the points access femtocells 208A - 208C indicate that they can implement limited association and / or to what extent they realize limited association. If it is not on the list, mobile devices 206A - 206I may decide not to attempt access to the femtocell access point and may attempt to connect to the next highest ranking access point and / or try to locate another access point on a different frequency. It should be appreciated that in an alternative example, a list of inaccessible cells and / or groups may be maintained where mobile devices 206A - 206I do not attempt to connect to cells in the list.

[0056] With reference to FIG. 3 illustrates a communication device 300 for use in a wireless communication environment. The communication device 300 may be a base station or part thereof, a mobile device or part thereof, or essentially any communication device that receives data transmitted in a wireless communication environment. The communication device 300 may include a pilot identifier determining unit 302, which may receive a pilot identifier from one or more access points (not shown) using a pilot signal, an access point type determining unit 304, which can differentiate the type of access point by based at least in part on the pilot identifier; and an access point request device 306 that can request or determine additional information regarding the access point based at least in part on the type being determined. For example, the pilot identifier space may be divided into different ranges or groups to indicate the classification or type of access point; access points select or are assigned pilot identifiers from a group or range related to their classification or type.

[0057] According to an example, the pilot identifier determining unit 302 may receive a pilot identifier relating to one or more access points. Pilot identifiers may be received in one or more pilot signals and / or on a pilot channel in a wireless communication network. In one example, the pilot identifier determination unit 302 may extract the pilot identifier from the pilot. Using the pilot identifier, the access point type determination unit 304 can detect the type or classification of the access point according to the range of the pilot identifier and / or the presence of pilot identifiers within the grouping. The communication device 300 may determine a grouping of identifiers from various sources, including hard group coding in the device 300, receiving grouping after establishing communication with a connected wireless network, receiving grouping from one or more access points or disparate devices, and / or the like. For example, pilot identifiers for femtocells may have a different range than pilot identifiers for macrocells. Additionally, limited association femtocells may have pilot identifiers of a different range than unlimited association femtocells. In addition, as described, the pilot identifier may indicate the extent to which limited association is being implemented (e.g., regarding service, registration, signaling, etc.).

[0058] In addition, the access point type determination unit 304 may determine a location, used frequency ranges, frequency used for transmission, transmit power, whether the access point communicates in a secure or unprotected reverse transmission, is the access point a mobile or fixed access point, and / or other communication parameters related to the access point, based at least in part on the range of the pilot identifier and / or associated group. Based on the specific type, the access point request device 306 may request and / or receive additional information from the access point. For example, when the access point type determination unit 304 determines that the access point implements limited association, the access point request device 306 may request or determine an identifier related to the access point and / or a group related thereto. Using this identifier, the communication device 300 may determine whether to request a connection with an access point. In one example, communications device 300 may check for an identifier in a list of available access points or groups, as described above. It should be appreciated that additional information may be requested and / or used to determine the next step regarding the access point.

[0059] Now with reference to FIG. 4 illustrates a wireless communication system 400 that uses pilot identifiers to classify access points. The wireless device 402 and / or access points 404 and / or 406 may be a base station, a femtocell, a mobile device, or part thereof. In one example, a wireless device 402 may transmit information to access points 404 and / or 406 on a reverse link or an uplink channel; further, wireless device 402 may receive information from access points 404 and / or 406 via a downlink or a forward link channel. In addition, system 400 may be a MIMO system. In addition, in one example, the components and functionality shown and described below in wireless device 402 may reside in access points 404 and / or 406, and vice versa; the configuration shown excludes these components for ease of explanation.

[0060] The wireless device 402 includes a cell reselection unit 408 that can measure environmental parameters of the cell and rank cells to re-select one or more cells to receive wireless communications, a pilot identifier 410 that can receive a pilot identifier ( for example, from a pilot signal) related to an access point, an access point type determination unit 412 that can determine an access point type based at least in part on a pilot identifier, a limited access determination unit 414 ciation that can receive a limited association status based on a particular type of access point and an access controller list 416, which can maintain a list of available access points, the preferred access points associated groups of access points and / or the like. In one example, the list of access points may relate to an individual or groups of access points that implement a restricted association that can be accessed by the wireless device 402. Thus, after determining the identifier of an access point of a limited association, the identifier can be checked in the list before, for example, how will the connection attempt be made.

[0061] The access point 406 includes an access point type setting section 418 that can determine the type of access point 406, a pilot identifier selection block 420 that can select and / or to which a pilot identifier from a specific group can be assigned type, and limited association setting unit 422, which can determine whether access point 406 implements limited association and / or to what extent it implements it, as described. It should be appreciated that block 422 define the limited association should not be included in the types of access points that do not implement limited association (for example, macrocells). In the example, the pilot identifier selector 420 may select and / or be assigned a pilot identifier based on the type, location, transmit power, transmission frequency, transmission frequency range, security measure, mobility and / or other communication parameters of the access point 406 In this regard, the identifier receiver can efficiently determine relevant information regarding the access point 406 from the pilot identifier, as described.

[0062] According to an example, as described, a wireless device 402 can participate in a wireless communication system by moving around in the system and receiving wireless access of services from one or more disparate access points, such as access point 404 and / or 406. Access points 404 and / or 406 can provide a wide coverage area, such as a base station that implements one or more macrocells, and / or more limited or specific coverage, such as a femtocell configured in an apartment, office building, territory, etc., as described. Block 408 re-selection of the cell can re-select the cells between the access points to communicate with him, as described, entering the range of a new access point, such as access point 406, and leaving the range of the current access point 404. This can be determined by evaluating the parameters relative to access points 404 and 406 in such a way that the determination can be based on a variety of parameters (not only on the signal level, for example, but also on the type of access point, the services offered, the available bandwidth, whether it is home access control for wireless device 402, etc., as described). In this regard, the wireless device 402 maintains smooth communication while traveling throughout the wireless network.

[0063] According to an example, a wireless device 402 may communicate with an access point 404 to receive wireless services. The wireless device 402, as described, may be mobile, and the cell reselection unit 408 may evaluate surrounding cells to determine when cell reselection is appropriate to continue wireless services. For example, it can occur when the wireless device 402 moves in the range of the access point that improves the quality of its signal, while moving from the associated access point 404, experiencing a deterioration in its signal quality. In this regard, the cell reselection unit 408 can measure the surrounding parameters of the cell and rank the cells according to the parameters. In one example, when the current access point 404 disappears from the top of the ranked list, the wireless device 402 may start reselecting a cell for the high-ranking access point.

[0064] The preceding or subsequent step for ranking access points: the wireless device 402 can efficiently identify information regarding access points to facilitate subsequent action. For example, access point 406 may transmit a pilot signal, which may be evaluated by wireless device 402. In one example, access point type setting unit 418 may determine one or more types or classifications related to access point 406. Subsequently, pilot identifier selector 420 can choose or he can be assigned (for example, from a wireless network) a pilot identifier from a group or range related to a particular type or classification. For example, macro cells can use part of the pilot identifier space, femto cells can use another part, a cell radio station can use another part, a mobile cell can use a part, etc. Additionally or alternatively, types within the preceding groups may be additional thematic categories for groups or ranges of identifiers. For example, a limited association may use a different group within a femtocell group than an unlimited one, groups may be determined based on multiple levels of implemented limited association, wide coverage may use a different group than local coverage, mobile access points may use a different group from stationary access points groupings may be based on transmission power, frequency, frequency, location, security, service provider or access point owner, and / or the like.

[0065] The access point 406 may transmit a pilot identifier to the wireless device 402 via a pilot channel and / or the like. In one example, a wireless device 402, as described, may receive a pilot as part of a cell reselection initiated by a cell reselection unit 408. In one example, the pilot identifier 410 may determine a pilot identifier from the pilot, which may be received on the pilot channel. Access point type determination unit 412 may detect the type of access point 406 based on the pilot identifier. As described, the access point type determining unit 412 may evaluate the group or range that the pilot identifier falls into to effectively determine its classification or type. For example, if the pilot identifier is within the macrocell group, the access point type determination unit detects the access point 406 as the macro cell access point and, for example, may accordingly request a connection without any other necessary actions. When the pilot identifier is within the range reserved for the femtocells, the access point type determination unit 412 recognizes the access point 406 as a femto cell, and the restricted association determination unit 414 may further request access points 406 or one or more related signals to determine the restricted association identifier . In this regard, the restricted association setting unit 422 may include a limited association identifier in one or more broadcast signals, such as a beacon, pilot, etc., and / or, for example, in response to a request. For example, the access list controller 416 may check the restricted association identifier as being on the list of available access points or associated group identifiers. In addition, in one example, cell reselection unit 408 may determine a sector identifier associated with access point 406 (e.g., from a beacon or pilot based on a response to a request, etc.) based on 412 point type determination unit an access detecting the type of access point 406 as a femto cell and / or a femto cell that implements limited association.

[0066] In addition, as described, a pilot identifier may be selected and / or assigned to access point 406 to indicate one or more disparate aspects. Thus, for example, during a ranking for cell reselection, the access point type determination unit 412 may determine additional aspects of the access point 406 related to the specified pilot identifier. For example, the pilot identifier may be in a group stored according to the location of access point 406; thus, the access point type determining unit 412 can determine the location of the access point 406, which can be considered by reselecting the cell relative to the access point 406. Similarly, the pilot identifier may be in a group stored for access points that implement certain protocols, frequencies, frequency, security levels, service providers, owners of the access point, types of owners (e.g. commercial, government, personal, educational), types of access points (e.g. mobile, stationary bunk, etc.) and / or the like. This information can be efficiently determined by the access point type determination unit 412 and used in cell reselection by the cell reselection unit 408. In addition, as described, the pilot identifier may further be in a group stored based on the parameters of the restricted association, for example, does the access point 406 implement the limited association and also to what extent (for example, signaling, maintenance, registration, etc.) .

[0067] With reference to FIG. 5-7 illustrate methodologies (methods) related to cell reselection and using pilot identifiers to efficiently indicate types and / or classifications related to access points. While for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the methods are shown and described as sequences of actions, it should be understood and appreciated that these methods are not limited to the order of actions, since some actions, in accordance with one or more embodiments, may take place in a different order and / or simultaneously with other actions from those shown and described in the present description. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology can alternatively be represented as a sequence of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. In addition, not all illustrated steps may be required to implement a method in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 5, a method 500 is shown that facilitates cell reselection in wireless communication. At 502, surrounding cells are measured to determine one or more parameters related thereto. As described, the parameters may relate to communication metrics, such as signal strength, bandwidth, etc., and / or one or more additional considerations, such as access point identifier, group identifier, services offered, associated access provider, etc. .d. In addition, the parameters may relate to a cell equipped with a home access point that provides advanced billing aspects, additional services or speeds, and / or the like. The parameters may also relate to offsets or hysteresis in order to increase the consideration of the desired access points (such as, for example, a home access point) and / or to reduce the consideration of other access points. At 504, surrounding cells can be evaluated according to certain parameters. The ranking may indicate the order of the desired cells to receive wireless services.

[0069] At 506, it can be determined whether the highest ranking cell is currently in use. Such a definition can be used to guarantee connectivity to the optimal access point. If the highest ranking cell is the currently used cell for receiving wireless communications, the method returns to step 502 to measure the surrounding cells again. In one example, this may be based on a timer regarding whether the network is being filled with cell measurements or resources are being wasted through continuous cell measurements. If the highest ranking cell is not the currently used cell, at step 508 a cell reselection can be performed as described herein to re-select the highest ranking cell. In one example, it should be appreciated that once the reselection is completed, the method in one example may go back to step 502 to continue to measure surrounding cells. As described, access points may be base stations, femtocells and / or the like.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated is a method 600 that determines types of access point based on pilot identifiers related thereto. At 602, a pilot may be received from the access point. As described, a signal may be received on a pilot channel and may be transmitted to identify one or more aspects related to the access point. At 604, a pilot identifier is obtained from a pilot that identifies the access point. For example, a pilot identifier may be contained in a pilot signal. Thus, the identifier can be retrieved or retrieved differently. At 606, a range or group of pilot identifiers to which the pilot identifier belongs can be determined. As described, a range or group may relate to a classification or type of access point, such as: whether the access point is a femtocell or macrocell, stationary or mobile, the location of the access point, transmit power, frequency band or frequency used, security aspects of the access point, etc. d. Thus, in step 608, the type of access point can be determined based at least in part on the range or group. It should be appreciated that this information can subsequently be used to take one or more subsequent actions regarding the access point based on a particular type or classification, as described.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 7, illustrates a method 700 that selects and transmits a pilot identifier based on the type of access point. At 702, the type of access point may be determined. For example, the type may relate to whether the access point is a macrocell or a femtocell, whether it implements a limited association and / or one or more additional parameters, as described above. At 704, a range of pilot identifiers related to the type of access point may be determined. Thus, for example, pilot identifiers can be selected from ranges related to one or more aspects of the access point, as described. At 706, the pilot identifier may be selected from a specific range. In another example, a pilot identifier may be assigned from a range. At 708, a pilot signal comprising a pilot identifier may be transmitted wirelessly. Thus, devices receiving the pilot signal can efficiently identify one or more aspects of the access point based on the pilot identifier, as described.

[0072] It will be appreciated that, in accordance with one or more aspects described herein, inferences can be made regarding many aspects of cell reselection, such as measuring parameters, ranking cells according to parameters (and / or additional parameters), and even aspects of actual reselection (such as when to reselect, etc.) as described. As used in the present description, the term “deduce” or “logical inference” generally refers to the process of reasoning or the logical deduction of the states of a system, environment and / or user from a series of observations that are accumulated using events and / or data. Inference can be used to identify a specific context or action, or it can, for example, produce a probability distribution by state. The logical conclusion can be probabilistic, that is, the calculation of the probability distribution over the states of interest based on the consideration of data and events. Inference can also relate to methods used to create high-level events from a set of events and / or data. Such a logical conclusion leads to the construction of new events or actions from a data set of observed and / or stored events, whether events are correlated in close time proximity, and whether events and data occur from one or more sources of events and data. In one example, inferences can additionally be made when determining the types and / or classifications of an access point to determine an identifier group from which a pilot identifier is selected.

[0073] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a mobile device 800 that facilitates identifying access point types and / or classification based at least in part on pilot identifiers related to access points. The mobile device 800 includes a receiver 802, which receives a signal from, for example, a reception antenna (not shown), performs typical actions in relation to (for example, filters, amplifies, downconverts, etc.) the received signal and converts it to the desired conditions the signal in digital form to get a sample. Receiver 802 may include a demodulator 804 that can demodulate received symbols and provide them to a processor 806 for channel estimation. Processor 806 may be a processor dedicated to analyzing information received by receiver 802 and / or to generate information for transmission by transmitter 816, a processor that controls one or more components of mobile device 800, and / or a processor that analyzes information received by the receiver 802, generates information for transmission by transmitter 816, and controls one or more components of mobile device 800.

[0074] Mobile device 800 may further comprise a memory 808 that is operatively connected to a processor 806 and which can store data to be transmitted, received data, information related to available channels, data associated with the analyzed signal and / or interference level information related to the assigned channel, power, transmission rate or the like, and any other suitable information for channel estimation and data transmission using the channel. Memory 808 may further store protocols and / or algorithms associated with channel estimation and / or use (eg, based on performance, based on capacity, etc.).

[0075] It will be appreciated that the data store (eg, memory 808) described herein may be either a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. By way of illustration, and not limitation, non-volatile memory may include read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM), which acts as an external cache. By way of illustration, and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms, such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), advanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM) and direct RAM Rambus (DRRAM). The memory 808 of the systems and methods in question is intended to contain, without being limited, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0076] The processor 806 and / or receiver 802 may further be operatively connected to a pilot identifier receiver 810, which receives the pilot identifier from one or more access points. As described, the pilot identifier may be contained in the received pilot signal. The processor 806 is further operatively connected to an access point type determination unit 812, which can detect the type and / or classification of the access point based at least in part on the pilot identifier. For example, as described, a pilot identifier could be selected or assigned to an access point based on type or classification. In this regard, the identifier may be within the range and / or group of identifiers related to the type and / or classification. For example, the access point may be a femtocell, and access point type determination unit 812 may detect that the pilot identifier falls within a group or range of identifiers indicating femtocells that are opposite to other cell types. In addition, groups or ranges may also indicate aspects related to a limited association, as described, location, service provider, owner, transmission power, group or frequency, and / or other aspects related to an access point, such as type, mobility and etc. The mobile device 800 further comprises a modulator 814 and a transmitter 816, which respectively modulate and transmit signals, for example, to a base station, another mobile device, etc. Although depicted separate from processor 806, it should be appreciated that pilot identifier receiver 810, access point type determination unit 812, demodulator 804, and / or modulator 814 may be part of processor 806 or multiple processors (not shown).

[0077] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a system 900 that facilitates the selection and transmission of pilot identifiers indicating an access point type or classification. System 900 comprises a base station 902 (e.g., an access point, a femtocell ...), with a receiver 910 that receives signal (s) from one or more mobile devices 904 through multiple receive antennas 906, and a transmitter 924 that transmits to one or more mobile devices 904 through a transmission antenna 908. A receiver 910 can receive information from a reception antenna 906 and is operatively associated with a demodulator 912 that demodulates the received information. The demodulated symbols are analyzed by a processor 914, which may be similar to the processor described above with reference to FIG. 8, and which is connected to a memory 916 that stores information related to estimating a signal level (e.g., pilot) and / or interference level, data to be transmitted to or received from mobile device (s) 904 (or another base station) (not shown)), and / or any other suitable information relating to the performance of various actions and functions formulated herein. The processor 914 is further connected to an access point type determining unit 918, which determines the type and / or classification related to the base station 902 and the pilot identifier setting unit 920, which selects and / or is assigned a pilot identifier related to the type and / or classification.

[0078] According to an example, access point type determination unit 918 may receive or detect the type of base station 902. For example, this may relate to: does base station 902 provide a macro cell or femto cell coverage, does base station 902 implement limited association (or degree, to which it implements limited association), the location of the base station 902, the mobility of the base station 902, other communication parameters of the base station 902, the owner, type of owner or service provider of the base station 902, and / or the like isano. The pilot identifier unit 920 may select a pilot identifier from a group and / or a range of known identifiers to indicate one or more types or classifications related to base station 902, as described. In addition, in one example, transmitter 924 can transmit a pilot identifier in a pilot that mobile device (a) 904 can receive and subsequently use this pilot identifier to efficiently determine one or more types or classifications. In addition, although depicted separately from processor 914, it should be appreciated that access point type determination unit 918, pilot identifier setting unit 920, demodulator 912, and / or modulator 922 may be part of processor 914 or multiple processors (not shown).

[0079] FIG. 10 shows an example wireless communication system 1000. The wireless communication system 1000 depicts one base station 1010 and one mobile device 1050 for short. However, it should be appreciated that the system 1000 may include more than one base station and / or more than one mobile device in which additional base stations and / or mobile devices may be substantially the same or different from the exemplary base station 1010 and the mobile devices 1050 described below. In addition, it should be appreciated that the base station 1010 and / or mobile device 1050 can use the systems (Figs. 1-4 and 8-9) and / or methods (Figs. 5-7) described herein to facilitate wireless communication between them.

[0080] At base station 1010, traffic data for many data streams is provided from a data source 1012 to a data processor (TX) 1014. According to an example, each data stream may be transmitted through a corresponding antenna. TX data processor 1014 formats, codes, and interleaves the traffic data stream based on the particular coding scheme selected for that data stream to provide encoded data.

[0081] The encoded data for each data stream may be multiplexed with pilot data using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) techniques. Additionally or alternatively, the pilot symbols may be frequency division multiplexed (FDM), time division multiplexed (TDM), or code division multiplexed (CDM). Typically, pilot data is a known data pattern that is processed in a known manner and can be used in mobile device 1050 to evaluate channel response. Multiplexed pilot data and encoded data for each data stream may be modulated (e.g., symbolically mapped) based on a particular modulation scheme (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase modulation (M. PSK ), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M. QAM), etc.) selected for this data stream to provide modulation symbols. The data rate, coding, and modulation for each data stream may be determined by instructions executed or issued by processor 1030.

[0082] Modulation symbols for data streams may be provided to a TX data MIMO processor 1020, which may further process modulation symbols (eg, for OFDM). Then, the TX MIMO TX data processor 1020 provides N _T symbol modulation streams to N _T transmitters (TMTR) 1022a-1022t. In various embodiments, TX data MIMO processor 1020 applies beamforming weights to the symbols of the data streams and to the antenna from which the symbol is transmitted.

[0083] Each transmitter 1022 receives and processes a corresponding symbol stream to provide one or more analog signals, and further leads to the desired conditions (eg, amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog signals to provide a modulated signal suitable for transmission on the MIMO channel. Additionally, N _T modulated signals from transmitters 1022a-1022t are transmitted from N _T antennas 1024a-1024t, respectively.

[0084] In the mobile device 1050, the transmitted modulated signals are received by N _r antennas 1052a-1052r and a received signal from each antenna 1052 is provided to a respective receiver (RCVR) 1054a-1054r. Each receiver 1054 leads to the desired conditions (for example, filters, amplifies, and downconverts) the corresponding signal, digitizes the signal adjusted to the desired conditions to provide samples, and further processes the samples to ensure transmission of the “received” symbol stream.

[0085] A RX data receiving processor 1060 can receive and process N _R received symbol streams from N _R receivers 1054 based on a specific receiver processing technique to provide N _T "detected" symbol streams. A data receiving processor 1060 RX may demodulate, interleave, and decode each detected symbol stream to recover traffic data for the data stream. The processing by the RX data receiving processor 1060 RX is complementary to that performed by the TX MIMO TX data processor 1020 and TX data processor 1014 in the base station 1010.

[0086] The processor 1070 may periodically determine which precoding matrix to use, as discussed above. Additionally, processor 1070 may generate a reverse link message comprising a matrix index portion and a rank value portion.

[0087] The reverse link message may contain various types of information regarding the communication link and / or the received data stream. The reverse link message may be processed by a data processor 1038, which also receives traffic data for many data streams from a data source 1036, is modulated by a modulator 1080, conditioned by transmitters 1054a-1054r, and sent back to base station 1010.

[0088] At base station 1010, modulated signals from a mobile device 1050 are received by antennas 1024, adapted to receivers 1022, demodulated by a demodulator 1040, and processed by a data reception processor 1042 to extract a reverse link message transmitted by the mobile device 1050. Additionally, the processor 1030 may process the extracted message to determine which precoding matrix to use to determine the beamforming weights.

[0089] Processors 1030 and 1070 may direct (eg, control, coordinate, regulate, etc.) operation in base station 1010 and mobile device 1050, respectively. Corresponding processors 1030 and 1070 may be associated with a memory 1032 and 1072 that stores program codes and data. Processors 1030 and 1070 can also perform calculations to obtain frequency and pulse response estimates for the uplink and downlink, respectively.

[0090] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or any combination thereof. To implement the hardware, the processing units can be implemented within one or more specialized integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSP processors), universal signal processing devices (DSPD devices), programmable logic devices (PLD devices), programmable valve users matrices (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described in this description mania, or combinations thereof.

[0091] When embodiments are implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, program code or code segments, they can be stored on a machine-readable medium, such as a storage component. A code segment may provide a procedure, function, subprogram, program, operation, sub-operation, module, program package, class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment can be connected to another code segment or a hardware circuit by sending and / or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. can be sent, sent, or transmitted using any suitable means, including sharing memory, sending a message, transmitting a token, transmitting over a network, etc.

[0092] To implement the software, the techniques described herein can be implemented using modules (eg, procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described in the present description. Software codes can be stored in memory blocks and executed by processors. The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or externally with respect to the processor, when it can be connected with the possibility of communication with the processor using various means that are known in the art.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 11, a system 1100 is illustrated that uses received pilot identifiers to identify types and / or classifications associated with one or more access points. For example, system 1100 may reside within a base station, femtocell, mobile device, etc. As depicted, system 1100 includes functional blocks that can represent functions implemented by a processor, software, or a combination thereof (eg, firmware). System 1100 includes a logical grouping 1102 of electrical components that work together. Logical grouping 1102 may include means for receiving a pilot from an access point 1104. As described, a pilot can be transmitted by an access point over a pilot channel to identify one or more aspects related to the access point. In addition, logical grouping 1102 may include means for receiving a pilot identifier contained in a pilot signal that identifies an access point 1106. In this regard, a pilot identifier can be used to identify an access point; in another example, the pilot identifier may indicate additional information. In this regard, logical grouping 1102 may include means for determining the type of access point based at least in part on pilot identifier 1108. As described, the pilot identifier may be selected from a range or group that indicates type and / or information classification related to the access point. Thus, in one example, grouping and / or range information can be used to determine the type and / or classification. Additionally, system 1100 may include a memory 1110 that stores instructions to perform functions associated with electrical components 1104, 1106, and 1108. While shown external to memory 1110, it should be understood that electrical components 1104, 1106 and 1108 may exist within memory 1110.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 12, illustrated is a system 1200 that selects pilot identifiers from groups or ranges to identify the type and / or classification of one or more access points. For example, system 1200 may reside within a base station, femtocell, mobile device, etc. As depicted, system 1200 includes functional blocks that may represent functions implemented by a processor, software, or a combination thereof (e.g., firmware). System 1200 includes a logical grouping 1202 of electrical components that facilitate the selection of pilot identifiers. Logical grouping 1202 may include means for receiving an access point type for transmitting data in wireless communication network 1204. As described, the type may relate to whether the system 1200, which may be an access point, provides coverage for a femtocell or macrocell, does it realize limited association, the location of the 1200 system, the type of owner or owner, security measures, communication parameters, whether the system 1200 landline or mobile, and / or the like, as previously described. In addition, logical grouping 1202 may include means for determining a range of pilot identifiers related to the type of access point 1206. In this regard, the pilot identifier space may be separated to provide efficient type identification and / or classification. Additionally, logical grouping 1202 may include means for selecting a pilot identifier from a range of pilot identifiers for subsequent transmission in a pilot signal in wireless communication network 1208. Additionally, system 1200 may include a memory 1210 that stores instructions to perform functions associated with electrical components 1204, 1206, and 1208. While shown to be external to memory 1210, it should be understood that electrical components 1204, 1206 and 1208 may exist within memory 1210.

[0095] What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. Of course, it is impossible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies in order to describe the aforementioned embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many additional combinations and permutations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to cover all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, as long as the term “includes” is used either in the detailed description or in the claims, such a term is intended to mean an inclusion similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when used as a transition word in the claims. Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects and / or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or part of any aspect and / or embodiment may be used with all or part of any other aspect and / or embodiment, unless otherwise stated.

[0096] The various illustrative logics, logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or implemented with a general purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic, logic on discrete elements and / or transistors, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present description. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any standard processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Additionally, at least one processor may comprise one or more modules operable to perform one or more of the steps and / or actions described above.

[0097] Additionally, the steps and / or actions of a method or algorithm described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. The software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium may be connected to the processor so that the processor can read information from and write information to the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be an integral part of the processor. Additionally, in some aspects, the processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal. Additionally, in some aspects, the steps and / or actions of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and / or instructions regarding machine-readable media and / or computer-readable media that may be included in a computer program product.

[0098] In one or more aspects, the described functions may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transferring a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage device, magnetic disk storage device or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to transfer or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and which can be accessed by a computer. In addition, any connection can be called computer-readable media. For example, if the software is transferred from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair cable, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technologies such as infrared radiation, radio and microwaves, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwaves are included in the media definition. A disc and discs, as used herein, include a compact disc (CD), a laser disc, an optical disc, a universal digital disc (DVD), a floppy disk and a Blue-ray disc, where the disc typically reproduces data in a magnetic manner, while discs typically reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the concept of computer-readable media.

Claims (50)

1. A method for determining cell information for reselecting a cell in a wireless communication network, comprising:
receiving broadcast of the pilot signal of the access point;
determining a pilot identifier contained in the pilot; and
determining the type of access point based at least in part on the range of the identifier into which the pilot identifier falls. 2. The method according to claim 1, in which the pilot identifier falls into the range of the identifier, which indicates the type of access point as a femtocell. 3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising reading the limited association identifier from the access point based, at least in part, on the pilot identifier falling within the range of the identifier that indicates the type of access point as a femto cell. 4. The method according to claim 3, in which the identifier of the restricted association indicates that the femtocell is limited with respect to signaling, data access, registration and / or service. 5. The method according to claim 3, further comprising a request to establish communication with the access point based, at least in part, on verifying the identifier of the restricted association as being within the specified range. 6. The method according to claim 2, further comprising reading the sector identifier from the access point based, at least in part, on the pilot identifier falling within the range of the identifier that indicates the type of access point as a femto cell. 7. The method according to claim 1, in which the range of the identifier that the pilot identifier falls into refers to an access point of lesser coverage or an access point of greater coverage. 8. The method according to claim 1, in which the range of the identifier, which falls into the pilot identifier, refers to the location of the access point. 9. The method according to claim 1, in which the range of the identifier into which the pilot identifier falls relates to the transmit power of the access point. 10. The method according to claim 1, in which the range of the identifier, which falls into the pilot identifier, refers to the frequency range used by the access point for data transmission. 11. The method according to claim 1, in which the range of the identifier, which falls into the pilot identifier, refers to the frequency of transmission used by the access point for data transmission. 12. The method according to claim 1, in which the range of the identifier, which falls into the pilot identifier, refers to whether the access point is mobile or stationary. 13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising requesting communication with the access point based at least in part on a specific type. 14. A wireless communication device, comprising:
at least one processor configured to: receive a pilot transmitted from the access point; obtaining a pilot identifier contained in the pilot signal that uniquely identifies the access point; and detecting the type of access point based at least in part on the association of the pilot identifier with the range of identifiers; and
a memory connected to said at least one processor. 15. A wireless communication device for determining information related to an access point in a wireless network, comprising:
means for receiving a pilot signal from the access point;
means for receiving a pilot identifier contained in the pilot signal; and
means for determining the type of access point based at least in part on the pilot identifier. 16. A computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed, force the computer to perform a method for determining information related to an access point in a wireless network, comprising the steps of:
receiving pilot broadcast from the access point;
determining a pilot identifier contained in the pilot; and
determine the type of access point based, at least in part, on the range of the identifier into which the pilot identifier falls. 17. An apparatus for determining the type of access point in a wireless communication network, comprising:
a cell reselection unit that receives multiple broadcasts of pilot signals from multiple access points;
a pilot identifier receiver that obtains a pilot identifier contained in at least one of the plurality of pilot signals, the pilot identifier identifying at least one of the plurality of access points; and
an access point type determining unit that detects a type of at least one of the plurality of access points based at least in part on a pilot identifier. 18. The device according to 17, in which the unit for detecting the type of access point determines the type of at least one of the many access points as a femto cell when the pilot identifier is within a given range, or as a macro cell when the pilot identifier is in another specified range. 19. The device of claim 18, further comprising a limited association determination unit that reads the limited association identifier from the pilot when the type corresponds to the femto cell. 20. The device according to claim 19, in which the identifier of the restricted association indicates that the femtocell is limited with respect to signaling, data access, registration and / or service. 21. The device according to claim 19, in which the cell re-selection unit requests communication with at least one of the plurality of access points based at least in part on the presence of a limited association identifier within the specified range. 22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the cell reselection unit reads the sector identifier from the pilot when the type corresponds to the femtocell. 23. The device according to 17, in which the detection unit type of access point determines that the type of at least one of the many access points is an access point of lesser coverage when the pilot identifier is within the specified range, or an access point of greater coverage when the pilot identifier is in another specified range. 24. The device according to 17, in which the unit for detecting the access point further determines the location of at least one of the many access points based at least in part on the range into which the pilot identifier falls. 25. The device according to 17, in which the detection unit of the access point further determines the transmit power of at least one of the many access points based at least in part on the range into which the pilot identifier falls. 26. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the access point detection unit further determines a transmission frequency range of at least one of the plurality of access points based at least in part on the range into which the pilot identifier falls. 27. The device according to 17, in which the unit for detecting the access point further determines the frequency of transmission of at least one of the many access points based at least in part on the range into which the pilot identifier falls. 28. The device according to 17, in which the detection unit of the access point further determines whether the access point is mobile or stationary, based at least in part on the range into which the pilot identifier falls. 29. The device according to 17, in which the unit re-selection of the cell requests to establish communication with at least one of the many access points based on at least partially a certain type. 30. A method for selecting pilot identifiers for access points in a wireless communication network, comprising the steps of:
determining the type of access point for transmitting data in a wireless communication network;
determining a range of pilot identifiers related to the type of access point; and
selecting a pilot identifier from a range of pilot identifiers for subsequent transmission in a pilot signal in a wireless communication network to identify an access point. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the range of pilot identifiers is determined based at least in part on the geographic location of the access point. 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the range of pilot identifiers is determined based at least in part on the service provider associated with the access point. 33. The method of claim 30, wherein the range of pilot identifiers is determined based at least in part on the owner and / or type of owner associated with the access point. 34. The method of claim 30, wherein the range of pilot identifiers is determined based at least in part on the transmission frequency range of the access point. 35. The method of claim 30, wherein the range of pilot identifiers is determined based at least in part on the frequency of transmission of the access point. 36. The method of claim 30, wherein the range of pilot identifiers is determined based at least in part on whether the access point uses secure or insecure postback to connect to the core wireless network. 37. The method of claim 30, wherein the range of pilot identifiers is determined based at least in part on whether the access point is mobile or stationary. 38. The method of claim 30, wherein the specific type of access point is a femtocell. 39. The method of claim 38, further comprising indicating a limited association identifier in the pilot based on the determination of the type as a femtocell. 40. A wireless communications device, comprising:
at least one processor configured to: detect an access point type for transmitting data in a wireless communication network;
determining a range of pilot identifiers related to the type of access point; and selecting a pilot identifier from the range of pilot identifiers for subsequent transmission in a pilot signal in a wireless communication network to identify an access point; and a memory connected to said at least one processor. 41. A wireless communication device for indicating access point information in a wireless communication, comprising:
means for receiving an access point type for transmitting data in a wireless communication network;
means for determining a range of pilot identifiers related to the type of access point; and
means for selecting a pilot identifier from a range of pilot identifiers for subsequent transmission in a pilot signal in a wireless communication network. 42. Computer-readable media containing instructions that, when executed, force the computer to perform a method for indicating wireless access point information, comprising the steps of:
determining the type of access point for transmitting data in a wireless communication network;
determining a range of pilot identifiers related to the type of access point; and
a pilot identifier is selected from the range of pilot identifiers for subsequent transmission in a pilot in a wireless communication network to identify an access point. 43. A device for indicating information of an access point for wireless communication, comprising:
an access point type setting unit that determines an access point type for data transmission in a wireless communication network; and a pilot identifier selection unit that determines a range of pilot identifiers related to the type of access point, and selects a pilot identifier from the range of pilot identifiers for subsequent transmission in a pilot signal in a wireless communication network. 44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the pilot identifier selection unit determines a range of pilot identifiers based at least in part on the geographic location of the access point. 45. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the pilot identifier selection section determines a range of pilot identifiers based at least in part on a service provider associated with the access point. 46. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the pilot identifier selection section determines a range of pilot identifiers based at least in part on the owner and / or type of owner associated with the access point. 47. The device according to item 43, in which the block selection pilot identifier determines the range of pilot identifiers based on at least partially the frequency range of the transmission of the access point. 48. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the pilot identifier selection unit determines a range of pilot identifiers based at least in part on the frequency of transmission of the access point. 49. The device according to item 43, in which the block sets the access point determines the type of access point as a femtocell. 50. The device according to 49, further comprising a limited association task unit that indicates a limited association identifier in the pilot signal based on the determination of the type as a femtocell.

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