US 9,872,213 B2 · Methods and apparatus for wireless connection management

Abstract

Improved systems and techniques for dual connection to a wireless communications network. In a wireless network comprising one or more macro base stations and secondary base stations, a user device indicates capability to operate and readiness to initiate an alternative multipath transfer control protocol connection. Radio access network procedures provide for communication between a core network, radio access network, and user device to indicate that bearers are being used for, or authorized for use in, an alternative multipath connection and to establish a radio bearer context. In embodiments of the invention, a bearer for alternative multipath connection is established only when a secondary base station becomes available and when a network operator has allowed the use of multipath connection. When a user device indicates that it is ready for multipath connections, core network elements establish bearers, with the alternative connection released when connection to the secondary base station is lost.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method comprising:

at a core network operating in a wireless communications network comprising a macro base station and one or more secondary base stations, configuring an alternative connection indication, wherein the alternative connection indication specifies that one or more radio bearers assigned to a packet data network connection may he used for an alternative parallel packet data network connection to a single access point name;
receiving a connection request originating at a user device, wherein the request includes an indication that the user device is able and prepared to use a parallel connection when a secondary base station becomes available;
and
configuring a connection request response including the alternative connection indication, such that the connection request response including the alternative connection indication is provided to the user device in response to the connection request indicating capability and preparedness for the user device to use an alternative packet data network connection to a single access point name.

1 more element

An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor;
memory storing a program of instructions;
wherein the memory storing the program of instructions is configured to, with the at least one processor,
cause the apparatus to at least:
control a core network operating in a wireless communications network comprising one macro base stations and one or more secondary base stations, to configure an alternative connection indication, wherein the alternative connection indication specifies that one or more radio bearers assigned to a packet data network connection may be used for an alternative parallel packet data network connection to a single access point name;
control the core network to receive a connection request originating at a user device, wherein the request includes an indication that the user device is able and prepared to use a parallel connection when a secondary base station becomes available;
and
control the core network to configure a connection request response including the alternative connection indication, such that the connection request response including the alternative connection indication is provided to the user device in response to the connection request indicating capability and preference for the user device to use an alternative packet data network connection to a single access point name.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and apparatus for wireless connection management

Life of this patent

Methods and apparatus for wireless connection management

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20