Efficient handling of connections in a mobile communications network
US6507567B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W76/30
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Efficient channel switching procedures are provided in a mobile communications system. A first channel is established to support a connection through a radio access network to a mobile station. Subsequently, if the first channel is no longer used to support that connection, a portion of that first channel is nevertheless maintained for a period of time. That way, if the first channel is again needed to support the connection to the mobile station, the maintained portion of the first channel is simply reactivated thereby reducing channel switching costs and delays associated with channel set-up and release operations. The portion of the first channel that is maintained may be associated with resources within the radio access network. Another portion of the first channel, corresponding for example to a radio channel resource supporting the connection between the radio access network and the mobile station, may be released after the first channel is no longer being used to support the connection in order to make that radio channel resource available for other mobile connections.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.