US 8,620,314 B2 · Apparatus and methods for determining connection quality of a wireless device on a wireless communications network

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for determining a connection quality of a wireless device with a wireless communications network comprise a user manager operable to receive a plurality of communications messages as recorded by the wireless device, where the plurality of communications messages comprise messages transmitted from and received by the wireless device via the wireless communication network. Further, a connection quality module associated with the user manager is operable to generate a connection quality record comprising a connection quality characteristic based on a detection of a predetermined sequence of communications messages within the plurality of communications messages. Optionally, an optimization module may generate a configuration change for the wireless device and/or a network component based on the connection quality characteristic.

Claims64

Dependent claims

A method of determining a connection quality between a wireless device and a wireless communications network, comprising:

receiving a plurality of communications messages as recorded by the wireless device, wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise standard communications messages transmitted from, and received by, the wireless device via the wireless communication network, and each individual standard communications message is not directly associated with connection-quality-related event mechanisms;
and
generating a connection quality record comprising a connection quality characteristic based on a detection of a predetermined sequence of communications messages that define the connection quality characteristic within the plurality of communications messages, wherein the connection quality record is generated against a set of predetermined parameters;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises a number of access failures determined by a difference between a sum of access successes and a sum of access attempts,
wherein the sum of access attempts includes:
a sum of the number of unique connection request messages of a first type comprising one of an originating call, a terminating call, or an emergency call, and
a sum of the number of unique connection request messages of a second type followed by either a service request signaling of a first type, or a setup non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message;
and
the sum of access successes includes:
a sum of a number of alert signal messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively,
a sum of a number of connect signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively, without an associated alert signal message, and
a sum of a number of connect acknowledge signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively, without the associated alert signaling message or an associated connect signaling message.

9 more elements

A method of determining a connection quality between a wireless device and a wireless communications network, comprising:

receiving a plurality of communications messages as recorded by the wireless device, wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages transmitted from and received by the wireless device via the wireless communication network;
and
generating a connection quality record comprising a connection quality characteristic based on a detection of a predetermined sequence of communications messages within the plurality of communications messages;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises an access failure determined according to the following equation:
number of access failures=Σaccess attempts−Σaccess successes
where:
Σ access attempts=
a sum of the number of unique RRC_Connection_Request Messages of a first type with an ESTABLISHMENTCAUSE comprising one of an ORIGINATING_CONVERSATIONAL_CALL, a
TERMINATING_CONVERSATIONAL_CALL, and an EMERGENCY_CALL;
plus
a sum of the number of unique RRC_Connection_Request Messages of a second type with the ESTABLISHMENTCAUSE=REGISTRATION followed by either a CM_SERVICE_REQUEST_NAS_Signaling with SERV_TYPE=1, or a SETUP_NAS_Signaling message;
and
Σ access successes=
a sum of a number of ALERTING_NAS_Signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique RRC_Connection_Request messages, respectively;
plus
a sum of a number of CONNECT_NAS_Signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique RRC_Connection_Request messages, respectively, without an associated ALERTING_NAS_Signaling message;
plus
a sum of a number of CONNECT_ACK_NAS_Signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique RRC_Connection_Request messages, respectively, without the associated ALERTING_NAS_Signaling message or an associated CONNECT_NAS_Signaling message.

15 more elements

A method of determining a connection quality between a wireless device and a wireless communications network, comprising:

receiving a plurality of communications messages as recorded by the wireless device, wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages transmitted from and received by the wireless device via the wireless communication network;
and
generating a connection quality record comprising a connection quality characteristic based on a detection of a predetermined sequence of communications messages within the plurality of communications messages;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises a call drop determined according to the following equation:
number of call drops=Σcall drops due to state changes+Σabnormal releases+Σabnormal disconnects
where:
Σ call drops due to state changes=
a sum of the number of NAS_MM state changes from CONNECTION_ACTIVE to CONNECTION_IDLE except when there is a RELEASE_NAS_Signaling message or a DISCONNECT_NAS_Signaling message between the state change, and associated with an access success, wherein the access success comprises:
an ALERTING_NAS_Signaling message associated with ones of a first
type and a second type of unique RRC_Connection_Request messages, respectively;
or a CONNECT_NAS_Signaling message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique RRC_Connection_Request messages, respectively, without an associated ALE RTING_NAS_Signaling message;
or a CONNECT_ACK_NAS_Signaling message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique RRC_Connection_Request message, respectively, without the associated ALERTING_NAS_Signaling message or an associated CONNECT_NAS_Signaling message;
wherein the first type of unique RRC_Connection_Request message comprises an ESTABLISHMENTCAUSE comprising one of an ORIGINATING_CONVERSATIONAL_CALL, a TERMINATING_CONVERSATIONAL_CALL, and an EMERGENCY_CALL;
wherein the second type of unique RRC_Connection_Request Message comprises the ESTABLISHMENTCAUSE=REGISTRATION followed by either a CM_SERVICE_REQUEST_NAS_Signaling with SERV_TYPE=1 or a SETUP_NAS_Signaling message;
and without any new RRC_Connection_Request Message in between;
Σ abnormal releases=
a sum of the number of RELEASE_NAS_Signaling Messages having a CAUSE≠NORMAL and associated with the ALERTING_NAS_Signaling message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated DISCONNECT_NAS_Signaling message;
and
Σ abnormal disconnects=
a sum of the number of DISCONNECT_NAS_Signaling having the CAUSE≠NORMAL and associated with the ALERTING_NAS_Signaling message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated RELEASE_NAS_Signaling message.

17 more elements

A method of determining a connection quality between a wireless device and a wireless communications network, comprising:

receiving a plurality of standard communications messages transmitted from and received by the wireless device on the wireless communications network, wherein each individual standard communications message is not directly associated with connection-quality-related event mechanisms;
identifying a connection quality characteristic within the plurality of communications messages based on a detection of a predetermined sequence of messages that define the connection quality characteristic;
generating a connection quality record associated with the received plurality of messages, the connection quality record comprising the connection quality characteristic, wherein the connection quality record is generated against a set of predetermined parameters;
and
generating a configuration change for at least one of the wireless device and a network component in the wireless communication network based on the connection quality record;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises a number of access failures determined by a difference between a sum of access successes and a sum of access attempts,
wherein the sum of access attempts includes:
a sum of the number of unique connection request messages of a first type comprising one of an originating call, a terminating call, or an emergency call, and
a sum of the number of unique connection request messages of a second type followed by either a service request signaling of a first type, or a setup non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message;
and
the sum of access successes includes:
a sum of a number of alert signal messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively,
a sum of a number of connect signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively, without an associated alert signal message, and
a sum of a number of connect acknowledge signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively, without the associated alert signaling message or an associated connect signaling message.

11 more elements

A wireless device connection quality determining apparatus, comprising:

a user manager configured to receive a plurality of standard communications messages as recorded by the wireless device, wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise transmitted messages sent from the wireless device over a wireless communications network and each individual standard communications message is not directly associated with connection-quality-related event mechanisms;
and
a connection quality module configured to generate a connection quality record comprising a connection quality characteristic based on a detection of a predetermined sequence of communications messages that define the connection quality characteristic within the plurality of communications messages, wherein the connection quality record is generated against a set of predetermined parameters;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises a number of access failures determined by a difference between a sum of access successes and a sum of access attempts,
wherein the sum of access attempts includes:
a sum of the number of unique connection request messages of a first type comprising one of an originating call, a terminating call, or an emergency call, and
a sum of the number of unique connection request messages of a second type followed by either a service request signaling of a first type, or a setup non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message;
and
the sum of access successes includes:
a sum of a number of alert signal messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively,
a sum of a number of connect signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively, without an associated alert signal message, and
a sum of a number of connect acknowledge signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively, without the associated alert signaling message or an associated connect signaling message.

9 more elements

A wireless device connection quality determining apparatus, comprising:

a user manager configured to receive a plurality of communications messages as recorded by the wireless device, wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise transmitted messages sent from the wireless device over a wireless communications network;
and
a connection quality module configured to generate a connection quality record comprising a connection quality characteristic based on a detection of a predetermined sequence of communications messages within the plurality of communications messages;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, the connection quality characteristic comprises an access failure, and the connection quality module determines the access failure according to the following equation:
number of access failures=Σaccess attempts−Σaccess successes
where:
Σ access attempts=
a sum of the number of unique RRC_Connection_Request Messages of a first type with an ESTABLISHMENTCAUSE comprising one of an ORIGINATING_CONVERSATIONAL_CALL, a
TERMINATING_CONVERSATIONAL_CALL, and an EMERGENCY_CALL;
plus
a sum of the number of unique RRC_Connection_Request Messages of a second type with the ESTABLISHMENTCAUSE=REGISTRATION followed by either a CM_SERVICE_REQUEST_NAS_Signaling with SERV_TYPE=1, or a SETUP_NAS_Signaling message;
and
Σ access successes=
a sum of a number of ALERTING_NAS_Signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique RRC_Connection_Request messages, respectively;
plus
a sum of a number of CONNECT_NAS_Signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique RRC_Connection_Request messages, respectively, without an associated ALERTING_NAS_Signaling message;
plus
a sum of a number of CONNECT_ACK_NAS_Signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique RRC_Connection_Request messages, respectively, without the associated ALERTING_NAS_Signaling message or an associated CONNECT_NAS_Signaling message.

15 more elements

A wireless device connection quality determination apparatus, comprising:

a user manager configured to receive a plurality of communications messages as recorded by the wireless device, wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise transmitted messages sent from the wireless device over a wireless communications network;
and
a connection quality module configured to generate a connection quality record comprising a connection quality characteristic based on a detection of a predetermined sequence of communications messages within the plurality of communications messages;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, the connection quality characteristic comprises a call drop, and the connection quality module is operable to determine the call drop according to the following equation:
number of call drops=Σcall drops due to state changes+Σabnormal releases+Σabnormal disconnects
where:
Σ call drops due to state changes=
a sum of the number of NAS_MM state changes from CONNECTION_ACTIVE to CONNECTION_IDLE except when there is a RELEASE_NAS_Signaling message or a DISCONNECT_NAS_Signaling message between the state change, and associated with an access success, wherein the access success comprises:
an ALERTING_NAS_Signaling message associated with ones of a first type and a second type of unique RRC_Connection_Request messages, respectively;
or
a CONNECT_NAS_Signaling message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique RRC_Connection_Request messages, respectively, without an associated ALERTING_NAS_Signaling message;
or
a CONNECT_ACK_NAS_Signaling message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique RRC_Connection_Request message, respectively, without the associated ALERTING_NAS_Signaling message or an associated CONNECT_NAS_Signaling message;
wherein the first type of unique RRC_Connection_Request message comprises an ESTABLISHMENTCAUSE comprising one of an ORIGINATING_CONVERSATIONAL_CALL, a TERMINATING_CONVERSATIONAL_CALL, and an EMERGENCY_CALL;
wherein the second type of unique RRC_Connection_Request Message comprises the ESTABLISHMENTCAUSE=REGISTRATION followed by either a CM_SERVICE_REQUEST_NAS_Signaling with SERV_TYPE=1 or a SETUP_NAS_Signaling message;
and without any new RRC_Connection_Request Message in between;
Σ abnormal releases=
a sum of the number of RELEASE_NAS_Signaling Messages having a CAUSE≠NORMAL and associated with the ALERTING_NAS_Signaling message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated DISCONNECT_NAS_Signaling message;
and
Σ abnormal disconnects=
a sum of the number of DISCONNECT_NAS_Signaling having the CAUSE≠NORMAL and associated with the ALERTING_NAS_Signaling message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated RELEASE_NAS_Signaling message.

18 more elements

An apparatus for determining a connection quality between a wireless device and a wireless communications network, comprising:

a first means for receiving a plurality of standard communications messages transmitted from and received by the wireless device on the wireless communications network, wherein each individual standard communications message is not directly associated with connection-quality-related event mechanisms;
a second means for identifying a connection quality characteristic within the plurality of communications messages based on a detection of a predetermined sequence of messages that define the connection quality characteristic;
a third means for generating a connection quality record associated with the received plurality of messages, wherein the connection quality record comprises the connection quality characteristic, and the connection quality record is generated against a set of predetermined parameters;
and
a fourth means for generating a configuration change for at least one of the wireless device and a network component in the wireless communication network based on the connection quality record;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises a number of call drops determined by adding a sum of a number of call drops due to state changes, a sum of abnormal releases, and a sum of abnormal disconnects,
wherein the sum of a number of call drops due to state changes includes:
a sum of the number of state changes from active to idle, except when there is a release message or a disconnect message between the state change, and associated with an access success, wherein the access success comprises:
an alert message associated with ones of a first type and a second type of unique connection request messages, respectively,
a connect message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique connection request messages, respectively, without an associated alerting message, or
a connect signaling message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique connection request message, respectively, without the associated alerting message or an associated connect message;
wherein the first type of unique connection request message comprises one of an one of an originating call, a terminating call, or an emergency call;
and
wherein the second type of unique connection request message comprises a service request signaling of a first type, or a setup non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message;
wherein the sum of abnormal releases includes:
a sum of the number of release messages having an abnormal cause and associated with the alerting message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated disconnect message;
and
wherein the sum of abnormal disconnects includes:
a sum of the number of disconnect messages having an abnormal cause and associated with the alerting message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated release message.

16 more elements

A non-transitory computer-readable medium for determining a connection quality between a wireless device and a wireless communications network, comprising:

at least one sequence of instructions, wherein execution of the instructions by a processor causes the processor to perform:
receiving a plurality of communications messages as recorded by the wireless device, wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise standard communications messages transmitted from, and received by, the wireless device via the wireless communication network, and each individual standard communications message is not directly associated with connection-quality-related event mechanisms;
and
generating a connection quality record comprising a connection quality characteristic based on a detection of a predetermined sequence of communications messages that define the connection quality characteristic within the plurality of communications messages, wherein the connection quality record is generated against a set of predetermined parameters;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises a number of access failures determined by a difference between a sum of access successes and a sum of access attempts,
wherein the sum of access attempts includes:
a sum of the number of unique connection request messages of a first type comprising one of an originating call, a terminating call, or an emergency call, and
a sum of the number of unique connection request messages of a second type followed by either a service request signaling of a first type, or a setup non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message;
and
the sum of access successes includes:
a sum of a number of alert signal messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively,
a sum of a number of connect signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively, without an associated alert signal message, and
a sum of a number of connect acknowledge signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively, without the associated alert signaling message or an associated connect signaling message.

10 more elements

A non-transitory computer-readable medium for determining a connection quality between a wireless device and a wireless communications network, comprising:

at least one sequence of instructions, wherein execution of the at least one sequence instructions by a processor causes the processor to perform:
receiving a plurality of communications messages as recorded by the wireless device, wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages transmitted from and received by the wireless device via the wireless communication network;
and
generating a connection quality record comprising a connection quality characteristic based on a detection of a predetermined sequence of communications messages within the plurality of communications messages;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises a number of call drops determined by adding a sum of a number of call drops due to state changes, a sum of abnormal releases, and a sum of abnormal disconnects,
wherein the sum of a number of call drops due to state changes includes:
a sum of the number of state changes from active to idle, except when there is a release message or a disconnect message between the state change, and associated with an access success, wherein the access success comprises:
an alert message associated with ones of a first type and a second type of unique connection request messages, respectively,
a connect message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique connection request messages, respectively, without an associated alerting message, or
a connect signaling message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique connection request message, respectively, without the associated alerting message or an associated connect message;
wherein the first type of unique connection request message comprises one of an one of an originating call, a terminating call, or an emergency call;
and
wherein the second type of unique connection request message comprises a service request signaling of a first type, or a setup non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message;
wherein the sum of abnormal releases includes:
a sum of the number of release messages having an abnormal cause and associated with the alerting message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated disconnect message;
and
wherein the sum of abnormal disconnects includes:
a sum of the number of disconnect messages having an abnormal cause and associated with the alerting message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated release message.

15 more elements

A non-transitory computer-readable medium for determining a connection quality between a wireless device and a wireless communications network, comprising:

at least one sequence of instructions, wherein execution of the at least one sequence instructions by a processor causes the processor to perform:
receiving a plurality of standard communications messages transmitted from and received by the wireless device on the wireless communications network, wherein each individual standard communications message is not directly associated with connection-quality-related event mechanisms;
identifying a connection quality characteristic within the plurality of communications messages based on a detection of a predetermined sequence of messages that define the connection quality characteristic;
generating a connection quality record associated with the received plurality of messages, wherein the connection quality record comprises the connection quality characteristic, wherein the connection quality record is generated against a set of predetermined parameters;
and
generating a configuration change for at least one of the wireless device and a network component in the wireless communication network based on the connection quality record;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises a number of access failures determined by a difference between a sum of access successes and a sum of access attempts,
wherein the sum of access attempts includes:
a sum of the number of unique connection request messages of a first type comprising one of an originating call, a terminating call, or an emergency call, and
a sum of the number of unique connection request messages of a second type followed by either a service request signaling of a first type, or a setup non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message;
and
the sum of access successes includes:
a sum of a number of alert signal messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively,
a sum of a number of connect signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively, without an associated alert signal message, and
a sum of a number of connect acknowledge signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively, without the associated alert signaling message or an associated connect signaling message.

12 more elements

A wireless communications device, comprising:

a processor configured to transmit and receive a plurality of standard communications messages respectively to and from a wireless network, wherein each individual standard communications message is not directly associated with connection quality-related event mechanisms;
and
a memory configured to have a resident connection quality module comprising executable instructions operable to collect and forward the communications messages across the wireless network,
wherein a predetermined sequence of the plurality of communications messages defines a connection quality characteristic of the wireless device on the wireless network, and the connection quality metric is generated against a set of predetermined parameters;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises a number of access failures determined by a difference between a sum of access successes and a sum of access attempts,
wherein the sum of access attempts includes:
a sum of the number of unique connection request messages of a first type comprising one of an originating call, a terminating call, or an emergency call, and
a sum of the number of unique connection request messages of a second type followed by either a service request signaling of a first type, or a setup non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message;
and
the sum of access successes includes:
a sum of a number of alert signal messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively,
a sum of a number of connect signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively, without an associated alert signal message, and
a sum of a number of connect acknowledge signaling messages associated with ones of the first type and the second type of the unique connection request messages, respectively, without the associated alert signaling message or an associated connect signaling message.

10 more elements

A wireless communications device, comprising:

a processor including at least one sequence of instructions, wherein execution of the instructions by the processor causes the processor to perform:
processing a plurality of standard communications messages for transmission from the wireless communications device to a wireless communications network, and for receipt by the wireless communications device from the wireless communications network, wherein each individual standard communications message is not directly associated with connection-quality-related event mechanisms;
and
gathering the plurality of communications messages in the form of a communications log and transmitting, at a predetermined time, the communications log across the wireless communications network,
wherein a predetermined sequence of the plurality of communications messages defines a connection quality characteristic of the wireless device on the wireless network, and the connection quality characteristic is generated against a set of predetermined parameters;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises a number of call drops determined by adding a sum of a number of call drops due to state changes, a sum of abnormal releases, and a sum of abnormal disconnects,
wherein the sum of a number of call drops due to state changes includes:
a sum of the number of state changes from active to idle, except when there is a release message or a disconnect message between the state change, and associated with an access success, wherein the access success comprises:
an alert message associated with ones of a first type and a second type of unique connection request messages, respectively,
a connect message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique connection request messages, respectively, without an associated alerting message, or
a connect signaling message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique connection request message, respectively, without the associated alerting message or an associated connect message;
wherein the first type of unique connection request message comprises one of an one of an originating call, a terminating call, or an emergency call;
and
wherein the second type of unique connection request message comprises a service request signaling of a first type, or a setup non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message;
wherein the sum of abnormal releases includes:
a sum of the number of release messages having an abnormal cause and associated with the alerting message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated disconnect message;
and
wherein the sum of abnormal disconnects includes:
a sum of the number of disconnect messages having an abnormal cause and associated with the alerting message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated release message.

16 more elements

A wireless communications device, comprising:

a first means for processing a plurality of standard communications messages for transmission from the wireless communications device to a wireless communications network and for receipt by the wireless communications device from the wireless communications network, wherein each individual standard communications message is not directly associated with connection-quality-related event mechanisms;
and
a second means for gathering the plurality of communications messages in the form of a communications log and transmitting, at a predetermined time, the communications log across the wireless communications network;
wherein a predetermined sequence of the plurality of communications messages defines a connection quality characteristic of the wireless device on the wireless network, and the connection quality characteristic is generated against a set of predetermined parameters;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises a number of call drops determined by adding a sum of a number of call drops due to state changes, a sum of abnormal releases, and a sum of abnormal disconnects,
wherein the sum of a number of call drops due to state changes includes:
a sum of the number of state changes from active to idle, except when there is a release message or a disconnect message between the state change, and associated with an access success, wherein the access success comprises:
an alert message associated with ones of a first type and a second type of unique connection request messages, respectively,
a connect message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique connection request messages, respectively, without an associated alerting message, or
a connect signaling message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique connection request message, respectively, without the associated alerting message or an associated connect message;
wherein the first type of unique connection request message comprises one of an one of an originating call, a terminating call, or an emergency call;
and
wherein the second type of unique connection request message comprises a service request signaling of a first type, or a setup non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message;
wherein the sum of abnormal releases includes:
a sum of the number of release messages having an abnormal cause and associated with the alerting message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated disconnect message;
and
wherein the sum of abnormal disconnects includes:
a sum of the number of disconnect messages having an abnormal cause and associated with the alerting message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated release message.

15 more elements

A method for determining a connection quality characteristic of a wireless communications device, comprising:

processing a plurality of standard communications messages for transmission from the wireless communications device to a wireless communications network and for receipt by the wireless communications device from the wireless communications network, wherein each individual standard communications message is not directly associated with connection-quality related event mechanisms;
gathering the plurality of communications messages in the form of a communications log;
and
transmitting, at a predetermined time, the communications log across the wireless communications network;
wherein a predetermined sequence of the plurality of communications messages defines a connection quality characteristic of the wireless device on the wireless network, and the connection quality characteristic is generated against a set of predetermined parameters;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises a number of call drops determined by adding a sum of a number of call drops due to state changes, a sum of abnormal releases, and a sum of abnormal disconnects,
wherein the sum of a number of call drops due to state changes includes:
a sum of the number of state changes from active to idle, except when there is a release message or a disconnect message between the state change, and associated with an access success, wherein the access success comprises:
an alert message associated with ones of a first type and a second type of unique connection request messages, respectively,
a connect message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique connection request messages, respectively, without an associated alerting message, or
a connect signaling message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique connection request message, respectively, without the associated alerting message or an associated connect message;
wherein the first type of unique connection request message comprises one of an one of an originating call, a terminating call, or an emergency call;
and
wherein the second type of unique connection request message comprises a service request signaling of a first type, or a setup non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message;
wherein the sum of abnormal releases includes:
a sum of the number of release messages having an abnormal cause and associated with the alerting message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated disconnect message;
and
wherein the sum of abnormal disconnects includes:
a sum of the number of disconnect messages having an abnormal cause and associated with the alerting message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated release message.

16 more elements

A non-transitory computer-readable medium for determining a connection quality between a wireless device and a wireless communications network, comprising:

at least one sequence of instructions, wherein execution of the instructions by a processor causes the processor to perform:
processing a plurality of standard communications messages for transmission from the wireless communications device to a wireless communications network and for receipt by the wireless communications device from the wireless communications network, wherein each individual standard communications message is not directly associated with connection-quality related event mechanisms;
gathering the plurality of communications messages in the form of a communications log;
and
transmitting, at a predetermined time, the communications log across the wireless communications network,
wherein a predetermined sequence of the plurality of communications messages defines a connection quality characteristic of the wireless device on the wireless network, and the connection quality characteristic is generated against a set of predetermined parameters;
wherein the plurality of communications messages comprise messages in a Universal Mobile Telephone System (“UMTS”) protocol, and the connection quality characteristic comprises a number of call drops determined by adding a sum of a number of call drops due to state changes, a sum of abnormal releases, and a sum of abnormal disconnects,
wherein the sum of a number of call drops due to state changes includes:
a sum of the number of state changes from active to idle, except when there is a release message or a disconnect message between the state change, and associated with an access success, wherein the access success comprises:
an alert message associated with ones of a first type and a second type of unique connection request messages, respectively,
a connect message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique connection request messages, respectively, without an associated alerting message, or
a connect signaling message associated with ones of the first type and the second type of unique connection request message, respectively, without the associated alerting message or an associated connect message;
wherein the first type of unique connection request message comprises one of an one of an originating call, a terminating call, or an emergency call;
and
wherein the second type of unique connection request message comprises a service request signaling of a first type, or a setup non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message;
wherein the sum of abnormal releases includes:
a sum of the number of release messages having an abnormal cause and associated with the alerting message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated disconnect message;
and
wherein the sum of abnormal disconnects includes:
a sum of the number of disconnect messages having an abnormal cause and associated with the alerting message corresponding to the access success, and not preceded by an associated release message.

17 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus and methods for determining connection quality of a wireless device on a wireless communications network

Life of this patent

Apparatus and methods for determining connection quality of a wireless device on a wireless communications network

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims64