WO2008085181A1

WO2008085181A1 - Method of controlling an end-user device in communication with a plurality of wireless networks

Info

Publication number: WO2008085181A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/002335
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony Luo; Charles Weng
Original assignee: E28 Limited
Priority date: 2007-01-12
Filing date: 2007-01-29
Publication date: 2008-07-17

Abstract

Methods of setting a transmit power level of a wireless end-user device in communication with a plurality of wireless networks. The end-user device can be a mobile station unit, such as a dual-mode handset. The plurality of wireless networks can include a well- planned, well-coordinated network, such as a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network, and a less-planned, less-coordinated network, such as a wireless local area network based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. At least one method includes acquiring a parameter from at least one of the plurality of networks, the parameter being related to movement of the end-user device, and adjusting the transmit power level based on a value of the parameter. Also disclosed are end-user devices configured to set a transmit power level.

Description

METHOD OF CONTROLLING AN END-USER DEVICE IN COMMUNICATION WITH A PLURALITY OF WIRELESS NETWORKS, AND END-USER DEVICE

INCORPORATING THE METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to methods of controlling an end-user device that communicates with a plurality of wireless networks, and end-user devices that incorporate the methods. More particularly, the invention relates to methods of setting a transmit power level of a mobile, end user device, such as a dual-mode mobile station, in communication with a well-planned, well- coordinated network, such as a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network, and in communication with a less-planned, less-coordinated network, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard.

SUMMARY

[0002] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of setting a transmit power level of a mobile, end-user device, the device configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless networks including a well-planned, well-coordinated network and a less-planned, less- coordinated network. The method includes, at the mobile, end-user device, communicating with the well-planned, well-coordinated network; and determining a value of a parameter using the communication with the well-planned, well-coordinated network. The parameter is related to movement of the mobile, end-user device. The method also includes setting the transmit power level for communication with the less-planned, less-coordinated network based on the value.

[0003] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of setting a transmit power level of a mobile, end-user device, the device configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless networks including a well-planned, well-coordinated network and a less-planned, less- coordinated network. The method includes, at the mobile, end-user device, communicating with the well-planned, well-coordinated network; and determining a first value of a first parameter using the communication with the well planned, well-coordinated network. The parameter represents a received signal measurement based on the communication with the well-planned, well-coordinated network. The method also includes communicating with the less-planned, less- coordinated network; and determining a second value of a second parameter using the communication with the less-planned, less-coordinated network. The second parameter represents a second received signal measurement based on the communication with the less- planned, less-coordinated network. The method further includes setting the transmit power level for communication with the less-planned, less-coordinated network based on the first value and the second value.

[0004] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of setting a transmit power level of a mobile, end-user device, the device configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless networks including a well-planned, well-coordinated network and a less-planned, less- coordinated network. The method includes, at the mobile, end user device, communicating with the well-planned, well-coordinated network; sending a request to wireless access point (WAP) of the less-planned, less-coordinated network to request a value for a received signal level of a signal transmitted from the mobile, end-user device; receiving the value from the less-planned, less-coordinated network; and setting the transmit power level for communication with the less- planned, less-coordinated network based on the value.

[0005] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of setting a transmit power level of a mobile, end-user device, the device configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless networks including a well-planned, well-coordinated network and a less-planned, wireless local area network (WLAN). The method includes, at the mobile, end user device, communicating with the well-planned, well-coordinated network; setting the transmit power level to a first power level; transmitting data to a wireless access point (WAP) of the WLAN at the first power level; and acquiring a parameter from at least one of the well-planned, well- coordinated network and the WLAN. The parameter is related to movement of the mobile, end- user device. The method also includes adjusting the transmit power level to a second power level different from the first power level based on a value of the parameter; and transmitting data to the WAP at the second power level.

[0006] Other aspects and embodiments of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram representing a wireless end-user device in communication with a plurality of communications networks.

[0008] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram representing a wireless end-user device capable of communicating with the plurality of communications networks of Fig. 1. [0009] Fig. 3 is flow chart illustrating a method of setting the transmit power level of the wireless end-user device of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0011] As should also be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the systems shown in the figures are models of what actual systems might be like. Many of the modules and logical structures described are capable of being implemented in software executed by a microprocessor or a similar device or of being implemented in hardware using a variety of components including, for example, application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"). Terms like "controller" and "subsystem" may include or refer to both hardware and/or software. Furthermore, throughout the specification capitalized terms are used. Such terms are used to conform to common practices. However, no specific meaning is implied or should be inferred simply due to the use of capitalization. Thus, the claims should not be limited to the specific examples or terminology or to any specific hardware or software implementation or combination of software or hardware.

[0012] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a wireless end-user device 100 in communication with a plurality of networks 105 and 110. In one embodiment, the end-user device 100 is a mobile station unit, such as a dual-mode handset or cellular telephone with global system for mobile communications (GSM) capabilities and wireless local area network (WLAN) capabilities. However, it is envisioned that the mobile station unit can have other capabilities in place of, or in addition, to the GSM/WLAN capabilities. In other embodiments, the end-user device 100 can be, without limitation, a computer, an Internet appliance, a personal data assistant, and similar devices. [0013] One exemplary end-user device 100 is schematically represented in Fig. 2. For the end-user device 100 shown in Fig. 2, the device 100 includes an interface 205, a GSM subsystem 210, a WLAN subsystem 215, and an antenna 220. The interface 205 can include a user interface (e.g., a microphone, a keypad, a touch screen, an LCD, a speaker, etc.) for communication with a user, and/or can include an interface for communicating with another electronic device (e.g., when the end-user device 100 is mobile phone, the mobile phone can include an interface for communicating with a laptop computer). As used herein, the term "communicating" and variations thereof include transmitting and/or receiving information, signals, data, states, etc.

[0014] The GSM subsystem 210 and the WLAN subsystem 215 include hardware and software for communicating with a GSM network and a WLAN, respectively. Currently available software and hardware can be used to construct subsystems 210 and 215. The GSM subsystem 210 and the WLAN subsystem 215 can be discrete subsystems (i.e., each subsystem can consist of separate components and circuitry) or can include at least some common components and/or circuitry. In one construction of the end-user device 100, the GSM subsystem 210 and the WLAN subsystem 215 include a processor and a memory. In such an embodiment, the memory can include one or more software modules having instructions, and the processor can retrieve, interpret, and execute the instructions of the one or more software modules to control the GSM subsystem 210 and/or the WLAN subsystem 215. The subsystems 210 and 215 also include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 220.

[0015] Referring back to Fig. 1, the first network 105 schematically represents a well- planned, well-coordinated network, such a cellular network. More specifically, the network 105 represents a GSM network. However, it is envisioned that the network 105 can take the form of a different well-planned, well-coordinated network, such as PDC, iDEN, IS-136, IS-95A, GPRS, EDGE, IS-95B, UMTS, IxRTT, HSDPA, IxEV-DO, or IxEV-DV network or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term "well-planned, well-coordinated network" refers to a network having components (e.g., the end-user device 100 and a base station subsystem (discussed below)) that are coordinated to allow communication between the components, and are heavily regulated by a government agency, consortium, organization, or similar entity to meet predefined guidelines.

[0016] One construction of the network 105 is shown in Fig. 1. Before proceeding further, it should be understood that this is one representative structure of some of the components of the GSM network. The GSM network can include additional components as is known in the art; and not all of the components are required for the GSM network. Furthermore, the arrangement of the components may vary from the network shown and described below.

[0017] The end-user device 100 communicates with a base station 112 (also referred to as the base station subsystem (BSS)) having a base-station transceiver (BTS) 115, a base-station controller (BSC) 120, and a packet control unit (PCU) 125. The BTS 115 contains the equipment for transmitting and receiving radio signals, and equipment for encrypting and decrypting communications with the BSC 120. The BSC 120, generally speaking, controls the operation of the BSS 112. The BSC 120 manages the allocation of radio channels, receives measurements from the mobile phones, and controls or assists in handovers from one BTS (or BSC) to another BTS (or BSC). The PCU 125 performs some of the processing tasks of the BSC 120, but for packet data.

[0018] The BSC 120 typically communicates with a network and switching subsystem (NSS) 130. In the embodiment shown, the NSS 130 contains a mobile switching center (MSC) 135 connected to a home location register (HLR) 140 via a signaling system 7 (SS7) network 145. The NSS 130 is the component of the GSM system that carries out switch functions and manages the communications between the end-user device 100 and other networks, such as a public ^' switch telephone network (PSTN) 150. The NSS (also referred to as the GSM core network for GSM systems) is typically owned by cellular system operators and allows the end-user device 100 to communicate with other end-user devices and devices in the wider telecommunications network. The MSC 135 is a telephone exchange that provides circuit-switched calling, mobility management, and GSM services to the mobile phones within the area that it servers. The HLR 140 includes a database in a cellular system that contains all the subscribers within the provider's home service area. When a subscriber reaches a new service area, the data in the HLR is requested and transferred via the SS7 145 to a visitor location register (not shown) in the new area.

[0019] Also referring to Fig. 1 , the PCU 125 typically communicates with a general packet radio services (GPRS) core network 155. The GPRS core network 155 allows a GSM mobile station to transmit internet protocol (IP) packets via the BSS 112. For example, the GPRS can communicate with the Internet 160. [0020] The second network 110 of Fig. 1 schematically represents a less-planned, less- coordinated network, such a wireless local area network (WLAN). However, it is envisioned that the network 106 can take the form of a different less-planned, less-coordinated network. As used herein, the term "less-planned, less-coordinated network" refers to a network having components (e.g., the end-user device 100 and the base station subsystem, discussed below) that are coordinated to allow communication between the components, but are not as heavily regulated by a government agency, consortium, organization, or similar entity to meet predefined guidelines as compared to a well-planned, well-coordinated network. However, it should be understood that the less-planned, less-coordinated network does have some coordination and may follow some regulated guidelines. For example, a WLAN may be based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard.

[0021] In the embodiment shown, end-user device 100 communicates with a wireless access point (WAP) 165, which is the base station in the WLAN. The WAP 165 is typically a standalone device that communicates with an Ethernet switch 170 or hub. The communication between the WAP 160 and the switch 170 can be via a wire or can be wireless. Several WAPs 170 can link together to form a larger WLAN that allows for "roaming." It should also be apparent that a plurality of end-user devices 100 can communicate with the WAP 165.

[0022] The switch 170 is a network device that cross connects or "bridges" local area network (LAN) segments. For example, the switch 170 connects the WAP 165 to a component of a wired. LAN. For example, a component of the wired LAN can be a router or a gateway 185. The gateway 185 can include a cable modem, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a data service unit (DSU), a channel service unit (CSU), or a similar component for connecting the wire LAN to a second, typically larger network, such as the Internet 160.

[0023] An important issue with some end-user devices 100, such a GSM/WLAN dual mode handset, is saving power for the device 100. For example, a GSM/WLAN dual mode handset 100 can operate on two separate networks, i.e., the GSM network, which is a well-planned, well- coordinated network 105, and the WLAN, which is a less-planned, less-coordinated network 110. The GSM subsystem 210 of the handset device 100 includes a power saving mechanism because of the well-planned nature of the GSM network 105. However, the WLAN subsystem 215 of the handset device 100 typically includes little or no power saving mechanisms because of the ad hoc nature of the WLAN network 110. In prior dual-mode devices 100, the WLAN subsystem 215 sets its transmitting power at a high level to maintain a reliable transmission link with the WAP 165. Even when the dual-mode device 100 approaches the WAP 165, the transmitting power of the device 100 does not change. This is because the WLAN network 105 does not have a reliable way to indicate the change in location of the dual-mode device 100 with respect to the WAP 160. In one embodiment of the invention, the end-user device 100 uses the signal of the well-planned, well-coordinated network 105 to indicate location change of the end- user device 100. The end-user device 100 can then adjust the power control of the less- sophisticated subsystem of the end-user device 100 (e.g., the WLAN subsystem 215 of the GSM/WLAN dual mode handset 100) in order to save the overall power consumption for the dual-mode end-user device 100.

[0024] For a specific example, it will be assumed that the network 105 is a GSM network, the network 110 is a WLAN, and the end-user device 100 is a GSM/WLAN dual mode handset having a GSM subsystem 210 and a WLAN subsystem 215. It is also assumed that the WLAN subsystem 215 follows the IEEE 802.11 standard, and can have various transmitting power levels. Further, it is assumed that to maintain a successful WLAN data transmission, a proper transmit (TX) power level should be used.

[0025] However, the proper TX power level need not be the highest TX power level. The nature of the dual-mode device 100 means that the location of the device 100 can be constantly changing. The TX power level of the device 100 varies while good communication is maintained with respect to the WAP 165. The dual-mode device 100 can use various schemes, such as checking the frame error rate or the receive transmission (RX) level change at the WAP 165, to determine the proper TX power level for the WLAN subsystem.

[0026] In some embodiments, the RX level change at the WAP 165 can be used to determine whether the location of the dual-mode device 100 has changed. However, using the RX level change at the WAP 165 as an indicator is not sufficient in all environments. This is because fading can affect the WLAN 110. However, for GSM/WLAN dual-mode handsets 100, the GSM signal and the WLAN signal are operated in different frequency bands. As a consequence, a received signal strength indication (RSSI) measurement for at least the GSM band can sometimes provide a more accurate indicator of location change of the device 100 (as compared to using an RX level change). Because of the well-panned nature of the GSM network 205, the GSM subsystem 210 can monitor the GSM RSSI, thereby not requiring extra processing for the GSM RSSI measurement. In addition, the WLAN subsystem 215 can monitor the WLAN RSSI. [0027] In another embodiment, the dual-mode device 100 sends a request to the WAP 165 to report the RX transmission level back to the device 100. This kind of looping back measurement can further enhance the accuracy of the location change. Based on the two pieces of information (i.e., the GSM RSSI and the RX transmission level), the dual-mode device can adjust its transmitting power, thereby improving the power saving capabilities of the dual-mode device.

[0028] A method of operating the dual-mode device 100 that embodies the concepts described above is shown in Fig. 3. At block 300, the dual-mode device 100 sets a time period for the TX power adjustment. For the end-user device 100 of Fig. 2, when referring to an operation of the dual-mode device 100, the processor obtains, interprets, and executes instructions from the memory to perform the operation of the dual-mode device 100. For other end-user devices 100, the device 100 may operate differently.

[0029] At block 305, the dual-mode device 100 scans the WLAN channels to establish a WLAN communication link with the WAP 165. At block 307, the dual-mode device 100 obtains an initial value for a measured RX strength level and an initial value for the GSM RSSI. The technique used to measure the GSM RSSI can be determined by the manufacturer of the dual- mode device 100. To determine the RX strength level, the dual-mode device 100 can send a request to the WAP 165 to transmit the RX strength level of a recent communication from the dual-mode device 100. At block 310, the dual-mode device 100 determines a current RX strength level with the WAP 165. Before entering block 310, a time period may have lapsed to ■ allow for movement by the dual-mode device 100. At block 315, the dual-mode device 100 determines if the measured RX strength level differs from the previously measured RX strength level by an amount. If the difference traverses the amount, then the method proceeds to block 320, otherwise the method proceeds to block 325. As used herein, the term "traverse" and variations thereof refer to meeting and/or exceeding a threshold (either in the positive or negative direction) as the situation may dictate. At block 325, the dual-mode device 100 measures the RSSI _.from the GSM network. At block 330, the dual-mode device 100 determines if the measured RSSI differs from a previously measured RSSI by an amount. If the difference traverses the amount, than the method proceeds to block 320, otherwise the method proceeds to block 335. At block 335, the dual-mode device 100 continues to use the same TX power level. At block 320, the dual-mode device 100 determines whether the time period for the TX power adjustment has been traversed. If the time period has been traversed, then the method proceeds to block 340, otherwise the method proceeds to block 345. At block 340, the WLAN subsystem 215 adjusts its TX power level based on the RX strength level and the RSSI from the GSM network. At block 345, the WLAN subsystem 215 transmits the next data package. At block 350, the dual-mode device 100 updates stored values, including the value for the previously measured RX strength level, and the value for the previously measured RSSI. The method then returns to block 310. Of course, the method of Fig. 3 can include other steps not shown. For example, the method can include steps for determining if the dual-mode device 100 should communicate with a different WAP 165, include steps for ceasing communication with the WLAN subsystem 110, include steps for exiting and returning to the method shown in Fig. 3, etc.

[0030] Thus, the invention provides, among other things, new and useful methods of controlling power levels of an end-user device. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

X

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of setting a transmit power level of a mobile, end-user device, the device configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless networks including a well-planned, well- coordinated network and a less-planned, less-coordinated network, the method comprising, at the mobile, end-user device: communicating with the well-planned, well-coordinated network; determining a value of a parameter using the communication with the well-planned, well- coordinated network, the parameter being related to movement of the mobile, end-user device; and setting the transmit power level for communication with the less-planned, less- coordinated network based on the value.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the well-planned, well-coordinated network includes a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network, and the less-planned, less- coordinated network includes a wireless local area network (WLAN).

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the WLAN is based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the parameter represents a received signal measurement based on the communication with the well-planned, well-coordinated network.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the parameter represents a received signal strength indication (RSSI) measurement based on the communication with the well-planned, well- coordinated network.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising communicating with the less-planned, less-coordinated network; determining a second value of a second parameter using the communication with the less- planned, less-coordinated network, the second parameter being related to movement of the mobile, end-user device; and wherein the setting the transmit power level is further based on the second value.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the second parameter represents a received signal measurement based on the communication with the less-planned, less-coordinated network.

8. The" method of claim 6, wherein the second parameter represents a received signal strength indication (RSSI) measurement based on the communication with the less-planned, less- coordinated network.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the communicating with the less-planned, less- coordinated network includes sending a request to a wireless access point (WAP) of the less- planned, less-coordinated network to request the second value, wherein the second parameter represents a received signal level of a signal transmitted from the mobile, end-user device, and wherein the determining a second value includes receiving the second value from the less- planned, less-coordinated network.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising setting a second transmit power level for communication with the well-planned, well-coordinated network.

11. A method of setting a transmit power level of a mobile, end-user device, the device configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless networks including a well-planned, well- coordinated network and a less-planned, less-coordinated network, the method comprising, at the mobile, end-user device: communicating with the well-planned, well-coordinated network; determining a first value of a first parameter using the communication with the well- planned, well-coordinated network, the parameter representing a received signal measurement based on the communication with the well-planned, well-coordinated network; communicating with the less-planned, less-coordinated network; determining a second value of a second parameter using the communication with the less- planned, less-coordinated network, the second parameter representing a second received signal measurement based on the communication with the less-planned, less-coordinated network; and setting the transmit power level for communication with the less-planned, less- coordinated network based on the first value and the second value.

12. The method of claim 1 1 , and further comprising determining whether the mobile, end- user device is moving based on the first parameter and the second parameter.

.

13. The method of claim 1 1 , and further comprising determining a location change of the mobile, end-user device based on the first parameter and the second parameter.

14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the well-planned, well-coordinated network includes a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network, and the less-planned, less- coordinated network includes a wireless local area network (WLAN).

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the WLAN is based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the mobile, end-user device includes a GSM/WLAN dual-mode mobile station.

17. The method of claim 11 wherein the first parameter represents a received signal strength indication (RSSI) measurement based on the communication with the well-planned, well- coordinated network.

18. The method of claim 1 1 wherein the second parameter represents a received signal strength indication (RSSI) measurement based on the communication with the less-planned, less- coordinated network.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the communicating with the less- planned, less- coordinated network includes sending a request to a wireless access point (WAP) of the less- planned, less-coordinated network to request the second value, wherein the second parameter represents a received signal level of a signal transmitted from the mobile, end-user device, and wherein the determining a second value includes receiving the second value from the less- planned, less-coordinated network.

20. The method of claim 11 , further comprising setting a second transmit power level for communication with the well-planned, well-coordinated network.

21. A method of setting a transmit power level of a mobile, end-user device, the device configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless networks including a well-planned, well- coordinated network and a less-planned, less-coordinated network, the method comprising, at the mobile, end user device: communicating with the well-planned, well-coordinated network; sending a request to wireless access point (WAP) of the less-planned, less-coordinated network to request a value for a received signal level of a signal transmitted from the mobile, end-user device; receiving the value from the less-planned, less-coordinated network; and setting the transmit power level for communication with the less-planned, less- coordinated network based on the value.

22. The method of claim 21 and further comprising determining a second value for a received signal strength indication (RSSI) measurement based on the communication with the well- planned, well-coordinated network, and wherein the setting the transmit power level is further based on the second value.

23. The method of claim 21 , wherein the well-planned, well-coordinated network includes a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network, and the less-planned, less- coordinated network includes a wireless local area network (WLAN).

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the WLAN is based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard.

25. The method of claim 21 , wherein the mobile, end-user device includes a GSM/WLAN dual-mode handset device.

26. The method of claim 21, and further comprising determining whether the mobile, end- user device is moving based on the first value.

27. The method of claim 21 , further comprising determining a location change of the mobile, end-user device based on the first value.

28. The method of claim 21, further comprising setting a second transmit power level for communication with the well-planned, well-coordinated network.

29. A method of setting a transmit power level of a mobile, end-user device, the device configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless networks including a well-planned, well- coordinated network and a less-planned, less-coordinated wireless local area network (WLAN), the method comprising, at the mobile, end user device: communicating with the well-planned, well-coordinated network; setting the transmit power level to a first power level; transmitting data to a wireless access point (WAP) of the WLAN at the first power level; acquiring a parameter from at least one of the well-planned, well-coordinated network and the WLAN, the parameter being related to movement of the mobile, end-user device; adjusting the transmit power level to a second power level different from the first power level based on a value of the parameter; and transmitting data to the WAP at the second power level.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the well-planned, well-coordinated network includes a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the WLAN is based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein the parameter represents a received signal measurement based on the communication with the well-planned, well-coordinated network.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein the parameter represents a received signal strength indication (RSSI) measurement based on the communication with the less-planned, less- coordinated network.

34. The method of claim 29, further comprising sending a request to the WAP to request the value, wherein the parameter represents a received signal level of a signal transmitted from the mobile, and wherein the acquiring a parameter includes receiving the value from the WAP.

35. The method of claim 29, further comprising setting a second transmit power level for communication with the well-planned, well-coordinated network.

36. A mobile, end-user device for communicating with a plurality of wireless networks including a well-planned, well-coordinated network and a less-planned, less-coordinated network (WLAN), the mobile, end user device comprising: an antenna; a well-planned, well-coordinated network subsystem coupled to the antenna, and configured to communicate with the well-planned, well-coordinated network via the antenna, and determine a value of a parameter using the communication with the well-planned, well-coordinated network, the parameter being related to movement of the mobile, end-user device; a less-planned, less-coordinated network subsystem coupled to the interface, and configured to set a transmit power level for communication with the less-planned, less- coordinated network based on the value, the communication with the less-planned, less- coordinated network being via the antenna; and an interface coupled to the well-planned, well-coordinated network subsystem and the less-planned, less-coordinated network.

37. The mobile, end-user device of claim 36 wherein the well-planned, well-coordinated network includes a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network, and the less- planned, less-coordinated network includes a wireless local area network (WLAN), and wherein the well-planned, well-coordinated network subsystem includes a GSM subsystem, and the less- planned, less-coordinated network subsystem includes a WLAN subsystem.

38. The mobile, end-user device of claim 37, wherein the WLAN is based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard.

39. The mobile, end-user device of claim 36, wherein the interface includes a user interface.

40. The mobile, end-user device of claim 36, wherein the parameter represents a received signal measurement based on the communication with the well-planned, well-coordinated network.

41. The mobile, end-user device of claim 36, wherein the parameter represents a received signal strength indication (RSSI) measurement based on the communication with the well- planned, well-coordinated network.

42. The mobile, end-user device of claim 36, wherein the less-planned, less-coordinated network subsystem is further configured to communicate with the less-planned, less-coordinated network, and to determine a second value of a second parameter using the communication with the less-planned, less-coordinated network, the second parameter being related to movement of the mobile, end-user device, and wherein the setting the transmit power level is further based on the second value.

43. The mobile, end-user device of claim 36, wherein the second parameter represents a received signal measurement based on the communication with the less-planned, less- coordinated network.

44. The mobile, end-user device of claim 36, wherein the second parameter represents a received signal strength indication (RSSI) measurement based on the communication with the less-planned, less-coordinated network.