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AssigneeLucent Technologies Inc.
InventorsMooi Choo Chuah, Enrique Hernandez-Valencia, Wing Cheong Lau
Estimating the term…
The present invention sets forth a methodology for providing improved downlink backhaul services from a radio network controller (RNC) to a plurality of base stations via a backhaul network that provides Ethernet services. The Ethernet services are provided by a group of provider edge (PE) switches and regular label switch routers (referred to as P switches). Base stations within the network are assigned into clusters, each of the clusters having a cluster ID. The RNC transmits packets to a given switch or switches out on the network based on a cluster ID included within the transmitted packet. The communications traffic is then multicast from at least one last hop switch in the network to candidate base stations on the basis of the cluster ID and an active set within the cluster. Advantageously, the clusters act as subgroups for more easily directing the transmission of the backhaul multicast traffic. Significant advantages are realized through use of the present invention, including the ability to allow faster and smoother handoffs, as well as backhaul bandwidth savings since intelligence regarding cell switching is extended out at a point farther along the network than was previously enabled.
A method of providing downlink backhaul services supporting a user equipment (UE) through a wireless network having at least one last hop switch and a plurality of base stations, said method comprising:
A method of providing downlink backhaul services from a radio network controller (RNC) to a wireless network having at least one last hop switch and a plurality of base stations, said base stations being assigned into clusters, each of said clusters having a cluster ID, said method comprising:
A method, comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.