SYSTEMS, METHODS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR MOBILITY MANAGEMENT IN HYBRID SATELLITE/TERRESTRIAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

• US 20100159922A1
• Filed: 03/01/2010
• Published: 06/24/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ATC Technology Corporation (FedEx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: ATC Technology Corporation (FedEx Corporation)
• Inventors: Mouly, Michel, Dutta, Santanu, Tronc, Jérome, Calamarte, Christian
• Granted Patent: US 8,249,585 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/427
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18563 Arrangements for interconnecting multiple systems data switching networks H04L12/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18591 Arrangements for interconnecting multiple systems data switching networks H04L12/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/2125 Synchronisation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/14 Reselecting a network or an air interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/06 Airborne or Satellite Networks space-based or airborne stations H04B7/185
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

Apparatus, methods and computer program products that support inter-PLMN coordination in registration and handover operations are provided. Hysteresis is introduced in registration of radioterminals in a hybrid terrestrial/satellite mobile communications environment. Inter-PLMN handover techniques are provided, including techniques for coordination of communication of timing information and traffic channel controls.

Claims

1. A method of handing over communications of a radioterminal from a terrestrial wireless communications system to a satellite wireless communications system, the method comprising:

communicating a handover command message from the terrestrial wireless communications system to the radioterminal; and

responsive to receipt of the handover command message at the radioterminal, waiting a time interval before terminating a traffic channel between the radioterminal and the terrestrial wireless communications system

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the time interval is sufficient to determine and communicate timing information for the satellite wireless communications system to the radioterminal.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the timing information comprises a timing advance.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the time interval responsive to receipt of a physical information message from the satellite wireless communications system at the radioterminal.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein terminating a traffic channel comprises communicating a handover command acknowledgment from the radioterminal to the terrestrial wireless communications system.

6. A radioterminal comprising:

a handover controller configured to receive a handover command message from a terrestrial wireless communications system for handover to a satellite wireless communications system and to wait a time interval before terminating a traffic channel between the radioterminal and the terrestrial wireless communications system responsive to receipt of the handover command message at the radioterminal.

7. The radioterminal of claim 6, wherein the time interval is sufficient to determine and communicate timing information for the satellite wireless communications system to the radioterminal.

8. The radioterminal of claim 7, wherein the timing information comprises a timing advance.

9. A computer program product for controlling handover of a radioterminal from a terrestrial wireless communications system to a satellite wireless communications system, the computer program product comprising computer program code embodied in a computer readable medium, the computer program code comprising:

program code configured to receive a handover command message from the terrestrial wireless communications system and to cause the radioterminal to wait a time interval before terminating a traffic channel between the radioterminal and the terrestrial wireless communications system responsive to receipt of the handover command message at the radioterminal.

10. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the time interval is sufficient to determine and communicate timing information for the satellite wireless communications system to the radioterminal.

11. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the timing information comprises a timing advance.