Apparatus and methods for managing access and update requests in a wireless network
First Claim
1. A method of operating a cellular communication system so as to avoid simultaneously receiving an excessive number of requests for a service on a first channel, comprising:
- sending a message on a second channel,where said message results in a staggering of said requests by a randomized period of time;
where the staggering of said requests is completed via a relay station; and
wherein said relay station causes said staggering of said requests for service on a first channel whenever the number of said requests exceeds a prescribed threshold value.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus that enable a wireless network to detect and manage impending congestion events caused by a plurality of mobile devices attempting to access the network in a brief space of time. In one embodiment, the network comprises a 3g (UMTS) cellular network, and includes a congestion management and avoidance entity that preemptively triggers a collision mode upon detecting an impending congestion event. This mode advantageously reduces processing burden on the base station by causing the mobile devices (UEs) to halt current access attempts, and invoke a multiple access scheme (e.g., wait a random amount of time before attempting further access attempts). The comparatively early detection and avoidance of collisions reduces the mobile device'"'"'s power consumption, while addressing congestion events early in the wireless communication process so as to maintain optimal network conditions.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method of operating a cellular communication system so as to avoid simultaneously receiving an excessive number of requests for a service on a first channel, comprising:
sending a message on a second channel, where said message results in a staggering of said requests by a randomized period of time; where the staggering of said requests is completed via a relay station; and wherein said relay station causes said staggering of said requests for service on a first channel whenever the number of said requests exceeds a prescribed threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A computer readable apparatus comprising a storage medium storing at least one computer program, the at least one program comprising a plurality of instructions which, when executed by a processing device:
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monitor an access channel of a wireless network to determine a number of wireless devices that intend to issue an access request message; and send a plurality of response messages on a synchronization channel of the wireless network at least when the number of wireless devices that intend to issue an access request message exceeds a threshold value; wherein the plurality of response messages impose a multiple access scheme on subsequent access request messages from the wireless devices; wherein said multiple access scheme is configured to stagger said access request messages; and wherein the staggered access requests are completed via a relay station. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A base station apparatus for use within a cellular communication system, the base station apparatus configured to avoid simultaneously receiving an excessive number of requests for a service on a first channel, the apparatus comprising:
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processor apparatus; at least one wireless interface in data communication with the processor apparatus; and computerized logic in data communication with the processor apparatus, the logic configured to send a message on a second channel, said message resulting in a staggering of said requests by a randomized period of time; wherein; the staggering of said requests is performed at least in part via a relay station; and said relay station causes said staggering of said requests for service on a first channel whenever the number of said requests exceeds a prescribed threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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12. A method of operating a wireless network, comprising:
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monitoring an access channel of the wireless network to determine a number of wireless devices that intend to issue an access request message; and sending a plurality of response messages on a synchronization channel of the wireless network at least when the number of wireless devices that intend to issue an access request message exceeds at least one specified criterion; wherein; the plurality of response messages caused imposition of a multiple access scheme on subsequent access request messages from the wireless devices; and the multiple access scheme is configured to stagger said access request messages, the staggered access requests being performed at least in part using a relay station. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A base station apparatus for use within a cellular communication system, the base station apparatus configured to manage simultaneous receipt of a number of requests for a service on a first channel, the apparatus comprising:
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processor means; at least one means for wireless communication in data communication with the processor means; and computerized logic in data communication with the processor apparatus, the logic configured to send a message on a second channel, said message resulting in a staggering of said requests according to a prescribed staggering scheme; wherein the staggering scheme is implemented at least in part via a network relay means whenever the number of said requests meets or exceeds a prescribed criterion.
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Specification