Channel state transition optimization

An apparatus for optimizing communications on a radio network comprising:

• a memory;
• a processor, the processor configured to implement instructions stored in the memory, the memory comprising:
• an activity, environment, and load monitor module for receiving link layer metrics from a link layer that describe a channel load and any information on a state of packets from a transport layer, key stroke entry, and mouse click information, determining whether traffic related to at least one application is altering a behavior of at least one link state based on a subscription plan category and an application category, and modifying the transition of the link state based on the subscription plan category and the application category;
• a state transition control module for tracking the link states that occur in the radio network and altering the transition of the link state based on any of user equipment (UE) battery life, a connection of the UE to an alternating current power outlet, a spectral cost, and a backhaul cost;
• a channel state influencer for determining whether to alter the link state based on any of a direct message, a ping message, and a keep-alive message;
• and
• a policy and preference handler module for tracking any policy and preference that influences the transition of the link states comprising any of a bearer technology type, a type of UE, a user subscription plan, and a level of load on the radio network and altering the transition of the link states based on the policy and preferences.

A computer program product for optimizing communications on a radio network comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing program code for executing the following steps:

• tracking a link state that occurs in the radio network;
• receiving from a link layer link layer metrics that describe a channel load and any of information on a state of packets from a transport layer, key stroke entry, and mouse click information;
• determining whether traffic related to at least one application is altering a behavior of at least one link state based on a subscription plan category and an application category;
• modifying transition of the link state based on the subscription plan category and the application category;
• altering transition of the link state based on any of user equipment (UE) battery life, a connection of the UE to an alternating current power outlet, a spectral cost, and a backhaul cost;
• determining whether to alter the link state based on any of a direct message, a ping message, and a keep-alive message;
• tracking any policy and preference that influences the transition of the link state comprising any of a bearer technology type, a type of UE, a user subscription plan, and a level of load on the radio network;
• and
• altering transition of the link state based on the policy and preferences.