Communications methods and apparatus using physical attachment point identifiers

摘要

Methods and apparatus for routing messages between an end node and an access node via another access node are described. Physical layer identification information is used when identifying a remote, e.g., adjacent, access node as a message destination. Thus, when a connection identifier based on one or more physical layer identifiers is available to a wireless terminal, e.g., from one or more downlink signals received from a destination access node, the wireless terminal can use the connection identifier corresponding to the destination node to route a message via an access node with which it has an established uplink connection. Such connection identifier information can be used even when other addressing information, e.g., network layer address information, associated with the destination access node, may not be available to the wireless terminal.

主权项

1. A method for facilitating routing of messages based on physical layer information, comprising:
operating an end node to receive broadcast information from a second access node where the end node is within a coverage area of the second access node; operating said end node to determine a physical attachment point identifier from said broadcast information, wherein said step of operating said end node to determine a physical attachment point identifier includes determining at least two of the following three identifiers corresponding to said second access node: i) a cell identifier, ii) a carrier identifier and iii) a sector identifier; and operating said end node to transmit a message including said physical attachment point identifier to a first access node over a wireless communication link, wherein the message is destined for the second access node, wherein the message includes the physical attachment point identifier including said at least two determined identifiers to said first access node, wherein the message is configured with a network layer address corresponding to the physical attachment point identifier included in said message, and wherein the message is further configured to enable the first access node to transmit a packet including said network layer address as a destination address and including at least some information obtained from said message.