Method and apparatus for channel management for point-to-multipoint services in a communication system

• US 7,792,074 B2
• Filed: 03/28/2002
• Issued: 09/07/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Tiedemann, Edward G. Jr., Wang, Jun, Chen, Tao
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; Hanh
• Application Number:
  US10/113,098
• Publication Number:
  US 20020181423A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,085 Days
• Field of Search: 370/312, 370/389, 370/390, 370/432, 370/524, 370/329, 370/335, 370/437, 455/450, 455/512, 455/13.2, 455/519, 455/516
• US Class Current: 370/329
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/185 with management of multicast group membership
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1877 Measures taken prior to transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/189 in combination with wireless systems selective distribution or broadcast in wireless communication networks H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2463/101 applying security measures for digital rights management data processing systems or methods, specially adapted for commerce, e.g. marketing, shopping, billing, auctions or e-commerce G06Q30/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0442 wherein the sending and receiving network entities apply asymmetric encryption, i.e. different keys for encryption and decryption cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for public-key encryption H04L9/30
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/061 for key exchange, e.g. in peer-to-peer networks cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for key agreement H04L9/0838
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/068 using time-dependent keys, e.g. periodically changing keys cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for controlling usage of secret information H04L9/088
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/164 at the network layer
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/611 for multicast or broadcast systems for broadcast or conference H04L12/18; arrangements for broadcast or distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/00; arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time H04H60/00; selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS], H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/65 Network streaming protocols, e.g. real-time transport protocol [RTP] or real-time control protocol [RTCP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/70 Media network packetisation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/04 specially adapted for terminals or networks with limited capabilities; specially adapted for terminal portability
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/14 Session management for real-time applications in data packet communications networks H04L65/1066
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/535 Tracking the activity of the user network monitoring arrangements H04L43/00; recording of computer activity G06F11/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/04 Protocols for data compression, e.g. ROHC
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/16 Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/161 Implementation details of TCP/IP or UDP/IP stack architecture; Specification of modified or new header fields
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/164 Adaptation or special uses of UDP protocol
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/22 Parsing or analysis of headers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/32 : Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/30 : Public key, i.e. encryption algorithm being computationally infeasible to invert or user's encryption keys not requiring secrecy
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 : Network security protocols
• 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 52/0216 : using a pre-established activity schedule, e.g. traffic indication frame
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0219 : where the power saving management affects multiple terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/08 : Closed loop power control
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/12 : Outer and inner loops
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/14 : Separate analysis of uplink or downlink
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/16 : Deriving transmission power values from another channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/322 : Power control of broadcast channels
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/327 : Power control of multicast channels
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/54 : Signalisation aspects of the TPC commands, e.g. frame structure
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/04 : Wireless resource allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 80/00 : Wireless network protocols or protocol adaptations to wireless operation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/042 : Public Land Mobile systems, e.g. cellular systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/00 : Reducing energy consumption in communication networks
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

To enable both point-to-multipoint and point-to-point communication services in an existing cellular communication system infrastructure, a apparatus and system for channel management and overhead functions associated with use of the assigned channels for point-to-multipoint services in the cellular communication system infrastructure are described.

Claims

1. A method for channel management in a communication system, comprising:

assigning at a base station at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group;

assigning at least one forward link channel during a silent period to each of the subscriber stations; and

transitioning between the at least one forward link shared channel and the at least one forward link channel when the periods switch as determined by communication activity on the at least one forward link shared channel among the subscriber stations belonging to the group.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said assigning at least one forward link channel during a silent period to the subscriber stations comprises:

assigning at least one forward link channel during a silent period to the subscriber stations;

the at least one forward link channel being modulated by information pertaining to point-to-point services and point-to-multipoint services.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said assigning at least one forward link channel during a silent period to the subscriber stations comprises:

assigning at least one forward link channel being modulated by information pertaining to point-to-point services; and

assigning at least one forward link channel being modulated by information pertaining point-to-multipoint services.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said assigning at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group comprises:

assigning at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group;

the forward link shared channel being modulated by user data and control data.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

assigning a forward link dedicated channel during an active period to each of the subscriber stations.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said assigning at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group comprises:

assigning at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group;

the forward link shared channel being modulated by user data; and

wherein assigning a forward link dedicated channel during an active period to each of the subscriber stations comprises;

assigning a forward link dedicated channel during an active period to each of the subscriber stations;

the forward link dedicated channel being modulated by control data.

7. A method for channel management in a communication system, comprising:

assigning at a base station at least one reverse link dedicated channel to an active subscriber station belonging to a group;

assigning at least one reverse link common channel to a passive subscriber station belonging to a group; and

transitioning between the at least one reverse link dedicated channel and the at least one reverse link common channel when a status of the subscriber station switches between active and passive as determined by communication activity on the at least one reverse link common channel among the subscriber stations belonging to the group.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising:

modulating the at least one reverse link dedicated channel by user data and control data.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising:

modulating the at least one reverse link common channel by control data.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising:

modulating the at least one reverse link common channel by a request for a reverse link channel assignment; and

modulating the assigned reverse link channel by control data.

11. An apparatus for channel management in a communication system, comprising:

means for assigning at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group;

means for assigning at least one forward link channel during a silent period to each of the subscriber stations; and

means for transitioning between the at least one forward link shared channel and the at least one forward link channel when the periods switch as determined by communication activity on the at least one forward link shared channel among the subscriber stations belonging to the group.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said means for assigning at least one forward link channel during a silent period to the subscriber stations comprises:

means for assigning at least one forward link channel during a silent period to the subscriber stations;

the at least one forward link channel being modulated by information pertaining to point-to-point services and point-to-multipoint services.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said means for assigning at least one forward link channel during a silent period to the subscriber stations comprises:

means for assigning at least one forward link channel being modulated by information pertaining to point-to-point services; and

means for assigning at least one forward link channel being modulated by information pertaining point-to-multipoint services.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said means for assigning at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group comprises:

means for assigning at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group;

the forward link shared channel being modulated by user data and control data.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:

means for assigning a forward link dedicated channel during an active period to each of the subscriber stations.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said means for assigning at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group comprises:

means for assigning at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group;

the forward link shared channel being modulated by user data; and

wherein means for assigning a forward link dedicated channel during an active period to each of the subscriber stations comprises;

means for assigning a forward link dedicated channel during an active period to each of the subscriber stations;

the forward link dedicated channel being modulated by control data.

17. An apparatus for channel management in a communication system, comprising:

means for assigning at least one reverse link dedicated channel to an active subscriber station belonging to a group;

means for assigning at least one reverse link common channel to a passive subscriber station belonging to a group; and

means for transitioning between the at least one reverse link dedicated channel and the at least one reverse link common channel when a status of a subscriber station switches between active and passive as determined by communication activity on the at least one reverse link common channel among the subscriber stations belonging to the group.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, further comprising:

means for modulating the at least one reverse link dedicated channel by user data and control data.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, further comprising:

means for modulating the at least one reverse link common channel by control data.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, further comprising:

means for modulating the at least one reverse link common channel by a request for a reverse link channel assignment; and

means for modulating the assigned reverse link channel by control data.

21. An apparatus for channel management in a communication system, comprising:

a control unit at an access network configured to;

assign at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group;

assign at least one forward link channel during a silent period to the subscriber stations; and

transition between the at least one forward link shared channel and the at least one forward link channel when the period switches as determined by communication activity on the at least one forward link shared channel among the subscriber stations belonging to the group; and

a sector communicatively coupled to said control unit, configured to transmit information about the assignment.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein said control unit is configured to assign at least one forward link channel during a silent period to the subscriber stations, the at least one forward link channel being modulated by information pertaining to point-to-point services and point-to-multipoint services.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein said control unit assigns at least one forward link channel during a silent period to the subscriber stations by being configured to:

assign at least one forward link channel being modulated by information pertaining to point-to-point services; and

assign at least one forward link channel being modulated by information pertaining point-to-multipoint services.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein said control unit assigns at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group by being configured to:

assign at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group;

the forward link shared channel being modulated by user data and control data.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein said control unit is further configured to assign a forward link dedicated channel during an active period to each of the subscriber stations.

26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein said control unit assigns at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group by being configured to:

assign at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group;

the forward link shared channel being modulated by user data; and

wherein said control unit assigns a forward link dedicated channel during an active period to each of the subscriber stations by being configured to;

assign a forward link dedicated channel during an active period to each of the subscriber stations;

the forward link dedicated channel being modulated by control data.

27. An apparatus for channel management in a communication system, comprising:

a control unit at an access network configured to;

assign at least one reverse link dedicated channel to an active subscriber station belonging to a group;

assign at least one reverse link common channel to a passive subscriber station belonging to the group; and

transition between the at least one reverse link dedicated channel and the at least one reverse link common channel when a status of a subscriber station switches between active and passive as determined by communication activity on the at least one reverse link common channel among the subscriber stations belonging to the group; and

a sector communicatively coupled to said control unit, configured to transmit information about the assignment.

28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 27, further comprising:

an active subscriber station belonging to the group configured to modulate the at least one reverse link dedicated channel by user data and control data.

29. The apparatus as claimed in claim 27, further comprising:

a passive subscriber station belonging to the group configured to modulate the at least one reverse link common channel by control data.

30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 27, further comprising:

a passive subscriber station belonging to the group configured to;

modulate the at least one reverse link common channel by a request for a reverse link channel assignment; and

modulate the assigned reverse link channel by control data.

31. A processor-readable storage medium including processor-executable instructions encoded thereon for performing a method for channel management in a communication system, the method comprising:

assigning at a base station at least one forward link shared channel during an active period to subscriber stations belonging to a group;

assigning at least one forward link channel during a silent period to each of the subscriber stations; and

transitioning between the at least one forward link shared channel and the at least one forward link channel when the periods switch as determined by communication activity on the at least one forward link shared channel among the subscriber stations belonging to the group.

32. A processor-readable storage medium including processor-executable instructions encoded thereon for performing a method for channel management in a communication system, the method comprising;

assigning at a base station at least one reverse link dedicated channel to an active subscriber station belonging to a group;

assigning at least one reverse link common channel to a passive subscriber station belonging to a group; and

transitioning between the at least one reverse link dedicated channel and the at least one reverse link common channel when a status of the subscriber station switches between active and passive as determined by communication activity on the at least one reverse link common channel among the subscriber stations belonging to the group.