PREDICTIVE MOBILITY IN CELLULAR NETWORKS

• US 20150038140A1
• Filed: 08/29/2013
• Published: 02/05/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2013
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Kilpatrick, Thomas E. II, Quick, Roy Franklin Jr., Awoniyi-Oteri, Olufunmilola O., Daley, Robert Sean
• Application Number:
  US14/014,120
• Publication Number:
  US 20150038140A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/436
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/008375 based on historical data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/04 Reselecting a cell layer in multi-layered cells
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/10 Reselecting an access point controller
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/322 by location data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/22 taking into account previous information or commands
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/223 predicting future states of the transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/228 using past power values or information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/285 taking into account the mobility of the user
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/325 Power control of control or pilot channels
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/362 Aspects of the step size
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/50 at the moment of starting communication in a multiple access environment
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 60/00 Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 64/00 Locating users or terminals or network equipment for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 64/006 with additional information processing, e.g. for direction or speed determination
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/02 Arrangements for increasing efficiency of notification or paging channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/02 Selection of wireless resources by user or terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/0473 the resource being transmission power
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/51 based on terminal or device properties
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/0833 Random access procedures, e.g. with 4-step access
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/08 Mobility data transfer

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices are described for managing wireless communications. In the methods, systems, and devices, a subset of a set of neighboring cells is identified for measurement by a mobile device. The subset of neighboring cells is identified based on historical information associated with mobility patterns of the mobile device.

Claims

1. A method for managing wireless communications, comprising:

identifying a subset of a set of neighboring cells for measurement by a mobile device, the identification based on historical information associated with mobility patterns of the mobile device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed by a network entity, the mobile device, or a combination of the two.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving the historical information from a server, the historical information comprising a serving cell history of the mobile device over a predetermined period of time collected by the server.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the historical information further comprises a history of neighboring cells for the mobile device.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

collecting and storing at the mobile device a serving cell history of the mobile device over a predetermined period of time, the historical information comprising the serving cell history.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:

collecting and storing at the mobile device a history of neighboring cells for the mobile device, the historical information comprising the history of neighboring cells.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the subset comprises a single neighboring cell, the method further comprising:

measuring a signal strength associated with the single neighboring cell; and

performing a handover or cell reselection of the mobile device to the single neighboring cell when the signal strength is greater than a threshold level.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

determining not to perform measurements of neighboring cells other than the single neighboring cell when the signal strength associated with the single neighboring cell is greater than the threshold level.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying the subset comprises:

determining a quality metric for each of the neighboring cells in the set, the subset comprising the neighboring cells that have a quality metric greater than a threshold level.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the quality metric of each neighboring cell is based on at least a data rate associated with the neighboring cell, or an ability of the neighboring cell to perform offloading to an alternate radio access technology, or a projected amount of time for which the mobile device will remain connected to the neighboring cell.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

ranking the neighboring cells in the subset according to their respective quality metrics.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

determining a confidence level for each of the neighboring cells in the set, the quality metric of each cell being based on at least the confidence level of that cell, the subset comprising the neighboring cells that have a confidence level greater than a threshold level.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising:

identifying one of the neighboring cells in the subset with a confidence level greater than a threshold level; and

performing a blind handover of the mobile device to the one neighboring cell.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining a frequency with which measurements are performed by the mobile device for the neighboring cells based on the historical information.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

excluding at least one of the neighboring cells from the subset based at least on a current speed of the mobile device and a signal strength of the at least one of the neighboring cells.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one of the neighboring cells is excluded based on a determination that performing a handover to the at least one of the neighboring cells will result in a ping pong effect.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

adjusting at least one cell measurement associated with handover or reselection based on the historical information.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

adjusting at least one handover or reselection criterion parameter based on the historical information.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

selectively enabling or disabling an air interface of the mobile device based on the historical information and a current location of the mobile device.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobility patterns of the mobile device comprise a route and schedule between a first location and a second location.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobility patterns of the mobile device comprise a location and a period of time during which the mobile device remains at the location.

22. An apparatus for managing wireless communications, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory in electronic communication with the processor, the memory embodying instructions, the instructions being executable by the processor to;

identify a subset of a set of neighboring cells for measurement by a mobile device, the identification based on historical information associated with mobility patterns of the mobile device.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of:

a network entity or the mobile device.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to:

receive the historical information from a server, the historical information comprising a serving cell history of the mobile device over a predetermined period of time collected by the server.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the historical information further comprises a history of neighboring cells for the mobile device.

26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to:

collect and store at the apparatus a serving cell history of the mobile device over a predetermined period of time, the historical information comprising the serving cell history.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to:

collect and store at the apparatus a history of neighboring cells for the mobile device, the historical information comprising the history of neighboring cells.

28. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the subset comprises a single neighboring cell and the instructions are further executable by the processor to:

measure a signal strength associated with the single neighboring cell; and

perform a handover or cell reselection of the mobile device to the single neighboring cell when the signal strength is greater than a threshold level.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to:

determine not to perform measurements of neighboring cells other than the single neighboring cell when the signal strength associated with the single neighboring cell is greater than the threshold level.

30. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to identify the subset by:

determining a quality metric for each of the neighboring cells in the set, the subset comprising the neighboring cells that have a quality metric greater than a threshold level.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the quality metric of each neighboring cell is based on at least a data rate associated with the neighboring cell, or an ability of the neighboring cell to perform offloading to an alternate radio access technology, or a projected amount of time for which the mobile device will remain connected to the neighboring cell.

32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to:

rank the neighboring cells in the subset according to their respective quality metrics.

33. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to:

determine a confidence level for each of the neighboring cells in the set, the quality metric of each cell being based on at least the confidence level of that cell, the subset comprising the neighboring cells that have a confidence level greater than a threshold level.

34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to:

identify one of the neighboring cells in the subset with a confidence level greater than a threshold level; and

perform a blind handover of the mobile device to the one neighboring cell.

35. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to:

determine a frequency with which measurements are performed by the mobile device for the neighboring cells based on the historical information.

36. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to:

exclude at least one of the neighboring cells from the subset based at least on a current speed of the mobile device and a signal strength of the at least one of the neighboring cells.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the at least one of the neighboring cells is excluded based on a determination that performing a handover to the at least one of the neighboring cells will result in a ping pong effect.

38. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to:

adjust at least one cell measurement associated with handover or reselection based on the historical information.

39. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to:

adjust at least one handover or reselection criterion parameter based on the historical information.

40. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to:

selectively enable or disable an air interface of the mobile device based on the historical information and a current location of the mobile device.

41. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the mobility patterns of the mobile device comprise a route and schedule between a first location and a second location.

42. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the mobility patterns of the mobile device comprise a location and a period of time during which the mobile device remains at the location.

43. An apparatus for managing wireless communications, comprising:

means for identifying a subset of a set of neighboring cells for measurement by a mobile device, the identification based on historical information associated with mobility patterns of the mobile device.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of:

a network entity or the mobile device.

45. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising:

means for receiving the historical information from a server, the historical information comprising a serving cell history of the mobile device over a predetermined period of time collected by the server.

46. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the historical information further comprises a history of neighboring cells for the mobile device.

47. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising:

means for collecting and storing at the mobile device a serving cell history of the mobile device over a predetermined period of time, the historical information comprising the serving cell history.

48. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising:

means for collecting and storing at the mobile device a history of neighboring cells for the mobile device, the historical information comprising the history of neighboring cells.

49. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the subset comprises a single neighboring cell, the apparatus further comprising:

means for measuring a signal strength associated with the single neighboring cell; and

means for performing a handover or cell reselection of the mobile device to the single neighboring cell when the signal strength is greater than a threshold level.

50. The apparatus of claim 49, further comprising:

means for determining not to perform measurements of neighboring cells other than the single neighboring cell when the signal strength associated with the single neighboring cell is greater than the threshold level.

51. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the means for identifying the subset comprises:

means for determining a quality metric for each of the neighboring cells in the set, the subset comprising the neighboring cells that have a quality metric greater than a threshold level.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the quality metric of each neighboring cell is based on at least a data rate associated with the neighboring cell, or an ability of the neighboring cell to perform offloading to an alternate radio access technology, or a projected amount of time for which the mobile device will remain connected to the neighboring cell.

53. The apparatus of claim 51, further comprising:

means for ranking the neighboring cells in the subset according to their respective quality metrics.

54. The apparatus of claim 51, further comprising:

means for determining a confidence level for each of the neighboring cells in the set, the quality metric of each cell being based on at least the confidence level of that cell, the subset comprising the neighboring cells that have a confidence level greater than a threshold level.

55. The apparatus of claim 54 further comprising:

means for identifying one of the neighboring cells in the subset with a confidence level greater than a threshold level; and

means for performing a blind handover of the mobile device to the one neighboring cell.

56. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising:

means for determining a frequency with which measurements are performed by the mobile device for the neighboring cells based on the historical information.

57. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising:

means for excluding at least one of the neighboring cells from the subset based at least on a current speed of the mobile device and a signal strength of the at least one of the neighboring cells.

58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the at least one of the neighboring cells is excluded based on a determination that performing a handover to the at least one of the neighboring cells will result in a ping pong effect.

59. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising:

means for adjusting at least one cell measurement associated with handover or reselection based on the historical information.

60. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising:

means for adjusting at least one handover or reselection criterion parameter based on the historical information.

61. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising:

means for selectively enabling or disabling an air interface of the mobile device based on the historical information and a current location of the mobile device.

62. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the mobility patterns of the mobile device comprise a route and schedule between a first location and a second location.

63. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the mobility patterns of the mobile device comprise a location and a period of time during which the mobile device remains at the location.

64. A computer program product for managing wireless communications, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor to:

identify a subset of a set of neighboring cells for measurement by a mobile device, the identification based on historical information associated with mobility patterns of the mobile device.