Identification of unused resources in a packet data network
First Claim
1. A packet data serving node (PDSN), comprising:
- a bus coupled to a processor for transmitting computer instructions and control signals to and from the processor within the PDSN;
memory coupled to the bus, the memory including computer instructions that define operational logic for causing the PDSN to generate a Link Control Protocol (LCP) Echo Request signal to a mobile terminal upon specified conditions; and
a processor for executing computer instructions wherein the processor retrieves the computer instructions from the memory over the bus and executes the computer instructions to generate a first LCP Echo Request signal after expiration of a timer to determine if a mobile terminal for whom a communication link or session has been established is located within an area served by the PDSN.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A packet data service node is formed to establish an “always on” connection with a mobile terminal by way of a packet control function card or device with the ability to determine when a mobile terminal no longer requires a previously established point-to-point protocol communication link. More specifically, the PDSN formed according to one embodiment of the present invention, includes an inactivity timer and corresponding logic to prompt it to generate an LCP Echo Request to the mobile terminal after expiration of the inactivity timer. Each time data or control signals are received from the mobile terminal, the inactivity timer is reset. Upon expiration of the timer, the PDSN generates the LCP Echo Request. In one embodiment of the invention, the LCP Echo Request is generated at least once and a total of three times prior to the release of network resources responsive to not receiving an LCP Echo Reply from the mobile terminal, which it should have generated had it received the LCP Echo Request generated by the PDSN. Logic defined by the PDSN and its corresponding method of operation facilitates the release of resources being wasted by a mobile terminal that no longer needs as determined by failure of the mobile terminal to respond with an LCP Echo Reply.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A packet data serving node (PDSN), comprising:
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a bus coupled to a processor for transmitting computer instructions and control signals to and from the processor within the PDSN; memory coupled to the bus, the memory including computer instructions that define operational logic for causing the PDSN to generate a Link Control Protocol (LCP) Echo Request signal to a mobile terminal upon specified conditions; and a processor for executing computer instructions wherein the processor retrieves the computer instructions from the memory over the bus and executes the computer instructions to generate a first LCP Echo Request signal after expiration of a timer to determine if a mobile terminal for whom a communication link or session has been established is located within an area served by the PDSN. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A communication network including a wireless communication network portion for establishing “
- always on”
type communication links for transmitting data, the network comprising;radio transceiver circuitry for establishing a radio frequency (RF) communication link with a mobile terminal; a base station controller/access network controller (BSC/ANC) for establishing and controlling the RF communication link, the BSC/ANC coupled to communicate with the radio transceiver circuitry and to transmit and receive communication signals thereto and therefrom, respectively; a packet control function (PCF) network element coupled to the BSC/ANC, the PCF for converting data between an IP protocol and a wireless network protocol; and a packet data sewing node (PDSN) coupled to the PCF, the PDSN for establishing a connection between a packet data network and the PCF, the PDSN further including logic to generate an inactivity timer and to generate an LCP Echo Request upon expiration of the inactivity timer is present in an area served by the PDSN. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
- always on”
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14. A method for determining to tear down a communication link with a mobile terminal in a wireless network, comprising:
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creating the communication link; setting an inactivity timer after creating the communication link; resetting the inactivity timer each time a signal is received from the mobile terminal; and upon expiration of the inactivity timer, generating one of an LCP Echo Reply, and ICMP Echo Reply or a ping to the mobile terminal to determine if the communication link should be torn down. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification