Access point
AssigneeUbiquisys Limited
InventorsPeter Keevill, Mark Walker, Cristavao Da Silva, Andrea Giustina, Michael Wege
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods of operation of an access point are disclosed. These methods may involve authenticating a user equipment device in the access point. Access points configured for operating in accordance with the methods are also disclosed. Additionally, methods of operation of user equipment devices, and user equipment devices themselves configured for operating, in conjunction with the access points are disclosed. Still further, core network nodes configured to operate with the access points are disclosed.
Claims32
A method of authenticating a user equipment device in a WiFi access point, wherein the user equipment device is adapted to operate in a cellular network and in a WiFi communications link, and wherein the WiFi access point is co-located with a base station of the cellular network,
- the method comprising:
- after receiving from the user equipment device a request for access to the cellular network, generating keys for authenticating the user equipment device in the cellular network;
- and
- using said keys to authenticate the user equipment device for the WiFi communications link with the WiFi access point.
A method of identifying a WiFi access point, comprising:
- determining an ID for the WiFi access point, and
- notifying user equipment devices of the ID over a cellular air interface.
A method of transferring data between a user equipment device and an access point, having WiFi and cellular air interface connections, the method comprising:
- transferring one part of the data over the WiFi interface and another part of the data over the cellular air interface.
A method of transferring data between a UE and an access point, having WiFi and cellular air interface connections, the method comprising:
- the access point sending control messages to the UE to control the amount of data sent by the UE over the WiFi interface.
A method of managing data traffic in an access point, having WiFi and cellular air interface connections, the method comprising:
- establishing a path for data between a user equipment device and a cellular core network through the access point, wherein the data is transmitted between the user equipment device and the access point over the WiFi air interface, and the data is transmitted between the access point and the cellular core network in accordance with a cellular protocol.
A method of handing over a cellular connection between a user equipment device and a first access point to a second access point, where each of the first and second access points has WiFi and cellular functionality, such that it is able to establish WiFi and cellular air interface connections, the method comprising:
- determining an identity of the second access point in the cellular network, by using information that uniquely identifies the WiFi functionality of the second access point.
A method of handing over a cellular connection between a user equipment device and a first access point to a second access point, where each of the first and second access points has WiFi and cellular functionality, such that it is able to establish WiFi and cellular air interface connections, the method comprising,
- in the user equipment:
- determining that a handover from the first access point to the second access point is required;
- and
- initiating a handover of a WiFi connection between the user equipment device and the first access point to the second access point;
- and
- in the second access point:
- notifying the first access point that the user equipment is initiating a handover thereto.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.