FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The example and non-limiting embodiments of the invention relate generally to wireless communication systems, methods, devices and computer programs, and, more specifically, relate to paging procedures among user equipment and access points in an enhanced local area operating in a long term evolution network.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] Increasingly, the vast majority of voice and data traffic over wireless telecommunication networks is occurring indoors, such as in residential homes, offices, schools, retail stores, commercial and governmental buildings as well other institutions and in public transportation systems. This traffic is also increasingly occurring at so-called hotspots, which are small wireless access areas that provide wireless Internet access through WiFi enabled wireless local area networks (WLANs). Radio access technologies (RATs) based upon the 3 ^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long term evolution (LTE) Releases 8 and 9 will not be able to adequately respond to the continuously increasing network operator and end-user expectations to adequately handle the increase in voice and data traffic. LTE- advance (LTE-A) Release 10 which was finalized in 2010 extends and enhances LTE RATs, providing the possibility for transmission bandwidth beyond 20MHz and improves cell deployment with so-called heterogeneous networks (HetNets).

[0003] HetNets provide expanded coverage for user equipment (UE) over traditional cellular network topologies to handle increased voice and data traffic in dense urban areas. HetNets consist of a macro cell which transmits at a high power with several lower powered nodes (or access points), such as distributed antennas (remote radio heads (RRHs)), femto base stations, relays and pico base stations. These low powered nodes are deployed to provide enhanced coverage indoors and increase the capacity of the network.

[0004] Releases 1 1/12 (LTE-beyond "LTE-B"), as contemplated by 3 GPP, will include further enhancements to local-area (eLA) nodes (or access points) which would improve traffic capacity and extend achievable data rates of RATs. In particular, LTE-B will achieve improved traffic capacity and extend achievable data rates of RATs by further densification of the network. Further eLA deployment will go beyond HetNets deployment scenarios and will achieve networks densification by deployment of complementary low- power nodes operating at higher frequencies such as 3.5 GHz (possibility as high as 60GHz) under the coverage of an existing macro node layer operating in lower frequencies such as 2 GHzs. Such network densification by way of eLA, including frequency separation, could include designating certain carrier anchor responsibilities directed to the macro cell (e.g., maintaining basic mobility and connectivity performance) and other carrier booster responsibilities directed to the eLA nodes (or access points) (e.g., enhancing/boosting data or providing dead corner coverage). In super high traffic areas, eLA could include deployment of hundreds of low powered nodes (or access points (APs)) such as pico and/or femto base stations (as well as relays and RRHs) in multiple sub-cells and sub-sub-cell scenarios. As such, the concept of a "cell" will become increasingly more ambiguous as LTE-B moves to accommodate the explosive growth of voice and data traffic with the above-described LTE hotspot and indoor (LTE-HI) enhancements.

[0005] A result of the LTE-B new cell deployment paradigm will be a hyper- densified network deployment topology where performance of paging in a tracking area (TA) for a UE will likely overwhelm the network. That is, the mobile management entity (MME) will need to send a huge number of Paging messages to nodes (or access points), such as a macro cell, the pico and/or femto cells underlying the macro cell, as well as each evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and RHs in the macro cell. Then each eNB in the TA will have to send Paging messages to find the UE, which will likely cause enormous paging signalling overhead and possible interference among the wireless devices in the network (not to mention the waste of energy in the whole network).

[0006] The following abbreviations that may be found in the specification and/or the drawing figures are defined as follows:

3 GPP 3 ^rd Generation Partnership Project

AP Access Point

E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

ECM EPS Connection Management

EMM EPS Mobility Management

eNode B evolved Node B

EPC Evolved Packet Core Network

EPS Evolved Packet System

ESM EPS Session Management

eLA evolved Local Area Network

GUTI globally unique temporary UE identity

HetNet Heterogeneous Network

IMSI international mobile subscriber identity

LA Location Area

LTE Long Term Evolved LTE- A Long Term Evolved- Advanced

LTE-B Long Term Evolved-Beyond

MME Mobility Management Entity

MMEC MME Code

RRC Radio Resource Control

S-TMSI S-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity

SAE System Architecture Evolution

TA Tracking Area

TAC Tracking Area Code

TAI Tracking Area Identity

TAU Tracking Area Update

TI Transaction Identifier

UE User Equipment

RRC Radio Resource Control

CN Core Network

SUMMARY

[0007] In a first example embodiment of the invention there is a method including sending one or more user equipment probe signals containing a specific user identifier to one or more local area access points proximally located to at least one user equipment, wherein the at least one user equipment is configured based upon configuration data or automatically triggered by entering an idle state to send the one or more user equipment probe signals. [0008] In a second example embodiment of the invention there is an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory which stores a computer program. In this embodiment, the at least one memory with the computer program is configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to send one or more user equipment probe signals containing a specific user identifier to one or more local area access points proximally located to at least one user equipment, wherein the at least one user equipment is configured based upon configuration data or automatically triggered by entering the idle state to send the one or more user equipment probe signals.

[0009] In a third example embodiment of the invention there is a program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for causing the machine to perform operations, in which the computer program includes sending one or more user equipment probe signals containing a specific user identifier to one or more local area access points proximally located to at least one user equipment, wherein the at least one user equipment is configured based upon configuration data or automatically triggered by entering an idle state to send the one or more user equipment probe signals.

[0010] In a fourth example embodiment of the invention there is an apparatus including means for sending one or more user equipment probe signals containing a specific user identifier to one or more local area access points proximally located to at least one user equipment, wherein the at least one user equipment is configured based upon configuration data or automatically triggered by entering an idle state to send the one or more user equipment probe signals.

[001 1] In a fifth example embodiment of the invention there is a method including sending a RRCConnectionRelease signaling to one or more user equipment to configure related probe transmission information, receiving one or more user equipment probe signals from one or more user equipment, storing tracking information of each of the one or more user equipment in a memory, sending the tracking information including a specific user identifier pertaining to a specific user equipment of each of the one or more user equipment to the at least one mobile management entity, receiving one or more user equipment specific paging messages from the at least one mobile management entity, and selectively transmitting the one or more user equipment specific paging messages to the one or more user equipment whose tracking information is stored in the memory. [0012] In a sixth example embodiment of the invention there is an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory which stores a computer program. In this embodiment, the at least one memory with the computer program is configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to at least send a RRCConnectionRelease signaling to one or more user equipment to configure related probe transmission information, receive one or more user equipment probe signals from the one or more user equipment, store the tracking information of each of the one or more user equipment in a memory, send the tracking information including a specific user identifier pertaining to a specific user equipment of each of the one or more user equipment to at least one mobile management entity, receive one or more user equipment specific paging messages from the at least one mobile management entity, and selectively transmit the one or more user equipment specific paging messages to the one or more user equipment whose tracking information is stored in the memory.

[0013] In a seventh example embodiment of the invention there is a computer readable memory tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine for causing the machine to perform operations which include sending RRCConnectionRelease signaling to one or more user equipment to configure related probe transmission information, receiving one or more user equipment probe signals from the one or more user equipment, storing tracking information of each of the one or more user equipment in a memory, sending the tracking information including a specific user identifier pertaining to a specific user equipment of each of the one or more user equipment to at least one mobile management entity, receiving one or more user equipment specific paging messages from the at least one mobile management entity, and selectively transmitting the one or more user equipment specific paging messages to the one or more user equipment whose tracking information is stored in the memory.

[0014] In an eight example embodiment of the invention there is an apparatus including means for sending RRCConnectionRelease signaling to one or more user equipment to configure related probe transmission information, means for receiving one or more user equipment probe signals from the one or more user equipment, means for storing tracking information of each of the one or more user equipment in a memory, means for sending the tracking information including a specific user identifier pertaining to a specific user equipment of each of the one or more user equipment to at least one mobile management entity, means for receiving one or more user equipment specific paging messages from the at least one mobile management entity, and means for selectively transmitting the one or more user equipment specific paging messages to the one or more user equipment whose tracking information is stored in the memory.

[0015] In a ninth example embodiment of the invention there is an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory which stores a computer program. In this embodiment, the at least one memory with the computer program is configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to at least receive one or more probe update messages from one or more access points, and generate one or more user equipment specific paging messages based upon tracking information and a specific user identifier pertaining to a specific user equipment in the one or more probe update messages, wherein the one or more user equipment specific paging messages are only transmitted to the one or more access points which previously send the one or more probe update messages.

[0016] In a tenth example embodiment of the invention there is a program storage device readable by a machine which tangibly embodies a program of instructions executable by a machine for causing the machine to perform the instructions, wherein the instructions include receiving one or more probe update messages from one or more access points, and generating one or more user equipment specific paging messages based upon tracking information and a specific user identifier pertaining to a specific user equipment in the one or more probe update messages, wherein the one or more user equipment specific paging messages are only transmitted to the one or more access points which previously send the one or more probe update messages.

[0017] In an eleventh example embodiment of the invention there is an apparatus which includes means for receiving one or more probe update messages from one or more access points, and means for generating one or more user equipment specific paging messages based upon a tracking mformation and a specific user identifier pertaining to a specific user equipment in the one or more probe update messages, wherein the one or more user equipment specific paging messages are only transmitted to the one or more access points which previously send the one or more probe update messages. [0018] These and other embodiments and aspects are detailed below with particularity.

[001 ] The foregoing and other aspects of the example embodiments of this invention are further explained in the following Detailed Description, when read in conjunction with the attached Drawing Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 shows the Paging procedure in an long term evolution network as known in the art;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an enhanced local area deployment scenario in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention; [0022] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an example electronic device of a user equipment suitable for use in practicing example embodiments of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a first access point or Node, which is an example electronic device suitable for use in practicing example embodiments of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of a mobile management entity, which is an example electronic device suitable for use in practicing example embodiments of the invention; [0025] FIG. 6 is a logical flow diagram which illustrates the operation of a method, and a result of execution of computer program instructions embodied on a non-transitory computer readable memory which provides an enhanced paging procedure in a user equipment in an enhanced local area operating in a long term evolution network scenario in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a logical flow diagram which illustrates the operation of a method, and a result of execution of computer program instructions embodied on a non-transitory computer readable memory, which provides an enlianced paging procedure in a node (or access point) in an enhanced local area operating in a long term evolution network in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Fig. 8 is a logical flow diagram which illustrates the operation of a method, and a result of execution of computer program instructions embodied on a non-transitory computer readable memory, which provides an enhanced paging procedure in a mobile management entity in an enhanced local area operating in a long term evolution network in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 9 shows an implementation example which demonstrates at least one possible example embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] These and other embodiments, features, advantages and aspects of the present invention are detailed below with particularity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0030] Some example embodiments of this invention provide apparatuses, methods, and computer programs that provide an enhanced paging procedure among user equipment and access points in an enhanced local area, operating in a long term evolution network. In one example embodiment, user equipment transmits probing information containing the UE's specific user identifier to a plurality of local area access points. In one example embodiment, the UE is configured based upon configuration data to send out the probing information at a predetermined time interval. In another example embodiment, the UE is automatically triggered to send out probing information when the UE is in an idle state. In a further alternative example embodiment, a node (or access point) such as an evolved Node B (eNB) detects each UE within a predetennined area, records the tracking information of the UE and transmits updated tracking information of the UE to a mobility management entity (MME) with respect to locally available enhanced local area nodes (or access points) based upon probing information collected by one or more UEs in a predetennined area. In another example embodiment, the access point sends only relevant paging infonnation regarding a UE's specific tracking information (representing UE probing infonnation previously received by the access point) with respect to locally available enhanced local area nodes (or access points). In another example embodiment, a MME sends only relevant paging infonnation to the access points which previously reported UE's tracking information to MME.

[003 ] Prior to describing the various example embodiments of the present invention, the relevant E-UTRAN architecture, entities and functions will be described. An example deployment scenarios involving a long term evolution hotspot indoor (LTE-HI) cell and evolved local area (eLA) in accordance with various example embodiments of the invention will follow. Then, example embodiments of various devices suitable for use by various example embodiments will be provided, followed by a description of methods and computer programs that provide an enhanced paging procedure among user equipment and access points in an enhanced local area operating in a long term evolution network. Finally, an implementation example is provided demonstrating one of the example embodiments of the present invention.

A. Relevant E-UTRAN Architecture, Entities and Functions

[0032] In evolved universal terrestrial radio access networks (E-UTRANs), the non- access stratum (NAS) is a functional layer (protocol layer) between evolved packet core (EPC) and the user equipment (UE). NAS procedures are responsible for: selection of a mobile network, attachment to the selected network, and updating the location of the UE. The access stratum (AS) handles radio specific function and interacts with the NAS. AS- related procedures depend upon a radio resource control (RRC) state of the UE which can be either RRC IDLE or RRC CONNECTED. A UE in RRC IDLE preforms cell selection and reselection to decide which cell to camp.

[0033] One of basic EPC entities in the control plane is the mobility management entity (MME). NAS signaling provides sublayers for evolved packet system (EPS) mobility management (EMM) and EPS connection management (ECM) between the UE and the MME in the EPS. Logical connections in the control plane between UE and MME disregard the eNode B (e.g.. The UE'S RF interface, LTE Uu and eNB's Sl-MME are logically combined).

[0034] The MME creates a UE context when UE turns on and attaches to the network by assigning the UE a unique temporary identity called the SAE-temporary mobile subscriber identity (S-TMSI). The S-TMSI is one unique form of mobile subscriber identity of a UE in E-UTRAN. Other identities include, the unique international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) allocated to each UE in every network. Other mobile identities include the globally unique temporary UE identity (GUTI) which does not reveal the UE or the user's permanent identity in EPS.

[0035] When a UE enters both the EMM-REGISTERED and ECM-IDLE states, the

UE performs the following functions: (i) it sends a tracking area update; (ii) it sends periodic tracking area updates (TAU); it sends service requests, and (iv) it responds to paging messages sent from the MME. The TAU is employed for idle mobility in instances where the UE enters cells belonging to different TAs than those with which it is registered. The TAU makes the network aware of the UE's location on the TA granularly and works to synchronize information between the specific UE and network. [0036] Common RRC procedures include paging, connection establishment, connection reconfiguration, initial security activation, and the connection release procedure which is used by the MME for load balancing,

[0037] The paging function in E-UTRAN provides the capability to request an UE to contact the E-UTRAN when UE is in the ECM IDLE state, or to address an incoming warning message (public warning service (PWS)) when the UE is in ECM_CONNECTED state. FIG. 1 reproduces Figure 19.2.2.1-1 which illustrates the Paging procedure in an LTE network 100 as known in the prior art. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the MME 110 using its SI application protocol identity (S1AP) initiates the paging procedure by sending a Paging message 10 to each eNB 120 with cells belonging to the tracking area(s) in which the UE is registered. Each eNB can contain cells belonging to different TAs, whereas each cell can belong only to one TA. The MME 1 10 distributes the Paging message 10 to the relevant eNBs based upon the TAs where the UE is expected to be located. Upon receiving the Paging message 10, each eNB then sends a Paging message 10 over its radio interface (e.g., LTE-Uu, Uu) to all the UEs in the cells which contained within one of the TAs provided in the Paging message received from the MME. In essence, the Paging message is sent because MME does not know where one or more of the UEs are located in the network.

[0038] To receive Paging messages from the eNB over the radio interface, UEs in

RRC_IDLE state monitor the so-called paging channel (i.e., Paging Control Channel (PCCH)) for a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) value to indicate paging (P-RNTI). Other relevant cell information is broadcast in E-UTRAN by way of signaling radio bearers (SRBs), such as the SystemBlocklnformationTypel (SIB 1) which includes the tracking area identity (TAI), which is used to identify tracking areas. The TAI is constructed from the mobile country code (MCC), mobile network code (MNC) and tracking area code (TAC). Also, each E-UTRAN cell broadcasts its cell identifier (uniquely identifying the cell in the PLMN). To avoid reducing battery life, the UE monitors only at UE-specific occasions (e.g., specific subframes within specific radio frames) and/or uses discontinuous receive (DRX) in RRC_IDLE state. The paging response to the MME is initiated on the NAS layer and is sent by the eNB based upon NAS-level routing information.

B. Example deployment scenarios involving a long term evolution hotspot indoor (LTE-HI) cell and evolved local area (eLAI

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 2, one possible non-limiting example of an enhanced local area deployment scenario 200 is shown in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, a macro cell 210 includes an access point or node, such as a macro evolved Node B (macro eNB) 212. In this non-limiting example, the macro cell 210 is transmitting and receiving at a frequency of 2 GHz. In an alternative embodiment, the macro cell 210 can be configured by a network operator to transmit and receive at other frequencies greater than or less than 2 GHz.

[0040] Also shown in FIG. 2 is a long term evolution hotspot and indoor (LTE-HI) cell 220 which underlays the macro cell 210 and operates at a higher frequency, such as 3.5 GHz. LTE-HI cell 220 can transmit and receive at higher frequencies, such as high as 60GHz, or lower frequencies below 2 GHz. Also, LTE-HI cell 220 can operate at lower or higher power levels than macro cell 210.

[0041] A cluster of two or more enhanced local areas (eLAs) 222 is also shown underlying the LTE-HI cell 220. Within each cluster each eLA includes a node (or access point), such as a pico eNB, a femto eNB, or a relay or remote radio head (RRHs). Each node (or access point) is equipped with an optical backhaul link (not shown) coupled to an optical fiber OF such as OF 252(b), OF 252(d), OF 252(f) and OF 252(h) and coupled to a broad band (BB) connection 250. Also shown in FIG. 2 are a UE 230-1 and a UE 230-2 located in range of multiple eLAs and are shown as illustrative examples of UEs suitable for carrying out example embodiments of the present invention. For example, UE 230-1 is proximally located in range of eLA (a), eLA (b), eLA (c), and eLA (d). UE 230-1 can, for example, transmit and receive over its radio interface with node 220-1 and node 220-2. Similarly, UE 230-2 is proximally located in range of eLA (e), eLA (f), eLA (g), and eLA (h). UE 230-2 can, for example, transmit and receive over its radio interface with node 220-3 and node 220- 4. Also, UE 230-1 and UE 230-2 are capable of receiving layer 1, layer 2 and layer 3 signaling over a radio interface with eNodeB 212, such as signaling link one 214 and signaling link two 216. Signaling link one 214 and signaling link two 216 can be radio resource control signaling such as any radio resource control (R C) function (Layer 3), a media access control (MAC) signaling function (Layer 2), or a physical layer signaling function (Layer 1).

[0042] Each eLA can be configured by a network operator to transmit and receive at the 3.5 GHz frequency assigned to the LTE-HI cell or at higher frequencies, such as 60GHz or lower frequencies below 2 GHz. Also, each individual eLA cell can operate at a lower or higher power level than the macro cell 210. A mobile management entity (MME) 240 is also shown in FIG. 2 which is suitable for NAS signaling with macro eNB 212 over logical link such as a SI -MME interface 244 and coupled to each node (or access point) located in each eLA. For example, pico eNB 222-1 is coupled to MME 240 over its SI interface via OF 252(b) and broadband connection 250. Pico eNB 222-2 is coupled to MME 240 over its SI interface via OF 252(d) and broadband connection 250. Pico eNB 222-3 is coupled to MME 240 over its SI interface via OF 252(f) and broadband connection 250. Pico eNB 222-4 is coupled to MME 240 over its SI interface via OF 252(h) and broadband connection 250. In some embodiments of the present invention a hub or switch (not shown) can be installed to couple the nodes to BB 250 to reduce the need for fiber optical cabling. In an alternative example embodiment, the pico eNBs can be coupled to the MME by way of WiFi or other LAN access technologies as known in the art.

[0043] Also shown in FIG. 2 is an operation administration and maintenance (OAM) entity 280 which can be a computer server or computer program running on a server and adapted to send computer programs and/or periodic firmware updates to user equipment 230- 1 and 230-2. For example, a network operator can employ the OAM entity 280 to sends configuration data 282 and 284 directly to user equipment 230-1 and 230-2. The configuration data can contain computer programs or firmware updates that instruct user equipment to periodically send probing information in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention as described below.

[0044] It should also be noted that the number of eLAs and the location of each eLA in the LTE-HI in FIG. 2 are merely presented for illustrating some example embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the example embodiments of the present invention to the specific deployment scenario shown in FIG. 2. In fact, each eLA can be deployed anywhere within a LTE-HI cell (or more or fewer eLAs can be added/subtracted) and each eLA can either contain tightly packed or loosely packed groupings of eLAs in the LTE-HI cell depending upon whether the deployment scenario requires providing booster signal coverage and/or corner signal coverage in a specific area of a macro cell deployment (ultimately depending upon the network operator and depending upon the specific deployment scenario). For example, one sector of a macro cell might be located near a transit hub which is proximately located close to a downtown shopping area, as well as proximally located near a business district. Such an area would be tightly packed with eLAs. While another sector of the LTE-HI cell might be loosely packed with eLAs due to lower demand for voice and data traffic. In other words, the distribution of eLAs is not necessarily uniform in some example embodiments of the present invention. However, alternative embodiments of the present invention can include a uniform distribution of eLAs in a macro cell deployment.

C. Various example devices suitable for use by various example embodiments of the invention Referring now to FIG. 3, a simplified block diagram of a UE 300 is shown as an example electronic device suitable for use in practicing some example embodiments of the invention. UE 300 includes one or more processors, such as at least one data processor (DP) 310, a first computer-readable memory 330, which stores a plurality of computer programs such as PROG #1 (332), PROG #2 (334) and PROG # N (136), suitable for carrying out the various example embodiments of the present invention. A second computer-readable memory 340 stores any MME Paging messages 344 received by the Paging detector 350 as well as any configuration data 344 received from a network operator by way of an OAM entity (not shown). Also shown in memory 340 is UE-probe sequence configuration information 346. In one example embodiment, UE-probe sequence configuration information 346 and/or configuration data 344 is preconfigured in UE 300 as part of the initial firmware installation or a subsequent software update or other periodic software updates provided to the UE 300 at regular intervals such as a weekly, monthly or a lesser interval determined by the network operator. An alternative embodiment can be configured such that the last serving eNode B can transmit UE-probe sequence configuration information 346 to UE 300. As will be described in more detail below, UE-probe sequence configuration information 346 sets forth the time and frequency interval in which UE 300 will transmit a probing signal directed at any and all nodes (or access points), such as an eNode B (eNB), pico eNB or femto base station, relay or RRH proximally located near UE 300. The time configuration setting of a probing signal transmitted from UE 300 can be as little as seconds, or it can be minutes or as long as several hours. In one example embodiment, the frequency at which the UE 300 transmits is the same operating frequency at which the proximally located node is operating. An alternative embodiment can be configured such that a pre-arranged and agreed frequency can be set to isolate probing signaling at a specific frequency channel set at any possible frequency. In yet another alternative embodiment, the UE-probe sequence configuration information 346 can include the identity of specific eLAs within a tracking area to send probing signals. In another example embodiment, configuration data 344 can include information such as one or more rules for sending out probing signals. For example, a speed detector 356 could be employed to determine whether to send probe signals. Speed detector 356 can be any method known in the art such as employing external sources such as a global navigation satellite server (GNSS) to determine various reference measurements or other methods including local calculations. Speed is defined in meters per minute, meters per second or mean square error. [0045] The DP 310 and PROG #1 (332) can trigger operation of the Probe Function

354 to transmit a signal directed at any and all eLAs located within the proximity of UE 300 at a time and frequency interval stored in UE-probe sequence configuration information 346. The DP 310 and PROG #2 (334) can employ Paging detector 350 to detect and receive a Paging message transmitted to UE 300 and store the Paging message in memory 340. The DP 310 and PROG #N (336) can be employed to receive and store UE-probe sequence configuration information 346 received from the previous serving eNode B connected to UE 300. UE 300 is also configured to store broadcast messages such as SIB-1 containing E- UTRAN cell information, as well as information regarding a LTE-HI cell and storing that information in memory 340. SIB-1 information can include for example, the tracking area identity (TAI), which is used to identify tracking areas; the TAI which is constructed from the mobile country code (MCC), the mobile network code (MNC) and the tracking area code (TAC). Moreover, the Probe Function 354 can for example transmit the user equipment' frequency location, current time stamp, antenna port and/or transmitter power level. In yet another alternative embodiment, the user equipment can in response to a user input selectively send probing signals in accordance with the present invention. A network operator in the alternative can block this functionality which would prevent a user fi-om sending probing signals.

[0046] Although FIG. 3 depicts a first computer-readable memory 330 and a second computer-readable memory 340, UE 300 may include one or more additional memories, or fewer memory units for carrying out the example embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, the programs described above (e.g., PROG #1 (332), PROG #2 (334), and PROG # N (336) are not limited to a specific memory locations (e.g.. a first computer-readable memory 330 and a second computer-readable memory 340). FIG. 3 is merely one possible non-limiting example embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] UE 300 also includes a plurality of radio access communication modules 360 and a plurality of radio access technology antennas 370. The radio access communication module 360 can be a Long term evolution / long term evolution advanced /long tenn evolved beyond (LTE/LTE-A/LTE-B) transceiver, or any similar transceiver. Such non-limiting examples include any other transceiver capable of communicating with a universal mobile telecommunications system, an evolved universal mobile telecommunications Terrestrial Radio Access Network, a Global System for Mobile communications, a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access network, or cellular networks employing Wideband Code Division Multiple Access or High Speed Packet Access.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 4, a simplified block diagram of a first access point or

Node, which can be an evolved Node B (eNB) 400, is shown as an example electronic device suitable for use in practicing some example embodiments of the invention. eNB 400 includes one or more processors, such as at least one data processor (DP) 410, a first computer- readable memory 430 which stores a plurality of computer programs such as PROG #1 (432), PROG #2 (434) and PROG # N (436), suitable for carrying out the various example embodiments of the present invention. A second computer-readable memory 440, stores a list of all UEs which sent a probe signal directed at eNBs 400. Also, the second computer- readable memory 440 stores broadcast information regarding tracking area (TA) information and other information such as data about the identity of E-UTRAN cell(s) and their respective locations relative to the TA for a specific UE. Any MME Paging messages 444 are received over the SI interface 475 by Paging detector 450 and are also stored in memory 440.

[0049] UE Probe Detector 452 can listen on a predetermined frequency or on the same operating frequency at which the node is operating. An alternative embodiment can be configured such that a pre-arranged and agreed frequency can be set to isolate a probing signaling at a specific frequency channel at any possible frequency. [0050] The DP 410 and PROG #1 (432) can employ the Paging detector 450 to receive a Paging message received from a MME and store the resulting Paging message 444 in memory such as memory 440. The DP 410 and PROG #2 (434) can be employed to detect any UE probe signals transmitted from one or more UEs proximally located to eNB 400 by way of the UE probe Detector 452 and store the UEs tracking information in memory 440. The DP 410 and PROG #N (436) can be employed to receive broadcast messages such as SIB-1 containing E-UTRAN cell information, as well as information regarding a LTE-HI cell and it can store that information in memory 440. SIB-1 information can include, for example, the tracking area identity (TAI) which is used to identify tracking areas; the TAI which is constructed from the mobile country code (MCC), the mobile network code (MNC) and tracking area code (TAC). [0051] Although, FIG. 4 depicts a first computer-readable memory 430 and a second computer-readable memory 440, eNB 400 may include one or more additional memories or fewer memory units for carrying out the example embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, the programs described above (e^, PROG #1 (432), PROG #2 (434), and PROG # N (436) are not limited to a specific memory location (e.g., first computer-readable memory 430 and second computer-readable memory 440). FIG. 4 is merely one possible non-limiting example embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] eNB 400 also includes a plurality of radio access communication modules 460 and a plurality of radio access technology antennas 470. The radio access communication module 360 can be a Long term evolution / long term evolution advanced /long term evolved beyond (LTE/LTE-A/LTE-B) transceiver, or any similar transceiver. Such non-limiting examples include any other transceiver capable of communicating with a universal mobile telecommunications system, an evolved universal mobile telecommunications Terrestrial Radio Access Network, a Global System for Mobile communications, a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access network, or cellular networks employing Wideband Code Division Multiple Access or High Speed Packet Access. [0053] Referring now to FIG. 5, a simplified block diagram of a mobile management entity 500, is shown as an example electronic device suitable for use in practicing some example embodiments of the invention. MME 500 includes one or more processors, such as at least one data processor (DP) 510, a first computer-readable memory 530 which stores a plurality of computer programs such as PROG #1 (532), PROG #2 (534) and PROG # N (536), suitable for carrying out the various example embodiments of the present invention. A second computer-readable memory 540, stores a list of all UEs which probed eNode Bs in a specific tracking area (542). Also, the second computer-readable memory 540 stores broadcast information regarding tracking area (TA) information and other information such as data about the identity of E-UTRAN cell(s) and their respective locations relative to the TA for a specific UE. Moreover, second memory 540 store the one or more user equipment specific paging messages 544 generated by the UE-specific tracking function (552). The list of UEs which were probed by eNode Bs in a tracking area are received over the Sl/MME interface 575.

[0054] Paging function 550 can transmit a traditional page messages directed at the entire tracking area in a macro cell or transmit a UE-specific MME page based upon the UE- Specific Tracking function 552. The DP 510 and PROG #1 (532) can employ the Paging function 550 to transmit a Paging message by retrieving a UE-specific MME Page 544 from memory 540. The DP 510 and PROG #2 (534) can be employed to comply the list of UEs which probed eNode B in a tracking area. For example each UE could be identified by a SAE-temporary mobile subscriber identity (S-TMSI), a unique international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) or a globally unique temporary UE identity (GUTI) allocated to each of the one or more user equipment by the core network (CN) by a network operator. The DP 510 and PROG #N (536) can be employed to transmit broadcast messages such as SlB-1 containing E-UTRAN cell information, as well as information regarding a LTE-HI cell and it can store that infomiation in memory 540. SIB-1 information can include, for example, the tracking area identity (TAI) which is used to identify tracking areas; the TAI which is constructed from the mobile country code (MCC), the mobile network code (MNC) and tracking area code (TAC). [0055] Although, FIG. 5 depicts a first computer-readable memory 430 and a second computer-readable memory 540, MME 500 may include one or more additional memories or fewer memory units for carrying out the example embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, the programs described above ( e.g., PROG #1 (532), PROG #2 (534), and PROG # N (536) are not limited to a specific memory location (e.g., first computer-readable memory 530 and second computer-readable memory 440). FIG. 5 is merely one possible non-limiting example embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] MME 400 also includes a broadband digital modem 560 capable of communicating over an S5/S8 interface (570)

D. Description of methods, and computer programs that provide an enhanced paging procedure [0057] Referring now to FIG. 6, a logical flow diagram is shown which illustrates the operation of a method, and a result of execution of computer program instructions embodied on a non-transitory computer readable memory which provides an enhanced paging procedure in a user equipment 600 in an enhanced local area operating in a long term evolution network.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, a UE such as the device depicted in FIG. 3 sends one or more user equipment probe signals containing a user specific identifier to one or more local area access points proximally located to at least one user equipment (610). The user equipment is configured based upon configuration data or automatically triggered by entering the idle state to send the one or more user equipment probe signals (620). In particular, in one example embodiment the user equipment is either pre-configured or subsequently configured by a network operator by way of an operation administration and maintenance entity as shown in FIG. 2. That is, a network operator can prior to distributing user equipment to a subscriber load software and/or firmware onto the user equipment which includes the functionality described in example embodiments of the present invention. The configuration data includes a frequency and time allocation specifying when the one or more user equipment probe signals are transmitted, one or more antenna port allocations specifying where the one or more user equipment probe signals are transmitted and a power level at which the one or more user equipment probe signals are transmitted. Alternatively, the network operator can subsequently deploy software and/or firmware updates to user equipment already in the hands of subscribers. The software and/or firmware updates can include instructions in the form of rules to send probing signals at periodic intervals in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention. hi one example embodiment, the user equipment can send probing signals after determining a predefined speed.

[0059] As mentioned above, in an alternative embodiment the user equipment sends the one or more user equipment probe signals automatically triggered by an idle state to send the one or more user equipment probe signals. In that instant the message can be a modified RRCConnectionRelease message originating from a mobile management entity (MME) and includes information such as a time and frequency interval which will dictate how often probing signals will be transmitted by the UE. The macro access point can be an evolved Node B and configured to operate in a macro cell as shown in FIG. 2. Next, the UE can send one or more user equipment probe signals at an interval designated in the radio resource control message to one or more local area access points proximally located to at least one user equipment. The one or more local area access points can in one embodiment be a pico evolved Node B (eNB), such as the device depicted in FIG. 4. In one example embodiment, the macro eNB is configured at a lower frequency than the pico eNB and the macro eNB operates at a higher power level than the pico eNB. Next, the UE receives one or more paging messages from the one or more local area access points, wherein the one or more paging messages are received only from the one or more local area access points that previously received the at least one user equipment probe signals.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 7, a logical flow diagram is shown which illustrates the operation of a method, and a result of execution of computer program instructions embodied on a non-transitory computer readable memory, which provides an enhanced paging procedure in an node (or access point) 700 in an enhanced local area operating in a long term evolution network.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, a node or access point such as an evolved Node B (eNB) as depicted in FIG. 4 sends a RRCConnectionRelease signaling to one or more user equipment to configure related probe transmission information (710). Next, the eNB receives one or more user equipment probe signals from one or more user equipment (720). The eNB stores the tracking information of each of one or more user equipment in a memory(730). Next, the eNB sends the tracking information including a specific user identifier pertaining to a specific user equipment of each one or more user equipment to the at least one mobile management entity (740). In response to sending that information eNB receives one or more user equipment specific paging messages from at least one mobile management entity and selectively transmitting the one or more user equipment specific paging messages to the one or more user equipment whose tracking information is stored in the memory (750). [0062] In one example embodiment, the eNB sends the tracking information of each of one or more user equipment to at least one mobile management entity (MME)as shown in FIG. 5. Then, eNB receives one or more UE-specific paging messages from at the least one mobile management entity. The UE-specific paging messages are directed exclusively to the one or more user equipment identified by the tracking information containing specific user identifier previously sent to the MME by the eNB. The specific user identifier is a SAE- temporary mobile subscriber identity (S-TMSI), a unique international mobile subscriber identity (IMS I) or a globally unique temporary UE identity (GUTI) allocated to each of the one or more user equipment by the core network (CN) by a network operator. The eNB stores the one or more UE-specific paging messages in a second memory. In one example embodiment, the eNB deletes the tracking information of each of one or more user equipment stored in a first memory after not receiving one or more user equipment probe signals within a predetermined time interval. The time interval can be set to seconds, minutes, or hours as determined by a specific user or network operator. The setting of the time interval allows the eNB to remove specific UEs from memory to avoid sending subsequent reports to the MME containing the tracking information of a UE which has either powered off or is no longer proximally located to the eNB. As such, subsequent UE-specific paging messages will not be sent to eNBs which are not proximally located to specific UEs. [0063] In an alternative example embodiment, the eNB does not send the tracking information of each of one or more user equipment to at least one mobile management entity (MME) if the user equipment is not proximally located to it.

[0064] Referring now to FIG. 8, a logical flow diagram is shown which illustrates the operation of a method, and a result of execution of computer program instructions embodied on a non-transitory computer readable memory, which provides an enhanced paging procedure in a mobile management entity 800 in an enlianced local area operating in a long term evolution network. [0065] As shown in FIG. 8, the MME which is depicted FIG. 5 (as a non- limiting example embodiment) receives one or more probe update messages from one or more access points (810). These messages are received over the SI/ MME interface. Once received the MME employs processors means, one or more computer programs and employs its memory to generating one or more user equipment specific paging messages based upon a tracking information and a specific user identifier identification pertaining to a specific user equipment in the one or more probe update messages, wherein the one or more user equipment specific paging messages are only transmitted to the one or more access points which previously send the one or more probe update messages (820). [0066] In one example embodiment, the specific user identifier is a temporary mobile subscriber identity, an international mobile subscriber identity, or a globally unique temporary UE identity allocated to each of the one or more user equipment by a core network.

E. Implementation example is provided demonstrating one of the example embodiments of the present invention,

[0067] FIG. 9 illustrates an implementation example 900 which demonstrates at least one possible example embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the pico eNB and eLA are jointly identified for simplicity as "Pico #." The LTE-HI cells 912, 922 and 932 in this non-limiting example operate at a frequency of 3.5 GHz. The macro eNB and its respective cell are not shown and in this non-limiting example the macro cell operate at a frequency of 800MHz. FIG. 2 provides an illustration of a macro eNB and macro cell which is suitable for carrying out this implementation example. In FIG. 9, when a UE is transitioning into IDLE mode (e.g., RRC_IDLE) under its serving macro eNB, the macro eNB will send an RRCConnectionRelease message to the UE including the specific resources (e.g., specific pico, femto, eNBs, RHHs or relays proximally located to the specific UE) where the UE will send a UE-specific probe sequence . After receiving the RRCConnectionRelease message, the UE will transition to IDLE mode (e.g., RRCJDLE). As shown in FIG. 9 at time T 910, UE 915 will send a UE-specific probe sequence using certain information indicated in the RRCConnectionRelease message. The information can for example include the frequency at which one or more probe messages are sent and the time interval at which the probe signals are transmitted. In addition, the information contained in the UE-specific probe sequence can direct the UE to send specific probe signal to one or more specific eLAs. Such as Pico # 1, Pico # 2, and Pico # 3 which are shown receiving this UE-specific probe signal. At time T+t 920 (after a certain time interval indicated in the UE-specific probe sequence) elapse, UE 915 will send the UE-specific probe signal again. At this time, Pico # 3, Pico # 4 and Pico # 5 receive this UE-specific probe signal while Pico # 1 and Pico # 2 will regard UE 925 has having left their coverage area. Then Pico # 3, Pico # 4 and Pico # 5 will send UE's tracking information to at least one MME (not shown). The Pico eNBs' connection to the at least one MME can be either by way of a wireless link (WiFi) or a broadband connection by way of fiber optic cabling as shown in FIG. 2 or any other LAN access technology as known in the art. Finally, if there is a call 930, at least one MME will send a UE-specific Paging message to Pico # 3, Pico # 4 and Pico # 5, and only Pico # 3, Pico # 4 and Pico # 5 which previously received and stored the UE-specific probe signal will send paging signaling to UE 915. The UE-specific paging messages are directed exclusively to the one or more user equipment identified by the tracking information previously sent to the ME by the Pico eNBs. UE 915 can be identified in the tracking information by a SAE-temporary mobile subscriber identity (S-TMSI), a unique international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) or a globally unique temporary UE identity (GUTI) allocated to each of the one or more user equipment by the core network (CN) by a network operator.

[0068] In an alternative example, embodiment, Pico # 1 and Pico # 2 do not send the

UE's tracking information to MME since UE 915 is not proximally located to them. [0069] The non-limiting example embodiments of this invention may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored on the non-transitory memory which is executable by a processor, or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and tangibly stored firmware). Electronic devices implementing these aspects of the invention need not be the entire devices as depicted at FIG. 2, but example embodiments may be implemented by one or more components of same, such as the above- described tangibly stored software, hardware, firmware and processor or micro-controllers, or a system on a chip (SOC), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0070] Various embodiments of the computer readable memory such as those disclosed in FIG. 2 include any data storage technology type which is suitable to the local technical environment, including, but not limited to, semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, removable memory, disc memory, flash memory, DRAM, SRAM, EEPROM and the like. Various embodiments of the data processors include, but are not limited to, general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and multi-core processors.

[0071] As used in this application, the term 'circuitry' refers to all of the following:

(a)hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of 'circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other network device." The reference throughout this disclosure to a UE may be embodied on a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a laptop, a netbook, a tablet or any other device cable of communicating with a E-UTRAN, UTRAN or GERAN enabled device.

[0072] Further, some of the various features of the above non-limiting example embodiments may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other described features. The foregoing description should therefore be considered as merely illustrative of the principles, teachings and example embodiments of this invention, and not in limitation thereof.