WO2007140669A1

WO2007140669A1 - Method and system for providing wireless network connection

Info

Publication number: WO2007140669A1
Application number: PCT/CN2006/003689
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zhifeng Wang; Rong Wan; Qing Lin
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-05-31
Filing date: 2006-12-29
Publication date: 2007-12-13

Abstract

Method and system for providing wireless connection are disclosed in the present invention. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for providing wireless network access to at least a plurality of mobile stations. The method includes a step for providing an access network that is configured to provide network access to at least a plurality of mobile stations. The method additionally includes a step for providing a plurality of priority levels, which are associated with the plurality of mobile stations. For example, the plurality of priority levels includes a first priority level and a second priority level. The first priority level is lower than the second priority level. The method additionally includes a step for assigning a predetermined priority level for each of the plurality of mobile stations. The method further includes a step for determining a plurality of values based on the plurality of priority levels.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING WIRELESS NETWORK CONNECTION

Field of the Technology

The present invention relates in general to telecommunication techniques. More particularly, the invention provides a system and method for providing wireless network connections. Merely by way of example, the invention is described as it applies to multiple access networks, such as code division multiple access (CDMA) network, but it should be recognized that the invention has a broader range of applicability.

Background of the Invention

Telecommunication techniques existed almost as long as human history. Before electrical means of information exchange were possible, people devised various techniques for transmit information over distances. Visual and/or audio relay techniques for transmitting information over long distances have been used. For example, thousands of years ago border patrols in China used smoke signals to warn the central government of foreign invasions. Native Americans have also been known to use smoke signals.

With the invention of telegraph in the early nineteenth century, various electrical means of transmitting information have been developed. For example, various type of technologies (e.g., telephone, facsimile, radio, etc.) have been developed.

Most recently, wireless communication systems have been popular means for people to communicate. For example, people use mobile phones, pagers, and even computer to wirelessly communicate with one another. Typically, each of wireless communication systems utilizes a frequency range for to transmit signals. Since frequency ranges are limited, various techniques have been developed to efficiently use limited frequency ranges. For example, various multiple access techniques (e.g., TDMA, CDMA, etc.) have been developed.

Multiple access techniques allow efficiency use of frequency ranges. That is, more mobile devices are able to utilize a given frequency range. However, at the same, multiple access techniques often require complex and elaborate scheme to operate. Often, conventional techniques for managing a wireless communication system with multiple access capability are inadequate. For example, various conventional wireless systems are marred by congestion problem when multiple mobile stations access a system at the same time. It is to be understood that the term "mobile station" is broadly defined. For example, mobile stations include but not limited to wireless phones, pagers, portable digital assistants, access terminals, etc., that are connected to a wireless network over the air.

Therefore, an improved method and system for providing network connection is desired.

Summary of the Invention

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for providing wireless network access to at least a plurality of mobile stations. The method includes a process for providing an access network that is configured to provide network access to at least a plurality of mobile stations. The method additionally includes a process for providing a plurality of priority levels, which are associated with the plurality of mobile stations. For example, the plurality of priority levels includes a first priority level and a second priority level. The first priority level is lower than the second priority level. The method additionally includes a process for assigning a predetermined priority level for each of the plurality of mobile stations. The method further includes a process for determining a plurality of values based on the plurality of priority levels. Each of the plurality of values is used to determine a probability of a mobile station being able to access the access network. For example, the values are persistence values. The plurality of values includes a first value and a second value. The first value is based on the first priority level, and the second value is based on the second priority level. The method further includes a process for determining a network load value, which is associated with a load condition of the access network. Furthermore, the method includes a process for selecting a value from the plurality of values based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value. Also, the method includes a process for modifying the selected value based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value.

According to another embodiment, the present invention provides a system for providing access to mobile stations. The system includes a first communication interface. For example, the first communication interface is configured to provide network access to mobile stations. The system also includes a memory component. As an example, the memory component is configured to store a plurality of priority levels, which are associated with the mobile stations. Additionally, the system includes a logic component. As an example, the logic component is configured to determine a plurality of values based on the plurality of priority levels. Each of the plurality of values is used to determine a probability of a mobile station being able to access the access network. For example, the plurality of values includes a first value and a second value. The first value is based on the first priority level. The second value is based on the second priority level. The logic component is further configured to determine a network load value that is associated with a load condition of the access network. The logic component is further configured to select a value from the plurality of values based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value. The logic component is further configured to modify the selected value based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value.

According to yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a wireless network system. The system includes one or more mobile stations. The system also includes a content service network that is configured to provide Internet connectivity. The system additionally includes an access network. For example, the access network includes a first communication interface, a memory component, and a logic component. The first communication interface is configured to provide network access to the mobile stations. The memory component is configured to store a plurality of priority levels that are associated with the mobile stations. The logic component is configured to determine a plurality of values based on the plurality of priority levels. The logic component is further configured to determine a network load value that is associated with a load condition of the access network. The logic component is further configured to select a value from the plurality of values based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value. The logic component is further configured to modify the selected value based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value.

It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention provide various advantages over conventional techniques. According to certain embodiments, the present invention provides a technique for gradually adjusting frequency of access probes based on priority levels. For example, when the access channel is heavily loaded (e.g., indicated by high duty cycle and collision probability), the parameters associated with access frequency are gradually modified (i.e., decreasing access probe frequency for mobile stations), which effectively lower collision probability. As an example, when access channel is heavily loaded, the access probe frequency is first limited for low priority mobile stations to ensure normal access speed of high priority mobile stations. When, the access channel returns to normal load condition, the access probe frequency of mobile stations returns to normal as well to make full use of access channel and increase access speed of mobile stations. There are other advantages as well.

Depending upon embodiment, one or more of these benefits may be achieved. These benefits and various additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention can be fully appreciated with reference to the detailed description and accompanying drawings that follow.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating conventional access probe sequence.

Figure 2 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating a method providing wireless network access according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a simplified diagram of a wireless network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

As described above, multiple access network systems for wireless communication have been widely used. Among other things, multiple access network systems provides an efficient use of limited frequency range by allowing multiple communication devices access a single communication network at once. For example, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) networks, time division multiple access (TDMA) networks, and code division multiple access (CDMA) networks utilize different multiplexing schemes for providing multiple access. For multiple access networks to function properly, various issues need be addressed. For example, when two or more mobile stations try to access an access network, the access network often becomes jammed with colliding signals. To solve this problem, various conventional access network systems broadcast to mobile stations as when the mobile stations should access the network. For example, in a CDMA system (e.g., the CDMA 2000), an Ix EVDO is a common channel that is used for broadcasting. Using a common channel, access information is exchanged between the access network and all of the mobile stations within that sector. As an example, the access network includes a base station that provides, among other things, radio access. When simultaneously transmitted from multiple mobile stations, access information may collide, and the access network side will not be able to receive and demodulate correctly. As an exemplary technique for reducing collisions, a various protocols (e.g., Default Access Channel MAC Protocol of RevO, Enhanced Access Channel MAC Protocol of RevA in CDMA 2000 Ix EVDO, etc.) require mobile station access probe processes to randomize and spread out the access probes and to avoid simultaneous transmission of access information.

Figure 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating conventional access probe sequence. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.

As shown in Figure 1 , before each access probe sequence, the mobile station will first perform a persistence test. For example, mobile stations use probe sequences to determine whether the access network is available. As an example, terms "persistence values" and "persistence test" are broadly defined. "Persistence test" refers generally to a test and/or formula that is used to determine whether a mobile station should initiate a probe sequence. "Persistence values" refers to values that are used for calculating to whether a mobile station should initiate a probe sequence. Typically, probe sequences are radio signals transmitted through a predetermined access channel. If it passes the test, the mobile will transmit the first access probe of the sequence. Otherwise, the mobile station will restart the persistence test from the next cycle. For example, each cycle can be referred as access channel cycle according to various network standards. For example, the cycle length is transmitted by the access network through a common broadcast channel to each of the mobile station within the reach of the access network. For example, in a CDMA network, the access network transmits an Access Parameters message that specifies the length of access information. During an access probe sequences, the mobile station performs a back off process.

When multiple mobile stations attempt to access the same network, it is important for each mobile station to access the network at a different time to avoid collision. The chances of collision largely depend on whether the persistence test works well. According to various conventional techniques, persistence tests use certain parameters to determine probabilities of whether mobile stations are to start probe sequences. Typically, parameters (e.g., persistence values, etc.) are broadcasted through a common broadcast channel from the access network to mobile stations. For example, an access parameter message carries an array of persistence values stored in a variable array APersistence[4] (e.g., an array of four persistence values), which defines the probability of 4 persistence tests. For example, a persistence test may be implemented according to the following equation: APersislenφ] π = 2 * , / = 0,1,2,3 (Equation 1)

As shown in Equation 1, the variable "i" represents priority classes for mobile stations. For example, mobile station with the highest priority would have APersistence[i]=O, and the result of the persistence test is equal to one (i.e., the mobile station with APersistence[i]=O is always able to start probe sequences). Before a mobile station with a priority class "i" initiates an access probe sequence, it generates a uniformly distributed random number x, wherein 0 < x < 1. If x < π , the test is successful. If test is successful, or has failed 4/π times, then the test is considered to be passed, and the mobile station initiates an access probe sequence. Different APersistence values can be set for the four mobile station priority levels and/or categories to control mobile station access probe frequency and therefore to control the load on the access channel. Various priority levels may be defined according by certain network specific protocols. For example, a Default Access Channel MAC Protocol specifies that the priority level corresponding to the test mobile station is 2, while the default for other mobile station is 0. As another example, the Enhanced Access Channel MAC Protocol specifics that if a negotiation parameter (e.g., parameter defined as AccessTerminalClassOverride, etc.) is not equal to "Oxff" , then the priority corresponding for that mobile station is AccessTerminalClassOverride; otherwise defaults value is equal to 0. Between each access probe sequence, each of the mobile stations performs a back off process. To prevent jamming of wireless network, after a mobile station transmits an access probe sequence, it needs to wait to a predetermined interval (represented by variable τ_s) before launching the next probe sequence. As shown in Figure 1, the time interval between probe sequence 1 and probe sequence 2 is τ_s. For example, the predetermined interval τ_s is specified by a parameter (represent by variable ProbeSequenceBackoff). Typically, the value of ProbeSequenceBackoff and/or the predetermined interval τ_s is negotiated between the access network and each of the mobile stations.

During each access probe sequences, series of probe signals are sent. Typically, each successive probe signal is associated with a wait time. For example, a mobile station waits for at least τ_p before sending the next probe signal. For example, the predetermined interval τ_p is specified by a parameter (represent by variable ProbeBackoff). Typically, the value of ProbeBackoff and/or the predetermined interval τ_p is negotiated between the access network and each of the mobile stations. As shown in Figure 1 , the time interval between each probe signal τ_p.

As shown in Figure 1, the frequency of probe signals being sent by mobile stations depends on several factors including π , τ_p, and τ_s. For example, high value of π , and low values of τ_p, and τ_s cause the mobile station to send probe signals more frequently.

General, the smaller the interval between access probes is, the faster the mobile station access speed will be. On the flip side, during calling peak and/or large numbers of mobile station registration are launched, large amounts of information need to be transmitted over the common access channel, resulting in an increase in the probability of collision. For example, when access information is unable to be demodulated due to collision, a mobile station cannot receive an acknowledgment (e.g., an ACK message, etc.) from the network. In response, the mobile station continue to increase transmission power for access probe. If an acknowledgment from the network is not received following the completion of an access probe sequence, the mobile station will restart an access probe sequence until it receives an acknowledgment from the network. Alternatively, the mobile station may simply announce a failure of access information transmission. As analyzed above, without effective centralized control of access probe sequences, increases of access channel time slot duty cycle and collision probability will lead to mobile stations transmit an increased number of access probes. As a result, time slots for duty cycle increase and collision probability becomes much higher. In addition, due to the increased transmission power used by mobile stations, sector rise over thermal (ROT) is increased.

Important as managing access probes is, various conventional techniques have been developed over the years. Unfortunately, these conventional techniques are often inadequate as explained below.

One of the conventional techniques for managing access probes has been to uniformly modify the persistence values (e.g., APersistence variable in Equation 1, etc.), which are used to compute the probability of initiating access probe sequences.

Typically, when monitored access channel duty cycle exceeds a threshold limit, the access network transmits a message (e.g., AccessParameters message) to increase all the APersistence [i], i = 0,1,2,3. In other words, the difficulty of passing the persistence test is increased so as to decrease the frequency of access probe initiated by mobile stations. For example, it is also possible to increase the APersistence of a certain category of mobile stations only. For example, only APersistence[O] is increased. Since by default mobile station classes corresponding to non-testing mobile stations are all 0, the difficulty of passing the persistence test corresponding to all subscriber mobile station is also increased. Typically, after the monitored access channel duty cycle falls below the threshold limit, the access network re-transmits a message (e.g., AccessParameters message) and decreases APersistence[i], i = 0, 1 ,2,3.

This conventional technique has various shortcomings. For example, this technique does not take priorities of various mobile stations into consideration. When a large number of mobile stations attempt to initiate registration and establish sessions or links at the same time, the difficulty of passing the persistence test increases for all access probes. As a result, normal access of high priority mobile stations cannot be guaranteed. In addition, when the access channel duty cycle increases, the APersistence corresponding to all mobile stations classes increases, but the access channel duty cycle does not decrease correspondingly. As a result, the duty cycle is found to still exceed the threshold during the next monitoring cycle, and APersistence is increased continuously. For example, the APersistence quickly reaches its maximum value and blocks access by mobile stations.

According to an alternative conventional technique, the frequency of access probe signals is controlled by the specified time intervals between each access probe signal and between each access probe sequence. For example, the time intervals are determined by negotiation processes between mobile stations and the access network. According this technique, parameters such as ProbeSequenceBackoff (i.e., time interval between each access probe sequence) and ProbeBackoff (i.e., time interval between each access probe signal) are negotiable for each mobile station. Typically, default values are used before sessions are established for mobile stations. When the access channel load increases or decreases, it is often not realistic to dynamically negotiate and adjust the ProbeSequenceBackoff and ProbeBackoff variable for each or some of the mobile stations. This is because when large amounts of air interface information are transmitted, the access channel load would increase. Therefore, these parameters such as ProbeSequenceBackoff and ProbeBackoff are negotiated and determined when establishing sessions. For example, based on the priority level of each mobile, the lower the priority is, the larger values for the ProbeSequenceBackoff and ProbeBackoff are. Accordingly, a high priority mobile stations can transmit access probe at higher frequency, while a low priority mobile stations does so at lower frequency.

This conventional technique is often inadequate for various reasons. For example, dynamic adjustment cannot be performed in real time based on the channel load. As a result, even if when the access channel load is low, the access speed for low priority mobile stations remains slow and access will not be performed at normal speed. As another example, if mobile stations simultaneously transmit access information are all of high priority, the collision probability is not meaningfully reduced, and the problem of high channel load is not solved.

Therefore, it is to be appreciated that the present invention provides various advantages over conventional techniques and addresses these abovementioned problems.

Figure 2 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating a method providing wireless network access according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. For example, various steps illustrated in the flow diagram may be added, removed, replaced, repeated, rearranged, overlapped, and/or partially overlapped.

At step 201, an access network is provided. According to an embodiment, the access network is a multiple access network that is configured to provide radio access network. For example, the access network includes a base station that is capable of providing radio access to two or more mobile stations. Depending upon application, the access network may be in compliance with different types of networks, such as

CDMA, GSM, TDMA, FDMA, etc. For example, the access network is a part of CDMA network in compliance with CDMA2000 IxEVDO standard.

At step 202, a plurality of priority levels is provided. According to an embodiment, the plurality of priority levels is associated with the plurality of mobile stations. For example, the access network includes priority levels are predefined according to network standards. As an example, a premium subscriber mobile station has a higher priority level than a normal subscriber mobile station. Depending upon application, there can be many levels of priority levels. As an example, there are at least four priority levels.

At step 203, a priority level is assigned for each mobile station. For example, the access network includes a logic unit for assigning priority levels. In a specific embodiment, assigning priority levels for mobile station involves negotiations between the access network and mobile stations. For example, for a network implemented with Default Access Channel MAC Protocol or before the completion of session negotiation, priority levels are determined based on terminal UIM cards of mobile stations. As an example, users are be divided into four priority levels with the highest priority user written as 3, the second priority user written as 2, the third priority user written as 1, and other users written as 0. In an embodiment, to accommodate incomplete UIM information in some mobile stations, during the session negotiation between mobile stations and the access network, the access network assign high priority levels 3, 2, and 1 to three categories of highest priority and priority level 0 to other mobile stations. As an example, the processing of assigning priority level is performed using Enhanced Access Channel MAC Protocol. At step 204, a plurality of persistence values are determined based on the plurality of priority levels. For example, each of the plurality of persistence values is associated with a probability of a mobile station being able to access the wires network. In a specific embodiment, an array of persistence values are determined and set. For example, APersistence includes an array of persistence values. For example, APersistence[ i ] (wherein 1 = 0, I, 2, or 3) is in accordance with the priority levels of mobile stations. For example, the variable APersistence[0] includes persistence value for mobile stations with priority level 0.

At step 205, a network load value is determined. The network load value is associated with a load condition of the access network. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the network load value is determined by the access network. For example, the access network dynamically monitors the network load and determines the network load value. Depending upon applications, the

π network load value may be represented in various ways. For example, the network load value is measured by channel slot duty cycle.

At step 206, a collision probability value is determined. The collision probability value is associated with a collision probability of the access network. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the collision probability value is determined by the access network. For example, the access network dynamically monitors the network load and calculates the collision probability value.

At step 207, the access network determines if the network load value is greater than a first network load threshold and the collision probability value is greater than a collision probability threshold. According to an embodiment, two network threshold load values are used. For example, the two network threshold values include a threshold value for normal network load condition and a threshold value for overloaded network load condition (i.e., normal load threshold value is less than the overload threshold value). For example, the first network threshold is the overload threshold value.

At step 208, the persistence values are incremented if at step 206 it is determined that the network load value is greater than a first network load threshold and the collision probability value is greater than a collision probability threshold. According to a specific embodiment, the persistence value for the mobile stations with lowest priority (e.g., represented by APersistence[0]) is incremented by a predetermined amount each time until APersistence[O] reaches a maximum persistence value, and then the persistence value for the mobile stations with the second lowest priority (e.g., represented by APersistence[l]) is incremented by a predetermined amount each time until APersistence[l] reaches the maximum persistence value, and so on and so forth.

According to another embodiment, the persistence values for mobile stations are incremented in a distributed manner. For example, the persistence value for the mobile stations with lowest priority (e.g., represented by APersistence[0]) is incremented by a predetermined amount first, then the persistence value for the mobile stations with the second lowest priority (e.g., represented by APersistence[l]) is incremented by the predetermined amount, and so on and so forth. For example, after the persistence value for the mobile stations with the highest priority (e.g., APersistence[3]) has been incremented by a predetermined amount, the value of APersistence[O] is incremented next.

Typically, persistence value is incremented one step at a time. For example, a predetermined step value is used for incrementing persistence values. According to certain embodiments, each time persistence values are incremented and/or decremented, collision probability value and network load value are determined based on the new persistence values.

At step 209, the access network determines if the network load value is less than a second network load threshold and the collision probability value is less than a collision probability threshold. As mentioned before, two network threshold load values are used. For example, the two network threshold values include a threshold value for normal network load condition and a threshold value for overloaded network load condition (i.e., normal load threshold value is less than the overload threshold value). For example, the second network threshold is the normal threshold value. It is to be appreciated that by using two threshold values, the embodiment of the present reduces the number of times that persistence values need to be adjusted. For example, overly frequent change of persistence values would slow down the network.

At step 210, the persistence values are decremented if at step 209 it is determined that the network load value is less than the second network load threshold and the collision probability value is less than a collision probability threshold. According to a specific embodiment, the persistence value for the mobile stations with the highest priority (e.g., represented by APersistence[3]) is decremented by a predetermined amount each time until APersistence[3] reaches zero, and then the persistence value for the mobile stations with the second highest priority (e.g., represented by APersistence[2]) is decremented by a predetermined amount each time until APersistence[2] reaches the zero, and so on and so forth.

According to another embodiment, the persistence values for mobile stations are decremented in a distributed manner. For example, the persistence value for the mobile stations with highest priority (e.g., represented by APersistence[3]) is decremented by a predetermined amount first, then the persistence value for the mobile stations with the second highest priority (e.g., represented by APersistence[2]) is decremented by the predetermined amount, and so on and so forth. For example, after the persistence value for the mobile stations with the lowest priority (e.g., APersistence[O]) has been decremented by a predetermined amount, the value of APersistence[3] is decremented next.

Typically, persistence value is decremented one step at a time. For example, a predetermined step value is used for decrementing persistence values. As mentioned above, in a specific embodiment each time one or more persistence values are incremented and/or decremented, collision probability value and network load value are determined based on the new persistence values.

At step 211, persistence values are transmitted from the access network to mobile stations. According to an embodiment, the persistence values are transmitted via the common link. For example, the access network simply broadcast persistence values to all mobile stations. According to another embodiment, the persistence values are individually transmitted from the access network to mobile stations.

At step 212, mobile stations determine whether to initiate probe sequences based on the received persistence values. For example, a mobile station receiving the probe sequence determining whether to initiate a probe sequence by applying the received persistence value to Equation 1. It is to be understood formulae such as Equation 1 are in compliance with industry standards. For example, Equation 1 and variations thereof are used in CDMA standards. It is to be understood that variations of Equation 1 may be used to determine persistence value. Figure 3 is a simplified diagram of a wireless network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. As shown in Figure 3, the wireless network system 300 includes more mobile stations 303 and 304. For example, the mobile stations are cellular phones. As another example, mobiles station 303 is a pager and mobile station 304 is a computer. The wireless network system 300 additionally includes a content service network (CSN) 301. In an example, the content service network being configured to provide Internet connectivity. The system also includes an access network 302. According to an embodiment, the access network 302 including a communication interface 305, a memory component 306, and a logic component 307. As an example, the communication interface is configured to provide network access to the mobile stations 303 and 304. The memory component is configured to store various information associated with network policies, such as a plurality of priority levels that are associated with the mobile stations. The logic component 307 is configured to determine persistence values. For example, each of the persistence values is associated with a priority level.

The logic component 307 is configure to provide various network functions. According to certain embodiments, the logic component 307 determines a plurality of plurality values based on the plurality of priority levels. For example, each of the plurality of values is used to determine a probability of a mobile station being able to access the access network. For example, the plurality of values are stored as an array of persistence values that correspond to priority levels. The logic component also determines a network load value. For example, the network load value is associated with a load condition of the access network. In certain embodiment, the logic component also calculates a collision probability value based on the network load condition. The logic component additional is selects a value from the plurality of values based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value. Additionally, the logic component modifies the selected value based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value.

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for providing wireless network access to at least a plurality of mobile stations. The method includes a step for providing an access network that is configured to provide network access to at least a plurality of mobile stations. The method additionally includes a step for providing a plurality of priority levels, which are associated with the plurality of mobile stations. For example, the plurality of priority levels includes a first priority level and a second priority level. The first priority level is lower than the second priority level. The method additionally includes a step for assigning a predetermined priority level for each of the plurality of mobile stations. The method further includes a step for determining a plurality of values based on the plurality of priority levels. Each of the plurality of values is used to determine a probability of a mobile station being able to access the access network. For example, the values are persistence values. The plurality of values includes a first value and a second value. The first value is based on the first priority level, and the second value is based on the second priority level. The method further includes a step for determining a network load value, which is associated with a load condition of the access network. Furthermore, the method includes a step for selecting a value from the plurality of values based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value. Also, the method includes a step for modifying the selected value based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value. As an example, the method can be illustrated according to Figure 2. According to another embodiment, the present invention provides a system for providing access to mobile stations. The system includes a first communication interface. For example, the first communication interface is configured to provide network access to mobile stations. The system also includes a memory component. As an example, the memory component is configured to store a plurality of priority levels, which are associated with the mobile stations. Additionally, the system includes a logic component. As an example, the logic component is configured to determine a plurality of values based on the plurality of priority levels. Each of the plurality of values is used to determine a probability of a mobile station being able to access the access network. For example, the plurality of values includes a first value and a second value. The first value is based on the first priority level. The second value is based on the second priority level. The logic component is further configured to determine a network load value that is associated with a load condition of the access network. The logic component is further configured to select a value from the plurality of values based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value. The logic component is further configured to modify the selected value based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value. As an example, the system can be illustrated according to Figure 3.

According to yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a wireless network system. The system includes one or more mobile stations. The system also includes a content service network that is configured to provide Internet connectivity. The system additionally includes an access network. For example, the access network includes a first communication interface, a memory component, and a logic component. The first communication interface is configured to provide network access to the mobile stations. The memory component is configured to store a plurality of priority levels that are associated with the mobile stations. The logic component is configured to determine a plurality of values based on the plurality of priority levels. The logic component is further configured to determine a network load value that is associated with a load condition of the access network. The logic component is further configured to select a value from the plurality of values based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value. The logic component is further configured to modify the selected value based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value. As an example, the system can be illustrated according to Figure 3.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that there are other embodiments that are equivalent to the described embodiments. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for providing wireless network access to at least a plurality of mobile stations, comprising: providing an access network, the access network being configured to provide network access to a plurality of mobile stations; providing a plurality of priority levels, the plurality of priority levels being associated with the plurality of mobile stations, the plurality of priority levels including a first priority level and a second priority level, the first priority level being lower than the second priority level; assigning a predetermined priority level for each of the plurality of mobile stations; determining a plurality of values based on the plurality of priority levels, each of the plurality of values being used to determine a probability of a mobile station being able to send the access probe to the access network, the plurality of values including a first value and a second value, the first value being based on the first priority level, the second value being based on the second priority level; determining a network load value, the network load value being associated with a load condition of the access network; selecting a value from the plurality of values based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value; and modifying the selected value based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising incrementing the value based on the plurality of priority levels if the network load value is greater than a first network load threshold.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the incrementing value comprises incrementing the first value until the first value reaches a maximum value before incrementing the second value.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the incrementing value comprises incrementing the first value by a first amount at a first time, incrementing the second value by a second amount at a second time, and incrementing the first value by the first amount at a third time, the third time being after the first time and the second time.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a collision probability value associated with the access network; incrementing the value based on the plurality of priority levels if the network load value is greater than a first network load threshold and the collision probability value is greater than the collision probability threshold.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising decrementing the value based on the plurality of priority levels if the network load value is less than a first network load threshold.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a collision probability value associated with the access network; decrementing the value based on the plurality of priority levels if the network load value is less than a first network load threshold and the collision probability value is less than the collision probability threshold.

8. The method of claim I₅ further comprising determining whether to initiate a probe sequence by a mobile station based on a persistence value.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of priority levels includes four priority levels.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the access network is in compliance with

CDMA network standard.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of priority levels includes a default priority level.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the assigning the a priority level for each of the plurality of mobile stations comprises negotiating priority levels with mobile stations by the access network.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the assigning the a priority level for each of the plurality of mobile stations comprises sending information related to the priority level to the plurality of mobile stations via a common access channel.

14. A system for providing access to mobile stations, comprising: a first communication interface, the first communication interface being configured to provide network access to mobile stations; a memory component, the memory component being configured to store a plurality of priority levels, the priority levels being associated with the mobile stations; a logic component, wherein the logic component is configured to: determine a plurality of values based on the plurality of priority levels, each of the plurality of values being used to determine a probability of a mobile station being able to access the access network, the plurality of values including a first value and a second value, the first value being based on the first priority level, the second value being based on the second priority level; determine a network load value, the network load value being associated with a load condition of the access network; select a value from the plurality of values based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value; and modify the selected value based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value.

15. The system for claim 14, wherein the plurality of values comprise persistence values.

16. The system for claim 14, wherein the logic component is further configured to determine a collision probability value associated with the network load condition.

17. The system for claim 14, wherein the first communication interface comprises a base station.

18. The system for claim 14, wherein the system is in compliance with a CDMA standard.

19. The system for claim 14, wherein the memory component comprises random access memory and/or flash memory.

20. A wireless network system, comprising: one or more mobile stations; a content service network, the content service network being configured to provide Internet connectivity; an access network, the access network including a first communication interface, a memory component, and a logic component, the first communication interface being configured to provide network access to the mobile stations, the memory component being configured to store a plurality of priority levels, the plurality of priority levels being associated with the mobile stations, wherein the logic component is configure to: determine a plurality of values based on the plurality of priority levels, each of the plurality of values being used to determine a probability of a mobile station being able to access the access network, the plurality of values including a first value and a second value, the first value being based on the first priority level, the second value being based on the second priority level; and determine a network load value, the network load value being associated with a load condition of the access network; select a value from the plurality of values based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value; and modify the selected value based on at least information associated with the plurality of priority levels and the network load value.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the memory component comprises a database, the database being configured to network policies associated with the mobile stations.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the system is characterized as a CDMA system.