Allocating network identifiers to access terminals

摘要

The disclosed subject provides embodiments of a method of allocating network identifiers to access terminals. One embodiment of the method includes allocating a fixed length identifier to an access terminal on initial entry of the access terminal to a network. The access terminal is identified by one of a plurality of mode-dependent identifiers in communication over an air interface between the access terminal and the network. The mode-dependent identifier is selected based on an operational mode of the access terminal. The method also includes providing the fixed length identifier to one or more entities in the network.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
allocating, at a network entity, a fixed length identifier to an access terminal on initial entry of the access terminal to a network, wherein the access terminal is identified by one of a plurality of mode-dependent identifiers having different lengths, said one mode-dependent identifier being selected based on an operational mode of the access terminal; mapping the one of the plurality of mode-dependent identifiers to the fixed length identifier to identify the access terminal in at least one uplink message transmitted within the network; and mapping the fixed length identifier to the one of the plurality of mode-dependent identifiers to identify the access terminal in at least one downlink message transmitted over an air interface that originates at an access node and is terminated by the access terminal.