United States Patent 7,983,716
Terry , et al. July 19, 2011
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Centralized radio network controller
Abstract
In a radio access network, novel systems and methods reduce processing delay, and improve integration with IP networks, by separating user data from connection management and control data at a Node B or at a base station. The user data are routed to an IP (Internet Protocol) switch, whereas the connection management and control data are routed to a centralized radio network controller (RNC). Pursuant to a second embodiment of the invention, a centralized RNC provides improved radio resource management (RRM) functionality by handing all connection management and control data for a plurality of Node B's, thereby simplifying the switching of user data throughout the radio access network. Pursuant to a third embodiment of the invention, a smart IP switch is equipped to switch user data without core network (CN) involvement. Downlink user data are switched independently of uplink user data.
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Inventors: Terry; Stephen E. (Northport, NY), Miller; James M. (Verona, NJ)
Assignee: InterDigital Technology Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
Appl. No.: 10/853,383
Filed: May 25, 2004
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application Number Filing Date Patent Number Issue Date
60507805 Sep., 2003
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Current U.S. Class: 455/560 ; 370/360; 370/395.52; 370/396; 370/400; 455/424; 455/445
Current International Class: H04B 1/38 (20060101)
PPP
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