Nokia Telecommunications Oy

Nokia Corporation

Nokia Mobile Phones Limited

Nokia Networks Oy

Kristian Rauhala

Mikko Olkkonen

Mauri Tikka

Mark Sutherland

Robert W Twitchell

Sami Sabat

Bruce Hammon

John Topoleanu

Rolf Huber

Amala Kelshiker

The invention relates to connection-oriented packet-based telecommunication networks such as ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) and particularly to route optimization in such networks. A network node ( ) on the route adds to a packet flow a special packet comprising a unique code which the network node ( ) locally uses for identifying the special packet and for associating the special packet to a particular formed connection. If there is a loop on the path (2,BTS ) the special packet added to the packet flow returns back to the same network node. When the network node detects that the special packet provided with the unique code returns back, it may conclude that on the path of the connection to which the unique code is associated to, there is a loop that should be eliminated. Thereafter the network node may internally switch an optimal path (1,4,BTS ) bypassing the detected loop (2,BTS ). Furthermore, the network node preferably releases the loop in a manner characteristic of the network. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention also the elimination of the detected loop is based on the use of the special packet.

Path optimization in packet-based telecommunication network

Speech is transmitted between a base station (BTS) and a TRAU by converting a speech signal into a parameter group which is inserted in a traffic frame which is transmitted as a packet comprising a header and a payload. In accordance with the invention, the payload is formed of the contents of several traffic frames until the payload is essentially full, and a packet is sent to the destination via the transmission network. At the destination the traffic frames are separated from the payload of the received packets and they are passed to a speech decoder. The packing of packets full can be started about a second after the beginning of the connection and after pauses, in which case the ending of a pause is transmitted to the listener as fast as possible.

Speech transmission in a packet network

A method operates a mobile communication terminal or MCT ( ) by the steps of: (A) determining, at the MCT , a location of the MCT in accordance with Global Positioning System (GPS) inputs, (B) transmitting a signal that indicates the GPS-determined location, the signal being transmitted from the MCT to a network service provider or NSP ( ), and (C) downloading data to the MCT from the network service provider or from a server ( ) that is coupled to the network service provider through a data communications network ( ). The downloaded data is selected in accordance with the GPS-determined location of the MCT. The step of determining may employ a GPS capability of the MCT or a GPS capability of a GPS accessory ( ) that is coupled to the MCT. In one embodiment the downloaded data is comprised of map data, while in another embodiment the downloaded data is comprised of at least one of operating software or an operating protocol. The data may be downloaded as a background task. The step of transmitting may occur periodically, or in response to a user input, or in response to a request from the network service provider.

Downloading of maps and location specific configuration information to GPS-capable mobile communication terminal

The invention relates to a connection-oriented packet-based communication network, in which the terminal and the network access point of the terminal may move in the network. When the access point of the terminal changes during an active connection, the routing connection can also be changed from an old access point to a new one. The old access point may comprise buffered cells, which can be transferred to the new access point without packet loss. A connection from the old access point to the new one is established dynamically, when required. The connection establishment is controlled by a third network element, which is responsible for controlling the change of access point. The old access point can be arranged to send signaling messages and to establish a connection without requiring any additional intelligence at the access point. Upon the connection being established, the old access point sends buffered unsent packets to the new access point.

Method of avoiding packet loss at a handover in a packet-based telecommunications network and handover method

An accessory module for a user terminal is disclosed that utilizes information broadcast from the GPS system to determine the user terminal's position on the earth. An improved electrical interface between the GPS accessory module and the user terminal is utilized that takes advantage of pre-existing electrical interfaces within the user terminal. The accessory module also includes a method and apparatus for managing its power consumption. A set of mechanical interfaces among the components of the GPS accessory module are disclosed for minimizing electrical path lengths, noise and crosstalk in the accessory module, and for providing for mechanical mounting of the components. A mechanical interface between the user terminal and the accessory module is also disclosed for coupling to an existing user terminal in place of that user terminal's removable battery pack. The invention further includes a method and apparatus for improving the accessory module's accuracy by providing position assistance data from a position reference server. The assistance data is provided to the accessory module by way of a transmission channel communication between the user terminal and the position reference server.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Kristian Rauhala