Method to identify and differentiate background traffic

• US 9,444,569 B2
• Filed: 05/10/2013
• Issued: 09/13/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Inventors: Vannithamby, Rath, Zhu, Jing, Jha, Satish Chandra, Koc, Ali Taha
• Primary Examiner(s): Sheikh, Ayaz
• Assistant Examiner(s): ASEFA, DEBEBE A
• Application Number:
  US14/124,536
• Publication Number:
  US 20150036569A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,222 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/56 with provision for simultaneous communication in two directions
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 15/00 Suppression or limitation of noise or interference by means associated with receiver H04B1/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/024 Co-operative use of antennas of several sites, e.g. in co-ordinated multipoint or co-operative multiple-input multiple-output [MIMO] systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0417 Feedback systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0456 Selection of precoding matrices or codebooks, e.g. using matrices antenna weighting
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0473 taking constraints in layer or codeword to antenna mapping into account
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0486 taking channel rank into account
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0626 Channel coefficients, e.g. channel state information [CSI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/063 Parameters other than those covered in groups H04B7/0623 - H04B7/0634, e.g. channel matrix rank or transmit mode selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0632 Channel quality parameters, e.g. channel quality indicator [CQI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0639 Using selective indices, e.g. of a codebook, e.g. pre-distortion matrix index [PMI] or for beam selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0647 Variable feedback rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/065 Variable contents, e.g. long-term or short-short
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/26 at least one of which is mobile
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/00 Time-division multiplex systems H04J14/00 takes precedence; relay systems H04B7/14; selecting techniques H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/1694 Allocation of channels in TDM/TDMA networks, e.g. distributed multiplexers Passive Optical Networks H04Q11/0062
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/26 in which the information and the address are simultaneously transmitted
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0026 Transmission of channel quality indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1803 Stop-and-wait protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1822 involving configuration of automatic repeat request [ARQ] with parallel processes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/2627 : Modulators
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0007 : the frequencies being orthogonal, e.g. OFDM(A), DMT
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/001 : the frequencies being arranged in component carriers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0035 : Resource allocation in a cooperative multipoint environment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0053 : Allocation of signaling, i.e. of overhead other than pilot signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0073 : Allocation arrangements that take into account other cell interferences for intercell interference mitigation or co-ordination in orthogonal multiplex systems H04J11/005
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0096 : Indication of changes in allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/14 : Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/1469 : using time-sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/00 : Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM] H04L51/04; selective video distribution H04N21/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/22 : Parsing or analysis of headers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/324 : in the data link layer [OSI layer 2], e.g. HDLC
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/14 : Spectrum sharing arrangements between different networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/02 : Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/10 : Scheduling measurement reports ; Arrangements for measurement reports
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0061 : of neighbour cell information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0088 : Scheduling hand-off measurements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0094 : Definition of hand-off measurement parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/03 : Reselecting a link using a direct mode connection
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/04 : Reselecting a cell layer in multi-layered cells
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/16 : Performing reselection for specific purposes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/18 : for allowing seamless reselection, e.g. soft reselection
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/22 : for handling the traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/32 : by location or mobility data, e.g. speed data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/023 : using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 : Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 : Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/16 : Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/70 : Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/90 : Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/20 : Selecting an access point
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0209 : in terminal devices terminal devices per se H04W88/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0212 : managed by the network, e.g. network or access point is master and terminal is slave
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0216 : using a pre-established activity schedule, e.g. traffic indication frame
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0225 : using monitoring of external events, e.g. the presence of a signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0229 : where the received signal is a wanted signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0235 : where the received signal is a power saving command
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0251 : using monitoring of local events, e.g. events related to user activity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/00 : Synchronisation arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/001 : Synchronization between nodes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/02 : Selection of wireless resources by user or terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/044 : based on the type of the allocated resource
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/12 : Wireless traffic scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/1215 : for collaboration of different radio technologies
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/21 : in the uplink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/23 : in the downlink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards a terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/27 : between access points
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/30 : Resource management for broadcast services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/51 : based on terminal or device properties
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/54 : based on quality criteria
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/541 : using the level of interference
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/542 : using measured or perceived quality
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/56 : based on priority criteria
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/18 : Management of setup rejection or failure
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/27 : Transitions between radio resource control [RRC] states
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/28 : Discontinuous transmission [DTX]; Discontinuous reception [DRX]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 : Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 : Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Embodiments of a system and method to identify and differentiate background traffic are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a transceiver is arranged to wirelessly transmit and receive packets over a communications network and a processor, coupled to the transceiver, is arranged to provide an indication identifying packets associated with background traffic. The indication identifying packets associated with background traffic includes a bit in a header of a packet, wherein the bit is set in a first state to indicate the packet is associated with background traffic and the bit is set in a second state to indicate the packet is associated with active traffic, or an identification of a port number and a protocol type associated with background traffic. The processor is further arranged to provide an indication for differentiating background traffic.

Claims

1. A user equipment, comprising:

a radio including a transceiver arranged to;

wirelessly transmit and receive packets to and from an eNodeB; and

execute a plurality of operation states for the transceiver, including an idle state and an active state; and

a processor, coupled to the transceiver, the processor arranged to provide, for transmission to the eNodeB, an indication identifying packets associated with background traffic for the eNodeB to hold when the radio is executing the idle state for the transceiver, and for identification of packets associated with active traffic for the eNodeB to send to the user equipment with a wake-up signal for the transceiver to transition to the active state when the radio is executing the idle state for the transceiver.

2. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the indication identifying packets associated with background traffic comprises a bit in a header of a packet, wherein the bit is set in a first state to indicate the packet is associated with background traffic and the bit is set in a second state to indicate the packet is associated with active traffic.

3. The user equipment of claim 2, wherein the indication identifying packets associated with background traffic is provided by one or more applications via one or more application programming interfaces (APIs).

4. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the indication identifying packets associated with background traffic comprises an identification of a port number and a protocol type associated with background traffic.

5. The user equipment of claim 4, wherein the indication identifying packets associated with background traffic is provided by one or more applications via one or more application programming interfaces (APIs).

6. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the processor is arranged to perform intelligent prediction of background traffic, the processor categorizing arriving packets as background packets when the radio is executing the idle state for the transceiver.

7. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the radio is to execute the idle state when all applications are arranged to only send background traffic, the background traffic being maintained in an uplink buffer until the radio transitions the transceiver from the idle state to the active state.

8. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the indication identifying packets associated with background traffic comprises a start time indicating when background traffic starts and an end time indicating when background traffic ends.

9. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the indication identifying packets associated with background traffic comprises an information element provided by dedicated signaling, wherein the information element includes a de-prioritization bit, the de-prioritization bit being set in a first state to signal de-prioritization of background traffic when active traffic is detected and set in a second state to signal background traffic is not to be de-prioritized.

10. The user equipment of claim 9, wherein the information element comprises a field for setting a maximum hold time for the packets associated with background traffic.

11. The user equipment of claim 9, wherein the information element comprises a media access control (MAC) control element (CE).

12. The user equipment of claim 9, wherein the information element comprises a radio resource control (RRC) message.

13. A method for managing background traffic, comprising:

processing, by a processor of a user equipment, packets received and transmitted by a radio of the user equipment to and from an eNodeB;

executing one of a plurality of operation states for the user equipment, including an idle state and an active state; and

providing, by the processor of the user equipment for transmission to the eNodeB, an indication to identify packets associated with background traffic for the eNodeB to hold when the user equipment is executing the idle state, and to identify packets associated with active traffic for the eNodeB to send to the user equipment with a wake-up signal to transition to the active state when the user equipment is executing the idle state.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the providing an indication to identify packets associated with background traffic comprises providing a bit in a header of a packet, wherein the bit is set in a first state to indicate the packet is associated with background traffic and the bit is set in a second state to indicate the packet is associated with active traffic.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the providing the indication to identify packets associated with background traffic comprises providing the indication to identify packets associated with background traffic by an application through an application programming interface (API).

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the providing the indication identifying packets associated with background traffic comprises providing an identification of a port number and a protocol type associated with background traffic.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the providing the indication identifying packets associated with background traffic comprises performing intelligent prediction of background traffic by categorizing arriving packets as background packets when the user equipment is executing the idle state.

18. The method of claim 13 further comprising transitioning the user equipment from the active state to the idle state when all applications are arranged to only send background traffic, the background traffic being maintained in an uplink buffer until the user equipment transitions to an active state.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the providing the indication identifying packets associated with background traffic comprises providing a start time indicating when background traffic starts and an end time indicating when background traffic ends.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

providing to a node an information element through dedicated signaling, wherein the information element includes a de-prioritization bit, the de-prioritization bit being set in a first state to signal de-prioritization of background traffic when active traffic is detected and set in a second state to signal background traffic is not to be de-prioritized.

21. An enhanced base station (eNodeB), comprising:

a buffer for maintaining packets received from a user equipment (UE) prior to processing and for maintaining packets for transmission to the UE; and

a processor, coupled to the buffer, the processor arranged to receive an indication from the UE identifying packets associated with background traffic for applications executed via the UE, the processor to process packets according to the received indication, including, when the UE is executing an idle state;

holding the packets associated with background traffic from transmission to the UE; and

transmitting packets associated with active traffic to the UE and a wake-up signal for the UE to transition from the idle state to an active state.

22. The eNodeB of claim 21, wherein the indication identifying packets associated with background traffic comprises instructions for setting a bit in a header of a packet, wherein the bit is set in a first state to indicate the packet is associated with background traffic and the bit is set in a second state to indicate the packet is associated with active traffic.

23. The eNodeB of claim 21, wherein the indication identifying packets associated with background traffic comprises instructions for associating a port number and a protocol type associated with background traffic.

24. The eNodeB of claim 21, wherein the indication identifying packets associated with background traffic comprises instructions for establishing a start time associated with background traffic and an end time associated with background traffic.

25. At least one non-transitory machine readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by the machine, cause the machine to perform operations for managing background traffic, the operations comprising:

processing, by a processor of a user equipment, packets received and transmitted by a radio of the user equipment to and from an eNodeB over a wireless communication channel;

executing one of a plurality of operation states for the user equipment, including an idle state and an active state; and

providing, by the processor of the user equipment for transmission to the eNodeB, an indication to identify packets associated with background traffic for the eNodeB to hold when the user equipment is executing the idle state, and to identify packets associated with active traffic for the eNodeB to send to the user equipment with a wake-up signal to transition to the active state when the user equipment is executing the idle state.

26. The at least one non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 25, wherein the providing an indication to identify packets associated with background traffic comprises providing a bit in a header of a packet, wherein the bit is set in a first state to indicate the packet is associated with background traffic and the bit is set in a second state to indicate the packet is associated with active traffic.

27. The at least one non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 25, wherein the providing the indication identifying packets associated with background traffic comprises selecting one from a group consisting of:

providing, to the eNodeB, an identification of a port number and a protocol type associated with background traffic;

performing intelligent prediction of background traffic by categorizing arriving packets as background packets when the radio is in an idle state;

providing, to the eNodeB, a start time indicating when background traffic starts and an end time indicating when background traffic ends.