(51)
`
`Int CL
`G08C 1 7/00
`H04L 12/56
`H04W 84/02
`U‘S- Cl. um
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2009.01)
`
`WIRELESS WIDE AREA NETWORK
`MODEMS
`
`inventor:
`
`,
`Asmgneei
`
`Krishnaswalny, San Diego,
`(U )
`V
`QUALCOMM Incorporated! San
`Diego: CA (Us)
`
`App]. No.:
`
`12/553,267
`
`Filed:
`
`Sep. 3, 2009
`
`
`
`NETWORK
`
`
`MOBILE DEVICE w“ fIZI
`it
`acute
`Q/IODER’A)
`hi"
`1 lfi—\‘31— ,_
`.u—
`.5
`
`(SIM)—l36
`FL
`@EIENTIAL
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2011/0051642 A1
`(43) Pub. Date: Mar. 3, 2011
`
`Krishnaswamy
`
`SELECTION AND UTILIZATION OF SHARED
`
`Publication Classification
`
`US 20110051642A1
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A device chooses to use any one of a number of nodes with
`wireless wide area network (WWAN) modems, depending on
`whether utilization ofone of the nodes will mitigate the power
`consumption of the device. The choice might also be a func-
`tion of an energy level of the nodes. The choice can also be
`based on a link performance indicator. The chosen node is
`selected as a WWAN modem for communication and utilizes
`the identity of the device for application data services being
`supported in this mode.
`
`:—
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Mar. 3, 2011 Sheet 1 of 16
`
`NETWORK
`
`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`
`
`
`
`EmDOE
`
`J
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`r...m
`
`61f02teehS11023,
`
`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`MMOBHMZ
`
`EN
`
`wmmEmEHB
`
`ZOE<BZDEZOU
`
`mDH<m<mm<
`
`NH
`
`zoibmqmm
`
`MADDOE
`
`ZOE<DA<>m
`
`m‘BQOE
`
`ASHZQOEO
`
`m3:Q02
`
`Emlx
`
`J||
`
`>m02m2
`
`MOmmmUOME
`
`«2
`
`MN
`
`

`

`no.nacHbuPno.naCHmAtnetaP
`
`
`
`
`
`”39523228\hhn,55mm52222228
`
`Mar. 3, 2011 Sheet 3 of 16
`
`US 20] 1/0051642 A1
`
`“1550:N_m»
`
`.M2:wmm‘wmgmm;3
`
`
`
`
`
`newl/ocml/meml/
`
`iu
`
`
`
`
`
`.M23mmm4m~=>>mm.“—
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`

`

`r.W
`
`61f04teehS11023,
`
`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`
`
`3K
`
`
`
`v.05
`
`
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`_|‘v1v1T,
`
`LImot/zmmmQ_>O~EO,_.mhmmDOmm“ES;FZmZUmQ_>O~EI.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`maumhfiwmHKMHZOUIm5m0m0<mmm2QZmW
`
`
`,
`JllFZmEUmwom430z¥U<2
`
`«magmvaMOF<U_ZD_>_S_OUOrrZO_H<UE3<:O
`
`
`
`minim($31400MSMOu0<mmu2mmme3m,
`MOH<BZDEZOUm0Qm5§OZMU<E_
`
`EEGm2mc/flimmmz5392mm23le,
`322OHm0<mmm2Emmi.QMSKEOHHH3.“
`
`
`AME/05¢”?02mmJ:m3.
`
`HZMEUMOH<BZDEEOUOHZOE/GEE{DO
`
`mUSMm—mmhmmDOmE“ESE.MOHiq‘BZD—ZEOUmax/0mgmlwe,
`
`
`
`
`MOH<UHZDEEOUmob/mamdmOE
`IA‘s/0E5?9258
`
`[m0<mmm2EmmiQM<BMOWINI§
`
`
`
`mmZOn—mmmZOF<U§ZmIPD<1:3
`
`
`m0<mmm2HmmELv5<vmm
`
`om
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Mar. 3, 2011 Sheet 5 of 16
`
`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`[— [EM '1 1;
`—im
`
`
`
`'
`'
`
`MOBILE
`DEVICE
`
`

`

`61f06teehS
`
`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`Mar. 3, 2011
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`

`

`Mar. 3, 2011 Sheet 7 0f 16
`
`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`MOH<UHZD§OU
`
`n0fl3CHbuPno.naCHPPAtnetaP
`
`\EEO:,flak
`
`..¢l§.a:12:1..
`
`_.n.Em..._
`
`
`_/_2_m_a§mmmot/mm
`
`3w];
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`

`

`" Iguana
`
`
`
`
`OEmmm—UommmQOZMOH<UHZDEEOUOEmmMOOMmmQOZH7550
`
`$th..$5:
`.M945..55m_
`
`$525:......fi%z§fi.
` .1-7\~....
`ELa.me"a5:25mm:
`
`
`
`__._._
`
`,"
`
`..
`
`slows dZd _1'“5!_I?.3"
`
`2»92mmo.52
`
`Em:an
`
`m20§<01$¢<
`
`AEmeMOBEUH
`
`MOMmmho#0
`
`:UDOEE.m9;
`
`mo$50mo
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`LaM
`
`11023,
`
`Sheet 8 0f 16
`
`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`_
`
`31°35 NVMM
`
`
`
`OIddVllJ. IN
`‘. lNano "10:10 .
`.['
`
`9<
`
`22
`
`SWVEIHLS
`
`MESSU:
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Mar. 3, 2011 Sheet 9 0f 16
`
`US 2011/0051642 Al
`
`904
`
`x SELECT A NODE
`
`902N EVALUATE ENERGY
`i CONSUMPTION LEVEL
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`906
`
`N.
`
`UTILIZE CREDENTIALS TO
`COMMUNICATE WITH
`
`|
`
`NETWORK
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Mar. 3, 2011 Sheet 10 0f 16
`
`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`If.— START IL;
`
`1002
`
`|
`—\l
`
`{—1000
`
`1,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, l
`RECEIVING PACKETS
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`1004_\ CONVEYING PACKETS To
`9
`A CLIENT DEVICE
`
`1006—\} DETERMININGABEST
`
`a
`
`ESTIMATE
`
`1
`
`END
`
`FIG. 10
`
`

`

`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`USER DEVICE
`
`1114
`
`Patent Application Publication Mar. 3, 2011 Sheet 11 of 16
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`RECEIVER
`COMPONENT
`
`TRANSMITTER
`
`EVALUATOR
`
`SELECTOR
`
`
`
`

`

`|I¥.IWNE
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`‘|
`
`moEoEEzzoo
`
`mmommz
`
`$595?
`
`[:3
`
`
`
`DamDAM
`
`
`
`I(:3
`
`0753095
`
`.
`
`MOH<UHZDEEOU
`
`OEmmMUOMm
`
`{SE
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`r“m
`
`61f021teehS11023,
`
`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`S.05
`
`omfi‘mm
`
`8meEco:
`
`@223m
`
`3:657:mo
`
`5:53
`
`€23-02
`
`BEEHEDGE(a.
`
`:2Ba
`
`ozawfiofi
`
`K93:
`
`
`
`EmQOEQmm<mm
`
`OszmMDOMm
`
`(2.2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`r._m
`
`61f031teehS11023,
`
`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`iofimhumqm
`
`
`
`moreHZmZOmEOO
`
`UZF<BZDEEOO
`
`A<Uahumqm
`
`MOmHZmZOmEOQ
`
`ASHZQOEU<OZCSnEDm
`
`
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`MOH<UHZD§OU<GZFUmSMm
`
`M55232
`
`2.05
`
`A<UHMHUmEm
`
`MOmHZmZOAEOU
`
`éDHMHomAm
`
`MOMHZMZOAEOU
`
`OZHH<DA<>M
`
`
`
`15>me>OMmZm
`
`ZOE<QE2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Mar. 3
`
`61f041teehS11027
`
`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`
`
`A<UEHUmAm
`
`MOmHZmZOmZOU
`
`UZFEEmZéH
`
`mHmMU<m
`
`Q<UEHUm§m
`
`mOmHZmZOmEOU
`
`mEHOZEme/ZOU
`
`mEHOHmHmMU/E
`
`
`
`mob/mmHZmEU
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`mo5&2:meHmmm<OZHZHSEmHmQ
`
`
`wbmv5<mGEN/50mm
`MOMHZmZOmEOO
`
`>m02m2
`
`
`
`WEED/EQmZmumm
`
`A<Ufiflbmqm
`
`MOmHZmZOmEOU
`
`A<0Hmhumqm
`
`

`

`Mar. 3, 2011 Sheet 15 of 16
`
`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`

`

`Mar. 3, 2011
`
`61f061teehS
`
`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`Sun—S.
`
`3.05
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`.538on“Smooon
`
`
`HOmmooOHm\HOHSSUOEhmeQQOHm
`.mergENGNH
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`

`

`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`Mar. 3, 2011
`
`SELECTION AND UTILIZATION OF SHARED
`WIRELESS WIDE AREA NETWORK
`MODEMS
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`[0009] According to an aspect is a method performed by a
`mobile device for selecting a wireless wide area network
`communicator. Method includes evaluating an energy con—
`sLunption level for each ofa plurality of nodes. Each of the
`plurality of nodes comprises a wireless wide area network
`modem. Method also includes selecting one node from the
`plurality of nodes as a wireless wide area network cormnunj—
`cator. The selecting is a function of mitigation of an energy
`consumption level of mobile device. Further, method
`includes utilizing a credential of mobile device to communi—
`cate with wireless wide area network through the one node
`selected as wireless Wide area network communicator.
`[0010] Another aspect relates to a wireless communica-
`tions apparatus that includes a memory and a processor.
`Memory retains instructions related to determining if an
`energy level of Wireless communications apparatus is mili—
`gated by usage ofa communicator selected from a plurality of
`communicators. Memory also retains instructions related to
`selecting the communicator and supplying a credential of
`wireless communications apparatus to communicator. Addi—
`tionally, memory retains instructions related to communicat—
`ing with a wireless wide area network through a modem of
`communicator with credentials of wireless communications
`apparatus. Processor is coupled to memory and is configured
`to execute instructions retained in memory.
`[0011] A further aspect relates to a wireless communica—
`tions apparatus that selects a communicator for exchanging
`traffic with a wireless wide area network. Apparatus includes
`means for evaluating whether an energy level of wireless
`communications apparatus is mitigated by usage ofa com-
`rnunjcator selected from a plurality of communicators. Appa-
`ratus also includes means for selecting the communicator and
`means for supplying a credential ofwireless communications
`apparatus to communicator. Further, apparatus includes
`means for communicating with a wireless wide area network
`through a modem of communicator with credentials of wire-
`less communications apparatus.
`[0012]
`Still another aspect relates to a computer program
`product comprising a computer—readable medium. Com-
`puter-readable medium includes a first set of codes for caus-
`ing a computer to evaluate an energy consumption level for
`each of a plurality of nodes. Each of the plurality of nodes
`comprises a wireless wide area network modem. Computer-
`readable medium also includes a second set of codes for
`causing the computer to select one node from the plurality of
`nodes as a wireless wide area network communicator. The
`selecting is a function ofmitigation ofan energy consumption
`level of a mobile device. Further, computer-readable medium
`includes a third set of codes for causing the computer to
`utilize a credential of mobile device to communicate with
`wireless wide area network through the one node selected as
`wireless wide area network communicator.
`[0013] Another aspect relates to at least one processor con-
`figured to select a wireless wide area network communicator.
`Processor includes a first module for evaluating whethcr an
`energy level is mitigated by usage ofa communicator selected
`from a plurality ofcommunicators. Processor also includes a
`second module for selecting the communicator and a third
`module for supplying a credential to the communicator. Fur-
`ther, processor includes a fourth module for communicating
`with a wireless wide area network through a modem of the
`communicator with the credentials.
`[0014] Another aspect relates to a method, perlonned by a
`node, for receiving packets intended for a client device in a
`
`1. Field
`[0001]
`[0002] The following description relates generally to com—
`munication networks and more particularly to energy conser-
`vation and distributed processing though the use of shared
`wireless wide area network modems.
`[0003]
`11. Backgrotmd
`are widely
`[0004] Wireless
`communication systems
`deployed to provide various types of communication content
`such as voice, data, and so on. These systems may be mul—
`tiple-access systems capable of supporting communication
`with multiple users by sharing available system resources
`(e. g., bandwidth and transmit power). Examples of such mul-
`tiple-access systems include code division multiple access
`(CDMA) systems,
`time division multiple access ('l'DMA)
`systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) sys-
`tems, orthogonal
`frequency division multiple
`access
`(OFDMA) systems, and other systems.
`[0005] A typical wireless communication network (e.g.,
`employing frequency, time, and code division techniques)
`includes one or more base stations that provide a coverage
`area and one or more mobile (e.g., wireless) terminals that can
`transmit and receive data within the coverage area. A typical
`base station can concurrently transmit multiple data streams
`for broadcast, multicast, and/or unicast services, wherein a
`data stream is a stream of data that can be of independent
`reception interest to a mobile terminal. A mobile terminal
`within the coverage area of that base station can be interested
`in receiving one, more than one, or all data streams carried by
`the composite stream. Likewise, a mobile terminal can trans—
`mit data to the base station or another mobile terminal.
`[0006] When a user desires to communicate over a net—
`work, that user operates a device and a modem of the device
`is utilized to perform the conununication functions However,
`this can constune the device’s energy, which can become a
`concern especially if the user is not near a power source.
`Further, at times a quality of the device’s link might be low,
`resulting in signal degradation, which can negatively affect
`the user’s communication experience.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0007] The following presents a simplified summary ofone
`or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of
`such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of
`all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify
`key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope
`of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some
`concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a
`prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
`[0008]
`In accordance with one or more aspects and corre—
`sponding disclosure thereof, various aspects are described in
`connection with sharing wireless wide area network modems
`to conserve energy for network, nodes, or both network and
`nodes. Further, modem sharing can result in improved net-
`work resource utilization and improved wireless wide area
`network link performance for client applications. Addition-
`ally, the disclosed aspects can mitigate delay as a function of
`selection of a network link.
`
`

`

`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`Mar. 3, 2011
`
`FIG. 11 illustrates a system that facilitates selection
`[0028]
`of shared wireless wide area network modems in accordance
`with one or more of the disclosed aspects.
`[0029]
`FIG. 12 illustrates a message flow diagram that
`demonstrates combining ofprotocol data units at a commu-
`nicator node for a client.
`[0030]
`FIG. 13 illustrates an example system that selects a
`communicator for exchanging traffic with a wireless wide
`area network.
`[0031]
`FIG. 14 illustrates an example system that receives
`packets intended for a client device in a wireless wide area
`network, according to an aspect.
`[0032]
`FIG. 15 illustrates a wireless communication sys-
`tem in accordance with various aspects.
`[0033]
`FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary wireless commu-
`nication system, according to various aspects.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Apple Inc. —Ex. 1015
`
`[0034] Various aspects are now described with reference to
`the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of
`explanation, munerous specific details are set forth in order to
`provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It
`may be evident, however, that such aspect (5) may be practiced
`without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
`structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in
`order to facilitate describing these aspects.
`[0035] As used in this application, the terms “component”,
`“module”, “system”, and the like are intended to refer to a
`computer—related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combi-
`nation of hardware and software, software, or software in
`execution. For example, a component may be, but is not
`limited to being, a process running on a processor, a proces—
`sor, an object, an executable, a thread ofexecution, a program,
`and/or a computer. By way ofillustration, both an application
`rumiing on a computing device and the computing device can
`be a component. One or more components can reside within
`a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be
`localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or
`more computers. In addition, these components can execute
`from various computer readable media having various data
`structures stored thereon. The components may communicate
`by way of local and/or remote processes such as in accor-
`dance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data
`from one component interacting with another component in a
`local system, distributed system, and/or across a network
`such as the Internet with other systems by way of the signal).
`[0036]
`Furthermore, various aspects are described herein in
`connection with a mobile device. A mobile device can also be
`called, and may contain some or all of the functionality of a
`system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station,
`mobile, wireless terminal, node, device,
`remote station,
`remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, terminal,
`wireless communication device, wireless communication
`apparatus, user agent, user device, or user equipment (UE),
`and the like. A mobile device can be a cellular telephone, a
`cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone,
`a smart phone, a Wireless lecal loop (WLL) station, a personal
`digital assistant (PDA), a laptop, a handheld communication
`device, a handheld computing device, a satellite radio, a wire—
`less modein card and/or another processing device for com-
`munjcating over a wireless system. Moreover, various a spects
`are described herein in connection with a base station. A base
`station may be utilized for communicating with wireless ter-
`minal(s) and can also be called, and may contain some or all
`
`wireless wide area network. Method includes receiving pack-
`ets from wireless wide area network, wherein the packets are
`intended for client device. Method also includes conveying
`the packets from wireless wide area network to client device.
`The node was selected by client device to mitigate resource
`consumption at client device.
`[0015] Yet another aspect relates to a wireless communica-
`tions apparatus comprising a memory and a processor.
`Memory retains instructions related to receiving packets from
`a wireless wide area network. The packets are intended for a
`client device. Memory retains further instructions related to
`conveying the packets from wireless wide area network to
`client device. Wireless communications apparatus was
`selected by client device to mitigate resource consumption at
`client device. Processor is coupled to memory and is config-
`ured to execute instructions retained in memory.
`[0016] A further aspect relates to a wireless communica-
`tions apparatus that includes means for receiving packets
`from a wireless wide area network, wherein the packets are
`intended for a client device. Wireless communications appa-
`ratus also includes means for determining a best estimate of
`received packets and means for conveying the packets from
`wireless wide area network to client device. Wireless com—
`munications apparatus was selected by client device to initi-
`gate resource consumption at client device.
`[0017] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related
`ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features herein—
`after fully described and particularly pointed out
`in the
`claims. The following description and the annexed drawings
`set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or
`more aspects. These features are indicative, however, ofbut a
`few ofthe various ways in which the principles ofthe various
`aspects may be employed. Other advantages and novel fea-
`tures will become apparent from the following detailed
`description when considered in conjunction with the draw—
`ings and the disclosed aspects are intended to include all such
`aspects and their equivalents.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates an example system in which the
`[0018]
`disclosed aspects can be utilized.
`[0019]
`FIG. 2 illustrates a system for conserving energy
`though selection ofa communicator, according to an aspect.
`[0020]
`FIG. 3 illustrates an example architecture that can be
`utilized with the disclosed aspects.
`[0021]
`FIG. 4 illustrates an example call flow diagram that
`can be utilized with the disclosed aspects.
`[0022]
`FIG. 5 illustrates an example system that utilizes a
`network-assisted communicator, according to an aspect.
`[0023]
`FIG. 6 illustrates a wireless communications net—
`work that utilizes a network assisted approach to allow
`devices to discover each other.
`[0024]
`FIG. 7 illustrates an example system that utilizes a
`network-unassisted communicator, according to an aspect.
`[0025]
`FIG. 8 illustrates an example schematic representa—
`tion of partitioning a stack for utilization with the disclosed
`aspects.
`FIG. 9 illustrates a method for selecting a wireless
`[0026]
`wide area network communicator.
`[0027]
`FIG. 10 illustrates a method for receiving packets
`intended for a client device in a wireless wide area network,
`according to an aspect.
`
`

`

`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`Mar. 3, 2011
`
`Apple Inc. — Ex. 1015
`
`of the functionality of, an access point, node, Node B,
`e-NodeB, e-NB, or some other network entity.
`[0037] Various aspects or features will be presented in
`terms of systems that may include a ntunber ol‘devices, com—
`ponents, modules, and the like. It is to be understood and
`appreciated that the various systems may include additional
`devices, components, modules, and so forth, and/0r may not
`include all of the devices, components, modules, and so on,
`discussed in connection with the figures. A combination of
`these approaches may also be used.
`[0038] Additionally,
`in the subject description, the word
`“exemplary” (and variants thereof) is used to mean serving as
`an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design
`described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be con-
`strued as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or
`designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to
`present concepts in a concrete manner.
`illustrated is an
`[0039] With reference now to FIG. 1,
`example system 100 in which the disclosed aspects can be
`utilized. A mobile device will attempt
`to locale a trusted
`communicator whenever possible and offload its WWAN
`eommtmications to trusted communicator to the extent pos-
`sible. This can be thought of as mobile device being in Blue-
`tooth® sniffmode (for example) for most ofthe time. Further,
`system 100 can utilize a network assisted approach or a net-
`work unassisted approach for carrying out
`the various
`aspects.
`Included in system 100 is a mobile device 102 and a
`[0040]
`multitude of other devices or nodes, illustrated as node 1 104,
`node2 106, node3, 108, through nodeN 110, where N is an
`integer. Nodes 104, 106, 108, 110 can be various types of
`communication devices (e.g., laptop computer, desktop com-
`puter, personal digital assistant (FDA), mobile phone, and so
`on) and/or modems (e.g., car modem, wall plug unit modem,
`and so forth). Nodes 104, 106, 108, 110 can be associated
`with mobile device 102 and can communicate with mobile
`device 102 and with a network 112, which can be which can
`be a Wireless Wide Area Network. For example, a single user
`or a group of users (e.g., family, friends, work group, and so
`on) may have multiple devices or modems (e.g., mobile
`device 102, nodes 104, 106, 108, 110) through which one or
`more users can interact with network 112. Mobile device 102
`includes a wireless wide area network (WWAN) modem 114
`and a Subscriber Identity Modem (SIM) Card 116. Each node
`104,106, 108, 110 includes a respective WWAN modem 118,
`120, 122, 124.
`[0041] Mobile device 102 and nodes 104, 106, 1 08,110 are
`able to commtuiicate with each other ovor peer-to—peer wire—
`less links that may use a radio protocol (e.g., Blue'l'ooth®,
`Ultra—Wide Band (UWB), Wireless Local Area Network
`(WLAN), FlashLinQ®, and so forth) other than WWAN pro-
`tocol used for WWAN connectivity. Usually, mobile device
`102 communicates with network 112 over a direct link 126.
`However,
`in accordance with various aspects disclosed
`herein, mobile device 102 can utilize one of the nodes 104,
`106, 108, 110 and utilize that node to communicate with
`network 112 over an indirect link 128, 130, 132, 134. When
`communicating with network 1 12 over either direct link 126
`or indirect link 128, 130, 132, 134, mobile device 102 utilizes
`its own credentials 136.
`[0042] Mobile device 102 can select a node 104, 106, 108,
`110 to operate as a communicator as a function of Whether an
`energy level consumption of mobile device 102 will be initi-
`gated though usage ofselected node 104, 106, 1 08, 110. This
`
`energy consumption mitigation can help increase battery life
`and other resotu'ces of mobile device 102. Thus, in some
`situations, it might be more beneficial for mobile device 102
`to utilize an indirect link (e.g., through one of the nodes 104,
`106, 108, 110) to communicate with network 1 12.
`[0043]
`In accordance with some aspects, if mobile device
`102 and nodes 104, 106, 108, 110 utilize the same protocol,
`choice of a node 104, 106, 108, 110 might be a function of
`whether indirect link 1 28,130, 132, 134 is a stronger connec—
`tion to network 112 than the connection over direct link 126
`(e.g., as a function oflink quality, as a function ofa direct link
`quality, as a function of an indirect link quality). Nodes 104,
`106,108,110 can be in various locations. For example, nodes
`104, 106, 108, 110 can be in a car operating as a modem
`(integrated or after-market device), by a home desk (e.g.,
`user’s laptop, wall-plugged, and so forth), by a work desk
`(e.g., user’s laptop, wall—plugged, and so on), carried by a user
`that is walking or at a meeting (e.g., user’s laptop, wall-
`plugged, and so on), as well as in other locations.
`[0044]
`In an example, in a car, antennas for communicating
`can be located outside the car and will not suffer penetration
`losses throughthe car. However, ifmobilc device 102 is inside
`the car, direct link 126 can stiffer signal degradation since
`signals have to penetrate though the car. Thus, if one of the
`nodes 104, 106, 108, 110 includes antennas outside the car, it
`might be beneficial to use that node for communication since
`that node might have a better link and, therefore, can com—
`municate faster to network 112 (or a base station) and use less
`resources and energy because of the faster communication.
`[0045] Alternatively or additionally, choice ofa node 104,
`106, 108, 110 can be a function ofa node energy level and an
`amount of energy that will be consumed by the node while
`communicating with network 112. In this aspect, if node
`energy level is low and/or wouldbe drained due to the amount
`of energy that will be consumed, mobile device 102 might
`utilize a different node or might utilize direct link 126. Further
`information related to various aspects will be provided with
`reference to the following figures.
`[0046] According to some aspects, proxy node (e.g., com-
`municator) can handle the entire WWAN stack to conserve
`energy related to WWAN processing at mobile device 102.
`Communicator node can handle all WWAN connectivity,
`mobility, and network management. Additionally, communi-
`cator can respond and handle all circuit switched (CS) voice
`calls (e.g., does not involve mobile device 102 for CS voice
`calls). Communicator can transfer data traffic over short-
`range link with mobile device 102. Further, communicator
`can have the ability to handoffCS calls to mobile device.
`[0047]
`In accordance with some aspects, mobile device 102
`does not interact with WWAN network directly when within
`range of communicator (e.g., selected node). Further, mobile
`device 102 can remain idle for calls. Alternatively or addi-
`tionally, if mobile device 102 has data cormectivity, mobile
`device 102 might wake up occasionally to receive data over a
`short-range link with communicator.
`[0048]
`FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200 for conserving
`energy though selection ofa conununicator, according to an
`aspect. System 200 includes a wireless communications
`apparatus 202 that can be utilized with the disclosed aspects.
`Wireless communications apparatus 202 can be, for example,
`mobile device 102 of FIG. 1. Wireless communications appa-
`ratus 202 includes a modem 204, which can be a wireless
`wide area network (WWAN) modem. Wireless communica—
`tions apparatus 202 can communicate directly with a network
`
`

`

`US 2011/0051642 A1
`
`Mar. 3, 2011
`
`206 (e.g., direct link 208) or through a variety of nodes or
`communicators 210 associated with (or discoverable by)
`wireless communications apparatus 202. Communicators
`210 can communicate with network 206 over respective indi-
`rect links 212.
`[0049] Also included in Wireless cotnmunications appara-
`tus 202 is an evaluation module 214 that is configured to
`assess an energy consumption level of wireless communica—
`tions apparatus 202 and/or for each of the plurality of corn—
`municators 210, wherein each of the plurality of communi-
`cators 210 comprises a wireless wide area network modem
`216. Assessment by evaluation module 214 can be performed
`based on computation of the energy consumption level by
`evaluation module 214 or based on receipt of an energy con-
`sumption level. For example, wireless communications appa—
`ratus 202 can calculate the energy consumption level for each
`of the plurality ofcommunicators 210 and for wireless corn-
`murrications apparatus 202. However, in accordance with
`some aspects, each of the plurality of communicators 210
`calculates its own energy consumption level and reports the
`level to wireless communications apparatus 202 and/or to
`other nodes.
`[0050]
`Further, wireless communications apparatus 202
`includes a selection module 218 that is configured to choose
`one ofthe plurality of communicators 210 as a wireless Wide
`area network communicator. As a communicator, chosen
`node operates as an intermediary between wireless commu-
`nications apparatus 202 and network 206. Selection of one of
`the plurality of communicators 210 can be a function of
`mitigation of an energy consumption level of wireless corn-
`municalions apparatus 202. However, in accordance with
`some aspects, it might be more energy eflicient for wireless
`communications apparatus 202 to utilize its own WWAN
`modem 204 to communicate with network 206 (e.g., over
`direct link 208). In this case, direct link 208 with network 206
`is established by wireless communications apparatus 202 and
`none of the communicators 210 are selected to operate as
`commtmicator.
`
`Apple Inc. —Ex. 1015
`
`node would Lise its own identity to obtain access to network
`206. In some other aspects, identity ofwireless communica-
`tions apparatus 202 is utilized to obtain access to network 206
`regardless of the modem 204, 216 utilized (e.g., direct link
`208 and/or indirect link 212) and the selected node would
`utilize credential 222 ofwireless communications apparatus
`202 instead of its own identity. Thus, selected node would
`borrow the identity of wireless communications apparatus
`202 to connect to network 206 and then allow wireless com—
`munications apparatus 202 to communicate with network 206
`through selected node (e.g., selected node becomes a pass
`through node). Network 206 is not aware that it is communi-
`cating through selected node since selected node appears to
`network 206 to be wireless communications apparatus 202
`(e.g., a network unassisted mode).
`[0053]
`In an example, a user might be walkingwith a laptop
`(e.g., a communicator 210) and a cellular telephone (eg ,
`wireless communications apparatus 202) and using the laptop
`to communicate (e.g., cellular telephone is not comrnunicat—
`ing directly with network 206). If there is a communication
`for cellular telephone, cellular telephone can wake-up and
`perform communication fimctions. In an example, cellular
`telephone might be consuming 30 milliamps of current when
`it is actively communicating through laptop. However, if cel-
`lular telephone were communicating with network 206
`directly, it might use 300 milliamps of current. An energy
`consumption calculation can take into account a current draw,
`an estimated usage time, and a voltage in order to obtain a
`total energy value. Thus, in this example, there is a difference
`factor often between using direct link 208 versus using indi-
`rect link 212 and, therefore, it is more energy efficient to
`utilize indirect link 212.
`
`In accordance with some aspects, the determination
`[0054]
`whether to use direct link 208 or indirect link 212 can be a
`function oflink quality. For example, direct link 208 can send
`data at a rate of one hundred kilobits per second and an
`indirect link can send data at a rate of one megabits per
`second. If there is one megabit to send, indirect link 212 can
`send the data in one second while direct link 208 will take ten
`seconds to send the data. The slower link (cg, direct link 208)
`will take longer to communicate and can consume more
`energy. Therefore, the combination of link quality, which
`directly affects energy, and length of time required to com-
`municate can be utilized to determine whether to use direct
`link 208 or indirect link 212 and, further, ifindirect link 212
`is utilized, the combination can be utilized to determine
`which node should be utilized for the corrununication.
`[0055] According to some aspects, the determination can
`be made based on the amount ofenergy available for wireless
`communications apparatus 202 and the amount of energy
`available for each node (e.g,, indirect link 212). By way of
`example and not limitation, a laptop can have a battery that is
`90% charged and a car modem can have a battery that is fully
`car powered. In this case, wireless communications apparatus
`202 might decide to use car modem to communicate since the
`battery drain of car modem will be minimal. In another
`example, laptop might have 20% of remaining battery power
`and wireless communications apparatus 202 is firlly charged
`(e.g., battery level is around 100%). In this case, wireless
`communications apparatus 202 might decide to use direct
`link 208 since the laptop battery power level is lower than the
`battery power level of wireless communications apparatus
`202.
`
`[0051] According to some aspects, one (or more) of the
`plurality of communicators 210 might have more energy and
`a better link than wireless communications apparatus 202. In
`this case, wireless communications apparatus 202 might
`decide to utilize that node to communicate as opposed to
`using direct link 208 to communicate, although both wireless
`communications apparatus 202 and chosen node have a sirni—
`lar wireless modem. For example, wireless communications
`apparatus 202 has a modem 204, however, wireless cornmu—
`nications apparatus 202 will not utilize that modern 204 bu