Wireless network switchover via tune-away notifications

Abstract

According to one configuration, while the user equipment is wirelessly connected to a first wireless base station over a first wireless communication link, a communication management resource in the user equipment receives input (such as a request) to tune-away the user equipment to a second wireless base station providing corresponding wireless services. To facilitate the temporary tune-away to the second wireless network, the communication management resource of the user equipment generates timing information associated with the switchover. In furtherance of the switchover (temporary tune-away) to the second wireless base station, the communication management resource of the user equipment transmits the timing information in a wireless communication over the first wireless communication link to the first wireless base station.

Claims

1. A method comprising: while a mobile communication device is wirelessly connected to a first wireless base station over a first wireless communication link, receiving input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switchover the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station; generating timing information associated with the temporary switchover; transmitting the timing information in a wireless communication over the first wireless communication link from the mobile communication device to the first wireless base station, the timing information indicating a time duration of a temporary partial tune-away of multiple chains of antenna hardware of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, wherein the multiple chains of antenna hardware include a first chain of receiver antenna hardware and a second chain of receiver antenna hardware, the method further comprising: prior to the temporary partial tune-away of the mobile communication device, using both the first chain of receiver antenna hardware and the second chain of receiver antenna hardware of the mobile communication device to receive wireless communications from the first wireless base station; and during the temporary partial tune-away of the mobile communication device during the time duration: i) using the first chain of receiver antenna hardware to receive wireless communications from the first wireless base station, and ii) using the second chain of receiver antenna hardware of the mobile communication device to receive wireless communications from the second wireless base station.

2. The method as in claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device establishes the first wireless communication link via a first SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) assigned to a user of the mobile communication device, the method further comprising: transmitting the timing information in a first wireless communication over the first wireless communication link to the first wireless base station in furtherance of the mobile communication device establishing a second wireless communication link between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station via a second SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) assigned to the user.

3. The method as in claim 1, wherein the first wireless base station is operated by a first wireless service provider; and wherein the second wireless base station is operated by a second wireless service provider independent of the first wireless service provider.

4. The method as in claim 1, wherein the timing information is transmitted in a UE Assistance Information message from the mobile communication device to the first wireless base station.

5. The method as in claim 1, wherein the timing information indicates a planned temporary partial switchover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, the method further comprising: transmitting a switchover notification including the timing information to the first wireless base station, the switchover notification informing the first wireless base station of the planned temporary partial switchover.

6. The method as in claim 5 further comprising: subsequent to the temporary partial tune-away, utilizing the multiple chains of antenna hardware to monitor a paging notification channel of the first wireless base station again.

7. The method as in claim 5, wherein the switchover notification indicates the time duration in which the mobile communication device tunes a less-than-all portion of corresponding antenna hardware to receive communications from the second wireless base station instead of the first wireless base station, the method further comprising: at the mobile communication device, tuning the less-than-all portion of the antenna hardware back to receive communications from the first wireless base station subsequent to expiration of the time duration.

8. A method comprising: while a mobile communication device is wirelessly connected to a first wireless base station over a first wireless communication link, receiving input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switchover the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station; generating timing information associated with the temporary switchover; transmitting the timing information in a wireless communication over the first wireless communication link to the first wireless base station, the timing information indicating timing attributes of the temporary switchover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, the method further comprising: via communications between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station, determining a duration of time needed to establish connectivity between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station; and generating the timing information based at least in part on the determined duration of time.

9. A method comprising: while a mobile communication device is wirelessly connected to a first wireless base station over a first wireless communication link, receiving input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switchover the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station; generating timing information associated with the temporary switchover; transmitting the timing information in a wireless communication over the first wireless communication link to the first wireless base station, the timing information indicating timing attributes of the temporary switchover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station; and wherein the timing information includes a first portion and second portion, the first portion specifying a time value, the second portion specifying a multiplier value applicable to the time value, a combination of the time value and multiplier indicating a time duration of the temporary switchover.

10. A method comprising: while a mobile communication device is wirelessly connected to a first wireless base station over a first wireless communication link, receiving input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switchover the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station; generating timing information associated with the temporary switchover; transmitting the timing information in a wireless communication over the first wireless communication link from the mobile communication device to the first wireless base station the timing information indicating a time duration of a temporary partial tune-away of multiple chains of antenna hardware of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, the method further comprising: prior to receiving the input to perform the temporary switchover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, using the multiple chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device to receive messages from the first wireless base station; subsequent to transmitting the timing information and prior to expiration of the time duration specified by the timing information, utilizing a first portion of the multiple chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device to receive messages from the first wireless base station while utilizing a second portion of the multiple chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device to receive messages from the second wireless base station; and subsequent to expiration of the time duration specified by the timing information, utilizing the multiple chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device to receive additional messages from the first wireless base station.

11. A system comprising: a mobile communication device in communication with a first wireless base station, the mobile communication device operable to: while the mobile communication device is wirelessly connected to the first wireless base station over a first wireless communication link, receive input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switchover the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station; generate timing information associated with the temporary switchover; and transmit the timing information in a wireless acknowledgment communication over the first wireless communication link to the first wireless base station, the timing information indicating timing attributes of the temporary switchover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, the wireless acknowledgment communication further indicating that the mobile communication device received a paging notification from the first wireless base station, wherein the timing information indicates a time duration of the temporary switchover in which the mobile communication device switches over to monitoring paging notifications from the second wireless base station; wherein the mobile communication device is further operative to: during the time duration, receive a grant of wireless resources to communicate from the mobile communication device to the second wireless base station; and in response to receiving the grant of wireless resources, communicate a message to the first wireless base station indicating to extend the time duration in which the mobile communication device is tuned away to the second wireless base station; via the grant of wireless resources, transmit a wireless communication from the mobile communication device to the second wireless base station during the extended time duration.

12. The system as in claim 11, wherein the mobile communication device is further operable to: via communications between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station, determine the time duration, the time duration being needed to establish connectivity between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station; and generate the timing information based on the determined time duration.

13. The system as in claim 11, wherein the timing information includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion specifying a time value, the second portion specifying a multiplier value applicable to the time value, a combination of the time value and multiplier indicating the time duration of the temporary switchover.

14. The system as in claim 11, wherein the mobile communication device includes multiple radio chains of antenna hardware supporting communications over the first wireless communication link; and wherein the time duration of the timing information specifies a duration of time in which the radio chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device is no longer available to communicate with the first wireless base station.

15. The system as in claim 11, wherein the mobile communication device is further operable to: generate and transmit the timing information from the mobile communication device to the first wireless base station in response to the mobile communication device allocating multiple chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device currently used to communicate with the first wireless base station to support subsequent communications between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station.

16. The system as in claim 11, wherein the mobile communication device establishes the first wireless communication link via a first SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) assigned to a user of the mobile communication device, the mobile communication device further operative to: transmit the timing information in a wireless communication over the first wireless communication link to the first wireless base station in furtherance of the mobile communication device establishing a second wireless communication link between the mobile communication device and the second wireless base station via a second SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) assigned to the user.

17. The system as in claim 11, wherein the first wireless base station is operated by a first wireless service provider; and wherein the second wireless base station is operated by a second wireless service provider independent of the first wireless service provider.

18. The system as in claim 11, wherein transmission of the timing information provides notification to the first wireless base station that the mobile communication device has planned discontinued use of a chain of multiple antennas in the mobile communication device.

19. The system as in claim 11, wherein the timing information is transmitted in a UE Assistance Information message from the mobile communication device to the first wireless base station.

20. The system as in claim 11, wherein the timing information indicates a partial tune-away of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, the partial tune-away including: i) use of a first portion of a chain of receiver antenna hardware of the mobile communication device to receive wireless communications from the first wireless base station, and ii) use of a second portion of a chain of receiver antenna hardware of the mobile communication device to receive wireless communications from the second wireless base station.

21. The system as in claim 11, wherein the mobile communication device is further operative to: switch back to monitoring paging notifications from the first wireless base station subsequent to expiration of the extended time duration.

22. A system comprising: a mobile communication device in communication with a first wireless base station, the mobile communication device operably to: while the mobile communication device is wirelessly connected to the first wireless base station over a first wireless communication link, receive input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switchover the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station; generate timing information associated with the temporary switchover; and transmit the timing information in a wireless acknowledgment communication over the first wireless communication link to be first wireless base station, the timing information indicating timing attributes of the temporary switchover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, the wireless acknowledgment communication further indicating that the mobile communication device received a paging notification from the first wireless base station, wherein the mobile communication device is further operable to: prior to receiving the input to perform the temporary switchover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, implement multiple chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device to communicate with the first wireless base station; and subsequent to transmitting the timing information and prior to expiration of the time duration specified by the timing information, utilize a first portion of the multiple chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device to communicate with the first wireless base station while utilizing a second portion of the multiple chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device to communicate with the second wireless base station; and subsequent to transmitting the timing information and corresponding expiration of the time duration specified by the timing information, utilize the multiple chains of antenna hardware in the mobile communication device to communicate with the second wireless base station.

23. A method comprising: while a mobile communication device is wirelessly connected to a first wireless base station over a first wireless communication link, receiving input at the mobile communication device to temporarily switchover the mobile communication device to a second wireless base station; generating timing information associated with the temporary switchover transmitting the timing information in a wireless communication over the first wireless communication link from the mobile communication device to the first wireless base station, the timing information indicating a time duration of a temporary partial tune-away of multiple chains of antenna hardware of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station, the method further comprising: prior to the time duration, using the multiple chains of antenna hardware to receive wireless communications from the first wireless base station and not the second wireless base station; and during the time duration as specified by the timing information, reapportioning use of the multiple chains of antenna hardware to simultaneously receive wireless communications from both the first wireless base station and the second wireless base station.

24. The method as in claim 23, wherein reapportioning use of the multiple chains of antenna hardware to simultaneously receive wireless communications from both the first wireless base station and the second wireless base station includes: during the time duration: i) using a first portion of the multiple chains of antenna hardware to receive first wireless communications from the first wireless base station, and ii) using a second portion of the multiple chains of antenna hardware to receive second wireless communications from the first wireless base station.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating a tune-away transition of a mobile communication device (user equipment) from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to embodiments herein.

(2) FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating initiation of a tune-away of a mobile communication device from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to embodiments herein.

(3) FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating a tune-away of a mobile communication device from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to embodiments herein.

(4) FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating completion of a temporary tune-away according to embodiments herein.

(5) FIGS. 5 and 6 are an example diagram illustrating executable code supporting a tune-away according to embodiments herein.

(6) FIG. 7 is an example diagram illustrating temporary tune-away of mobile communication device from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to embodiments herein.

(7) FIG. 8 is an example timing diagram illustrating timing associated with an example tune-away according to embodiments herein.

(8) FIG. 9 is an example timing diagram illustrating timing associated with an example tune-away according to embodiments herein.

(9) FIG. 10 is an example timing diagram illustrating timing associated with an example tune-away in multiple time slots according to embodiments herein.

(10) FIG. 11 is an example diagram illustrating example computer hardware and software operable to execute one or more operations according to embodiments herein.

(11) FIG. 12 is an example diagram illustrating a method according to embodiments herein.

(12) FIG. 13 is an example diagram illustrating a method according to embodiments herein.

(13) The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments herein, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the embodiments, principles, concepts, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(14) According to one configuration, while the user equipment is wirelessly connected to a first wireless base station over a first wireless communication link, a communication management resource in the user equipment receives input (such as a request) to tune-away the user equipment to a second wireless base station providing corresponding wireless services. To facilitate the temporary tune-away to the second wireless network, the communication management resource of the user equipment generates timing information associated with the switchover. In furtherance of the switchover (tune-away) to the second wireless base station, the communication management resource of the user equipment transmits the timing information in a wireless communication over the first wireless communication link to the first wireless base station.

(15) More specifically, with reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating a temporary tune-away of a mobile communication device from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to embodiments herein.

(16) In this example embodiment, the wireless network environment 100 includes a mobile communication device 110, wireless base station 161, and wireless base station 162. Wireless base station 161 resides in wireless network 121. Wireless base station 162 resides in wireless network 122.

(17) As further shown, communication manager 140 provides communication management and control associated with the mobile communication device 110 as described herein.

(18) Communication manager 141 provides communication management and control associated with the wireless base station 161 (and thus corresponding wireless network 121) as described herein.

(19) Communication manager 142 provides communication management and control associated with wireless base station 162 (and thus corresponding wireless network 122) as described herein.

(20) In one embodiment, user 108 operating the mobile communication device 110 subscribes to use of both wireless network 121 and wireless network 122, which operate independently of each other.

(21) As an illustrative example, assume that the mobile communication device 110 is assigned a first SIM 171 (Subscriber Identity Module) provided by a first wireless network service provider to use the first wireless network 121 and corresponding wireless connectivity provided by wireless network 121. In such an instance, the first SIM 171 is assigned to the mobile communication device 110 and provides connectivity to the first wireless network 121.

(22) The mobile communication device 110 is also assigned a second SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) 172 via a second wireless network service provider to use the second wireless network 122 and corresponding wireless connectivity provided by wireless network 122. In such an instance, the second SIM 172 is assigned to the mobile communication device 110 and provides connectivity to the second wireless network 122.

(23) In certain instances, note that the first SIM 171 and the second SIM 172 are provided by a same wireless network service provider. Alternatively, as previously discussed, the first SIM 171 and the second SIM 172 are provided by different wireless network service providers.

(24) In accordance with further example embodiments, the first wireless network 121 supports a first type of wireless communications such as voice or telephony communications. The second wireless network 122 supports a second type of wireless communications such as data communications (such as supporting web page retrieval, email retrieval, video content delivery, etc.).

(25) Thus, each of the wireless service providers can provide different services. For example, in one embodiment, the first wireless network of base stations operated by the first wireless network service provider can be to support data communications (such as non-voice communications or non-telephone communications); the second wireless network of the base stations operated by the second wireless network service provider can be to support telephony communications (such as voice communications).

(26) In general, a SIM is an integrated circuit that securely stores information such as the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI). In one embodiment, a SIM is a memory chip that enables a respective user to receive and establish phone calls via the mobile communication device 110. The identity information provides a way to send communications to the mobile communication device 110.

(27) As further shown in FIG. 1, in one nonlimiting example embodiment, via communications 106 between the mobile communication device 110 and the wireless base station 161, the mobile communication device and wireless base station 161 establish ACTIVE connectivity (such as supporting one or more downlink MIMO layers) via the RRC (Radio Resource Control) configuration protocol.

(28) In further example embodiments, while the mobile communication device 110 (a.k.a., user equipment) is wirelessly connected to and/or in communication the first wireless base station 161 over a respective wireless communication link, the communication manager 140 in the mobile communication device 110 receives input (such as a request, command, etc.) to switchover the mobile communication device 110 to connecting to a second wireless base station 162 providing corresponding wireless services. The input to the communication manager 140 can be generated in response to a need to switchover and monitor communications from the second wireless network 122.

(29) Up to time T1, the mobile communication device 110 is wirelessly connected to receive communications from the wireless base station 161. Assume that no antenna hardware resources of the mobile communication device 110 are used to support connectivity with the wireless base station 162 prior to time T1.

(30) In one embodiment, at or around time T1, the mobile communication device 110 decides to fully or partially tune-away to wireless network 122. In one embodiment, the wireless network 121 and wireless network 122 operate independently and do not provide notification of network conditions or settings associated with the mobile communication device 110 to each other.

(31) To facilitate the tune-away switchover to the second wireless network 122, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 generates timing information 111 (such as tune-away timing information) associated with the upcoming switchover. In furtherance of initiating the switchover (tune-away) to the second wireless base station 162, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 transmits the timing information 111 in a wireless communication over a respective wireless communication link to the first wireless base station 161.

(32) In accordance with further example embodiments, when configured to do so, the mobile communication device 110 communicates timing information 111 as a uni-directional message such as a UEAssistanceInformation message from the mobile communication device 110 to the wireless base station 161. Thus, if the mobile communication device 110 prefers an adjustment in the connected mode DRX cycle length, or if it is experiencing internal overheating, or if it needs to free up or re-instate transmit or receive chains for Multi-SIM purposes (such as to receive communications from the second wireless network 162), the mobile communication device 110 communicates the timing information 111 in a UEAssistanceInformation message from the mobile communication device 110 to the wireless base station 161. In the latter two cases, the mobile communication device 110 can be configured to express a preference for temporarily reducing the number of maximum secondary component carriers, the maximum aggregated bandwidth and the number of maximum MIMO layers from the wireless base station 161. In both cases, it is up to the communication manager 141 (such as gNB) whether to accommodate the request.

(33) Note that the timing information 111 transmitted in respective communications from the mobile communication device 110 to the wireless base station 161 can include any suitable information. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device 110 produces the timing information 111 to indicate timing attributes of the switchover such as a particular time T1 when the mobile communication device 110 will initiate (start) the switchover of the mobile communication device from the first wireless base station 161 to the second wireless base station 162.

(34) In yet further example embodiments, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 determines a duration of time needed to establish connectivity between the mobile communication device 110 and the second wireless base station 162. In other words, the timing information 111 indicates or takes into account a duration of time in which the mobile communication device 110 is going to temporarily tune to receive communications from the second wireless network 122.

(35) In one embodiment, the communication manager 141 of the mobile communication device 110 generates the timing information 111 based on the determined duration of time needed to effectuate the switchover of connecting the mobile communication device 110 from the first wireless base station 161 to the second wireless base station 162 as well as receive any communications from the wireless network 122 before switching back to tuning to the wireless network 121 again.

(36) In still further example embodiments, note that the timing information 111 optionally includes a first portion TI1 and a second portion TI2.

(37) In one non-limiting example embodiment, the first portion TI1 of the timing information 111 specifies a time value; the second portion TI2 of timing information 111 specifies a multiplier value applicable to the time value. In such an instance, a combination of the time value in the first portion TI1 and multiplier in TI2 indicates a total time duration (time value*multiplier value=total time duration) in which the mobile communication device plans to complete the switchover (such as tune-away) from the first wireless base station 161 to the second wireless base station 162.

(38) Thus, prior to time T1, the mobile communication device 110 is in wireless communication with only the wireless network 121. During the tune away duration between time T1 and T3, the mobile communication device 110 supports connectivity between the mobile communication device 110 and both wireless network 121 and between the mobile communication device 110 and the wireless network 122. Subsequent to time T3, after the tune-away transition is complete, the mobile communication device 110 is in communication with wireless network 121 again. Alternatively, the communication device 110 can completely switchover to connecting only to the second wireless network 122.

(39) The example embodiment herein describes temporary tune-away from a first wireless network to a second wireless network. Note that the mobile communication device 110 can be in communication with any number of different wireless networks. In such an instance, the mobile communication device 110 communicates timing information to any of one or more wireless networks from which the mobile communication device 110 tunes away. In a manner as described herein, the one or more wireless networks (and corresponding wireless base stations) receiving the tune-away notification and timing information from the mobile communication device 110 know not to communicate paging notifications to the mobile communication device 110 during the specified time duration since the mobile communication device 110 will be tuned to monitor paging notifications from another wireless base station.

(40) FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating initiation of a tune-away transition of a mobile communication device from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to embodiments herein.

(41) As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless network 121 generates wireless paging channel 131 over which paging notifications 151 are communicated to the mobile communication device 110 and any other mobile communication devices in the wireless network environment 100 in communication with the wireless base station 161. One or more paging occasion and paging frame of the wireless paging channel are allocated in the wireless paging channel 131 to the mobile communication device 110 to receive paging notifications on a cyclical basis from the wireless network 121.

(42) In one embodiment, the mobile communication device 110 includes multiple radio chains of antenna hardware (such as receiver chain hardware RC1, receiver chain hardware RC2, receiver chain hardware RC3, receiver chain hardware RC4 and transmitter chain hardware TC1, transmitter chain hardware TC2, transmitter chain hardware TC3, transmitter chain hardware TC4) supporting communications with the wireless base station 161 up until time T1.

(43) Note that initial communications between the mobile communication device 110 and the wireless base station 161 can include the mobile communication device 110 notifying the wireless base station 161 of its antenna hardware capability such as its number of available Rx and/or Tx chains. Based on such information, the wireless base station 161 then controls use of the antenna hardware 175 and available chains to support wireless connectivity with the wireless base station 161.

(44) Embodiments herein include a way to account for a mobile communication device's request to temporarily or permanently tune-away one or more Rx chains involved in CONNECTED mode operation.

(45) As an illustrative example, in one embodiment, in order to initiate a tune-away to the wireless base station 162, such as tune-away of all or a portion of its antenna hardware 175 to communicate with the wireless base station 162, the mobile communication device 110 communicates the communications 221 (such as including timing information 111) to the wireless base station 161.

(46) Receipt of communications 221 results in the wireless base station 161 relaxing a requirement that the mobile communication device 110 use all of its receiver chains (receiver chain hardware RC1, receiver chain hardware RC2, receiver chain hardware RC3, and receiver chain hardware RC4) to receive communications from the wireless base station 161. In such an instance, during the tune-away away time between T1 and time T3 as specified by the timing information 111, the mobile communication device 110 uses one or more (or all) of its receiver chains (RC1, RC2, RC3, and RC4) to receive communications from the wireless base station 162 in wireless network 122.

(47) In response to detecting operating conditions such as that the user 108 or other suitable entity would like to or needs to switchover its respective antenna hardware 175 to receiving communications from the wireless network 122, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 transmits communications 221 over a respective wireless communication link to the communication manager 141 of wireless base station 161. In one embodiment, as previously discussed, the communications include timing information 111 such as timing information TI1 and timing information TI2.

(48) In one embodiment, the communications 221 is or includes a unidirectional message from mobile communication device 110 to the wireless base station 161 in which the wireless base station 161 does not respond to the mobile communication device 110.

(49) Note further that communications 221 can be conveyed in any suitable manner such as at the physical layer, MAC layer, RFC layer, etc.

(50) Assume in this example embodiment that the mobile communication device 110 configures the receiver chain hardware RC1, receiver chain hardware RC2, receiver chain hardware RC3, and receiver chain hardware RC4 of antenna hardware 175 to receive communications from the wireless base station 161 up until time T1.

(51) In one nonlimiting example embodiment, the timing information 111 communicated at or around time T1 indicates a duration of time after which the one or more radio chains of antenna hardware 175 (such receiver chain hardware RC1, receiver chain hardware RC2, receiver chain hardware RC3, and/or receiver chain hardware RC4) in the mobile communication device 110 will no longer be used to receive communications from the wireless base station 161.

(52) More specifically, up until time T1, the communication manager 140 configures the one or more receiver chain hardware (such as the receiver chain hardware RC1, receiver chain hardware RC2, receiver chain hardware RC3, and receiver chain hardware RC4 of antenna hardware 175) associated with the mobile communication device 110 to receive communications from the wireless base station 161.

(53) As further discussed below, between time T1 and time T3, the communication manager 140 uses a first portion of the antenna hardware 175 to monitor and receive communications (such as paging notifications or other data) from the first wireless network 121; the communication manager 140 uses a second portion of the antenna hardware 175 to monitor and receive communications (such as paging notifications or other data) from the second wireless network 122.

(54) FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating a tune-away transition of a mobile communication device from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to embodiments herein.

(55) Based on transmission of the communications 221, the communication manager 140 notifies the wireless base station 161 and corresponding network of a tune-away condition in which the communication manager 140 terminates use of all or a portion of the antenna hardware 175 (such as receiver chain hardware RC1, receiver chain hardware RC2, receiver chain hardware RC3, and receiver chain hardware RC4 of antenna hardware 175 or just receiver chain hardware RC3 and receiver chain hardware RC4) to monitor and receive the communications from the wireless base station 161.

(56) Between time T1 and time T3, reduction of the number receiver Rx chains used to receive communications from the wireless base station 161 may reduce the number of MIMO layers (such as from 8 to 4) supported between the wireless base station 161 and the mobile communication device 110.

(57) In one embodiment, as shown, during the tune-away between time T1 and time T3, the communication manager 140 uses a portion of the receiver chain hardware RC1 and RC2 to monitor and receive communications from wireless base station 161; the communication manager 140 uses receiver chain hardware RC3 and RC4 to monitor and receive communications from the wireless network 122 and corresponding wireless base station 162.

(58) Accordingly, via communications 221, the first wireless base station 161 is notified that one or more chains of antenna hardware 175 will no longer be used to communicate with the first wireless base station 161. If desired, via communications 221, the first wireless base station 161 can be notified with specific information indicating that a portion of the receiver chain hardware will be used to communicate with the wireless network 122.

(59) Alternatively, in another embodiment, the mobile communication device 110 provides no indication in communications to the first wireless base station 161 that any of the one or more transmitter or receiver chains of antenna hardware 175 is or will be used to communicate with the second wireless base station 162 for the duration as specified by the timing information 111. For example, the communications 221 may only indicate a tune-away condition in a manner as previously discussed using timing information 111 indicating any or all information such as start time of the tune-away to the wireless base station 162, duration of the tune-away to wireless base station 162, end time of the tune-away with the wireless base station 162, etc.

(60) As previously discussed, the timing information 111 can be transmitted in any suitable message from the mobile communication device 110 to the first wireless base station 161. In one embodiment, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 transmits the timing information 111 in a so-called UE Assistance Information message from the mobile communication device 110 to the first wireless base station 161.

(61) As previously discussed, such communications 221 provide notification to the first wireless base station 161 that the mobile communication device 110 intends or needs to adjust or modify how antenna hardware 175 in the mobile communication device 110 is currently used.

(62) Via communications 221, and notification of the temporary tune-away, the wireless base station 161 is made aware not to increase the number of MIMO layers to the mobile communication device 110 during the tune-away duration as specified by the timing information 111 in communications 221. In other words, in response to receiving the communications 221 of the tune-away, during the tune-away, the wireless base station 161 does not attempt to increase a number of MIMO layers associated with downlink communications from the wireless base station 161 to the mobile communication device 110.

(63) FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating completion of a tune-away of a mobile communication device from a first wireless network to a second wireless network according to embodiments herein.

(64) As shown in FIG. 4, after time T3, the communication manager 140 uses the receiver chain hardware RC1, RC2, RC3, and RC4 to monitor and receive communications from the wireless base station 161.

(65) In one embodiment, in response to detecting expiration of the tune-away as specified by the timing information 111, the wireless base station 161 increases a number of MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) layers communicated in the downlink from the wireless base station 161 to the mobile communication device 110. For example, via communications 221 and corresponding timing information 111, the wireless base station 161 knows of the time when the temporary tune-away has been completed and the communication manager 140 is able to use all receiver chain hardware RC1, RC2, RC3, and RC4 to monitor and receive communications from the wireless base station 161 again. In such an instance, the wireless base station 161 can attempt to increase a bandwidth of data communicated to the mobile communication device 110.

(66) Thus, embodiments herein include, via the communication manager 140, operating the mobile communication device 110 in 2 or more different modes. For example, in a first mode (or first time window before time T1), prior to receiving the input to perform the switchover of connecting the mobile communication device 110 from the first wireless base station 161 to the second wireless base station 162, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 implements multiple chains of antenna hardware 175 in the mobile communication device to communicate with the first wireless base station 161.

(67) In a second mode (or second time window between time T1 and time T3), subsequent to transmitting the timing information 111 and prior to expiration of a time duration specified by the timing information at time T3, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 utilizes a first portion of the multiple Rx chains of antenna hardware 175 in the mobile communication device 110 to (continue to) communicate with the first wireless base station 161 while utilizing a second portion (freed portion) of the multiple Rx chains of antenna hardware 175 in the mobile communication device 110 to communicate with the second wireless base station 162.

(68) Subsequent to expiration of the time duration specified by the timing information, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 utilizes the multiple chains of antenna hardware 175 in the mobile communication device 110 to receive communications from the wireless base station 161 again.

(69) FIGS. 5 and 6 are an example diagram illustrating example code supporting a tune-away transition according to embodiments herein.

(70) The combination of code 510-1 and code 510-2 supports temporary tune-away as described herein.

(71) Example Flow of Providing Tune-Away Timing Information

(72) In one embodiment, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 sets the contents of the communications 221 (such as UEAssistanceInformation message or other suitable message type) for delay budget report as follows: 1>if the mobile communication device 110 is configured to provide a delay budget report: 2>if the mobile communication device 110 prefers an adjustment in the connected mode DRX cycle length: 3>set delayBudgetReport to type1 according to a desired value; 2>start or restart timer T342 with the timer value set to the delayBudgetReportingProhibitTimer.

(73) The mobile communication device 110 sets the contents of communications 221 (such as a UEAssistanceInformation message) for assistance indication: 1>if configured to provide overheating assistance indication: 2>if the mobile communication device 110 experiences internal overheating: 3>if the mobile communication device 110 prefers to temporarily reduce the number of maximum secondary component carriers: 4>include reducedMaxCCs in the OverheatingAssistance IE; 4>set reducedCCsDL to the number of maximum SCells the UE prefers to be temporarily configured in downlink; 4>set reducedCCsUL to the number of maximum SCells the UE prefers to be temporarily configured in uplink; 3>if the mobile communication device 110 prefers to temporarily reduce maximum aggregated bandwidth of FR1: 4>include reducedMaxBW-FR1 in the OverheatingAssistance IE; 4>set reducedBW-FR1-DL to the maximum aggregated bandwidth the mobile communication device 110 prefers to be temporarily configured across all downlink carriers of FR1; 4>set reducedBW-FR1-UL to the maximum aggregated bandwidth the mobile communication device 110 prefers to be temporarily configured across all uplink carriers of FR1; 3>if the UE prefers to temporarily reduce maximum aggregated bandwidth of FR2: 4>include reducedMaxBW-FR2 in the OverheatingAssistance IE; 4>set reducedBW-FR2-DL to the maximum aggregated bandwidth the mobile communication device 110 prefers to be temporarily configured across all downlink carriers of FR2; 4>set reducedBW-FR2-UL to the maximum aggregated bandwidth the mobile communication device 110 prefers to be temporarily configured across all uplink carriers of FR2; 3>if the UE prefers to temporarily reduce the number of maximum MIMO layers of each serving cell operating on FR1: 4>include reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR1 in the OverheatingAssistance IE; 4>set reducedMIMO-LayersFR1-DL to the number of maximum MIMO layers of each serving cell operating on FR1 the mobile communication device 110 prefers to be temporarily configured in downlink; 4>set reducedMIMO-LayersFR1-UL to the number of maximum MIMO layers of each serving cell operating on FR1 the mobile communication device 110 prefers to be temporarily configured in uplink; 3>if the UE prefers to temporarily reduce the number of maximum MIMO layers of each serving cell operating on FR2: 4>include reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR2 in the OverheatingAssistance IE; 4>set reducedMIMO-LayersFR2-DL to the number of maximum MIMO layers of each serving cell operating on FR2 the mobile communication device 110 prefers to be temporarily configured in downlink; 4>set reducedMIMO-LayersFR2-UL to the number of maximum MIMO layers of each serving cell operating on FR2 the mobile communication device 110 prefers to be temporarily configured in uplink; 3>if the mobile communication device 110 is detected as supporting multiple SIMs such as SIM 171 and SIM 172 (for example, the mobile communication device 110 is Multi-SIM capable), and the mobile communication device 110 needs to tune-away from present wireless network 121 (PLMN) to perform Multi-SIM operation on wireless network 122 (a different PLMN), then: 4>include timing information 111 timing information TI1 (such as multiSIMTuneAwayTimer) in the communications 221 (such as MultiSIMAssistance IE); 4>include timing information TI2 (such as miniSlotMultiplier) in the communications 111 (such as MultiSIMAssistance IE); 3>start timer T345 with the timer value set to overheatingIndicationProhibitTimer; 2>else (if the mobile communication device 110 no longer experiences an overheating condition): 3>do not include reducedMaxCCs, reducedMaxBW-FR1, reducedMaxBW-FR2, reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR1 and reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR2 in OverheatingAssistance IE; 3>do not include timing information TI1 (such as multiSIMTuneAwayTimer), and timing information TI2 (such as miniSlotMultiplier) in communications 221 (such as MultiSIMAssistance IE); 3>start timer T345 with the timer value set to the overheatingIndicationProhibitTimer.

(74) In one embodiment, the timing information 111 (such as specifying a tune-away duration) for use by Multi-SIM mobile communication device 110 informs the communication manager 141 (such as gNB or other suitable entity) of the duration for which its one or more transmit chains and or receive chains are to tune-away from present PLMN (such as wireless network 121) to perform Multi-SIM operation on a different PLMN (such as wireless network 122). In one embodiment, the time value (such as a data field specifying a value) of the timing information TI1 is in microseconds.

(75) By way of non-limiting example embodiment, the setting of the time duration of how long it will take to the mobile communication device 110 to complete tune-away is based on a combination of the timing information TI1 (time value such as a multiSIMTuneAwayTimer) and timing information TI2 (a respective multiplier value such as miniSlotMultiplier) in the timing information 111 of communications 221.

(76) As an illustrative example, a value of “us8dot33” in timing information TI1 together with miniSlotMultiplier of a setting of 1 in timing information TI2 means that the prohibit timer is set to a duration of (8.33*1=) 8.33 micro seconds; the value “us8dot33” together with a miniSlotMultiplier of 2 means this prohibit timer is set to 8.33*2=16.66 micro seconds, and so on.

(77) Thus, in one embodiment, the multiplier value (such as minislotMultiplier) is an integer value used in conjunction with the time (such as multiSIMTuneAwayTimer) to determine a respective time duration.

(78) FIG. 7 is an example diagram illustrating a wireless network environment implementing wireless paging channels and corresponding techniques according to embodiments herein.

(79) As shown in FIG. 7, wireless network environment 100 includes a first wireless network 121, a second wireless network 122, and mobile communication device 110.

(80) Via wireless paging channel 131, the wireless network 121 communicates paging notifications 151 to one or more mobile communication devices in the wireless network environment 100.

(81) Via wireless paging channel 132, the wireless network 122 communicates paging notifications 152 to one or more mobile communication devices in the wireless network environment 100.

(82) In one embodiment, user 108 subscribes to use of both wireless network 121 and wireless network 122. For example, assume that the mobile communication device 110 is assigned a first SIM 171 (Subscriber Identity Module) provided by a first wireless network service provider to use the first wireless network 121 and corresponding wireless connectivity provided by wireless network 121. In such an instance, the first paging notifications 151 communicated over wireless paging channel 131 (and one or more respective allocated paging occasions) are associated with a first SIM 171 assigned to the mobile communication device 110.

(83) The mobile communication device 110 is assigned a second SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) 172 via a second wireless network service provider to use the second wireless network 122. The second paging notifications 152 communicated over the wireless paging channel 132 (and one or more respective allocated paging occasions) are associated with the second SIM 172 assigned to the mobile communication device 110.

(84) Depending on the embodiment, note that the first SIM 171 and the second SIM 172 are provided by the same or different wireless network service providers.

(85) In accordance with further example embodiments, the first wireless network 121 supports a first type of wireless communications such as voice or telephony communications. The second wireless network 122 supports a second type of wireless communications such as data communications (such as supporting web page retrieval, email retrieval, video content delivery, etc.).

(86) In general, a SIM is an integrated circuit that securely stores information such as the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI). In certain instances, it is a memory chip that enables a respective user to receive and establish phone calls via the mobile communication device 110. The identity information provides a way to send communications to the mobile communication device 110.

(87) In this example embodiment, assume that the wireless network 121 is operated by a first service provider (wireless network service provider #1) and includes any number of wireless base stations including wireless base station 161. Wireless base station 161 includes communication manager 141 (such as a gNode B or other suitable entity) that receives paging notifications directed to the mobile communication device 110 (and potentially other mobile communication devices) and communicates such paging notifications 151 in respective paging occasions over the wireless paging channel 131 in the wireless network environment 100.

(88) Wireless network 122 operated by a second service provider includes any number of wireless base stations including wireless base station 162. Wireless base station 162 includes communication manager 142 (such as a gNode B or other suitable entity) and receives paging notifications directed to the mobile communication device 110 (and potentially other mobile communication devices) and communicates such paging notifications 152 in respective paging occasions over the wireless paging channel 132 in the wireless network environment 100.

(89) Note that the mobile communication device 110 supports individual and/or simultaneous use of the first wireless network 121 and the second wireless network 122. Communication of the one or more paging notifications 151 over wireless paging channel 131 informs the mobile communication device 110 of any suitable event (alert, message, etc.) such as that: i) the wireless network 121 has something available for the mobile communication device 110, ii) the mobile communication device 110 should perform a respective function, etc.

(90) Thus, via the wireless paging channel 131, the mobile communication device 110 in the wireless network environment 100 receives first paging notifications 151 directed to the mobile communication device 110 from a first wireless base station 161 (and communication manager 141) such as operated by a first wireless network service provider (service provider 1).

(91) The mobile communication device also receives second paging notifications 152 directed to the mobile communication device 110 from the second wireless base station 162 (and communication manager 142) such as operated by a second wireless network service provider (service provider #2).

(92) As further shown in FIG. 7, the mobile communication device 110 (user equipment) receives paging notifications 151 from the wireless base station 161 (communication manager 141 such as a gNodeB) in the first wireless network 121. In response to receiving input while the mobile communication device 110 is wirelessly connected to the first wireless network 121, the mobile communication device 110 generates a switchover notification indicating a planned temporary switchover of the mobile communication device 110 to the second wireless network 121.

(93) The mobile communication device 110 then transmits the switchover (tune-away) notification in communications 521 to the communication manager 141 of wireless base station 161 in the first wireless network 121. The switchover notification informs the first wireless network 121 of the planned temporary switchover (full or partial tune-away) of the mobile communication device 110 to the second wireless network 122.

(94) In one embodiment, the communications 521 (including switchover notification) communicated from the mobile communication device 110 to the communication manager 141 of wireless base station 161 includes an acknowledgement message communicated to the first wireless network 121. The acknowledgement message notifies the wireless network 121 that the mobile communication device 110 received a paging notification communicated to the mobile communication device 110 over the wireless paging channel 131.

(95) As a more specific example, assume that the mobile communication device receives a paging notification from the first wireless network 121 over the wireless paging channel 131. The mobile communication device produces an acknowledgement message acknowledging receipt of the paging notification by the mobile communication device 110 from the first network 121. The mobile communication device 110 then communicates the acknowledgement message from the mobile communication device 110 in the communications 521 to communication manager 141 of base station 161 in the first wireless network 121. Thus, the wireless base station 121 receives an acknowledgement of the communication manager 140 receiving a respective paging notification.

(96) As previously discussed, in one nonlimiting example embodiment, the communications 521 include an acknowledgement message from the mobile communication device 110 and switchover notification indicating the temporary planned switchover of the mobile communication device 110 from the first wireless network 121 to the second wireless network 122.

(97) In one embodiment, the physical switchover (such as temporary tune-away) includes the mobile communication device 110 using its corresponding antenna hardware 175 to communicate (such as transmit and or receive wireless signals) from the second wireless network 122. Subsequent to the temporary switchover duration as specified by the communications 521, the mobile communication device 110 switches back to using its respective antenna hardware 175 to communicate with or monitor communications such as paging notifications from the first wireless network 121 again.

(98) Additional details associated with tune-away are further discussed in the following figures.

(99) FIG. 8 is an example timing diagram illustrating timing associated with multiple wireless paging channels according to embodiments herein.

(100) In accordance with further example embodiments, the planned switchover notification in communications 521 from the mobile communication device 110 indicates a duration of time DOT1 (or start time T61 and end time T62 of the temporary tune-away) in which the mobile communication device 110 is scheduled to be unavailable to monitor for receipt of paging notifications 131 from the first wireless network 121. In such an instance, in one embodiment, the first wireless network 121 has no expectation of the mobile communication device 110 receiving paging notifications during the switchover duration DOT1 (such as between time T61 and time T64) as specified by communications 521 and corresponding switchover notification.

(101) During all or a portion of the duration DOT1, the mobile communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 switches all or a portion of the antenna hardware 175 to monitor wireless paging channel 132 instead of wireless paging channel 131. During the switchover time, in response to the tune-away notification, the wireless network 121 prevents communication of paging notifications to the mobile communication device 110 between time T61 and time T64.

(102) However, after the time duration DOT1, the first wireless network 121 has an expectation or assumes that the mobile communication device 110 will be able to receive paging notifications from the first wireless network 121.

(103) During the tune-away between time T61 and time T62, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 monitors the wireless paging channel 132 for paging notifications in its assigned paging occasion (in wireless network 122) such as paging occasion 232-6 of paging frame 242-6. In such an instance, the mobile communication device 110 receives paging notification B1 from the wireless base station 162.

(104) As further shown in FIG. 8, after tune-away end time T64 (expiration of the duration of time DOT1), assume that the wireless network 121 has a paging notification A2 that must be sent to the mobile communication device 110. After expiration of the duration DOT1, the wireless network 121 communicates the respective paging notification A2 in the paging occasion 232-1 of paging frame 242-1 allocated to the mobile communication device 110 over the wireless paging channel 131. At or about time T64, the communication manager 140 controls the antenna hardware 175 to monitor the wireless paging channel 131 again. In such an instance, the mobile communication device 110 receives the paging notification A2 from the wireless network 121.

(105) Thus, the switchover of the antenna hardware 175 associated with mobile communication device 110 includes a temporary tune-away of wireless antenna hardware 175 (such as one or more receiver chains associated with antenna hardware 175) in communication with the first wireless network 121 to the second wireless network 122. The temporary tune-away of the wireless antenna hardware includes subsequent to the temporary tune-away (duration of time DOT1), utilizing the wireless antenna hardware 175 (such as one or more receiver chains) to monitor the paging notification channel 131 of the first wireless network 121 again.

(106) Thus, embodiments herein include a means in which the mobile communication device 110 (user equipment) notifies wireless network 121 (Network A) of its switch away from wireless network 121 (Network A).

(107) More specifically, in one aspect, the INACTIVE MUSIM UE (mobile communication device 110) sends a paging ACK message for paging notifications received on wireless network 121 together with the tune-away message that indicates the duration (DOT1) of the switch away. The wireless network 121 assumes the mobile communication device 110 (user equipment) will tune back to wireless network 121 after the indicated duration or a specified point in time. For example, the communications can indicate a start time (T61) of the planned switchover tune-away as well as an end time (T64) of the panned tune-away.

(108) As mentioned, wireless network 121 terminates further POs (Paging Occasions) and/or future PFs (Paging Frames) addressed to that mobile communication device 110 for the duration of the tuning away.

(109) In one embodiment, note that the paging ACK in communications 521 is a higher-layer message from the mobile communication device 110.

(110) In a more specific example embodiment, the paging ACK (acknowledgement) in communications 521 informs network 121 (network A) that the mobile communication device intends to transition to CONNECTED mode on network 121 after the conclusion of the switching duration (such as at or about time T64) on wireless network 122 (network B).

(111) In one embodiment, this mechanism ties the notification to the paging cycle on network A.

(112) As further discussed below, a single-Tx MUSIM mobile communication device 110 in CONNECTED mode on wireless network 121 may need to override or update the switching duration it (mobile communication device 110) previously indicated to wireless network 121 after the user equipment (mobile communication device 110) has switched away to wireless network 122. For example, in one embodiment, the paging search space on wireless network 122 may be used for scheduling unicast data.

(113) FIG. 9 is an example timing diagram illustrating timing associated with multiple wireless paging channels according to embodiments herein.

(114) Assume in this example embodiment that, while monitoring a wireless paging channel 132 of the second wireless network 1222 during the planned temporary switchover between time T61 and time T64, the mobile communication device 110 uses the antenna hardware 175 to monitor the wireless paging channel 132 resulting in detection of a paging notification B3 (in paging occasion 232-7 of paging frame 242-7) directed to the mobile communication device 110 from the wireless base station 162 of the second wireless network 122.

(115) Such a paging notification B3 from the second wireless network 122 (and corresponding wireless paging channel 132) may indicate a grant of wireless resources associated with the second wireless network 122 to the mobile communication device 110.

(116) In one embodiment, this paging notification B3 from the second wireless network 122 prevents (delays) the mobile communication device 110 from being able to switch back the antenna hardware 175 to monitoring the wireless paging channel 131 again within the original amount of time (such as DOT1 or end time T64) as previously indicated by the mobile communication device 110 in communications 521.

(117) In other words, the paging notification B3 received by the mobile communication device 110 and use of wireless resources of the wireless network 122 prevents (delays) the mobile communication device 110 from switching back the antenna hardware 175 to monitoring the wireless paging channel 131 of the first wireless network 121 again. In such an instance, in response to receiving the communications 522 (notification of delay to time T66), the first wireless network 121 terminates communication of paging notifications to the mobile communication device 110 over its wireless paging channel 131 during the extended planned temporary switchover up until the time T66 or extra duration of time as specified by the mobile communication device 110 in communications 522.

(118) In such an instance, in one embodiment, in response to detecting the paging notification B3 from the second wireless network 122, the mobile communication device 110 communicates an updated planned switchover notification (communications 522) over a wireless communication link to the first wireless network 121. The updated planned switchover notification in communications 522 informs the first wireless network 121 that an initial planned duration (DOT1 or end time of T64) of the temporary switchover of the mobile communication device 110 to the second wireless network 121 has been extended or delayed. In one embodiment, the updated planned switchover message in communications 522, via an end time or extra time duration DOT2, indicates how long the mobile communication device 110 will be further delayed (prevented) from monitoring the wireless paging channel 131 of the first wireless network 121 again.

(119) Thus, based on receiving notification in communications 522 that the mobile communication device 110 will be delayed, the first wireless network 121 delays sending paging notifications on its corresponding wireless paging channel 131 until an extended time T66 after which time it is known that the mobile communication device 110 will be monitoring the wireless paging channel 131 of the first wireless network 121 again.

(120) More specifically, in such an embodiment, a mobile communication device 110 (such as a MUSIM UE) in CONNECTED mode on wireless network 121 may need to override or update the switching duration it previously indicated to wireless network 121 after it has switched away to wireless network 122. For example, the paging search space on wireless network 122 may be used for scheduling unicast data to that mobile communication device 110, as is supported in Rel-15. Then the mobile communication device 110 may choose to stay longer on wireless network 122 than the original switching duration indicated to wireless network 121 is no longer valid.

(121) If wireless network 121 uses the original switching value and sends control or data to the mobile communication device 110 even though it has not yet switched back, this is an inefficient use of network resources.

(122) FIG. 10 is an example timing diagram illustrating timing associated with an example tune-away of a mobile communication device to a different wireless network in multiple time slots according to embodiments herein.

(123) In accordance with further example embodiments, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 generates communications 521 to indicate multiple timeslots in which the mobile communication device 110 is scheduled to tune-away to all or a portion of the receiver chains associated with antenna hardware 175 to monitor and receive paging notifications from wireless network 122 over wireless paging channel 132 (or one or more other wireless paging channels associated multiple other wireless networks).

(124) For example, assume in this example embodiment that the communication manager 140 produces the communications 521 to indicate that the mobile communication device 110 will tune-away from wireless network 121 during time slot TS920, TS940, TS960, and so on.

(125) The tune-away time slots TS920, TS940, TS960, etc., can be specified in any manner. For example, the communication manager 140 can be configured to generate the communications 521 to indicate: i) time slot TS920 via a start time of TS92 and a stop time of TS93; ii) time slot TS940 via a start time of TS93 and a stop time of TS94; iii) time slot TS960 via a start time of TS96 and a stop time of TS97; and so on.

(126) During time slot TS920, TS940, TS960, etc., the mobile communication device 110 monitors wireless paging channel 132 for respective paging notifications. In one embodiment, the time slots specified by the communications 520 coincide with at least the paging occasions assigned to the mobile communication device 110 (associated with SIM 172) on the wireless paging channel 132.

(127) In accordance with further example embodiments, the mobile communication device 110 is configured to define the time slots based on period or frequency information of repetition as well as time slot width information defining time slots TS920, TS940, TS960, etc.

(128) Based on received time slot information in FIG. 10, the wireless network 121 transmits any paging notifications associated with the wireless network 121 in times between T91 and T92, T93 and T94, and T95 and T96, etc.

(129) FIG. 11 is an example block diagram of a computer system for implementing any of the operations as previously discussed according to embodiments herein.

(130) Any of the resources (such as communication manager 140, communication manager 141, communication manager 142, mobile communication device 110, wireless base station 161, wireless base station 162, etc.) as discussed herein can be configured to include computer processor hardware and/or corresponding executable instructions to carry out the different operations as discussed herein.

(131) As shown, computer system 1050 of the present example includes interconnect 1011 coupling computer readable storage media 1012 such as a non-transitory type of media (which can be any suitable type of hardware storage medium in which digital information can be stored and or retrieved), a processor 1013 (computer processor hardware), I/O interface 1014, and a communications interface 1017.

(132) I/O interface(s) 1014 supports connectivity to repository 1080 and input resource 1092.

(133) Computer readable storage medium 1012 can be any hardware storage device such as memory, optical storage, hard drive, floppy disk, etc. In one embodiment, the computer readable storage medium 1012 stores instructions and/or data.

(134) As shown, computer readable storage media 1012 can be encoded with communication manager application 140-1 (e.g., including instructions) in a respective wireless station to carry out any of the operations as discussed herein.

(135) During operation of one embodiment, processor 1013 accesses computer readable storage media 1012 via the use of interconnect 1011 in order to launch, run, execute, interpret or otherwise perform the instructions in communication manager application 140-1 stored on computer readable storage medium 1012. Execution of the communication manager application 140-1 produces communication manager process 140-2 to carry out any of the operations and/or processes as discussed herein.

(136) Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system 1050 can include other processes and/or software and hardware components, such as an operating system that controls allocation and use of hardware resources to execute communication manager application 140-1.

(137) In accordance with different embodiments, note that computer system may reside in any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a mobile computer, a personal computer system, a wireless device, a wireless access point, a base station, phone device, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, application server, storage device, a consumer electronics device such as a camera, camcorder, set top box, mobile device, video game console, handheld video game device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, set-top box, content management device, handheld remote control device, any type of computing or electronic device, etc. The computer system 1050 may reside at any location or can be included in any suitable resource in any network environment to implement functionality as discussed herein.

(138) Functionality supported by the different resources will now be discussed via flowcharts in FIGS. 12 and 13. Note that the steps in the flowcharts below can be executed in any suitable order.

(139) FIG. 12 is a flowchart 1200 illustrating an example method according to embodiments herein. Note that there will be some overlap with respect to concepts as discussed above.

(140) In processing operation 1210, while a mobile communication device 110 is wirelessly connected to a first wireless base station 161 over a first wireless communication link, the communication manager 140 receives input to switchover the mobile communication device 110 to a second wireless base station 162.

(141) In processing operation 1220, the communication manager 140 of the mobile communication device 110 generates timing information 111 associated with the switchover.

(142) In processing operation 1230, the mobile communication device 110 transmits the timing information 111 in wireless communications 221 over the first wireless communication link to the first wireless base station 161. The timing information 111 indicates timing attributes of the switchover of the mobile communication device 110 from the first wireless base station 161 (first wireless network 121) to the second wireless base station 162 (wireless network 122).

(143) FIG. 13 is an example diagram illustrating a method according to embodiments herein. Note that there will be some overlap with respect to concepts as discussed above.

(144) In processing operation 1310 of flowchart 1300, the mobile communication device 110 receives one or more paging notifications 151 from the wireless base station 161 in the first wireless network 121 operated by a first service provider.

(145) In processing operation 1320, in response to receiving input while the mobile communication device 110 is wirelessly connected to the first wireless network 121, the mobile communication device 110 generates a switchover notification (such as message 521 or message 522) indicating a planned temporary switchover (tune-away) of the mobile communication device 110 from the first wireless network 121 to the second wireless network 122.

(146) In processing operation 1330, the mobile communication device 110 transmits the switchover notification (via message 521 or message 522) to the first wireless network 121; the switchover notification informs the first wireless network 121 of the planned temporary switchover tuning (tune-away) associated with the mobile communication device 110 to the second wireless network 122.

(147) Note again that techniques herein are well suited to facilitate use of a shared wireless channel amongst different types of wireless stations. However, it should be noted that embodiments herein are not limited to use in such applications and that the techniques discussed herein are well suited for other applications as well. Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Some portions of the detailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digital signals stored within a computing system memory, such as a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm as described herein, and generally, is considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading to a desired result. In this context, operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. It has been convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals or the like. It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actions or processes of a computing platform, such as a computer or a similar electronic computing device, that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities within memories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the computing platform.

(148) While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. Such variations are intended to be covered by the scope of this present application. As such, the foregoing description of embodiments of the present application is not intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitations to the invention are presented in the following claims.