TWI624186B - Fast association and address continuity for handoff between unmanaged access points - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication. The apparatus can include: an interface configured to communicate data via a first device while maintaining association with one of the first devices; and a processing system configured to perform a pre-association operation via the interface, Initiating association with a second device while maintaining association with the first device, and determining to complete association with the second device and communicate data with the second device based on the first one or more conditions.

Description

Fast link and address continuity for handover between unmanaged access points

The present invention relates generally to communication systems and, more particularly, to handovers between access points in a wireless network.

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunications services such as telephony, video, data, messaging and broadcasting. A typical wireless communication system may use multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (eg, bandwidth, transmission power). Examples of such multiple access technologies include IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple Access, TDMA) system, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) system, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system (such as Flash-OFDMA), single carrier frequency division A single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) system, and a time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) system.

These multiple access technologies have been employed in various telecommunications standards to provide a common agreement that enables different wireless devices to communicate at the city, national, regional, and even global levels. However, as the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, there is a further The need for improvement. Preferably, such improvements are applicable to a variety of multiple access technologies and telecommunications standards using such technologies.

For example, systems and methods for offloading certain services delivered by a cellular network to a Wi-Fi network are of great interest. However, certain problems are observable, including problems associated with interruptions caused by handovers between access points (APs). The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineer (IEEE) has published certain standards, such as IEEE 802.11r, which introduces a mechanism for "fast handover" across managed APs. However, these and other standards assume that there is a trust relationship between the APs involved in the handover (eg, APs managed by the same industry, where association and corresponding authentication are not necessary), however, APs for cellular offloading May not be on the same trusted network. Therefore, methods based on these standards cannot be used.

In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, a method, a computer program product, and an apparatus are provided.

According to some aspects of the present invention, the apparatus can include: an interface configured to communicate data via a first device while maintaining association with one of the first devices; and a processing system configured Performing a pre-association operation via the interface to initiate association with a second device while maintaining the association with the first device, and determining to complete association with the second device based on the first one or more conditions and The second device communicates the material.

According to some aspects of the present invention, a computer program product can include a computer readable medium storing instructions for communicating data via a first device while maintaining the first Associated with one of the devices; performing a pre-association operation to initiate association with a second device while maintaining the association with the first device; and determining to complete association with the second device based on the first one or more conditions and Communicate with the second device.

According to some aspects of the invention, the method can include communicating via a first device Data while maintaining association with one of the first devices; performing a pre-association operation to initiate association with a second device while maintaining the association with the first device; and determining completion based on the first one or more conditions Associated with the second device and communicating data with the second device.

According to some aspects of the present invention, the apparatus can include: means for communicating data via a first device while maintaining association with one of the first devices; for performing a pre-association operation to initiate with a second device The association maintains the associated component of the first device; and means for determining completion of association with the second device and communicating with the second device based on the first one or more conditions.

According to some aspects of the present invention, the apparatus can include: at least one antenna; a transceiver configured to communicate data via the first device via the at least one antenna while maintaining one of the first devices And a processing system configured to perform a pre-association operation via the interface to initiate association with a second device while maintaining the association with the first device and based on the first one or more conditions Completing the association with the second device and communicating the data with the second device.

In one aspect of the invention, the processing system is configured to maintain an association with the first device (eg, a secondary association) after completion of association with the second device (eg, transferring the primary association to the second device) . The secondary association with the first device may be maintained for a period of time after the primary association is transferred from the first device to the second device. This secondary association can be maintained by establishing a context on the device. This context may include one or more keys required for data transfer and security. The processing system can be configured to determine whether to transfer the primary association from the second device to the first device during the period in which the secondary association is maintained.

In one aspect of the invention, data may only be communicated via one of the first device and the second device with which the primary association is maintained. The processing system can be associated with the second device by establishing context information corresponding to the second device.

In one aspect of the invention, establishing context information includes authenticating the device to the second device. Establishing context information can include exchanging one or more encryption keys with the second device. set up The context information can include obtaining an Internet Protocol (IP) address assignment from the second device.

In one aspect of the invention, the processing system determines whether to transfer the primary association from the first device to the second device after establishing context information corresponding to the second device. The processing system can be configured to maintain a context information corresponding to the first device for a period of time after the primary association is transferred from the first device to the second device. The primary association is transferred when the association with the first device becomes secondary to the first device and the association with the second device becomes the primary association with the second device. The processing system can be configured to determine whether to transfer the primary association from the second device to the first device based on context information corresponding to the first device during the time period. The determination of whether to transfer the primary association from the first device to the second device can include determining the quality of the connection between the device and each of the first device and the second device. The quality of the connection can be determined based on at least one of available bandwidth or signal strength.

In one aspect of the invention, the processing system determines whether the primary device will be associated with the second device after selecting the second device from the plurality of candidate devices based on the IP subnetwork associated with the second device and the IP subnetwork used by the device. The first device is transferred to the second device. The processing system can be configured to select the second device by prefering at least one of a plurality of candidate devices associated with the same IP subnetwork associated with the device. The processing system can be further configured to avoid performing handovers if no other devices are associated with the IP subnetwork associated with the device. The processing system can identify the subnetwork associated with the second device based on the random number uniquely associated with the subnet used by the device.

In one aspect of the invention, a device can include a processing system configured to determine one or more devices providing wireless communication and based on being associated with one of the one or more devices The device is selected for an IP subnet for one handover.

In one aspect of the invention, the processing system can be further configured to identify at least one subnetwork associated with each of the one or more devices. The processing system can select the device for handover based on the IP subnetwork associated with the device. The processing system can select the device by preferring at least one device associated with the same IP subnetwork associated with the device Pieces for delivery. The at least one device can include a current device that provides wireless communication to the device.

In one aspect of the invention, the processing system is further configured to avoid performing handovers if the current device has a higher preference than any other device in one or more devices. The processing system can be further configured to avoid performing handovers if no other devices are associated with the IP subnetwork associated with the device.

In one aspect of the invention, the processing system identifies at least one subnet based on a media access address of a gateway that provides access to IP services via each device. The processing system can identify at least one subnet based on a unique identifier that provides a gateway to access the IP service via each device. The processing system can identify at least one subnet based on the subnet identifier. The subnet identifier can contain an IP address. The subnet identifier can contain a random number uniquely associated with each subnet. The random number may have been generated by one of one or more devices.

In one aspect of the invention, the processing system is further configured to receive random numbers in the broadcast information. The processing system can be further configured to receive the subnet identifier in the broadcast information. The subnet identifier can be encrypted in the broadcast information.

In one aspect of the invention, the processing system is further configured to decrypt the broadcast information to obtain a subnet identifier by using a key of the subnetwork associated with the device. The key can contain a key known to a plurality of devices. The key can contain a group temporary key.

In one aspect of the invention, the handover from the first device to the selected device is performed. The first device and selected devices can be associated with different IP subnetworks. The processing system can be further configured to initiate a handover from the selected device to the third device after determining that the third device and the first device are associated with the at least one common IP subnetwork.

In one aspect of the invention, the selected device is selected for handover based on one or more factors. The factors may include the received signal strength indicator and channel quality. The processing system can be further configured to weight one or more factors for each of the devices based on an IP subnetwork associated with each of the one or more devices.

100‧‧‧Wireless Network/Wireless Network Architecture

102‧‧‧Mobile Wireless Devices/Mobile

104‧‧‧Source Access Point (AP)/Target Access Point (AP)/Network Entity

106‧‧‧Source Access Point (AP)/Target Access Point (AP)/Network Entity

108‧‧‧Mental/network entity

110‧‧‧gate/network entity

114‧‧‧ Covered area

116‧‧‧ Covered Area

120‧‧‧ Direction

126‧‧ ‧ Internet Protocol (IP) Services

200‧‧‧ Situation

202‧‧‧Mobile devices/devices

204‧‧‧First Access Point (AP)/Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Access Point (AP)/Source Access Point (AP)/First Device

206‧‧‧Second Access Point (AP)/Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Access Point (AP)/Target Access Point (AP)

208‧‧‧Internet Protocol (IP) services/network services

212‧‧‧Main connection

214‧‧‧ secondary connection

220‧‧‧post-posting situation

222‧‧‧ primary connection

224‧‧‧ secondary connections

310‧‧‧Access Point (AP)

316‧‧‧Transmission (TX) processor

318‧‧‧transmitter/receiver

320‧‧‧Antenna

350‧‧‧ mobile devices

352‧‧‧Antenna

354‧‧‧ Receiver/Transmitter

356‧‧‧Receiver (RX) processor

358‧‧‧Channel Estimator

359‧‧‧Controller/Processor

360‧‧‧ memory

362‧‧‧Data Collector

367‧‧‧Source

368‧‧‧Transmission (TX) processor

370‧‧‧Receiver (RX) processor

374‧‧‧Channel Estimator

375‧‧‧Controller/Processor

376‧‧‧ memory

400‧‧‧Example operations for wireless communications

700‧‧‧Example operations for wireless communications

These and other sample aspects of the present invention will be described in the following embodiments and additional claims, and in the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. Diagram of device handover.

2 is a diagram illustrating a method for fast link and address continuity for handover between unmanaged access points in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram of an access point in communication with a mobile device in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

4 illustrates an example operation for wireless communication in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates an example call flow diagram for a quick link in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

6A and 6B illustrate an example call flow diagram for a quick link in accordance with aspects of the present invention in which an association is maintained at a source AP.

Figure 7 illustrates an example operation for wireless communication in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given device (e.g., device) or method. In addition, like reference numerals may be used to indicate similar features throughout the specification and the drawings.

Aspects of the present invention provide techniques that allow a wireless device (e.g., a station) to perform a fast connection with a potential target access point (AP) while still maintaining an association with the source AP. For example, the wireless device can tune away from the source AP and perform one or more "pre-association operations" with the target AP, such as authentication, key exchange, and/or IP address assignment. As a result, if the wireless device ultimately decides to complete the association with the source AP later, there will be considerable time savings (e.g., on the order of a few seconds).

Various aspects of the invention are described below. It should be apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and that any particular structure, function, or both disclosed herein are merely representative. Based on the teachings herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented independently of any other aspect and can be combined in various ways. Two or more of the isomorphs. For example, a device or a method can be implemented using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the device may be implemented using other structures, functionalities or structures and functionalities in addition to one or more of the aspects set forth herein or in one or more of the aspects set forth herein. Or practice this method. In addition, an aspect may include at least one element of a technical solution.

Although specific aspects are described herein, many variations and permutations of such aspects are within the scope of the invention. Although some of the benefits and advantages of the preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to a particular benefit, use or purpose. In fact, the aspects of the present invention are intended to be broadly applicable to different wireless technologies, system configurations, networks, and transmission protocols, some of which are illustrated by way of example in the drawings and in the following description. The present invention is to be construed as being limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Example wireless communication system

The techniques described herein are applicable to various wireless communication systems including communication systems based on orthogonal multiplexing schemes, such as broadband wireless communication systems. Examples of such communication systems include Spatial Division Multiple Access (SDMA), TDMA, OFDMA systems, Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and the like. SDMA systems can utilize a sufficiently different direction to simultaneously transmit data belonging to multiple user terminals. The TDMA system may allow multiple user terminals to divide the transmission signal into different time slots, each time slot being assigned to a different user terminal to share the same channel. The OFDMA system utilizes orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), which is a modulation technique that partitions the total system bandwidth into multiple orthogonal subcarriers. These subcarriers may also be referred to as carrier frequency modulation, frequency intervals, and the like. With OFDM, each subcarrier can be independently modulated by data. SC-FDMA systems may utilize interleaved FDMA (IFDMA) for transmission on subcarriers distributed across system bandwidth, using localized FDMA (LFDMA) for transmission on blocks of adjacent subcarriers, or utilizing enhanced FDMA (EFDMA) to be adjacent to the sub-load The wave is transmitted on multiple blocks. In general, for OFDM, the modulation symbols are transmitted in the frequency domain, and for SC-FDMA, the modulation symbols are transmitted in the time domain.

The teachings herein may be incorporated into (eg, implemented in or performed by) a plurality of wired devices or wireless devices (eg, nodes). In some aspects, a wireless node implemented in accordance with the teachings herein can include an access point or an access terminal.

An access point (AP) may be included, implemented, or referred to as a Node B, a Radio Network Controller (RNC), an evolved Node B (eNB), a Base Station Controller (BSC). ), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), Base Station (BS), Transceiver Function (TF), Radio Router, Radio Transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS) , Extended Service Set (ESS), Radio Base Station (RBS), or some other terminology.

An access terminal (AT) may include, be implemented as, or be referred to as a subscriber station, a subscriber unit, a mobile device, a mobile station (MS), a remote station, a remote terminal, a user terminal User terminal (UT), user agent, user device, user equipment (UE), user station, simply called station, or some other terminology. In some implementations, the access terminal can include a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) telephone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, and a personal digital assistant. , PDA), a handheld device with wireless connectivity, a station (STA), or some other suitable processing device connected to a wireless data modem. Thus, one or more aspects taught herein can be incorporated into a telephone (eg, a cellular or smart phone), a computer (eg, a laptop), a tablet, a portable communication device, a portable computing Devices (eg, personal data assistants), entertainment devices (eg, music or video devices, or satellite radios), global positioning system (GPS) devices, or any configured to communicate via wireless or wired media Among other suitable devices. In some aspects In the middle, the node is a wireless node. The wireless node can provide connectivity, for example, over a wired or wireless communication link for a network or to a network (e.g., a wide area network such as the Internet or a cellular network).

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the architecture of a wireless network 100. The wireless network 100 can include one or more mobile wireless devices 102, which can be referred to as mobile stations, user devices, mobile computing devices, stations, and the like. The wireless network architecture 100 can include one or more APs 104 and 106 that provide wireless communication in respective coverage areas 114 and 116, respectively. The APs 104 and 106 can use one or more radio access technologies to support WLAN services, where the services can include access to the wide area network via the gateways 108 and/or 110, such as accessing the Internet via the provider's IP service 126 network. Two or more APs 104 and 106 may be connected via the same or different gateways 108 or 110. A subnet of a block containing an address, such as an Internet Protocol (IP) address, is typically assigned to gateways 108 and 110, which may be assigned for one or more mobile devices 102, AP 104, 106 and/or other devices in the WLAN.

APs 104 and 106 can communicate with mobile device 102 using the same or different radio access technologies. The APs 104 and 106 can be part of a wireless network 100 provided by a single vendor and can provide access to the provider's IP service 126 via the same or different gateways 108, 110. When the same gateway 108 or 110 provides service to both APs 104 and 106, then APs 104 and 106 can be part of the same subnet, and mobile device 102 can maintain the same when connected via AP 104 or AP 106. IP address. When APs 104 and 106 provide connections to the Internet via different gateways 108 and 110, mobile device 102 can be assigned different IP addresses when connected to different APs 104 and 106. For example, wireless network 100 can include an interconnected access network provided by one or more vendors, each providing access via different gateways 108 and 110.

As illustrated and described herein, wireless network 100 provides packet switched services, however, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various concepts presented throughout this disclosure may be Extend to networks that provide circuit-switched services. As illustrated and described herein, the mobile device 102 can include any user device such as a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a satellite radio. , global positioning system, multimedia devices, video devices, digital audio players (eg, MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, tablets, or any other similarly functional device. The mobile device 102 can also be referred to by the skilled artisan as a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a user equipment, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, and a mobile subscriber station. , access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, mobile, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable term. One or more of the network entities 104, 106, 108, 110 may be connected via a wireless or wired connection, which may be referred to as an empty transport connection.

The modulation and multiple access schemes used by wireless network 100 may vary depending on the particular telecommunications standard being deployed, and different modulation schemes may be used for uplink (uplink, UL) and downlink (DL). Communication. According to some aspects, OFDM is used on DL and SC-FDMA is used on UL to support both frequency division duplexing (FDD) and time division duplexing (TDD). As those skilled in the art should readily appreciate from the detailed description below, the concepts presented herein can be readily extended to various telecommunication standards using different modulation and multiple access techniques. By way of example, these concepts can be extended to Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB). EV-DO and UMB are air bearer standards published by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2) as part of the CDMA2000 family of standards and use CDMA to provide broadband Internet access to mobile stations. These concepts can also be extended to Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) using Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA) and other variants of CDMA (such as TD-SCDMA); Global Mobile Telecommunications System using TDMA (GSM); and use OFDMA's evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, and Flash-OFDM. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, and GSM are described in documents from the 3GPP organization. CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from the 3GPP2 organization. The actual wireless communication standard and multiple access technology used will depend on the particular application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system.

The APs 104 and 106 can have multiple antennas that enable the APs 104 and 106 to utilize the spatial domain to support spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and transmission diversity. Spatial multiplexing can be used to simultaneously transmit different streams of data on the same frequency. The data streams can be transmitted to the single mobile device 102 to increase the data rate or to multiple mobile devices 102 to increase the total system capacity. This can be achieved by spatially precoding each data stream (i.e., applying a scaling of amplitude and phase) and then transmitting each spatial pre-coded stream via a plurality of transmit antennas on the DL. The spatially pre-coded data stream arrives at the mobile device 102 with different spatial signatures, which enables each mobile device 102 to recover one or more data streams destined for the mobile device 102. On the UL, each mobile device 102 can transmit a spatially pre-coded data stream, which enables the APs 104 and/or 106 to identify the source of each spatially pre-coded data stream.

In the example depicted in FIG. 1, mobile device 102 can move from coverage area 114 to coverage area 116 in direction 120. Initially, the mobile station can be connected to the AP 104 and can communicate data via the AP 104 and the gateway 108. Mobile station 102 may be capable of detecting signals from both APs 104 and 106 and may be capable of receiving services from both APs 104 and 106. At some point, the mobile device 102 can be handed over from the AP 104 to the AP 106 based on, for example, the quality of service available from the AP 104 and another AP 106. After handover, the mobile station 102 can be assigned a different IP address unless the APs 104 and 106 belong to the same subnet (e.g., to the IP service 126 via the same gateway 108 or 110).

Aspects of the present invention may allow a mobile station 102 to perform a pre-association operation with a potential target AP (e.g., AP 106) while still maintaining a source AP (e.g., AP 104) A technique of performing a quick connection with the target AP in association. Performing a pre-association with the target AP can help reduce latency when performing a full handover from the source AP to the target AP.

Figure 2 illustrates the handover in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention. Certain aspects of the present invention provide for the presence of the mobile device 202 between the access points 204 and 206 without significantly disrupting the service 208 provided to the mobile device 202 via the two access points 204 and 206. Efficiency delivery. In one example, wireless local area network (WLAN) APs 204 and 206 may be required to be owned or operated by entities that are not directly owned and operated by a single entity and that may be owned or operated by an entity other than the mobile device 202. Interwork mobile device. In general, the operator can maintain an idle transport connection to at least some of the WLAN APs 204 and 206 accessible to the mobile device 202.

In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, one or more pre-associations may be established prior to the handover of the mobile device 202. For example, the mobile device 202 can perform a pre-association operation to initiate association with the second AP 206 while still maintaining association with the first AP 204 (and prior to completion of handover to the second AP 206). As generally depicted at 200, mobile device 202 can be connected via first AP 204 and receive data and other services via first AP 204, which can be connected to IP service 208 via first AP 204. The connection between the mobile device 202 and the first AP 204 may be referred to as primary connection 212 when it is the only conduit for carrying data between the application on the mobile device and one or more network entities or services 208. . The mobile device 202 can be associated with the second AP 206 when an handover is expected to occur. The mobile device 202 can establish a secondary connection 214 with the second AP 206 in a "pre-association" that can be referred to as the second AP 206. Continue to communicate data only via primary connection 212 until complete delivery is completed. In this context 200, the first AP 204 may be referred to as a source AP and the second AP 206 may be referred to as a target AP.

The mobile device 202 can be associated with the second AP 206 by performing one or more of an authentication process, a 4-way connection exchange for key exchange, and the mobile device 202 can be connected to the second AP 206 An IP address is assigned for use. If the first AP 204 and the second AP 206 Using the services of the same gateway 108 or 110 (see Figure 1), the IP address assignment can be unchanged between the APs 204 and 206. According to some aspects, an associated frame can be communicated between the AP 206 and the mobile device 202, the associated frame including a field indicating that "pre-association" has been established. This situation may allow the AP to determine that the mobile device is performing a "pre-association" operation and does not intend to complete the association immediately. In other words, the mobile device can continue to use the services provided via the primary connection 212 until a full handover to the second AP 206 is required (eg, as triggered by a handover condition based on received signal strength from the AP 206 and/or the AP 204) until.

Full handover to the second AP 206 may be required when the mobile device detects that the target AP 206 provides a better connection than the current or source AP 204. The mobile device 202 can then tune to the target AP 206 and send a frame indicating completion of the handover to the AP 206. The indication can be a NULL data frame, an existing management frame, or a newly defined type of management frame that requires a response. Upon receiving an indication of handover completion from the mobile device 202, the target AP 206 can complete the association procedure and allow the mobile device to enter the network.

Upon completion of the association procedure, a post-delivery context 220 is entered in which the second AP 206 provides a primary connection 222 between the mobile device 202 and the web service 208. Data communication between the network service 208 and the mobile device 202 via the AP 204 is terminated. However, the mobile device 202 can maintain its association with the AP 204 and via the newly designated secondary connection 224. According to some aspects, the first AP 204 can maintain or otherwise maintain the associated duration for a predefined duration. For example, this duration can be communicated to the mobile device during the initial association or by transmitting the management frame after the association.

The mobile device 202 can optionally reply to the first AP 204 for receiving the service, and the mobile device can send an indication of "Handover Complete" to the first AP 204 to cause the state of the primary and secondary connections to be exchanged. In accordance with certain aspects, delays and interruptions in the connection between the mobile device 202 and the network service 208 can be avoided or substantially reduced by performing the pre-association procedures described herein. For example, association and IP address assignments can take 4 seconds or more, which in some cases can cause applications and network services on mobile device 202 during a conventional handover. Termination of the connection between services 208.

Referring again to FIG. 1, during the handover between the APs 104 and 106, the IP address assigned to the mobile device 102 can be changed if the APs 104 and 106 are not connected to the same subnet. In conventional systems, there is typically no clear indication of whether the mobile device is operating in the same network domain for the APs 104 and 106, and after handover, the mobile device 102 will conventionally send a dynamic host configuration protocol (dynamic Host configuration protocol, DHCP) message to request or update the IP address. The DHCP message can be received and processed by a DHCP service provided in gateway 108 or 110 or received and processed by a separate DHCP server (not shown). When the target AP 106 belongs to the same subnet as the source AP 104, the DHCP server can provide the same IP address to the mobile device 102. However, DHCP and IP address assignment procedures are typically performed after authentication and association, and performing DHCP and IP address assignment procedures can result in extremely time consuming handovers that can introduce a 2 to 3 second service delay or The interrupts affect the applications executed by the mobile device 102.

In accordance with certain aspects, the mobile device 102 can base the selection of the APs 104, 106 for delivery based on the subnet membership of the APs 104 and 106. Mobile device 102 can be located in an area where mobile device 102 can access multiple APs 104, 106. When a handover is required, the mobile device 102 can select the target AP 106 from among the APs 104, 106 based on whether the target AP 106 belongs to the same subnet as the source AP 104.

Certain aspects permit the mobile device 102 to identify the same sub-network target AP 106 without disturbing the service to the mobile device 102. The mobile device 102 can select the target AP 106 based on the communications transmitted by the APs 104 and 106, the communications including information identifying the subnet membership of the APs 104, 106.

According to some aspects, the AP 104 or 106 connected to the same subnet can be assigned a random number, and the AP 104, 106 transmits the random number to the mobile device 102. The random number can be generated for the subnet by the AP 104 or 106 that is powered on by the first power and connected to the gateway 108 or 110 corresponding to a subnetwork. The AP 104 or 106 can be sent with other APs 104 Or 106 is the target multicast packet to determine if a random number has been assigned to the subnet. If there is no reply, the AP 104 or 106 can assign a random number to the subnet. The AP 104 or 106 can then periodically broadcast the random number to other APs 104 or 106 and/or mobile device 102 in the form of multicast packets. The multicast packet can be sent wirelessly and/or via an empty transport connection. Multicast messaging can conform to configuration standards such as multicast domain name system (MDNS), Bonjour, universal plug and play (UPnP), and the like.

According to some aspects, the AP 104, 106, which is powered on on the subnet, can listen to the multicast message frame containing the random number on the no-load transmission and/or the Ethernet connection. If a multicast message is not received within a predefined or pre-configured time period, the APs 104, 106 can generate a random number. The AP 104 or 106 can then periodically transmit the random number such that other APs 104 or 106 connected to the same subnet can be synchronized with the random number selection used to identify the subnetwork. The multicast packet can be sent wirelessly and/or via an empty transport connection. Multicast messaging can conform to configuration standards such as MDNS, Bonjour, UPnP, and the like.

In accordance with certain aspects, the APs 104, 106 can transmit information identifying all of the sub-networks to which the APs 104, 106 are connected to the mobile device 102. This information can include subnet addresses.

Subnet identification information may be transmitted to mobile device 102 as a broadcast, for example, in beacons, probe requests/responses, and the like. According to some aspects, subnet identification can be provided using an access network query protocol (ANQP) and/or a generic advertisement service (GAS).

The mobile device 102 can select for handover by comparing the random number, subnet address or other subnet identifier obtained from the source AP 104 in the current subnet with the corresponding information received from the target AP 106. Device. The mobile device 102 can make a determination as to whether or not to associate with the target AP 106 based on the subnet identifier. In an example, when the target AP 106 is in the same subnet as the source AP 104, the mobile device 102 can apply a threshold to perform the handover. According to some aspects, the mobile device 102 can be based on the corresponding subnet of the AP 104, 106. The road membership adjusts the threshold for the APs 104, 106 and makes it less likely that the mobile device 102 will perform the handover when the source AP 104 and the target AP 106 are in different subnetworks. Thus, the mobile device 102 can remain connected to the source AP 104 for a longer period of time.

According to some aspects, the target APs 104, 106 can be selected from a plurality of suitable candidates based on the membership of the subnetwork (even if the superior connection quality can be obtained from the other candidate APs 104, 106, the quality of the connection can be Measured based on, for example, bandwidth and/or signal strength). Stronger signals can be attributed to better signal-to-noise ratios to provide greater channel quality, and larger channel quality can provide increased bandwidth.

In accordance with certain aspects, the mobile device 102 can cache the IP context for the APs 104 and 106 and associated random numbers such that even if the mobile device 102 is handed over to the target AP 104 or 106 that needs to assign a different IP address, The mobile device 102 can still identify different APs belonging to the subnet of the source AP 104 or 106 at a later point in time.

According to some aspects, when the AP 104 or 106 broadcasts a subnet identifier, some or all of the payload of the broadcast message can be encrypted. Encryption can be accomplished using a group temporal key (GTK) and/or integrity GTK (IGTK) encryption subnet identifier. The mobile device 102 can decrypt the subnet identifier field received from the target AP 106 using the GTK/IGTK obtained when connected to the source AP 104.

According to some aspects, all APs 104, 106 belonging to a common subnet use the same GTK/IGTK at any point in time. Regenerating the key can be performed simultaneously by all APs 104, 106.

According to some aspects, the source AP 104 may include a subnet identifier field of the neighboring AP 106 when advertising neighbor information. Additional information including the authentication domain and the like can be provided to the mobile device 102.

3 is a block diagram of an example AP 310 in communication with a mobile device 350 in an access network. The AP 310 can, for example, correspond to the AP 104/106 shown in FIG. 1 or the AP 204/206 shown in FIG. 2, and the mobile device 350 can correspond to the mobile device 102 or FIG. 2 shown in FIG. A mobile device 202 is shown.

In the DL, the layer protocol packets from the core network are provided to the controller/processor 375. In the DL, the controller/processor 375 provides header compression, encoding, packet segmentation and reordering, multiplexing between logical channels and transport channels, and radio resource allocation to the mobile device 350 based on various priority metrics. . The controller/processor 375 can also be responsible for retransmitting lost packets and signaling to the mobile device 350.

Transmission (TX) processor 316 implements various signal processing functions with respect to the physical layer. For example, signal processing functions may include writing and interleaving to facilitate forward error correction (FEC) at the mobile device 350, and based on various modulation schemes (eg, binary phase shift keying (binary phase) -shift keying, BPSK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), M-phase-shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M- Quadrature amplitude modulation, M-QAM)) is mapped to the signal cluster. The coded and modulated symbols can then be split into parallel streams and each stream can be mapped to an OFDM subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (eg, pilot) in the time domain and/or the frequency domain, And then combined together using Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) to generate a physical channel carrying a time domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM stream is spatially precoded to produce a plurality of spatial streams. Channel estimates from channel estimator 374 can be used to determine the code and modulation scheme, as well as for spatial processing. Channel estimates may include channel gain estimates, SNR estimates, noise variances, etc., that may be used to determine channel quality. The reference signal and/or channel condition feedback transmitted by the freely mobile device 350 derives the channel estimate. Each spatial stream can be provided to a different antenna 320 via a split transmitter 318TX. Each transmitter 318TX modulates the RF carrier for transmission by separate spatial streams.

At mobile device 350, each receiver 354RX receives a signal via its respective antenna 352. Each receiver 354RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides the information to a receive (RX) processor 356. RX processor 356 performs spatial processing on the information to recover Any spatial stream destined for mobile device 350. If multiple spatial streams are destined for mobile device 350, they can be combined into a single OFDM symbol stream by RX processor 356. The RX processor 356 then converts the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The frequency domain signal includes a separate OFDM symbol stream for each of the subcarriers of the OFDM signal. The symbols and reference signals on each subcarrier are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal cluster point transmitted by AP 310. These soft decisions may be based on channel estimates calculated by channel estimator 358. The soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally transmitted by the AP 310 on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to controller/processor 359.

The controller/processor can be associated with a memory 360 that stores code and data. Memory 360 can be referred to as a computer readable medium. In the UL, the controller/processor 359 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression between the transport channel and the logical channel for recovery of control signal processing of the upper layer packet from the core network. The upper layer packet is then provided to a data reservoir 362 representing a plurality of protocol layers. Various control signals can also be provided to data reservoir 362 for processing. Controller/processor 359 may also be responsible for error detection using acknowledgement (ACK) and/or negative acknowledgement (NACK) protocols.

In the UL, data source 367 is used to provide an upper layer packet to controller/processor 359. Data source 367 represents a plurality of protocol layers. Similar to the functionality described in connection with DL transmission by AP 310, controller/processor 359 can provide header compression, coding, packet segmentation and reordering, and based on radio resource allocation by AP 310. Multiple agreements between logical channels and transport channels to implement multiple protocol functions. The controller/processor 359 can also be responsible for retransmitting the lost packets and communicating to the AP 310.

The channel estimate derived from the reference signal or feedback transmitted by channel estimator 358 free AP 310 may be used by TX processor 368 to select an appropriate code and modulation scheme and facilitate spatial processing. The spatial stream generated by TX processor 368 is provided to different antennas 352 via separate transmitters 354TX. Each transmitter 354TX modulates the RF load by separate spatial streams Waves are used for transmission.

The UL transmission is processed at the AP 310 in a manner similar to that described in connection with the receiver function at the mobile device 350. Each receiver 318RX receives a signal via its respective antenna 320. Each receiver 318RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides the information to the RX processor 370.

Controller/processor 375 can be associated with memory 376 that stores code and data. Memory 376 can be referred to as a computer readable medium. In the UL, the controller/processor 375 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression between the transport channel and the logical channel for recovery of control signal processing from the mobile device 350 to the upper layer packet. The upper layer packet from controller/processor 375 can be provided to the core network. The controller/processor 375 may also be responsible for error detection using ACK and/or NACK protocols.

4 illustrates an example operation 400 for wireless communication in accordance with aspects of the present invention. For example, such operations 400 may be performed by the mobile device 102, 202 or 350 shown in FIGS. 1-3.

Operation 400 begins at 402 by communicating material via a first device (eg, a source AP) while maintaining association with the first device. At 404, the mobile device can perform a pre-association operation to initiate association with a second device (eg, a target AP) while maintaining association with the first device. At 406, the mobile device can decide to complete the association with the second device and communicate the data with the second device based on the first one or more conditions.

In some cases, the initial one or more conditions may include a handover trigger condition. As an example, if the received signal quality via the second device (eg, as measured by the received reference signal) is greater than the received signal quality via the first device and/or if the received signal quality is via the first device If it has fallen below a threshold, the handover trigger condition can be met. In some cases, whether to perform pre-association with a new AP may be based on similar type conditions (eg, but where the threshold is set such that pre-association is triggered prior to actual handover).

Figure 5 illustrates an example call flow diagram for a quick link in accordance with aspects of the present invention. For illustrative purposes, the call flow diagram uses the mobile device 202 of FIG. 2 and the first AP 204 and the second AP 206.

As illustrated, at time T0, mobile device 202 can have an association with a first AP 204 (e.g., a source AP) during a data session. As illustrated, the mobile device 202 can tune away from the first AP 204 and perform pre-association operations with the second AP 206 (eg, the target AP).

As described above, the mobile device may first communicate the intent of the pre-association via a frame (eg, a NULL data frame or a management frame) having a field indicating "pre-association". After pre-association with the second AP 206, the mobile device 202 can continue the session with the first AP 204.

However, at a later time (T1), a handover may be triggered (e.g., via a better received signal strength or indicating other quality parameters that may have better service at the second AP 206). Thus, the mobile device can complete the handover to the second AP (eg, by sending a message indicating that the handover is complete). Due to the previously performed pre-association operation, the mobile device may be able to start a session with the second AP 206 with little delay.

According to some aspects, the first AP 204 can unload the association with the mobile device 202 after the mobile device 202 hands over to the second AP 206. However, as mentioned above, in some cases, the association of the mobile device 202 with the first AP may be maintained for a period of time, thereby allowing the mobile device 202 to resume the session with the first AP (without having to perform the association again) ).

6A and 6B illustrate an example call flow diagram for a quick link in accordance with aspects of the present invention in which an association is maintained at a source AP. Up to time T1, the call flow diagrams are the same as in FIG. However, after the handover is triggered at T1, the association between the mobile device 202 and the first AP 204 is maintained for a duration. As mentioned above, the duration may be indicated, for example, during an initial association with the first AP.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, if the mobile device 202 does not return to the first AP 204 within a time period (which expires at T2 in the illustrated example), the association between the first AP 204 and the mobile device 202 is dismounted.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, if the mobile device 202 decides to return to the first AP 204 within the time period, the mobile device 202 can resume the session with the first AP 204 without having to perform the association again. As mentioned above, the mobile device 202 can indicate that it is resuming operation with the first AP 204 by transmitting a handover complete message to the first AP 204.

Depending on certain aspects, determining whether to transfer the primary association 212 from the first device 202 to the second device 204 includes determining the quality of the connection with each of the first device 202 and the second device 204. The quality of the connection can be determined based on at least one of available bandwidth or signal strength. Determining whether to transfer the primary association 212 from the first device 202 to the second device 204 includes a plurality of candidates based on the IP subnetwork associated with the second device 204 and the current IP subnetwork associated with the first device 202 The device selects the second device 204. Selecting the second device 204 can include preferring at least one of a plurality of candidate devices associated with the current IP subnetwork. The method can include avoiding the execution of the handover if no other device is associated with the current IP subnet. The method can include identifying a subnet associated with the second device based on a random number uniquely associated with the current IP subnetwork.

The device selected for handover can be selected by preferring at least one device associated with the current IP subnetwork. The at least one device includes a current device 204 that provides wireless communication to the device 202 that performs the method. The method can include avoiding execution of the handover if the current device 204 has a higher preference than any other device in one or more devices. The method can include avoiding execution of the handover if no other device is associated with the IP subnetwork associated with the method.

According to some aspects, at least one subnet is identified based on a media access address of a gateway 108, 110 (see FIG. 1) that provides access to IP services via each device. At least one subnet may be identified based on a unique identifier of the gateways 108, 110 that provide access to the IP service via each device. The at least one subnet may be based on a subnet identifier. The subnet identifier can contain an IP address. The subnet identifier can contain a random number uniquely associated with each subnet. The random number can be generated by one of one or more devices.

According to some aspects, random numbers can be received in the broadcast information. The subnet identifier can be received in the broadcast information. The subnet identifier can be encrypted in the broadcast information, and the method can include decrypting the broadcast information to obtain the subnet identifier by using the key of the current IP subnet. The key can contain a key known to a plurality of devices. The key can contain a group temporary key. The method can include performing, for example, a handover from the first device 204 to the selected device 206. The first device 204 and the selected device 206 can be associated with different IP subnetworks.

According to some aspects, starting from the selected device to after the execution of the handover from the first device to the selected device and after determining that the third device and the first device are associated with the at least one common IP subnetwork The handover of the three devices.

FIG. 7 illustrates example operations 700 for wireless communication in accordance with aspects of the present invention. For example, such operations can be performed by the mobile device 202. At 702, the mobile device 202 can determine to provide one or more devices 204, 206 for wireless communication.

At 704, the mobile device 202 can select the device for handover based on an IP subnetwork corresponding to one of the one or more devices 204, 206. The mobile device 202 can identify at least one subnetwork corresponding to each of the one or more devices 204, 206. The mobile device 202 can select a selected device based on an IP subnetwork corresponding to the mobile device 202.

According to some aspects, the mobile device 202 can be associated with the selected device 204 or 206. At least one subnetwork corresponding to each of the one or more devices may be identified prior to being associated with the selected device 204 or 206. The mobile device 202 can select the selected device 204 or 206 by preferring at least one device 204, 206 associated with the same IP subnetwork corresponding to the mobile device 202.

According to some aspects, at least one of the devices 204, 206 includes a current device 204 or 206 that provides wireless communication to the mobile device 202. The mobile device 202 can avoid performing handover if the current device 204 or 206 has a higher preference than any of the one or more devices 204, 206.

According to some aspects, the mobile device 202 can be in the absence of other devices 204, 206 and corresponding to Handover is avoided in the event that the IP subnet of the mobile device 202 is associated. Mobile device 202 can identify at least one subnet based on a media access address of a gateway that provides access to IP services via each device 204, 206. In accordance with certain aspects, the mobile device 202 identifies at least one subnet based on a unique identifier that provides a gateway to access the IP service via each device. The mobile device 202 can identify at least one subnet based on the subnet identifier. The subnet identifier can contain an IP address. The subnet identifier may contain a random number that uniquely corresponds to one of each subnetwork. The random number may have been generated by one of the one or more devices 204, 206. Mobile device 202 can receive random numbers in the broadcast information. The mobile device 202 can receive the subnet identifier in the broadcast information. The subnet identifier can be encrypted in the broadcast information. The mobile device 202 can decrypt the broadcast information to obtain the subnet identifier by using a key corresponding to the subnet of the device. The key can contain a key known to a plurality of devices. The key can contain a group temporary key. Mobile device 202 can be configured to initiate a handover from a first device to a selected device 204 or 206. The first device and selected device 206 or 204 are associated with different IP subnetworks. The mobile device 202 can initiate a handover from the selected device to the third device after determining that the third device and the first device are associated with the at least one common IP subnetwork.

According to some aspects, mobile device 202 can select based on one or more factors, and the factors can include the received signal strength indicator and channel quality. The mobile device 202 can weight one or more factors for each of the devices based on an IP subnetwork corresponding to each of the one or more devices.

In some aspects, the processing system that performs some of the steps of the methods illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7 can be a component of mobile device 350 and can include memory 360 and/or TX processor 368, RX processor 356. And at least one of the controller/processor 359. In one configuration, the means for wireless communication includes means for communicating data via the first device while maintaining a primary association with the first device; for associating with the second device while maintaining the primary with the first device An associated component; means for determining whether to primarily transfer from the first device to the second device; means for determining one or more devices that provide wireless communication; And means for selecting the device for handover based on an IP subnetwork associated with one of the one or more devices. As mentioned above, the processing system can include a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller/processor 359. Thus, in a configuration, the aforementioned components may be a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller/processor 359 configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned components.

Depending on certain aspects, such components may be configured to perform corresponding operations by implementing various algorithms described above for performing fast linking (eg, in hardware or by executing software instructions). A functional processing system is implemented.

The various aspects of the mobile device receivers described so far can be integrated into a variety of devices, including (by way of example) wireless devices. A wireless device can include various components that perform functions based on signals transmitted by or received at the wireless device (eg, including information such as data). For example, a wireless headset can include a sensor configured to provide audio output to a user. The wireless wristwatch can include a user interface configured to provide an indication to the user. The wireless sensing device can include a sensor configured to provide audio output to a user or configured to provide audio to be transmitted via the transmitter.

The wireless device can communicate via one or more wireless communication links that support any suitable wireless communication technology based on any suitable wireless communication technology or otherwise. For example, depending on certain aspects, a wireless device can be associated with a network. According to some aspects, the network may include a personal area network (eg, supporting a wireless coverage area of approximately 30 meters) or a human area network (eg, supporting approximately 10) implemented using ultra-wideband technology or some other suitable technology. Wireless coverage area of the meter). Depending on the aspect, the network can include a local area network or a wide area network. The wireless device can support or otherwise use one or more of a variety of wireless communication technologies, protocols, or standards such as CDMA, TDMA, OFDM, OFDMA, WiMAX, and Wi-Fi. Similarly, a wireless device can support or otherwise use one or more of a variety of corresponding modulation or multiplexing schemes. Thus, a wireless device may include appropriate components (eg, an empty interfacing) to establish one or more of the above using other or other wireless communication technologies. A line communication link and communicates via one or more wireless communication links. For example, a device can include a wireless transceiver with associated transmitter and receiver components, which can include various components that facilitate communication via wireless media (eg, signal generators and signal processing) Device).

According to some aspects, a wireless device can include an access device (eg, a Wi-Fi access point) for a communication system. For example, the access device can provide connectivity via a wired or wireless communication link to another network (eg, a wide area network such as the Internet or a cellular network). Thus, the access device can enable another device (e.g., a Wi-Fi station) to access the other network or some other functionality. In addition, it should be understood that one or both of these devices may be portable or, in some cases, relatively non-portable.

The components described herein can be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, a device can be represented as a series of related functional blocks, which can represent functions implemented by, for example, one or more integrated circuits (eg, ASICs) or can be as taught herein Some other way to implement it. As discussed herein, an integrated circuit can include a processor, software, other components, or some combination thereof. This apparatus can include one or more modules that can perform one or more of the functions described above with respect to the various figures.

As mentioned above, in accordance with certain aspects, such components can be implemented via appropriate processor components. These processor components can be implemented, at least in part, using structures as taught herein. In some aspects, the processor can be adapted to implement some or all of the functionality of one or more of these components.

As mentioned above, a device may include one or more integrated circuits. For example, a single integrated circuit may implement the functionality of one or more of the illustrated components, while in other aspects, more than one integrated circuit may implement the functionality of one or more of the illustrated components.

In addition, any suitable components can be used to implement the components and functions described herein. Such components may also be implemented, at least in part, using corresponding structures as taught herein. For example, the components described above can be implemented in an "ASIC" and can also correspond to The "components for..." functionality specified by similarity. Thus, in some aspects, one or more of such components can be implemented using one or more of a processor component, integrated circuit, or other suitable structure as taught herein.

Also, it should be understood that any reference to elements herein, such as "first", "second", etc., does not limit the quantity or order of the elements. In fact, such designations may be used herein as a convenient way of distinguishing between two or more elements or elements. Therefore, reference to a first element and a second element does not mean that only two elements can be used, or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner. Also, unless stated otherwise, a group of elements can include one or more elements. Further, the term "at least one of A, B or C" used in the description or the scope of the patent application means "A or B or C or any combination thereof".

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof. And chips.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that any of the illustrative logic blocks, modules, processors, components, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as an electronic hardware. (eg, digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of the two, which may be designed using source code or some other technique), and have various forms of programming or design code for instructions (for convenience, This article is called "software" or "software module", or a combination of the two. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. This functionality is implemented as hardware or software depending on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described functionality may be implemented in varying ways for each particular application, and such implementation decisions should not be construed as causing a departure from the scope of the invention.

The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented in an integrated circuit ("IC"), an access terminal, or an access point or by an integrated circuit ("IC" "), access terminal or access point to execute. The IC may include a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. Stylized logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware component, electrical component, optical component, mechanical component, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein, and executable to reside within the IC, outside the IC Or both of the code or instructions. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as 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.

It is understood that any particular order or hierarchy of steps in any disclosed process is an example of a sample method. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the process can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the invention. The accompanying method request items present elements of the various steps in the sample order and are not intended to be limited to the particular order or

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection 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. Software modules (eg, including executable instructions and related materials) and other data may reside in data memory such as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory Body, scratchpad, hard drive, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of computer readable storage medium known in the art. The sample storage medium can be coupled to a machine such as a computer/processor (which may be referred to herein as a "processor" for convenience) such that the processor can read information from the storage medium (eg, Code) and write information to the storage medium. The sample storage medium can be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in the user device. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in the user device. Moreover, in some aspects, any suitable computer program product can include a computer readable medium containing code associated with one or more aspects of the present invention (eg, executable by at least one computer) ). In some aspects, a computer program product can include packaging materials.

If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer readable medium or transmitted on a computer readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any media that facilitates transfer of the computer program from one location to another. The storage medium can be any available media 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, disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or may be used to carry or store instructions or data. Any other medium in the form of a structure that has the desired code and is accessible by the computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technology such as infrared (IR), radio, and microwave is used to transmit software from a website, server, or other remote source, Coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of the media. Disks and optical discs as used herein include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), flexible disks, and Blu-ray® discs, among which disks are used. The data is usually reproduced magnetically, and the optical disk optically regenerates the data by laser. Thus, in some aspects, a computer readable medium can comprise a non-transitory computer readable medium (eg, tangible media). Additionally, for other aspects, a computer readable medium can comprise a transitory computer readable medium (eg, a signal). Combinations of the above should also be included in the context of computer readable media.

The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to the above-described aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the details disclosed herein, but rather the broadest scope of the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims (20)

An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a processing system configured to: determine to provide one or more devices for wireless communication; and determine an internet network corresponding to each of the one or more devices A road protocol (IP) subnetwork, wherein determining the IP subnetwork corresponding to each of the one or more devices comprises: receiving broadcast information having one or more encrypted subnetwork identifiers Decrypting the broadcast information to obtain one or more decrypted subnetwork identifiers; and determining the IP sub-corresponding to each of the one or more devices based on the decrypted sub-network identifiers a network; adjusting the one or more thresholds for performing a handover to the one or more devices based on the IP subnet corresponding to each of the one or more devices; and based on the One of the one or more devices is selected for one handover by adjusting one or more thresholds. The device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is configured to determine the one or more devices based on an intensity of a signal received from the one or more devices. The device of claim 2, wherein the processing system is further configured to be associated with the selected device; and determining the IP sub-corresponding to each of the one or more devices prior to associating with the selected device network. The device of claim 1, wherein the IP subnetwork corresponding to the selected device is the same as one of the IP subnetworks associated with the device. The device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is configured to select the device for the handover by preferring at least one device associated with an IP subnetwork of the device. The device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is configured to initiate handover of the device from a first device to the selected device, wherein the first device and the selected device are associated with different IP subnetworks Union. A method for wireless communication by a device, comprising: determining to provide one or more devices for wireless communication; determining an Internet Protocol (IP) corresponding to one of the one or more devices a subnetwork, wherein determining the IP subnetwork corresponding to each of the one or more devices comprises: receiving broadcast information having one or more encrypted subnet identifiers; decrypting the broadcast information to obtain a Or a plurality of decrypted subnetwork identifiers; and based on the decrypted subnet identifiers to determine the IP subnetwork corresponding to each of the one or more devices; based on the corresponding one Or one of the plurality of devices of the IP subnetwork to adjust for performing one or more thresholds to the one or more devices; and based on the one or more adjusted One of the one or more devices is selected for a threshold for a handover. The method of claim 7, wherein the determining is based on an intensity of a signal received from the one or more devices. The method of claim 7, further comprising associating with the selected device, wherein the IP subnetwork corresponding to each of the one or more devices is determined prior to the association with the selected device. The method of claim 7, wherein the IP subnetwork corresponding to the selected device is The device is associated with one of the IP subnets. The method of claim 7, wherein the selecting comprises selecting the device for the handover by preferring at least one device associated with one of the device's IP subnetworks. The method of claim 7, further comprising initiating handover of the device from a first device to the selected device, wherein the first device and the selected device are associated with different IP subnetworks. An apparatus for communicating, comprising: means for determining one or more devices providing wireless communication; for determining an internet protocol (IP) corresponding to one of the one or more devices A component of a subnetwork, wherein means for determining the IP subnetwork corresponding to each of the one or more devices comprises: receiving broadcast information having one or more encrypted subnet identifiers a means for decrypting the broadcast information to obtain one or more decryption subnet identifiers; and for decrypting the subnet identifier based on the identifiers to determine that each of the one or more devices is a component of the IP subnetwork; for adjusting the IP subnetwork corresponding to each of the one or more devices for performing a handover to the one or more devices A plurality of threshold components; means for selecting the device for a handover based on the adjusted one or more thresholds. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the means for determining determines the one or more devices based on an intensity of a signal received from the one or more devices. The device of claim 13, further comprising means for associating with the selected device, wherein the determining corresponds to the one or more prior to the association with the selected device The IP subnet of each of the devices. The device of claim 13, wherein the IP subnetwork corresponding to the selected device is the same as one of the IP subnetworks associated with the device. The device of claim 13, wherein the means for selecting the device is selected for the handover by preferring at least one device associated with one of the IP subnetworks of the device. The device of claim 13, further comprising means for initiating handover of the device from a first device to the selected device, wherein the first device and the selected device are associated with different IP subnetworks . A computer readable medium embodying code, the code executable to: determine to provide one or more devices for wireless communication; and determine an internet protocol corresponding to one of the one or more devices An (IP) subnetwork, wherein determining the IP subnetwork corresponding to each of the one or more devices comprises: receiving broadcast information having one or more encrypted subnet identifiers; decrypting the broadcast information Obtaining one or more decryption subnet identifiers; and determining the IP subnetwork corresponding to each of the one or more devices based on the decrypted subnet identifiers; based on corresponding to the one Or the IP subnetwork of each of the plurality of devices to adjust for performing one or more thresholds to the one or more devices; and based on the one or more One of the one or more devices is selected for a limit for a handover. An access terminal comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate data; and a processing system configured to: determine to provide one or more devices of wireless communication; the determination corresponding to the one or more Internet Protocol for each of the devices An (IP) subnetwork, wherein determining the IP subnetwork corresponding to each of the one or more devices comprises: receiving broadcast information having one or more encrypted subnet identifiers; decrypting the broadcast information Obtaining one or more decryption subnet identifiers; and determining the IP subnetwork corresponding to each of the one or more devices based on the decrypted subnet identifiers; based on corresponding to the one Or the IP subnetwork of each of the plurality of devices to adjust for performing one or more thresholds to the one or more devices; and based on the one or more One of the one or more devices is selected for a limit for a handover.