RU2499367C2 - Interference management employing fractional time reuse - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: radio engineering, communication.

SUBSTANCE: method involves identifying a first portion of a downlink timeslot that will be used by an access point to transmit and a second portion of the downlink timeslot that will not be used by the access point to transmit in order to mitigate downlink interference. Identification of the first and second portions comprises identifying at least one subset of a plurality of subsets of the downlink timeslot such that use of at least one subset is associated with lower downlink interference than use of at least one other one of the subsets of the downlink timeslot, and sending an indication of the first and/or second portion to the access point.

EFFECT: improved interference management.

85 cl, 30 dwg

Description

This application claims benefit and priority in accordance with the jointly owned provisional application for US patent No. 60/974428, filed September 21, 2007 and which assigned the patent attorney registration number 071700P1; U.S. Patent Application No. 60/974449, filed September 21, 2007, and to which patent attorney registration number 071700P2 has been assigned; US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/974794, filed September 24, 2007, and to which patent attorney registration number No. 071700P3 has been assigned; and US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/977294, filed October 3, 2007, and to which patent attorney registration number 071700P4 has been assigned, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application, in General, relates to wireless data transmission and, more specifically, but not exclusively, to improve the characteristics of data transmission.

Wireless data transmission systems are widely used to provide the transmission of various types of data (eg, voice, data, multimedia services, etc.) to many users. As the demand for high-speed data transmission and multimedia services is growing rapidly, a problem has arisen with the implementation of efficient and reliable data transmission systems with improved features.

In addition to conventional network mobile phone base stations, base stations with a small coverage area (for example, installed at the user's home) can be deployed to provide a more reliable wireless indoor coverage area for mobile devices. Such small-area base stations are commonly known as access point base stations, home nodes B, or femtocells. Typically, such base stations with a small service area are connected to the Internet and the networks of mobile operators via a DSL router (DSL, digital subscriber line) or cable modem.

Since the radio frequency (“RF”) coverage area of base stations with a small coverage area may not be optimized by the mobile operator, and the deployment of such base stations may be performed specifically for the desired purpose, RF interference problems may occur. In addition, soft transfer of mobile devices may not be supported for base stations with a small coverage area. Therefore, there is a need for improved interference management for wireless data networks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The essence of exemplary aspects of the invention is as follows. It should be understood that any reference in this description to aspects of the terminology may relate to one or more aspects of the invention.

This invention in some aspects relates to mutual interference control using fractional reuse technologies. For example, in some aspects, fractional reuse may include using a portion of a set of assigned interlaces of a hybrid automatic data retransmission request (“HARQ”) for uplink or downlink traffic. In some aspects, fractional reuse may include the use of a portion of a time slot allocated to uplink or downlink traffic. In some aspects, fractional reuse may include utilizing a portion of the frequency spectrum allocated for uplink or downlink traffic. In some aspects, fractional reuse may include using a portion of a set of spreading codes (e.g., SF16) allocated for uplink or downlink traffic. In some aspects, such sites can be defined and assigned so that neighboring nodes use non-overlapping resources. In some aspects, the definition and purpose of such sites may be based on feedback related to mutual interference.

The present invention, in some aspects, relates to interference control by using technologies related to power control. For example, in some aspects, the transmit power of the access terminal may be controlled to reduce interference in an unassociated access point. In some aspects, the noise figure or attenuation upon reception at the access point is controlled based on the strength of the received signal associated with signals from one or more access terminals.

The present invention in some aspects relates to mutual interference control by using a transmit power profile and / or an attenuation profile. For example, downlink transmit power or uplink receiver extension can be dynamically adjusted at a node as a function of time. In this description, different nodes can use different phases of the profile to reduce mutual interference between nodes. In some aspects, the profile may be determined based on feedback related to mutual interference.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other exemplary aspects of the invention will be described in the detailed description of the invention and the attached claims that follow, and in the attached drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a simplified block diagram of several exemplary aspects of a data transmission system;

2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating several exemplary aspects of components in an exemplary data transmission system;

figure 3 shows a block diagram of a sequence of several exemplary aspects of the operations that can be performed to control mutual interference;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of several exemplary aspects of operations that can be performed to control mutual interference using fractional reuse based on HARQ interlace;

5 is a flowchart of several exemplary aspects of operations that can be performed to control mutual interference by using a transmit power profile;

6 is a simplified diagram illustrating several aspects of an exemplary transmission power profile;

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of several exemplary aspects of operations that can be performed to control interference by using a reception attenuation profile;

Fig. 8 is a simplified diagram illustrating several aspects of an exemplary reception attenuation profile;

Figures 9 and 10 show flow charts of several exemplary aspects of operations that can be performed to control mutual interference by applying fractional reuse based on a time interval;

11 and 12 are flowcharts of several exemplary aspects of operations that can be performed to control interference by applying fractional reuse based on the frequency spectrum;

13 and 14 are flowcharts of several exemplary aspects of operations that can be performed to control mutual interference by applying spreading fractional reuse based on the spreading code;

on Fig shows a block diagram of a sequence of several exemplary aspects of the operations that can be performed to control interference by using transmission power control;

16 is a simplified diagram illustrating several aspects of an exemplary power control function;

on Fig shows a block diagram of a sequence of several exemplary aspects of the operations that can be performed to control mutual interference by dynamically adjusting the attenuation coefficient;

on Fig shows a simplified diagram of a wireless data transmission system;

on Fig shows a simplified diagram of a wireless data transmission system including femtocells;

20 is a simplified diagram illustrating service areas for wireless data transmission;

21 is a simplified block diagram of several exemplary aspects of data transmission components; and

on Fig-30 shows a simplified block diagram of several exemplary aspects of devices made with the possibility of managing mutual interference, in accordance with the present description.

In accordance with ordinary practice, the various elements illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the sizes of the various elements can be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of presentation. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity of presentation. Thus, the drawings may not represent all components of a given device (eg, device) or method. And, ultimately, the same reference numerals can be used to refer to the same elements throughout the description and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the invention are described below. It should be understood that the foregoing description may be embodied in a wide variety of forms, and that any particular structure, function, or both, disclosed herein may be simply representative. Based on the above description, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied independently of any other aspects and that two or more of these aspects may be combined in various ways. For example, a device may be implemented, or the method may be practiced using any number of the aspects described herein. In addition, such a device may be implemented, or such a method may be practiced using another structure, function, or structure and functions, in addition to or in addition to one or more of the aspects described herein. In addition, an aspect may comprise at least one element of a claim.

1 shows an exemplary aspect of a data communication system 100 where distributed nodes (e.g., access points 102, 104 and 106) provide wireless connectivity to other nodes (e.g., access terminals 108, 110, and 112) that can be set in or can navigate through an associated geographic area. In some aspects, access points 102, 104, and 106 may communicate with one or more network nodes (eg, a centralized network controller, such as network node 114) to facilitate connectivity to a wide area network.

An access point, such as access point 104, may be limited so that only certain access terminals (eg, access terminal 110) will have permission to access the access point, or the access point may be limited in some other way. In such a case, the restricted access point and / or its associated access terminals (e.g., access terminal 110) may interfere with other nodes in the system 100, such as, for example, an unlimited access point (e.g., macro access point 102), and their associated access terminals (e.g., access terminal 108), another restricted access point (e.g., access point 106), or their associated access terminals (e.g., access terminal 112). For example, the closest access point for a given access terminal may not represent serving access points for this access terminal. Therefore, transmission through these access terminals may interfere with reception at the access terminal. As described herein, fractional reuse, power control, and other technologies can be used to reduce mutual interference.

Exemplary system operations, such as system 100, will be discussed in detail below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2. For convenience, the operations shown in FIG. 2 (or any other operations disclosed or described herein) may be described as being performed by certain components (eg, components of a system 100 and / or components of a system 300 that are shown in FIG. 3). However, it should be understood that these operations can be performed by other types of components and can be performed using a different number of components. It should also be understood that one or more of the operations described herein may not be used in this embodiment.

For the purpose of illustration, various aspects of the invention will be described in the context of a network node, access point, and access terminal that communicate with each other. However, it should be understood that the above description may be applied to other types of devices or devices that may be named using different terminology.

Figure 3 shows several exemplary components that can be implemented in a network node 114 (for example, a radio network controller), an access point 104, and an access terminal 110, as described. It should be understood that the components illustrated for one of these nodes can also be embedded in other nodes in the system 100.

Network node 114, access point 104, and access terminal 110 include transceivers 302, 304, and 306, respectively, for exchanging data with each other and with other nodes. The transceiver 302 includes a transmitter 308 for transmitting signals, and a receiver 310 for receiving signals. The transceiver 304 includes a transmitter 312 for transmitting signals, and a receiver 314 for receiving signals. The transceiver 306 includes a transmitter 316 for transmitting signals, and a receiver 318 for receiving signals.

In a typical embodiment, the access point 104 communicates with the access terminal 110 through one or more wireless channels, and the access point 104 communicates with the network node 114 through the feedback channel. It should be understood that wireless or non-wireless data channels can be used between these or other nodes in various embodiments. Therefore, transceivers 302, 304, and 306 may include wireless and / or non-wireless data transmission components.

Network node 114, access point 104, and access terminal 110 also include various other components that can be used in conjunction with mutual interference control, as described herein. For example, network node 114, access point 104, and access terminal 110 may include mutual interference controllers 320, 322, and 324, respectively, for reducing mutual interference and for providing other related functions, as described herein. The interference controller 320, 322, and 324 may include one or more components for performing various types of interference management. Network node 114, access point 104, and access terminal 110 may include data controllers 326, 328, and 330, respectively, for controlling communication with other nodes and for providing other related functions, as described herein. Network node 114, access point 104, and access terminal 110 may include time controllers 332, 334, and 336, respectively, for controlling communication with other nodes and for providing other related functions, as described herein. Other components shown in FIG. 3 will be described in the following description.

For the purpose of illustration, mutual interference controllers 320 and 322 are presented as including several controller components. In practice, however, this embodiment may not use all of these components. Here, the HARQ controller component 338 or 340 may provide a function related to HARQ interlacing operations, as described herein. The profile controller component 342 or 344 may provide a function related to the transmit power profile, or to reception attenuation operations, as described herein. A time controller component 346 or 348 may provide a function related to operations of a time interval portion, as described herein. The spectral mask controller component 350 or 352 may provide a function related to the operations of the spectral mask, as described herein. An extension code controller component 354 or 356 may provide a function related to extension code operations, as described herein. Transmit power controller component 358 or 360 may provide a function related to transmit power operations, as described herein. The attenuation coefficient controller component 362 or 364 may provide a function related to attenuation coefficient operations, as described herein.

FIG. 2 shows how a network node 114, an access point 104, and an access terminal 110 can communicate with each other to provide mutual interference control (eg, reduce mutual interference). In some aspects, these operations may be used in the uplink data channel and / or in the downlink data channel to reduce mutual interference. Typically, one or more of the technologies described with reference to FIG. 2 can be used in more specific embodiments, which are described below with reference to FIGS. 4-18. Therefore, for the purpose of clarity of presentation, the description of more specific embodiments may again not contain a detailed description of these technologies.

As represented by block 202, the network node 114 (eg, mutual interference controller 320), if necessary, determines one or more mutual interference control parameters for the access point 104 and / or access terminal 110. Such parameters can take various forms. For example, in some embodiments, the network node 114 may determine fractional reuse parameters to reduce interference in the uplink and / or downlink data channel. As noted herein, such fractional reuse may include the use of one or more HARQ interlaces, puncturing, frequency spectrum or extension codes. In some embodiments, the network node 114 may determine other types of mutual interference control information, such as, for example, transmission power parameters and reception attenuation parameters. Examples of such parameters will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4-18.

In some aspects, determining the interference parameters may include determining how to allocate one or more resources. For example, the operations of block 402 may include determining how the allocated resource (e.g., frequency spectrum, etc.) can be divided for fractional reuse. In addition, determining fractional reuse parameters may include determining to what extent the allocated resource (e.g., how many HARQ interlaces, etc.) can use any one of a set of access points (e.g., restricted access points). Defining fractional reuse parameters may also involve determining to what extent these resources can be used by a set of access points (e.g., restricted access points).

In some aspects, the network node 114 may determine the parameters based on the received information, which means whether mutual interference in the upstream or downstream data channels is possible and, if they exist, the degree of such interference. Such information can be received from various nodes in the system (for example, access points and / or access terminals) and in various ways (for example, through a feedback channel, through radio transmission channels, and the like).

For example, in some cases, one or more access points (eg, access point 104) may monitor the upstream and / or downlink data channels and transmit an indication of interference detected by the upstream and / or downlink data channel to the network node 114 (for example, periodically or upon request). As an example of the previous case, the access point 104 can calculate the strength of the signals from the signals that it receives from adjacent access terminals that are not associated with (for example, which are not monitored) by the access point 104 (for example, access terminals 108 and 112) and transmits this is in the form of a report to network node 114.

In some cases, each of the access points in the system can generate load indicators when they encounter a relatively large load. Such metrics may take the form of, for example, a 1 × EV-DO employment bit, relative provided channel (“RGCH” (JCH)) in 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), or some other appropriate form. In a typical scenario, the access point may transmit this information to its associated access terminal via a downlink data channel. However, such information can also be transmitted to network node 114 (for example, through a feedback channel).

In some cases, one or more access terminals (eg, access terminal 110) may monitor downlink signals and provide information based on this tracking. Access terminal 110 may transmit such information to access point 104 (for example, which may further transmit information to network node 114), or to network node 114 (via access point 104). Other access terminals in the system may transmit information to network node 114 in a similar manner.

In some cases, the access terminal 110 may generate reports of measurement results (eg, on a periodic basis). In some aspects, such a measurement report may indicate from which access points the access terminal 110 receives signals, strengths of received signals associated with signals from each access point (e.g., Ec / Io), transmission channel loss for each of the access points , or some other relevant types of information. In some cases, the measurement report may include information related to any load metrics received by the access terminal 110 via the downlink data channel.

The network node 114 can then use the information from one or more measurement reports to determine whether the access point 104 and / or the access terminal 110 is relatively close to another node (eg, another access point or access terminal). In addition, the network node 114 may use this information to determine if any of these nodes interferes with any other of these nodes. For example, the network node 114 may determine the strength of the received signal in the node based on the transmit power of the node that transmits the signals and the path loss between these nodes.

In some cases, the access terminal 110 may generate information that means a signal-to-noise ratio (e.g., signal to noise ratio, SINR) in a downlink transmission channel. Such information may include, for example, a channel quality indicator (“CQI” (PAC)), a data rate control indicator (“DRC”), or some other relevant information. In some cases, such information may be transmitted to the access point 104, and the access point 104 may further transmit this information to the network node 114 for use in interference control operations. In some aspects, the network node 114 may use such information to determine if mutual interference is present in the downlink data channel, or to determine whether the level of mutual interference in the downlink data channel is increased or decreased.

As will be described in more detail below, in some cases, information related to mutual interference can be used to determine how to use fractional reuse to reduce mutual interference. As one example, CQI or other relevant information can be received based on each HARQ interlace, whereby it can be determined which HARQ interlaces are associated with the lowest level of mutual interference. A similar technology can be applied to other fractional reuse technologies.

It should be understood that the network node 114 may determine the parameters in various other ways. For example, in some cases, the network node 114 may randomly select one or more parameters.

As represented by block 204, the network node 114 (for example, a data transfer controller 326) transmits certain mutual interference control parameters to the access point 104. As will be described below, in some cases, the access point 104 uses these parameters, and in some cases, the access point 104 further passes these parameters to the access terminal 110.

In some cases, the network node 114 may control the interference in the system by determining the interference control parameters used by two or more nodes (eg, access points and / or access terminals) in the system. For example, in the case of a fractional reuse scheme, the network node 114 may transmit various (e.g., mutually exclusive) mutual interference control parameters to neighboring access points (e.g., access points that are located close enough to each other so that they can potentially create mutual interference). In a specific example, the network node 114 may assign a first HARQ interlace to access point 104 and assign a second HARQ interlace to access point 106. Thus, data transmission at one restricted access point may substantially not interfere with data transmission at another restricted access point. Similar technologies can be used for other fractional reuse schemes and for access terminals in the system.

As represented by block 206, the access point 104 (eg, the mutual interference controller 322) determines the mutual interference control parameters that it can use, or can transmit to the access terminal 110. In cases where the network node 114 determines the interference control parameters for the access point 104, such a determination operation may simply include receiving said parameters and / or retrieving said parameters (for example, from a data memory).

In some cases, the access point 104 independently determines the interference control parameters. These parameters may be similar to the parameters described above with reference to block 202. In addition, in some cases, these parameters can be determined in the same way as described above in block 202. For example, access point 104 may receive information (eg, measurement reports , CQI, DRC) from access terminal 110. In addition, the access point 104 may monitor the uplink data channel and / or the downlink data channel to determine mutual interference for such a data channel. Access point 104 may also randomly select a parameter.

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine a mutual interference control parameter. For example, in some cases, the access point 104 may communicate with the access point 106 to determine which parameters are used by the access point 106 (and thus select other parameters), or may coordinate the use of other (eg, mutually exclusive) parameters. In some cases, the access point 104 may determine whether it can interfere with another node (for example, based on CQI feedback, which means that the other node is using a resource) and, if so, determine its mutual interference control parameters to reduce such potential interference.

As represented by block 208, the access point 104 (eg, data controller 328) may transmit interference control parameters or other related information to the access terminal 110. For example, in some cases, this information may indicate how fractional reuse should be applied (e.g., which HARQ interlaces are required to be used, which spectral mask is required to be used, etc.) on the uplink or downlink data channel between access point 104 and terminal 110 access. In some cases, this information may relate to power control (for example, determines the transmit power on the uplink data channel).

As represented by blocks 210 and 212, the access point 104 may thus transmit to the access terminal 110 via the downlink data channel, or the access terminal 110 may transmit to the access point 104 via the uplink data channel. Here, the access point 104 may use its mutual interference control parameters for transmission on the downlink data channel and / or for reception on the uplink data channel. Similarly, access terminal 110 may consider these mutual interference control parameters when received on a downlink data channel or transmitted on an uplink data channel.

In some embodiments, an access terminal 110 (eg, a mutual interference controller 306) may determine one or more mutual interference control parameters. Such a parameter may be used by the access terminal 110 and / or may be transmitted (for example, using the data controller 330) to the access point 104 (for example, for use during operations with the uplink data channel).

Operations related to using a fractional reuse scheme that employs HARQ interlacing over an uplink or downlink will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4. In some aspects, system 100 may utilize time division multiplexing, whereby information can be transmitted at one or more specific time intervals. Such time intervals can take various forms, and / or they can be named using different terminology. As an example, in various embodiments, the time interval may refer to or may be referred to as a frame, subframe, interval, transmission time interval (“TTI”), HARQ interlace, and so on. As an example, a predetermined number of time slots (eg, TTI) 1-16 can be monitored and used for downlink transmission. A similar scheme can be used to transmit data on the uplink data channel.

Based on the traffic levels and associated interference in the monitored and time intervals, and based on the application of one or more of the schemes described herein, uplink or downlink transmission may be limited to a certain number of N intervals, where, for example, N = 8 which is less than the total number of intervals M, where M is, for example, 16. In some aspects, such a fractional reuse scheme may use HARQ interleaving.

In a conventional 1xEV-DO system, every fourth subframe can be assigned to each HARQ process, for example, so that HARQ retransmissions of the original transmission in subframe "n" are performed in the intervals (n + 4), (n + 8), (n +12) etc. As a specific example, HARQ alternation 1 may be assigned subframes 1, 5, 9, and so on. In the event that the initial data transmission for HARQ alternation 1 during subframe 1 fails, a negative acknowledgment signal ("NACK") may be transmitted on a complementary data transmission channel (for example, an upstream data transmission channel, in the case of transmission on the HARQ downlink) . The data can then be retransmitted during subframe 5 of the same HARQ interlace 1 and, after successful transmission, receive an acknowledgment signal ("ACK") (eg, via an uplink data channel). Similar operations can be performed using other HARQ processes in other HARQ sequences 2, 3, and 4.

In some aspects, the fractional reuse scheme may use HARQ interlacing to configure neighboring nodes (e.g., access points and / or access terminals), for transmission at different points in time. For example, the first access point may transmit during HARQ interlaces 1 and 2, while the second access point may transmit HARQ during interlaces 3 and 4. As a result, it is possible to reduce mutual interference, which otherwise could occur between nodes.

As represented by block 402 of FIG. 4, a network node 114 (e.g., a HARQ control component 338 of a mutual interference controller 320) determines how many HARQ interlaces can be used at each access point (e.g., in a set of restricted access points). For example, a certain number of “N” HARQ interlaces smaller than the total number “M” of HARQ interlaces associated for this set can be determined based on feedback relating to mutual interference from one or more access points and / or access terminals in system (for example, as described above with reference to figure 2). Thus, at any point in time, the number N of downward (or upstream) HARQ interlaces from the total number M of HARQ interlaces can be determined based on activity in the downstream data channel (or in the upstream data channel) in neighboring nodes over the M HARQ interlaces.

N may be a fixed value or may be determined dynamically. In the case where M = 4, N can be set dynamically between the minimum value Nmin, which is greater than zero, and the maximum value Nmax, which is less than 4. In some cases, the value N can be determined randomly. Typically, however, the value of N can be selected in an attempt to more effectively reduce mutual interference between nodes in the system. The determination of the value of N may be based on various criteria.

For example, one criterion may relate to how access points are used in the system (for example, the total number of access points, the density of access points within a given area, the relative proximity of access points, and so on). Here, if there are a large number of nodes that are close to each other, you can use a smaller value of N so that neighboring nodes are less likely to use the same HARQ interlaces. Conversely, if there is a small number of nodes in the system, a larger N value can be determined to improve data transfer characteristics (for example, throughput).

Another criterion may relate to traffic (for example, the amount of traffic, types of traffic, traffic quality requirements) processed by access points. For example, some types of traffic may be more sensitive to mutual interference than other types of traffic. In this case, you can use a lower value of N. In addition, some types of traffic can establish more stringent bandwidth requirements (but have a lower sensitivity to mutual interference), resulting in a higher value of N.

In some cases, the network node 114 may determine the value of N based on the received information related to mutual interference (for example, as described with reference to figure 2). For example, the number of access points heard by a given access terminal, and the relative proximity of the access points to the access terminal can be determined based on measurement reports received from the access terminal. Thus, the network node 114 can determine whether the transmission in a given cell (for example, by a limited access point or its associated access terminals) for neighboring cells can cause mutual interference and determine the number N accordingly.

Network node 114 may also determine the number N based on mutual interference information received from one or more access points (for example, as described with reference to FIG. 2). For example, if the interference value is large, a lower value of N can be determined. Thus, the number of HARQ interlaces used by a given access point can be reduced, thereby reducing the probability of mutual interference for each set of N HARQ interlaces from the total number M HARQ interlaces.

As represented by block 404, in some cases, the network node 114 may determine certain HARQ interlaces to be used by particular access points. For example, network node 114 may determine the amount of interference that may be visible for each of the M HARQ interlaces for a given access point, and assign HARQ interlaces having a lower interference value for that access point. In a specific example, the network node 114 may determine that data transmission on the downlink of the data by the access point 106 over two HARQ interlaces (eg, interlaces 3 and 4) that it uses may interfere with reception at the access terminals associated with the point 104 accesses. This can be determined, for example, on the basis of information related to mutual interference on the downlink data channel, which the network node may request, as described in this description. Network node 114 may then assign HARQ interlaces 1 and 2 for use by access point 104.

As noted above, the determination of mutual interference for each HARQ interlace can be based on the signals received by the network node 114. For example, the probability of mutual interference between nodes can be determined based on one or more measurement reports received from one or more access terminals, as described in this description. In addition, for a downlink, the access terminals in the system can generate a channel quality indicator ("CQI") or data rate control information ("DRC") for each HARQ interlace (for example, for each TTI in 3GPP) and transmit this information further to the network node 114. Also, for the downlink data channel, the access terminal can monitor the downlink and provide information related to mutual interference for each HARQ interlace (for example, for each TTI). Similarly, for an uplink data channel, an access terminal can monitor an uplink data channel and provide information related to mutual interference based on each HARQ interlace (for example, for each TTI). In some cases (eg, DRC feedback in 3GPP2), the feedback from the access terminal may not provide permission for each HARQ interlace. In this case, ACK / NACK feedback or some other types of feedback can be used to identify the desired set of HARQ interlaces. In another example, the downlink data rate can be adjusted for a given HARQ interlace to determine the data rate at which the access terminal can successfully decode data (for example, with a given accuracy). Based on the best data rate determined for each HARQ interlace, an assumption can be made as to which HARQ interlace will provide the best performance for a given access point. Alternatively, a centralized HARQ interlace selection scheme may be used (for example, in the case where a network node assigns HARQ interlace to neighboring nodes, as described herein).

In some aspects, the assignment of certain HARQ interlaces to the network node 114 may depend on whether the corresponding traffic on the uplink or downlink data channels is synchronized. Such synchronization can be achieved, for example, using adjustments such as Tau-DPCH (where Tau-VFC) (where DPCH refers to a dedicated physical channel), or some other appropriate synchronization scheme.

In some aspects, the network node 114 may assign consecutive HARQ interlaces for specific access points. Thus, in the case when traffic on the uplink or downlink data channel of various nodes is not synchronized, at least the portion of the allocated HARQ interlaces may not be affected by mutual interference. As an example, if 1-4 HARQ interlaces are assigned to the first access point, and 5-8 HARQ interlaces are assigned to the second access point, these access points will not be interfered with from another access point in at least three HARQ interlaces, even if the time sequence of the access points will not be synchronized.

As represented by block 406, the network node 114 then transmits the HARQ interlace parameters that it has determined to one or more access points. For example, a network node 114 may transmit a node-specific assignment to each access point, or a network node 114 may transmit a general purpose to all access points from a set of access points.

As represented by block 408, the access point 104 (eg, the HARQ control component 340 of the mutual interference controller 322) determines the HARQ interlace that it will use to transmit data on the uplink or downlink data channels. Here, the access point 104 takes the value N of the network node 114. In the case where the network node 114 assigns HARQ interlaces to be used by the access point 104, the access point 104 can simply use these HARQ interlaces. In some cases, the access point 104 may randomly select a parameter.

If the HARQ interlaces are not assigned by the network node 114 or randomly selected, the access point 104 may determine which of the N HARQ interlaces to use based on the relevant criteria. Initially, such a determination is thus based on (e.g., limited) the value of N. In some cases, access point 104 may determine or adapt N (e.g., based on the criteria described above).

In some cases, access point 104 may select HARQ interlaces associated with the lowest interference level. Here, access point 104 may determine which of the HARQ interlaces should be used, similar to that described above. For example, access point 104 may receive information (eg, measurement reports, CQI, DRC) from access terminal 110. In addition, the access point 104 may monitor the upstream and / or downlink data channels to determine the level of mutual interference on such a data channel. For example, when the access point 104 is in a standby state, it can monitor for interference (load) on the uplink data channel originating from sources outside the cell. Thus, the access point 104 can select HARQ interlaces that provide minimal interference from sources outside the cell.

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine the HARQ interlaces that it will use. For example, access point 104 and access point 106 may negotiate the use of different (eg, mutually exclusive) HARQ interlaces.

As represented by block 410, the access point 104 may determine a time offset for using downlink or uplink transmission. For example, access point 104 may constantly monitor a data channel for a certain period of time to approximately determine when a neighboring node starts and ends its transmissions. Thus, the access point 104 can determine (eg, evaluate) the time characteristics of the time slots of the neighboring node. The access point can then synchronize the time characteristics of the time slots of its upstream or downstream data channels over this time. In some aspects, this may involve defining a Tau-DPCH parameter.

In some cases (eg, 3GPP), access points can synchronize their temporal characteristics (eg, the temporal characteristics of HS-PDSCH) using the time alignment of their P-CCPCH (P-OFCU, primary common physical control channels). Such synchronization can be achieved, for example, by using GPS components (GPS, global navigation system) at each access point, time synchronization signals between access points (which can be relatively effective for neighboring access points, for example, tens of meters apart from a friend), or some other technology.

In some cases (for example, in HSDPA (HSDPA, High Speed Downlink Packet)), the overhead level may be relatively large and not orthogonal to the traffic. Here you can use intermittent transmission or reception (DTX or DRX), as a result of which overhead data will not be transmitted during the DTX / DRX period. In such cases, the transmission for the CCPCH and EHICH can be accounted for, and the access terminals can be configured taking into account the low Ec / Io measurements in the CPICH, which they can see from access points using DTX / DRX.

As represented by block 412, the access point 104 may transmit a message to the associated access terminal to inform the access terminal which HARQ interlaces are required to be used for uplink or downlink data channels. In some embodiments, the access point 104 may use the E-AGCH (Enhanced Absolute Channel Allocation), or some other similar mechanism, to transmit HARQ interlace assignments to its associated access terminals. For example, access point 104 may set Xags = 1 to indicate which TTIs (IPT, Transmit Terminal Identification) should use the access terminal. In addition, the access point 104 may transmit a time offset metric (eg, Tau-DPCH) determined in block 410 to the access terminal. Thus, the access point can schedule data transmission (upstream or downstream) for the best N HARQ interlaces among the available M HARQ interlaces (block 414).

The parameters of the HARQ interlaces (for example, N and the specific HARQ interlaces used by this node) described above can be adjusted over time. For example, the information described above can be collected periodically and the parameters can be adjusted accordingly (for example, using hysteresis and / or slow filtering, if necessary). Thus, HARQ interlaces can be used in view of the current interference conditions in the system.

In some embodiments, performing HARQ interlaces can be allocated in a hierarchical manner. For example, if no access points are deployed in the service area of the macro access point, a complete set of HARQ interlaces (for example, 8) can be allocated for the macro access point. In the case of restricted access points that are deployed in the service area of the macro access point, however, one part of the HARQ interlaces (e.g. 5) can be allocated to the macro access area, and another part of the HARQ interlaces (e.g. 3) can be allocated for points with limited access. HARQ interlaces allocated to restricted access points can then be assigned to restricted access points (eg, N = 1), as described above. The number of HARQ interlaces allocated in this way can be determined (for example, fixed or dynamically adjusted) based on various criteria, as described in this description (for example, the use of points with limited access, traffic, interference, etc.). For example, as the number of points of limited access in the system or the amount of traffic in points of limited access increases, the number of HARQ interlaces allocated to these access points may increase.

We now consider FIGS. 5 and 6, which will describe in more detail the operations related to using the circuit to change the transmit power (for example, the transmit power of the downlink data channel) over time, to reduce mutual interference. In some aspects, such schemes include determining a transmit power profile, such as the profile 602 shown in FIG. 6, which defines various power levels over time. Such a profile can take various forms and can be defined in various ways. For example, in some cases, the profile may contain a set of values that determine the transmit power for different time points. In some cases, the profile can be determined using an equation (for example, a sinusoidal waveform). In some aspects, the profile may be periodic. As shown in FIG. 6, a maximum value (MAX), a minimum value (MIN), and a period 604 can be determined for the profile.

The transmit power profile can be used to control the transmit power in various ways. For example, in some cases, the transmit power profile is used to control the total transmit power. In some embodiments, channels for transmitting overhead data (e.g., CPICH, etc.) and dedicated channels may operate with constant power. The remaining power according to the transmission power profile can then be divided between other channels (e.g., HS-SCCH and HS-PDSCH). In some embodiments, overhead channels can be scaled.

As described in more detail below, in some aspects, fractional reuse based on transmission power can be achieved by using a transmission power profile. For example, neighboring access points can use the same profile (or a similar profile), but can do this based on different phases of the profile. For example, the first access point can transmit in accordance with the profile shown in FIG. 6, while the second access point can transmit using the same profile shifted 180 degrees. Thus, when the first access point transmits with maximum power, the second access point can transmit with minimum power.

As represented by block 502 of FIG. 5, a network node 114 (e.g., a profile management component 342 of a mutual interference controller 320) determines (e.g., indicates) information about a transmit power profile to be used for wireless data transmission (e.g., downlink) transmission). Such information may include, for example, parameters such as transmit power profile, initial minimum and maximum values, and an initial period value.

In some cases, one or more of these parameters may be predetermined or may be determined randomly. However, as a rule, these parameters are chosen in an attempt to more effectively reduce mutual interference between nodes in the system. The definition of this information may be based on various criteria, such as, for example, one or more measurement reports from one or more access terminals, one or more reports from one or more access points in relation to CQIs transmitted by the report by one or more associated terminals access, the number of active access terminals, and average traffic on the downlink data channel at each access point (for example, in each cell).

As a specific example, the determination of the transmission power profile parameter can be based on how access points are deployed in the system (for example, the total number of access points, the density of access points within a given area, the relative proximity of access points, and so on). Here, if there are a large number of nodes that are close to each other, the parameters can be determined so that neighboring nodes are less likely to transmit with high power at the same time. As an example, a transmit power profile can be formed such that a given access point can transmit with approximately maximum power for a relatively short period of time. Thus, the transmission power profile can provide adequate isolation when a large number of phase values (e.g. 60 degrees, 120 degrees, etc.) are used by various nodes in the system in conjunction with the transmission power profile. Conversely, if there are a small number of nodes in the system, parameters can be defined to improve data transfer characteristics (for example, throughput). By way of example, a transmit power profile can be configured such that a given access point can transmit at approximately maximum power over a longer period of time.

Different levels of isolation between adjacent access points (e.g. cells) can also be achieved by adjusting the minimum and maximum parameters. For example, a greater maximum to minimum ratio provides better isolation due to longer periods of time when the access terminal transmits at a lower power level.

The transmit power profile parameter can be determined based on traffic (e.g., traffic load, traffic types, traffic service quality requirements) processed by access points. For example, some types of traffic may be more sensitive to mutual interference than other types of traffic. In this case, you can use a parameter (for example, the transmission power profile or the ratio of the maximum to the minimum value), which provides higher isolation (for example, as described above). In addition, some types of traffic may have more stringent bandwidth requirements (but less sensitivity to interference), resulting in the use of a transmission power profile that provides more transmissions with higher power levels (for example, as described above )

In some cases, the network node 114 may determine transmission power profile parameters based on the received information related to mutual interference (for example, feedback from one or more access points and / or access terminals in the system, as described above with reference to FIG. 2) . For example, the number of access points heard by this access terminal and the relative proximity of these access points to the access terminal can be determined based on measurement reports received from the access terminal. Thus, the network node 114 can determine whether transmissions in a given cell (eg, associated with a restricted access point) can interfere with a neighboring cell and adjust the power profile parameters accordingly. Network node 114 may also determine parameters based on mutual interference information received from one or more access points (for example, as described with reference to FIG. 2).

In some embodiments, the period parameter can be determined based on a trade-off between any of the sensitivity to application data delay (e.g., VoIP, voice over Internet) and CQI / DRC filtering / delay (e.g., the delay from the moment the SINR is measured to the time the result becomes effective in the traffic scheduler for the access point). For example, if the cells handle large volumes of VoIP traffic, the period can be set to match the frequency of VoIP packets. In some cases, a period in the range of 50-100 ms may be appropriate. In some embodiments, a period parameter may be determined based on the number of access terminals served.

As represented by block 504, in some cases, the network node 114 may determine a specific phase offset value that needs to be used at specific access points. For example, network node 114 may determine the amount of interference that can be seen at a given access point when it uses different phase offsets (for example, based on CQI reports received for each TTI). The phase offset associated with the lowest interference level at this access point can then be assigned to this access point.

Network node 114 may also assign phase offset values to neighboring nodes in such a way as to reduce mutual interference between nodes. As a specific example, the network node 114 may determine that downlink transmission by the access point 106 may interfere with reception at the access terminal associated with the access point 104. This may be determined, for example, based on information related to mutual interference in a downlink data channel that the network node 114 may request, as described herein. The network node 114 may then assign different (e.g., 180 degree phase offset) phase offset values for access points 104 and 106.

As represented by block 506, the network node 114 then transmits the power profile information that it has determined for one or more access points. Here, the network node 114 may transmit the assignment specific to the node at each access point, or the network node 114 may transmit the general purpose to all access points in the set of access points.

As represented by blocks 508 and 510, the access point 104 (for example, the profile control component 344 of the mutual interference controller 322) determines the transmit power profile parameters that it will use to transmit data in the downlink. In the case where the network node 114 has assigned all the parameters of the transmit power profile to be used by the access point 104, the access point 104 can simply use these parameters. In some cases, the access point 104 may randomly select a parameter (e.g., phase shift).

If all parameters are not assigned by the network node 114 or are randomly selected, the access point 104 can determine which parameters should be used based on the relevant criteria. Typically, the access point may implement a tracking algorithm to dynamically determine the phase offset value, to be used in conjunction with the transmit power profile, minimum, maximum, and period parameters of the access point 104 received from the network node 114.

In some cases, the access point 104 may select a phase offset value that is associated with the least interference. Here, access point 104 may determine which phase offset value is to be used, similar to that described above. For example, at block 508, access point 104 may receive information (eg, measurement reports, CQT, DRC) from access terminal 110, and / or access point 104 may monitor the data channel to determine interference in the data channel. As an example, in the latter case, when the access point 104 is in an idle state, it can track mutual interference (load) coming from outside the cell via the downlink data channel. Thus, the access point 104 may select a phase offset value that provides a minimum level of mutual interference coming from sources located outside the cell in block 510.

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine a phase offset value. For example, access point 104 and access point 106 may coordinate the use of different (eg, out of phase) phase offset values. In this case, the operations of block 508 may not be performed.

As represented by block 512, the access point transmits on a downlink data channel based on the current transmit power profile. Thus, the transmit power can change over time so that mutual interference with neighboring nodes can be reduced.

The transmission power profile parameters (e.g., maximum, minimum, and period parameters determined by network node 114) described above can be adjusted over time. For example, the information described above can be collected on a periodic basis, and the parameters can be adjusted in accordance with this (for example, with hysteresis and / or slow filtering, if necessary). Thus, the transmit power of the access terminals in the system can be controlled to take into account various conditions of mutual interference in the system. For example, if mutual interference increases at a particular node (for example, as determined by the CQI report), the maximum power parameters may be reduced. In the simplified case, maximum_i is set to minimum_i for each access point_i. Network node 114 may then try to set these values to provide the same (or essentially the same) average CQI in each cell that can be achieved using the Ec_i, j / Io measurement in each access terminal terminal_i from each point access point_i.

Let us now consider FIGS. 7 and 8, operations related to using the circuit to change reception attenuation (for example, attenuation in the uplink data channel) over time to reduce mutual interference will be described in detail here. In some aspects, such a scheme includes determining a reception attenuation profile, such as the 802 profile shown in FIG. 8, which defines various levels of attenuation over time. Such a profile can take various forms and can be defined in various ways. For example, in some cases, the profile may contain a set of values that determine the attenuation at reception for different points in time. In some cases, the profile can be determined using an equation (for example, a sinusoidal waveform). As shown in FIG. 8, a maximum value (MAX), a minimum value (MIN), and a period 804 can be defined for the profile.

As described in more detail below, in some aspects, fractional reuse based on reception attenuation can be achieved by using a reception attenuation profile. For example, neighboring access points can use the same profile (or a similar profile), but operate on the basis of different phases of the profile. For example, the first access point may receive in accordance with the profile shown in FIG. 8, while the second access point may receive using the same profile with a 180 degree shift. Thus, when the first access point receives with maximum attenuation, the second access point can receive with minimum attenuation.

As presented in block 702 of FIG. 7, a network node 114 (e.g., a profile component 342 of a mutual interference controller 320) determines reception attenuation profile information used for wireless reception (e.g., via an uplink data channel). Such information may include, for example, parameters, such as a reception attenuation profile, initial minimum and maximum values, and an initial period value.

In some cases, one or more of these parameters may be predetermined or may be determined randomly. Typically, however, these parameters are chosen in an attempt to more effectively reduce mutual interference between nodes in the system. The definition of this information may be based on various criteria, such as, for example, one or more measurement reports from one or more access terminals, one or more reports from one or more access points regarding CQIs transmitted in reports by one or more associated terminals access, the number of active access terminals, and average traffic on the uplink data channel at each access point (for example, in each cell).

In a specific example, the determination of the reception attenuation profile parameter can be based on how access points are deployed in the system (for example, the total number of access points, the density of access points within a given area, the relative proximity of access points, and so on). Here, if there are a large number of nodes that are close to each other, the parameters can be determined so that neighboring nodes are less likely to perform high-level attenuation at the same time. As an example, a reception attenuation profile may be configured such that a predetermined access point can receive at a level close to the maximum attenuation level in a relatively short period of time. Thus, the attenuation profile at reception can provide adequate isolation when a large number of phase values (e.g. 60 degrees, 120 degrees, etc.) are used by various nodes in the system in conjunction with the attenuation profile at reception. Conversely, if there is a small number of nodes in the system, parameters can be defined to improve performance during data transfer (for example, throughput). As an example, a reception attenuation profile may be formed so that a predetermined access point can receive at or near the maximum attenuation level over a longer period of time.

Different levels of isolation between neighboring access points (e.g. cells) can also be achieved by adjusting the values of both the minimum and maximum parameters. For example, a larger ratio of maximum and minimum values provides better isolation due to longer periods of time when the access terminal receives at a lower level of attenuation.

The reception attenuation profile parameter can be determined based on traffic (eg, traffic load, traffic types, traffic service quality requirements) processed by access points. For example, some types of traffic may be more sensitive to mutual interference than other types of traffic. In this case, you can use a parameter (for example, the reception attenuation profile or the ratio of maximum and minimum values), which provides higher isolation (for example, as described above). In addition, some types of traffic may have more stringent bandwidth requirements (but may be less sensitive to mutual interference), whereby a reception attenuation profile can be used that provides more transmissions at higher attenuation levels (e.g., as described above).

In some cases, the network node 114 may determine reception attenuation profile parameters based on the received information related to mutual interference (for example, feedback from one or more access points and / or access terminals in the system, as described above with reference to FIG. 2 ) For example, the number of access points heard by a given access terminal and the relative proximity of these access points to the access terminal can be determined based on measurement reports received from the access terminal. Thus, the network node 114 can determine whether transmissions in a particular cell (eg, associated with a restricted access point) can interfere with a neighboring cell and adjust the attenuation profile parameters accordingly. Network node 114 may also determine parameters based on mutual interference information received from one or more access points (for example, as described with reference to FIG. 2).

In some embodiments, the period parameters may be determined based on a trade-off between any of the application data delay sensitivity (e.g., VoIP) and filtering / delay in the downlink control channel (e.g., CQI / DRC, ACK, etc.). ) as described above.

As presented in block 704, in some cases, the network node 114 may determine the specific values of the phase offset, and / or other parameters described above, which should be used at specific access points. For example, network node 114 may determine the amount of interference that may be visible at a given access point when it uses different phase offsets. The phase offset associated with the lowest level of mutual interference at this access point can then be assigned to this access point.

The network node 114 may also assign phase offset values to neighboring nodes so as to reduce interference between nodes. As a specific example, network node 114 may determine that data transmission on the uplink data channel by access terminal 112 may interfere with reception at access point 104. This can be determined, for example, based on information related to mutual interference in the uplink data channel, which the network node 114 may request, as described in this description. Network node 114 may then assign different (e.g., 180 degrees, phase differences) phase offset values for access points 104 and 106.

As represented by block 706, the network node 114 then transmits the attenuation profile information that it has determined at one or more access points. Here, the network node 114 may transmit a node-specific assignment for each access point, or the network node 114 may transmit a general purpose for all access points in the set of access points.

As represented by blocks 708 and 710, the access point 104 (for example, the profile component 344 of the mutual interference controller 322) determines the reception attenuation profile parameters that it will use to transmit data on the uplink transmission channel. In the case where the network node 114 assigns all the reception attenuation profile parameters to be used at the access point 104, the access point 104 may simply use these parameters. In some cases, the access point 104 may randomly select a parameter (e.g., phase shift).

If all parameters have not been assigned by the network node 114 or randomly selected, the access point 104 may determine which parameters should be used based on the relevant criteria. Typically, the access point may implement a tracking algorithm to dynamically determine the phase offset value to be used in conjunction with the attenuation profile at the reception, minimum, maximum, and period parameters that the access point 104 received from network node 114.

In some cases, the access point 104 may select a phase offset value that is associated with the lowest level of mutual interference. Here, access point 104 may determine which phase offset value to use, similar to that described above. For example, at block 708, access point 104 may receive information (eg, measurement reports) from access terminal 110, and / or access point 104 may monitor the data channel to determine interference in the data channel. As an example, in the latter case, when the access point 104 is inoperative, it can monitor the level of mutual interference (load) coming from a source located outside the cell via the uplink data channel. Thus, the access point 104 may select a phase offset value that provides minimal interference from a source outside the cell in block 710.

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine a phase offset value. For example, access point 104 and access point 106 may coordinate the use of different (eg, out of phase) phase offset values. In this case, operations in block 708 may not be performed.

As presented in block 712, the access point receives uplink data based on the current attenuation profile at reception (for example, by applying the attenuation profile to received signals). Thus, the attenuation at reception can change over time so that it can reduce mutual interference with neighboring nodes.

The reception attenuation profile parameters described above (e.g., maximum, minimum, and period parameters determined by network node 114) can be adjusted over time. For example, the information described above can be collected on a periodic basis, and the parameters can be adjusted accordingly (for example, with hysteresis and / or slow filtering, if required). Thus, attenuation upon reception of access terminals in the system can be controlled so as to take into account the current conditions of mutual interference in the system. For example, the amount of attenuation (for example, maximum attenuation) can be increased by increasing the power level of the received signal at one or more access points. In the simplified case, maximum_i is set equal to minimum_i for each access point_i and is controlled in the same way as described above.

Below, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, operations related to the use of a fractional reuse scheme in which selective transmission (eg, puncturing) via upstream or downstream data transmission channels will be described in more detail. As noted above, the system can transmit for one or more specific time intervals, which in various embodiments can relate to or can be attributed to a frame, subframe, interval, transmission time interval ("TTI"), HARQ interlace, and so on. .

In some aspects, a fractional reuse scheme may involve configuring neighboring nodes (e.g., access points and / or access terminals) to prevent transmission of one or more transmission time intervals during a portion. For example, the first access point may transmit during the first section (e.g., part or all of a subframe) of the time interval, while the second access point may transmit during the second section (e.g., another part of the subframe or a completely different subframe) of the time interval. As a result, interference that would otherwise occur between nodes can be reduced.

In some aspects, determining whether the node should refrain from transmitting during a certain part of the time interval may include determining how much interference levels are present in different parts of the time interval. For example, a node may refrain from transmitting in those parts of a time slot that are associated with higher mutual interference.

First, consider FIG. 9, which shows, in block 902, a network node 114 (for example, a time slot control component 346 of a mutual interference controller 320) or some other appropriate object that can determine how a given transmission time interval or a set of transmission time intervals follows divided into sections so that different nodes can selectively refrain from transmitting during one or more of these sections of time intervals. This may include, for example, determining parameters such as the structure of each section of the time interval, the number of sections of the time interval, the size of each section of the time interval, and the location of each section of the time interval. It should be understood here that a given portion of a time interval can be defined so that it will include sub-sections that are not continuous in time or can be defined as one continuous period of time. In some cases, these time slot parameters may be predetermined for the system.

In some aspects, the parameters of the time slot sections are defined so as to reduce interference in the system. To this end, sections of the time interval can be determined based on how the nodes are deployed in the system (for example, the total number of access points, the density of access points within a given area, the relative proximity of access points, and so on). Here, if there are a large number of nodes deployed in a given area, a larger number of sections of time intervals (for example, and possibly smaller sections) can be determined, and / or more partitions can be provided between sections of the time interval. Thus, neighboring nodes are less likely to use the same portion of the time slot (or interfere with the adjacent portion of the slot), and any nodes potentially causing temporary interference can thus be designed so that they will not transmit time of a larger percentage of a time interval or a set of time intervals. Conversely, if there are fewer nodes in the system, fewer sections of the time interval (for example, and possibly larger sections with less separation) can be determined to improve data transfer characteristics (for example, throughput).

Sections of the time interval can also be determined based on traffic (for example, the amount of traffic, types of traffic, quality requirements for the service making up the traffic) processed by access points. For example, some types of traffic may be more sensitive to mutual interference than other types of traffic. In this case, more than the number of sections of the time interval can be determined, and / or more number of divisions can be provided between the sections of the time interval. In addition, some types of traffic may have more stringent bandwidth requirements (but may be less sensitive to mutual interference), as a result of which large portions of the time interval can be determined.

Plots of the time interval can also be determined based on mutual interference in the system. For example, if the interference values in the system are high, large sections of the time interval may be determined, and / or more partitions may be provided between sections of the time interval.

The operations of block 902 may, therefore, be based on feedback relating to mutual interference from one or more access points and / or access terminals in the system (eg, as described above). For example, measurement reports in the access terminal and / or reports from access nodes can be used to determine the extent to which nodes in the system can interfere with each other.

As represented by block 904, in some cases, the network node 114 may indicate certain portions of a time slot to be used by certain nodes. In some cases, sections of the time interval may be assigned randomly. However, as a rule, sections of the time interval can be selected when trying to reduce mutual interference between nodes in the system. In some aspects, determining which portion of a time slot a given node should use can be performed similarly to the operations of block 902 described above. For example, network node 114 may determine the amount of interference that is associated with portions of a time slot.

For a downlink data channel, the access point may initially be configured to use a first portion of a time slot. The mutual interference associated with using this portion of the time interval can then be determined (for example, based on CQI reports collected over a specific period of time). The access point may then be configured to use a second portion of the time slot. Mutual interference associated with the use of the second portion of the time interval can then be determined (for example, based on CQI reports collected over a certain period of time). The network controller may then designate for the access point a portion of the time interval associated with the lowest level of mutual interference.

For the uplink data channel, the access terminal may be configured to initially use the first portion of the time interval. Mutual interference associated with the use of this portion of the time interval, for example, can be determined indirectly based on the transmit power values (for example, automatically determined by the power control commands from the corresponding access point) used during transmission over the uplink data channel over a period of time. The access terminal may then be configured to use a second portion of the time slot. Mutual interference associated with the use of the second portion of the time interval can then be determined (for example, as described above). The network node 114 may then designate the portion of the time slot associated with the lowest mutual interference (for example, as indicated by the lowest transmit power level on the uplink data channel) for this access terminal and its associated access point.

Network node 114 may also designate time slots for neighboring nodes so as to reduce the level of mutual interference between nodes. As a specific example, network node 114 may determine that downlink transmission with access point 106 may interfere with reception at the access terminal associated with access point 104. This can be determined, for example, based on information related to mutual interference in the downlink data channel, which the network node 114 can receive, as described in this description. To reduce this possible level of mutual interference, the network node 114 may designate other portions of the time slot for access points 104 and 106.

As represented by block 906, the network node 314 may determine a time offset for one or more access points to synchronize the time parameters of the time interval of the access points. Such synchronization can be achieved, for example, by using adjustments such as Tau-DPCH (where DPCH refers to a dedicated physical channel), or for some other appropriate synchronization scheme.

As represented by block 908, the network node 114 then transmits the parameters of the time slot portion that it defines for one or more access points. For example, a network node 114 may transmit a node-specific assignment to each of the access points, or a network node 114 may transmit a general purpose for all access points in a set of access points. Network node 114 may also transmit one or more time offset metrics for access points for use in synchronization operations.

As shown in FIG. 10, such a flowchart describes operations that can be performed by an access point for operations performed on a downlink data channel or an access terminal for operations performed on an uplink data channel. First, consider the case of a downlink data channel.

As represented by block 1002, the access point 104 (for example, the time slot control component 348 of the mutual interference controller 322) determines the portion of the time interval that it will use to transmit data on the downlink data channel. In the event that the network node 114 has assigned a portion of the time interval for use by the access point 104, the access point 104 may simply use these portions of the time interval. In some cases, the access point 104 may randomly choose which of the time slot portion to use.

If the time slot portion has not been assigned by the network node 114 or is randomly selected, the access point 104 may determine which portion of the time slot should be used based on the relevant criteria. In some aspects, access point 104 may select a portion of the time slot associated with the lowest interference level. Here, access point 104 may determine which portion of the time slot should be used, similar to that described above in block 904 (for example, by using different portions at different time periods and tracking CQI or some other parameter for each time period).

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine which portion of the time slot should be used. For example, access point 104 and access point 106 may coordinate the use of different (eg, mutually exclusive) portions of a time interval.

As represented by block 1004, the access point 104 may determine a time offset for use in transmitting data on a downlink data channel. For example, access point 104 may continuously monitor a data channel for a certain period of time to approximately determine when a neighboring node begins and ends its transmissions. Thus, the access point 104 can determine (eg, evaluate) the time characteristics of a portion of a time interval of a neighboring node. The access point may then synchronize a portion of the time parameters of the time interval of its downlink data channel with these times. In some aspects, this may require the definition of a Tau-DPCH parameter.

As represented by block 1006, the access point 104 may transmit a message (eg, including time offset information) to the associated access terminal to inform the access terminal which portions of the time slot to use for the downlink data channel. Thus, the access point 104 may schedule downlink transmissions over the most accessible portions of the time interval (block 1008).

Returning now to the scenario of the uplink data channel, as represented by block 1002, the access terminal 104 (for example, mutual interference controller 324) determines the portions of the time interval that it will use to transmit data over the uplink data channel. In the case where the network node 114 has assigned portions of the time interval for use by the access terminal 110, the access terminal 110 may simply use these portions of the time interval. In some cases, the access terminal 110 may randomly select which portion of the time slot should be used.

If the time slot portions have not been assigned by the network node 114 or are randomly selected, the access terminal 110 may determine which portion of the time slot to use based on the relevant criteria. In some aspects, access terminal 110 may select a portion of the time slot associated with the lowest level of mutual interference (e.g., the lowest transmit power). Here, the access terminal 110 may determine which portion of the time interval should be used, similar to that described above, in block 904, or this may occur automatically as a result of the power control operation of the access point 104.

In some cases, the access point 104 may monitor for interference in the uplink data channel during the time slot portion tests (for example, a test to determine which portion of the time slot has the lowest level of mutual interference). In such cases, the access point 104 may instruct the access terminal 110 to use certain portions of the time interval during this phase of the interference test. Alternatively, the access terminal 110 may report to the access point 104 which portions of the time slot are used in this phase of the test.

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine which portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel should be used. For example, access point 104 and access point 106 may coordinate the use of different (eg, mutually exclusive) portions of a time slot. In this case, the access point 104 may then transmit this information to the access terminal 110.

As represented by block 1004, the access terminal 110 may determine a time offset used to transmit data on a downlink or uplink data channel. For example, access terminal 110 may continuously monitor a data channel for a certain period of time to approximately determine when a neighboring node starts and ends its transmissions. Thus, the access terminal 110 can determine (for example, evaluate) the time parameters of the portion of the time interval of the neighboring node. Alternatively, the access terminal 110 may receive time offset information from an access point 104 (eg, Tau-DPCH parameter). In any case, the access terminal 110 may then synchronize a portion of the time parameters of the time slot of its uplink data channel with this time.

As represented by block 1006, the access terminal 110 may transmit a message to the access point 104 to inform the access point 104 which portions of the time slot are to be used for the uplink data channel. Thus, the access terminal 110 may schedule data transmission on the uplink data channel over the best available portions of the time interval (block 1008).

The operations described above can be performed on a periodic basis while trying to continuously provide the best sections of the time interval for the nodes of the system. In some cases, it may be decided not to transmit the pilot sequence bits for certain times to provide a more accurate SNR estimate (SNR, signal-to-noise ratio) (for example, for EV-DO). In some cases, a decision may be made not to transmit during transmission over certain overhead channels to provide better isolation (for example, for HSPA (VSPP, high-speed packet data)). In addition, conditions may be provided for the access terminals to take into account the lower signal measurement results that they can see from the access points using the scheme described above.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, operations related to the use of a fractional reuse scheme in which spectral masks are used on the upstream or downstream data transmission channels will be described in more detail. In some aspects, such a scheme may involve configuring neighboring nodes (eg, access points and / or access terminals) to use different spectral masks for transmission. Here, instead of using the entire available frequency spectrum with constant power, each node can use a spectral mask to form an inhomogeneous power spectral density. For example, the first access point can transmit using the spectral mask associated with the first set of spectral components (for example, the first subset of the selected frequency spectrum), while the second access point can transmit using another spectral mask associated with the second set of spectral components (for example , the second subset of the selected frequency spectrum). As a result, interference that might otherwise occur between nodes can be reduced.

In some aspects, determining whether a node will use a given spectral mask may include determining to what extent interference is visible when various spectral masks are used. For example, the node may choose to use a spectral mask that is associated with a lower level of interference. It should be understood here that a given spectral mask can be defined so that it will include spectral components that are not continuous in frequency, or can be defined as one continuous extension of frequencies. In addition, the spectral mask may contain a positive mask (for example, defining frequency components that you want to use) or a negative mask (for example, defining frequency components that should not be used).

Referring initially to FIG. 11, as represented by block 1102, a network node 114 (e.g., a spectral mask component 350 for controlling a spectral mask of a mutual interference controller 320) may receive information that assigns mutual interference associated with different spectral components of a frequency spectrum allocated for transmission over downstream or upstream data channels.

The operations of block 1102, therefore, can be based on feedback related to mutual interference from one or more access points and / or access terminals in the system (for example, as described above). For example, reports containing measurements from an access terminal and / or reports from access nodes can be used to determine the extent to which nodes in the system can interfere with each other when using this spectral mask.

As represented by block 1104, in some cases, the network node 114 may determine certain spectral masks for use by certain nodes. In some cases, spectral masks may be assigned randomly. However, as a rule, spectral masks can be selected when trying to more effectively reduce mutual interference between nodes in the system.

For example, for a downlink data channel, the access point may initially be configured to use a first spectral mask (for example, a filter defined with specific spectral characteristics) during transmission. Such a spectral mask can be limited, for example, to essentially the first half of the selected spectrum (for example, the spectral mask has essentially spectral density with full power for half the spectrum and essentially spectral density with reduced power for the other half of the spectrum). Mutual interference associated with the use of a spectral mask can then be determined (for example, based on CQI reports collected over a period of time). The access point may then be configured to use a second spectral mask (for example, which is limited to essentially the second half of the selected spectrum). Mutual interference associated with the use of the second spectral mask can then be determined (for example, based on CQI reports collected over a period of time). Network node 114 may then assign a spectral mask associated with the least interference to the access point.

For an uplink data channel, the access terminal may initially be configured to use a first spectral mask in transmission. Then, mutual interference associated with the use of a spectral mask can be determined (for example, based on mutual interference on the uplink data channel measured by the associated access terminal). The access terminal may then be configured to use a second spectral mask, and may determine the mutual interference associated with the use of the second spectral mask. Network node 114 may then assign a spectral mask associated with the lowest mutual interference to the access terminal.

Network node 114 may also assign spectral masks to neighboring nodes so as to reduce interference between nodes. As a specific example, network node 114 may determine that downlink data transmission performed by access point 106 may interfere with reception at an access terminal associated with access point 104. This can be determined, for example, based on information related to mutual interference on the downlink data channel, which the network node 114 can receive, as described in this description. To reduce such potential interference, the network node 114 may assign various spectral masks to the access points 104 and 106.

As represented by block 1106, the network node 114 then transmits the spectral masks that it has identified to the corresponding access point (s). Here, the network node 114 may transmit a node-specific message to each access point, or the network node 114 may transmit a common message to all access points from the set of access points.

Referring now to FIG. 12, this flowchart represents operations that can be performed by an access point and an associated access terminal for operations performed on the downlink and uplink data channels. As represented by block 1202, the access point 104 (for example, the spectral mask control component 352 of the mutual interference controller 322) determines the spectral mask to be used for upstream or downstream data channels. In the case where the network node 114 assigns a spectral mask intended for use, the access point 104 may simply use the assigned spectral mask. In some cases, the access point 104 may randomly select which spectral mask to use.

If the spectral mask has not been assigned by the network node 114 or is randomly selected, the access point 104 may determine which spectral mask to use based on the relevant criteria. In some aspects, access point 104 may select a spectral mask associated with the lowest level of mutual interference. For example, access point 104 may determine which spectral mask to use, similar to that described above in blocks 1102 and 1104 (for example, by using different spectral masks at different time periods and tracking CQT or some other parameter related to mutual interference, during each time period).

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine which spectral mask to use. For example, access point 104 and access point 106 may coordinate the use of different (eg, mutually exclusive) spectral masks.

As represented by block 1204, the access point 104 transmits a message to the access terminal 110 to inform the access terminal 110 which spectral mask to use for the uplink data channel (or, if necessary, for the downlink data channel). Thus, the access point 104 may transmit on the downlink data channel using the best available spectrum, and / or the access terminal 110 may transmit on the uplink data channel using the best available spectrum (block 1206). Here, the equalizer in the receiving node (for example, in the access terminal for the downstream data channel) can reduce the effect of the spectral mask (in particular, if there is no load from the neighboring cell). In addition, in some cases, the equalizer may be adaptive and may take into account the specific spectral mask used in the transmission node (for example, at an access point for a downstream data channel).

The operations described above can be performed on a periodic basis, while trying to constantly provide the best spectral masks for nodes in the system.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, operations related to using a fractional reuse scheme using extension codes (eg, Walsh codes or OVSF codes) will be described. In some aspects, such a scheme may involve the execution of neighboring nodes (eg, access points), with the possibility of using different extension codes during transmission. Here, instead of using all the codes in a dedicated set of extension codes, each node can use a subset of the extension codes. For example, the first access point can transmit using the first set of extension codes, while the second access point can transmit using the second set of extension codes. As a result, interference can be reduced, which, otherwise, could occur between nodes.

In some aspects, determining whether a node will use a given extension code may include determining to what extent interference is visible when various extension codes are used. For example, the node may choose to use an extension code that is associated with a lower interference level.

First, see FIG. 13, as represented by block 1302, a network node 114 (for example, an extension code management component 354 of a mutual interference controller 320) may receive information that assigns mutual interference associated with various subsets of extension codes of a set of extension codes allocated for transmission over downlink data channel.

The operation unit 1302 may therefore be based on feedback relating to mutual interference from one or more access points and / or access terminals in the system (eg, as described above). For example, reports containing the measurement results of access terminals and / or reports from access nodes can be used to determine the extent to which nodes in the system can interfere with each other when using this extension code.

As represented by block 1304, in some cases, the network node 114 may indicate certain extension codes that should be used by certain nodes. In some cases, extension codes may be assigned randomly. However, as a rule, extension codes can be selected in an attempt to more effectively reduce mutual interference between nodes in the system.

For example, an access point may initially be configured to use a first set of extension codes when transmitting on a downlink data channel. Mutual interference associated with the use of this set of extension codes can then be determined (for example, based on CQI reports collected over a period of time). The access point may then be configured to use a second set of extension codes, and then determine the mutual interference associated with the use of the second set of extension codes. Network node 114 may then assign an extension code associated with the lowest interference level for the access point.

Network node 114 may also assign extension codes for neighboring nodes in such a way as to reduce mutual interference between nodes. As a specific example, such a network node 114 may determine that downlink transmission by the access point 104 may interfere with reception at the access terminal associated with the access point 106. This can be determined, for example, based on information related to mutual interference in the downlink data channel, which the network node 114 can receive, as described in this description. To reduce such potential interference, the network node 114 may assign various extension codes to access points 104 and 106.

As represented by block 1306, the network node 114 then transmits the extension codes that it identified at the corresponding access point (s). Here, the network node 114 may transmit a node-specific message to each access point, or the network node 114 may transmit a common message to all access points from the set of access points.

As represented by block 1308, the network node 114 may also transmit one or more other sets of extension codes to the access point (s). As will be described in more detail below, these sets can identify extension codes that are not used by a given access point, and / or extension codes that are used by some other access point.

As shown in FIG. 14 at block 1402, an access point 104 (eg, an extension code control component 356 of a mutual interference controller 322) determines a set of extension codes to be used for the downlink data channel. In the case where the network node 114 assigns a set to be used, the access point 104 can simply use the assigned set. In some cases, the access point 104 may randomly choose which set of extension codes to use.

If the set of extension codes has not been assigned by the network node 114 or is randomly selected, the access point 104 may determine which set should be used based on the relevant criteria. In some aspects, access point 104 may select a set of spreading codes associated with the lowest interference level. For example, access point 104 may determine which set should be used, similar to that described above with reference to blocks 1302 and 1304 (for example, by using different extension codes at different time periods and tracking CQT or some other parameter associated with mutual interference during each time period).

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine which set of extension codes should be used. For example, access point 104 and access point 106 may negotiate the use of different (eg, mutually exclusive) sets of extension codes.

As represented by block 1404, the access point 104, if necessary, can synchronize its time parameters with the time parameters of one or more other access points. For example, by achieving equalization of chips with neighboring cells (for example, associated with other restricted access points), orthogonal channels can be established between access points by using different extension codes at each access point. Such synchronization can be performed, for example, using the technologies described above (for example, access points may include GPS functions).

As represented by block 1406, the access point 104, if necessary, can determine extension codes that are used by one or more other access points. Such information can be obtained, for example, from neighboring node 114 or directly from other access nodes (for example, through a feedback channel).

As represented by block 1408, the access point 104 transmits a message to the access terminal 110 to inform the access terminal 110 which extension code should be used for the downlink data channel. In addition, the access point 104 may transmit information to the access terminal 110, which identifies extension codes not used by the access point 104, and / or which identifies extension codes that are used by some other access point (for example, a neighboring access point).

As represented by block 1410, the access point 104 transmits on the downlink data channel using the selected set of extension codes. In addition, as represented by block 1412, the access terminal 110 uses the extension code information transmitted by the access point 104 to decode the information that it receives via the downlink data channel.

In some embodiments, the access terminal 110 may be configured to use information related to extension codes not used by the access point 104 to more efficiently decode the received information. For example, a signal processor 366 (e.g., one capable of compensating for mutual interference) may use these other extension codes in an attempt to compensate, based on the received information, for any mutual interference generated by signals received from another node (e.g., access point 106) that were encoded using these other extension codes. Here, the original received information is processed by using other extension codes to obtain decoded bits. The signal is then generated from the decoded bits, and this signal is subtracted from the original received information. The resulting signal is then processed using the extension codes transmitted by the access point 104 to obtain an output signal. Preferably, by using such mutual interference control technologies, relatively high levels of mutual interference rejection can be achieved even when the access point 104 and the access terminal 110 are not time synchronized.

The operations described above can be performed on a periodic basis in an attempt to constantly provide the best node extension codes in the system.

Now consider FIGS. 15 and 16, which show operations related to using a circuit related to power control to reduce mutual interference. In particular, these operations relate to controlling the transmit power of the access terminal to reduce any mutual interference that the access terminal may create on the uplink data channel at an unassociated access point (for example, which operates at the same carrier frequency for an adjacent carrier frequency).

As represented by block 1502, a node (for example, a network node 114 or an access point 104) receives signals related to power control, which can be used to determine how to control the transmit power on the uplink data channel of the access terminal 110. In various scenarios, signals may be received from a network node 114, an access point 104, another access point (eg, access point 106) or an associated access terminal (eg, access point 110). Such information can be received in various ways (for example, through a feedback channel, over the air, etc.).

In some aspects, these received signals may provide an indication of mutual interference at a neighboring access point (eg, access point 106). For example, as described herein, access terminals associated with access point 104 can generate measurement reports and transmit these reports to network node 114 through access point 104.

In addition, access points in the system can generate a load metric (for example, a busy bit) or a relative channel provided) and transmit this information to its associated access terminal via a downlink data channel. Thus, the access point 104 may monitor the downstream channel to obtain this information, or the access point 104 may request this information from its respective access terminals, which can receive this information through the downlink data channel.

In some cases, interference information may be received from the network node 114 or from the access point 106 via the feedback channel. For example, access point 106 may transmit reports containing information about its download (eg, mutual interference level) to network node 114. Network node 114 may then distribute this information to other access points in the system. In addition, access points in the system can communicate directly with each other to inform each other about their respective boot conditions.

As represented by block 1504, a transmit power metric for access terminal 110 is determined based on the parameters described above. This metric may relate, for example, to the maximum allowed power value, the instantaneous power value, or an indicator representing the ratio of traffic to pilot sequences (T2P).

In some aspects, the maximum transmit power for access terminal 110 is determined by evaluating the interference that the access terminal 110 may induce at access point 106. Such interference can be estimated, for example, based on channel loss information obtained from measurement reports received from access terminal 110. For example, access terminal 110 may determine channel loss to access point 106 in channel loss to access point 104. Based on this information, the access point 104 can determine the power induced (for example, the amount of mutual interference) at the access point 106 based on the signal strength for the signals that the access point 104 receives from the access terminal 110. Access point 104 may thus determine the maximum allowed transmit power for access terminal 110 based on the measurement results described above (for example, the maximum transmit power can be reduced by a certain amount).

In some aspects, an instantaneous power value may be generated to control the current transmit power of the access terminal. For example, in the case where the number of induced interference is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the access terminal 110 may be instructed to reduce its transmit power (for example, by a certain amount or by a specified amount).

In some cases, the power control operation may be based on one or more parameters. For example, if the access point 104 receives a busy bit from the access point 106, the access point 104 may use the information from the measurement reports to determine if interference at the access point 106 is caused by the access terminal 110.

Referring now to FIG. 16, in some embodiments, the transmit power metric generated in block 1504 may relate to the maximum T2P ratio in the uplink data channel. In addition, in some cases, this value may be defined as a SINR function in the downlink. Waveform 1602 of FIG. 16 illustrates one example of a function that correlates a SINR of a downlink data channel with T2P in an uplink data channel. In this case, the application of T2P in the uplink data channel may decrease as the SINR in the downlink data channel decreases. Thus, interference in an uplink data channel from access terminals in an unbalanced channel can be limited. As shown in the example of FIG. 16, a minimum T2P value 1604 can be determined for the access terminal so that a certain amount of minimum weight is guaranteed. In addition, a maximum value of 1606 T2P can be determined. In some aspects, the T2P value of the uplink data channel allocated for each access terminal may be limited by a minimum upper power limit of the access terminal or a function based on SINR in the downlink data channel (for example, as shown in FIG. 16). In some embodiments (eg, 3GPP), the function described above can be provided by the uplink scheduler of the access point, which has access to the CQI transmitted on the feedback channel from the access terminal.

As again shown in FIG. 15 and presented in block 1506, in some embodiments, it may be possible to increase the threshold value for exceeding the thermal noise level (“RoT”, PTS) for the access point above a normal value to control the load. For example, in some cases, a limit for the RoT threshold may not be set. In some cases, the RoT threshold may be allowed to grow to a value limited only by the budget of the uplink data channel or by the saturation level at the access point. For example, the upper threshold RoT may be increased at access point 104 to a predetermined value to ensure that each associated access terminal operates at the highest T2P level allowed by its power margin.

By enabling such an increase in the threshold value of RoT, the access point can control its total received signal strength. This can be advantageous in situations where the access point is subject to high interference (for example, from a neighboring access terminal). However, in the absence of a limit value for the RoT threshold, access terminals in neighboring cells can go into a "power race" to overcome mutual interference between each other. For example, such access terminals can become saturated at their maximum transmit power level on the uplink data channel (for example, 23 dBm) and, as a result, can cause significant interference at macro access points. To prevent such “race” conditions, the transmit power of the access terminal can be reduced by increasing the threshold value of RoT. In some cases, such “race” conditions can be avoided by using a control circuit with a maximum T2P ratio on the uplink data channel (for example, as described above with reference to FIG. 16).

As represented by block 1508, an indication of a transmit power value (e.g., maximum power, instantaneous power, or T2P) calculated using one or more of the technologies described above can be transmitted to access terminal 110 to control the transmit power of access terminal 110. Such a message may be transmitted directly or indirectly. As an example, in the first case, explicit signaling can be used to inform the access terminal 110 of the new maximum power value. As an example of the latter case, access point 104 may adjust T2P or may transmit a load metric from access point 106 (possibly after some modification) to access terminal 110. Access terminal 110 may then use this parameter to determine the maximum power value.

Referring now to FIG. 17, in some embodiments, the attenuation coefficient of the signal can be adjusted to reduce mutual interference. Such a parameter may include noise figure or attenuation. The magnitude of such filling or attenuation of the signal can be dynamically adjusted based on the strength of the signal measured by other nodes (for example, as described in this description) or using certain signaling messages (for example, indicating levels of mutual interference) exchanged between access points. Thus, the access point 104 can compensate for the interference caused by nearby access terminals.

As represented by block 1702, access terminal 104 may receive signals related to power control (eg, as described above). As represented by blocks 1704 and 1706, the access point 104 may determine whether or not the threshold level is greater than or equal to the strength of the received signal from the associated access terminal or the non-associated access terminal. Otherwise, the access point 104 continues to monitor signals related to power control. If so, access point 104 adjusts the attenuation coefficient in blocks 1708. For example, in response to an increase in received signal strength, access point 104 may increase its noise figure or attenuation at the receiver. As represented by block 1710, the access point 104 may transmit a transmit power control message to its respective access terminals to increase their transmit power on the uplink data channel as a result of increasing the attenuation coefficient (for example, to overcome noise figure or attenuation in the uplink data channel in access point 104).

In some aspects, access point 104 may distinguish signals received from unassociated access terminals from signals received from associated access terminals. Thus, the access terminal 104 may perform appropriate control of the transmit power of its associated access terminals. For example, various adjustments can be made in response to signals from associated, as opposed to non-associated, access terminals (for example, depending on whether there is only one associated access terminal).

In another embodiment, interference cancellation can be performed using an access point for access terminals that are not served by that access point, or for access terminals that are not in the active set of access points. To this end, scrambling codes (in WCDMA (WCDMA, code division multiple access) or in HSPA) or long user codes (in 1xEV-DO) can be shared between all access points (which receive scrambling codes from all access terminals ) The access point then decodes the corresponding information of the access terminal and removes the interference associated with the respective access terminals.

In some aspects, the disclosed description may be used in a network that includes macroscale coverage (e.g., a cellular network covering a large area, such as a 3G network, typically referred to as a macrocell network), and a smaller coverage area (e.g., in a network environment deployed in a separate living room or building). As the access terminal ("AT" (AT)) moves through such a network, the access terminal can be serviced at certain locations by the access nodes ("AN", (UD)) that provide macro-service while the access terminal can be serviced elsewhere by access nodes that provide services on a smaller scale. In some aspects, sites with a small service area can be used to provide sequential increase in throughput in the service area located inside the building and provide various services (for example, for more reliable user service). In the above description, a node that provides a service area in a relatively large area may be called a macro node. A node that provides services in a relatively small area (for example, inside a living room) may be called a femto node. A node that provides services in an area that is smaller than the macroregion and larger than the femtoregion may be called a pico node (for example, providing services within a commercial building).

A cell associated with a macro node, a femto node, or a pico node may be called a macro cell, a femto cell, or a pico cell, respectively. In some embodiments, each cell may further be associated with (e.g., divided into) one or more sectors.

In various embodiments, other terminology may be used to refer to a macro node, femto node, or pico node. For example, a macro node can be made this way or can be named as an access node, base station, access point, eNodeB, macro cell, and so on. In addition, the femto node can be made or referred to as home node B, home eNodeB, access point base station, femtocell, and so on.

FIG. 18 illustrates a wireless data transmission system 1800 configured to support multiple users in which the descriptions described herein may be embodied. System 1800 provides data transmission for multiple cells 1802, such as, for example, macrocells 1802A-1802G, each cell being served by a corresponding access node 1804 (e.g., access nodes 1804A-1804G). As shown in FIG. 18, access terminals 1806 (eg, access terminals 1806A-1806L) may be allocated to different places in the system over time. Each access terminal 1806 may communicate with one or more access nodes 1804 over a forward data channel ("FL" (PC)) and / or a reverse data channel ("RL" (OK)) at a given time, depending on whether the access terminal 1806 is active and is, for example, in soft transmission mode. Wireless communication system 1800 can provide services in a large geographic region. For example, macrocells 1802A-1802G may span several neighborhoods located nearby.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary data communication system 1900 where one or more femto nodes are deployed in a network environment. In particular, the system 1900 includes a plurality of femto nodes 1910 (e.g., femto nodes 1910A and 1910B) installed in a relatively small scale network environment (e.g., in one or more residential areas of a 1930 user). Each femto node 1910 can be connected to a wide area network 1940 (e.g., the Internet) and a core network 1950 of a mobile operator via a DSL router, cable modem, wireless data link or other means of communication (not shown). As will be described below, each femto node 1910 can be configured to service associated access terminals 1920 (e.g., access terminal 1920A) and, if necessary, terminals 1920 intended for accessing foreign devices (e.g., access terminal 1920B). In other words, access to the femto nodes 1910 may be limited so that a given access terminal 1920 may be served by a set of designated (e.g., home) femto nodes (nodes) 1910, but may not be served by any of the unassigned femto nodes 1910 (e.g., neighboring femto nodes 1910) .

20 illustrates an example of a service area map 2000 where several tracking areas 2002 (or routing areas or location areas) are defined, each of which includes several macro areas of the service area 2004. Here, the service area areas associated with the tracking areas 2002A, 2002B and 2002C are delimited by wide lines, and the macro-service areas 2004 are represented by hexagons. 2002 tracking areas also include 2006 femto service areas. In this example, each of the femto service areas 2006 (e.g., the service femto area 2006C) is represented within the service macro area 2004 (e.g., the service macro area 2004B). It should be understood, however, that the femto service area 2006 may not be entirely within the service macro area 2004. In practice, a large number of femto service areas 2006 can be defined with a given tracking area 2002 or macro service area 2004. In addition, one or more pico service areas (not shown) may be defined within a predetermined tracking area 2002 or macro service area 2004.

Consider again FIG. 19, in which the owner of the femto node 1910 can subscribe to a mobile service, such as, for example, a 3G mobile service offered through a mobile operator’s core network 1950. In addition, the access terminal 1920 can be configured to operate both in macro environments and in smaller internetwork environments (e.g., inside a living room). In other words, depending on the current location of the access terminal 1920, the access terminal 1920 may be served by the access node 1960 of the mobile network 1950 of the macrocell or any one of a set of femto nodes 1910 (for example, femto nodes 1910A and 1910B that are located inside the corresponding residential premises 1930 of the user). For example, when a subscriber is outside his home, he is served by a standard macro access node (for example, node 1960) and when a subscriber is at home, he is served by a femto node (for example, node 1910A). It should be understood here that femtocell 1920 may be backward compatible with existing access terminals 1920.

Femtocell 1910 can be deployed on a single frequency or, alternatively, on multiple frequencies. Depending on the particular configuration, a single frequency or one or more of a plurality of frequencies may overlap with one or more frequencies used by a macro node (e.g., node 1960).

In some aspects, access terminal 1920 may be configured to connect to a preferred femto node (eg, a home femto node of access terminal 1920) whenever such a connection is possible. For example, whenever the access terminal 1920 is within the user's home 1930, it may be desirable for the access terminal 1920 to communicate only with the home femto node 1910.

In some aspects, if the access terminal 1920 operates within the 1950 cellular macro network but is not constantly located in its most preferred network (e.g., as defined in the preferred roaming list), access terminal 1920 may continue to search for the most preferred network (e.g., the preferred femto node 1910) using re-selection of the best system ("BSR", PLC), which may include periodic scanning of available systems, to determine whether the best systems are currently available, followed by attempts to associate with such preferred systems. In the process of obtaining, the access terminal 1920 may limit its search to a specific range and channel. For example, a search for the most preferred system may be repeated periodically. After discovering the preferred femto node 1910, the access terminal 1920 selects the femto node 1910 to operate within its service area.

Femtocell may be limited in some aspects. For example, a given femto node can provide only certain services for certain access terminals. When deployed with a so-called limited (or closed) association, this access terminal can only be served by a mobile network with a macro node and a specific set of femto nodes (for example, femto nodes 1910, which are constantly located within the corresponding residential premises of the user 1930). In some embodiments, a node may be limited so that it does not provide for at least one node at least one of: signaling, data access, registration, paging, or service provision.

In some aspects, a restricted femto node (which may also be referred to as a home node B to a closed subscriber group) is one that provides a service for a limited, predetermined set of access terminals. Such a set may be temporarily or permanently expanded as necessary. In some aspects, a closed subscriber group (“CSG” (CGA)) may be defined as a set of access nodes (eg, femto nodes) that share a common access control list of access terminals. A channel in which all femto nodes work (or in all restricted femto nodes) in a region can be called a femto channel.

Various relationships may thus exist between a given femto node and a given access terminal. For example, from the perspective of an access terminal, a femto node without limited association may be called an open femto node. A femto node that is in some way restricted (for example, restricted for association and / or registration) may be called a restricted femto node. A femtocell can be called a femtocell through which an access terminal is authorized for access and operation. A femtocell can be called a femtocell, by which the access terminal is temporarily authorized for access or work. A femto node may be called a femto node where the access terminal is not authorized to access or work, except, possibly, in emergency situations (for example, 911 calls).

From the perspective of a restricted femto node, an access terminal that is authorized to access a restricted femto node can be called a home access terminal. A guest access terminal may be an access terminal that temporarily accesses a femto node with a restriction. An alien access terminal may be an access terminal that does not have permission to access a femto node with a restriction, except, possibly, in emergency situations, such as 911 calls (for example, an access terminal that does not have authority or permission to register with a femto node with restriction).

For convenience, the disclosure described herein describes various functions in the context of a femto node. However, it should be understood that the pico node may provide the same or similar functions for a larger scope. For example, a pico node may be limited, a home pico node may be defined for a given access terminal, and so on.

A multiple access wireless data system can simultaneously support data transmission for multiple wireless access terminals. As noted above, each terminal can communicate with one or more base stations by transmitting on the forward and reverse data channels. A forward data channel (or a downlink data channel) refers to a data channel from the base stations to the terminals, and a reverse data channel (or an uplink data channel) refers to a data channel from the terminals to the base stations. Such a data transmission channel can be installed through a system of "one input - one output", "multiple inputs - multiple outputs" ("MIMO" (MIMO)), or some other types of systems.

The MIMO system uses multiple (N _T ) transmit antennas and multiple (N _R ) receive antennas for data transmission. A MIMO channel formed by N _T transmit and N _R receive antennas can be decomposed into N _S independent channels, which are also called spatial channels, where N _S ≤min {N _T , N _R }. Each of the N _S independent channels corresponds to one dimension. A MIMO system can provide improved performance (for example, higher throughput and / or greater reliability) if additional dimensions formed by multiple transmit and receive antennas are used.

A MIMO system can support time division duplex (“TDD”) and frequency division duplex (“FDD”) data transmission. In a TDD system, transmission on the forward and reverse data channels is in the same frequency domain so that the reciprocity principle provides an opportunity to evaluate the forward data channel on the reverse data channel. This allows the gain point to be extracted at the access point by generating a transmission beam when multiple antennas are available at the access point.

The descriptions given in this description can be embodied in the form of a node (for example, a device) that uses various components to exchange data with at least one or more other nodes. On Fig presents several exemplary components that can be used to facilitate the exchange of data between nodes. In particular, FIG. 21 illustrates a wireless device 2110 (e.g., an access point) and a wireless device 2150 (e.g., an access terminal) of a MIMO system 2100. At device 2110, traffic data for multiple data streams is provided from a data source 2112 to a data processor (TX) 2114.

In some aspects, each data stream is transmitted through a respective transmit antenna. Transmit data processor 2114 formats, codes, and interleaves the traffic data for each data stream based on a specific coding scheme selected for that data stream to provide encoded data.

The coded data for each data stream can be multiplexed with pilot data using OFDM technologies (OFDM, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing). The pilot data typically represents a known code combination of data that is processed in a known manner and that can be used in the receiver system to estimate channel response. The multiplexed pilot and encoded data for each data stream is then modulated (i.e., symbol mapping) based on a specific modulation scheme (e.g., BPSK (DPSK, binary phase shift keying), QSPK (QPSK, quadrature phase shift keying), M-PSK (M -PSK, M-digit phase shift keying) or M-QAM (M-QAM, M-digit quadrature amplitude modulation)) selected for this data stream to provide modulation symbols. The data rate, coding and modulation for each data stream can be determined using the instructions executed by the processor 2130. The storage device 2132 data may contain program code, data and other information used by the processor 2130, or other components of the device 2110.

Modulation symbols for all data streams are then provided to a TX MIMO processor 2120, which can further process modulation symbols (e.g., for OFDM). The TX MIMO processor 2120 then provides N _T modulation symbol streams to N _T transceivers ("XCVR") 2122A-2122T. In some aspects, TX MIMO processor 2120 applies beamforming weights to the symbols of the data streams and to the antenna through which these symbols are transmitted.

Each transceiver 2122 receives and processes a corresponding symbol stream to provide one or more analog signals, and further processes (e.g., amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog signals to obtain a modulated signal suitable for transmission through the MIMO channel. The modulated signals from transceivers 2122A-2122T are then transmitted via N _T antennas 2124A-2124T, respectively.

At device 2150, the transmitted modulated signals are received using N _R antennas 2152A-2152R, and received signals from each antenna 2152 are provided to a corresponding transceiver ("XCVR") 2154A-2154R. Each transceiver 2154 processes (eg, filters, amplifies, and downconverts) the corresponding received signal, digitizes the processed signal to obtain samples, and further processes these samples to obtain a corresponding “received” symbol stream.

A receive (RX) data processor 2160 then receives and processes the N _R received symbol streams from transceivers 2154 based on a specific receiver processing technology to obtain NR “detected” symbol streams. The RX data processor 2160 then demodulates, deinterleaves, and decodes each detected symbol stream to recover traffic data for the data stream. The processing performed by the RX data processor 2160 is complementary to the processing performed by the TX MIMO processor 2120 and the TX data processor 2114 in the device 2110.

The processor 2170 periodically determines which precoding matrix should be used (described below). The processor 2170 formulates a message transmitted over the reverse data channel containing a portion of the matrix index and a portion of the rank value. A data storage device 2172 may store program code, data, and other information used by the processor 2170 or other components of the device 2150.

A message transmitted on the reverse data channel may contain various types of information related to the data channel and / or the received data stream. The message transmitted on the reverse data channel is then processed using a TX data processor 2138, which also receives traffic data for multiple data streams from a data source 2136, modulated by modulator 2180, processed by transceivers 2154A-2154R, and transmitted back to device 2110 .

At device 2110, modulated signals from device 2150 are received using antennas 2124, processed using transceivers 2122, demodulated using a demodulator ("DEMOD") 2140, and processed using receive data processor 2142 to extract a reverse data channel message transmitted by device 2150 The processor 2130 then determines which precoding matrix should be used to determine the beamforming weights and then processes the highlighted message.

FIG. 21 also illustrates that data transmission components may include one or more components that perform mutual interference control operations, as described herein. For example, a mutual interference control (“INTER”) component 2190 may interact with a processor 2130 and / or other components of a device 2110 to transmit / receive signals to / from another device (eg, device 2150), as described herein. Similarly, the interference control component 2192 may interact with the processor 2170 and / or other components of the device 2150 to transmit / receive signals to / from another device (e.g., device 2110). It should be understood that for each device 2110 and 2150 the functions of two or more of the above components may be provided in one component. For example, one processing component may provide the function of a mutual interference control component 2190 and a processor 2130, and one processing component may provide a function of a mutual interference control component 2192 and a processor 2170.

The above description may be embodied in various types of data communication systems and / or system components. In some aspects, the above description can be used in a multiple access system configured to support data transfer by multiple users by sharing available system resources (for example, by specifying one or more of bandwidth, transmit power, encoding, interleaving, and so on) . For example, the description given here can be applied to any one or combination of the following technologies: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) (CDMA), Multi-Carrier CDMA (MCCDMA (CDMA)), Broadband CDMA (" W-CDMA "(ШМДКР)), high-speed packet access (" HSPA "," HSPA + "(HSPA)), time division multiple access systems (" TDMA "(TDMA)), frequency division multiple access systems (" FDMA "(FDMA)), single-carrier FDMA systems (" SC-FDMA "(FDMA-OH)), multiple access systems with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (“OFDMA”), or to other of a plurality of multiple access technologies. A wireless data communication system that uses the description herein can be designed to implement one or more of such standards as IS-95, cdma2000, IS-856, W-CDMA, TDSCDMA (time division multiplexed CDMA) and other standards. A CDMA network may implement a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access ("UTRA" (URDR)), cdma2000, or some other technology. UTRA includes W-CDMA and low chip rate ("LCR"). Cdma2000 technology covers IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. A TDMA network may implement such a radio technology as the Global System for Mobile Communications ("GSM" (GSM)). An OFDMA network may implement such radio technology as deployed UTRA ("E-UTRA" (R-URDR)), IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, flash OFDM®, etc. UTRA, E-UTRA and GSM are part of the universal mobile data transmission system ("UMTS" (UMTS)). The descriptions given here can be embodied in the Long Term Evolution (“LTE”) system of 3GPP, in the Ultra Mobile Broadband System (“UMB” (UMB)), and in other types of systems. LTE is the UMTS release that uses E-UTRA. Although certain aspects of the invention can be described using 3GPP terminology, it should be understood that the descriptions given here can be applied in 3GPP technology (Re199, Re15, Re16, Re17), as well as in 3GPP2 technology (1xRTT, 1xEV-DO Re10, RevA , RevB) and other technologies.

The descriptions provided herein may be incorporated (e.g., embodied in or implemented by) into various devices (e.g., nodes). In some aspects, a node (eg, a wireless node) embodied with the descriptions provided herein may comprise an access point or access terminal.

For example, an access terminal may comprise, may be embodied as, or may be known as a user equipment, a subscriber station, a subscriber module, a mobile station, a mobile device, a mobile node, a remote station, a remote terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, a user device, or may be called using some other terminology. In some embodiments, the access terminal may comprise a cell phone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”) telephone, a wireless local area station (“WLL”), a personal digital assistant (“PDA” ( PDA)), a portable device with wireless data transfer capabilities, or some other appropriate processing device connected to a wireless modem. Accordingly, one or more of the aspects described herein may be embedded in a telephone (e.g., a cell phone or smartphone), a computer (e.g., a laptop), a portable data device, a portable computing device (e.g., a personal digital assistant), an entertainment device (e.g., a music device, video device, or satellite radio), a global navigation system device, or any other suitable device that is configured to exchange on data through a wireless environment.

An access point may comprise, may be embodied as, or may be known as a Node B, an eNodeB, a radio network controller ("RNC" (RNC)), a base station ("BS" (BS)), a radio base station ("RBS" (BRS) )), base station controller ("BSC" (BSC)), base station of the transceiver ("BTS" (BSP)), transceiver function ("TF" (FP)), radio transceiver, radio router, set of basic services ("BSS" ( NBU)), an extended service suite ("ESS" (NRU)), or may be named using some other similar terminology.

In some aspects, a node (eg, an access point) may comprise an access node for a data communication system. Such an access node may provide, for example, connectivity to or with a network (for example, a global computer network such as the Internet or a cellular communication network) via a wired or wireless data channel to the network. Accordingly, the access node may provide for another node (eg, access terminal) access to the network or to some other functions. In addition, it should be understood that one or both of the nodes can be portable or, in some cases, relatively non-portable.

In addition, it should be understood that the wireless node can be configured to transmit and / or receive information without the use of wireless technology (for example, via cable connection). Thus, the receiver and transmitter, as described herein, may include appropriate data interface components (e.g., electrical or optical interface components) for exchanging data with a non-wireless transmission medium.

A wireless node may exchange data through one or more wireless data channels that are based on, or in any other way based on, a suitable wireless data technology. For example, in some aspects, a wireless node may be associated with a network. In some aspects, the network may comprise a local area network or a wide area network. A wireless device may support or otherwise use one or more of many different wireless data technologies, protocols, or standards, such as those described herein (e.g., CDMA, TDMA, OFDM, OFDMA, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, and etc). Similarly, a wireless node may support or otherwise use one or more of a plurality of appropriate modulation or multiplexing schemes. A wireless node may thus include appropriate components (eg, radio channel interfaces) for establishing and transmitting data through one or more wireless data channels using the above or other wireless data transmission technologies. For example, a wireless node may comprise a wireless transceiver with corresponding transmitter and receiver components, which may include various components (e.g., signal generators and signal processors) that facilitate data transmission through a wireless medium.

The components described herein may be embodied in various ways. As shown in FIGS. 22-30, devices 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, and 3000 are represented as a sequence of interconnected function blocks. In some aspects, the functions of these units may be embodied as a data processing system including one or more processor components. In some aspects, the functions of these units may be implemented using, for example, at least a portion of one or more integrated circuits (e.g., ASIC (SIMS, Specialized Integrated Circuit)). As described herein, an integrated circuit may include a processor, software, other appropriate components, or some combination thereof. The functions of these blocks can also be implemented in some other way, as described here. In some aspects, one or more of the blocks represented by broken lines in FIGS. 22-23 are optional.

Devices 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, and 3000 may include one or more modules that can perform one or more of the functions described above with reference to various drawings. In some aspects, one or more components of the mutual interference controller 320 or the mutual interference controller 322 may provide a function relating, for example, to a HARQ interleaver 2202, a profile specification means 2302, a phase offset means 2402, an identification means 2502, a spectral mask means 2602, means 2702, extension code, processing means 2802, transmit power means 2902, or attenuation coefficient means 3004. In some aspects, the data controller 326 or the data controller 328 may provide a function related to, for example, means 2204, 2304, 2404, 2504, 2604, 2704, or 2904. In some aspects, the time management controller 332 or the time management controller 334 can provide functions related, for example, to the means 2206, 2506 or 2706 control time characteristics. In some aspects, the data controller 330 may provide a function relating, for example, to the reception means 2802. In some aspects, signal processor 366 may provide a function related, for example, to processing means 2804. In some aspects, transceiver 302 or transceiver 304 may provide a function related, for example, to signal determining means 3002.

It should be understood that any references to an element presented in this description, using such a designation as "first", "second", etc., in general, do not limit the number or order of these elements. Rather, these designations may be used throughout this specification as a convenient way of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, reference to the first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be used here or that the first element must precede the second element in a certain way. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, a set of elements may contain one or more elements.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques, for example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols and chips that can be reference is made in the above description, can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that any of the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, tools, circuits, and algorithm steps described with reference to the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied as electrical and hardware (for example, using a digital embodiment, an analog embodiment, or combinations of the two approaches that can be developed using source coding or some other technology), various forms of software or and instructions containing development code (which may be referred to in this description, for convenience, “software” or “software module”), or using combinations of these two approaches. To clearly illustrate such a possibility of mutual replacement of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above, in general, with a presentation of their functions. Whether such functions are implemented, such as hardware or software, depends on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the entire system. Specialists in the art can implement the described functions in various ways for each particular application, but such solutions in a particular embodiment should not be interpreted as a departure from the scope of the present invention.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described with reference to the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied within or implemented by an integrated circuit (“IC”), access terminal, or access point. An IC may comprise a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP (DSP)), a corresponding application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (FPGA) or another programmable logic device, a discrete logic element or transistor logic, discrete hardware components , electrical components, optical components, mechanical components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described in this description, and may execute codes or instructions that s are inside the chip outside the chips or using both approaches. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be embodied as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

It should be understood that any particular order or hierarchy of steps in any open process is one of the approximate approaches. Based on the design preferences, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes can be changed, while remaining within the scope of the present invention. The appended claims relating to the method represent elements of the various steps in a specific order, and are not meant to be limited to any particular order or hierarchy presented.

The described functions may be embodied in the form of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented as software, the functions may be stored in or transmitted through a computer-readable storage medium as one or more instructions or codes. Computer-readable storage media include both computer storage media and data transmission media including any medium that facilitates transferring a computer program from one place to another. Storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include RAM (RAM, random access memory), ROM (ROM, read-only memory), EEPROM (EEPROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), CD-ROM or other optical disk drives, magnetic disk drives or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to move or save the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and access to which can be carried out using a computer. In addition, any connection is correctly called a computer readable storage medium. For example, if the software is transferred from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then this coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave communications will be included in the definition of storage media. The terms disk and disc as used herein include a compact disc (CD), a laser disc, an optical disc, a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, and a blu-ray disc, while disk is typically reproduces data magnetically; disc reproduces data optically with a laser. Combinations of the above means should also be included within the scope of computer readable storage media. In general, it should be understood that a computer-readable storage medium may be embodied in any suitable computer program product.

The above description of the disclosed aspects of the invention is intended to provide any person skilled in the art with the ability to use the present invention. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied in other aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, it is not intended that the present invention be limited by the aspects presented herein, but should correspond to the broadest possible scope consistent with the principles and new features disclosed herein.

Claims (85)

1. A method for transmitting data, comprising the steps of:
identify the first section of the time interval of the downlink data channel that will be used by the access point for transmission, and the second section of the time interval of the downstream channel that will not be used by the access point for transmission, to reduce mutual interference on the downstream data channel, while the identification of the first and the second section contains the identification of at least one subset of the many subsets of the time interval of the downlink data channel in this way the use of at least one of the subsets is associated with a lower level of interference in the downlink data channel, than when using at least one other one of the subsets timeslot downlink data channel; and
transmit the indicator of the first and / or second section to the access point. 2. The method according to claim 1, in which the indicator contains instructions to apply selective transmission by puncturing the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising transmitting an indicator or other indicator to another access point, transmitting instructions to another access point that the transmission should not be performed during the first portion of the time interval of the downlink data channel. 4. The method according to claim 1, in which the identification of the first and second sections is based on at least one of the group consisting of: the number of deployed access points, traffic on the downlink data channel associated with the access point, and traffic on the downlink a data channel associated with at least one other access point. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining a time offset used by another access point; and
transmitting an indicator representing the offset of the time parameters to the access point for synchronizing the timing of the access point and another access point. 6. A device for transmitting data, comprising:
a mutual interference controller configured to identify a first portion of a time interval of a downlink data channel to be used by an access point for transmission, and a second portion of a time interval of a downstream data channel that will not be used by an access point for transmission to reduce mutual interference in a downlink a data transmission channel, wherein the identification of the first and second sections comprises the identification of at least one subset of the plurality of subsets belt interval downlink data channel so that the use of at least one subset is associated with a lower level of interference on the downlink data transmission than the use of at least one other one of the subsets timeslot downlink data channel; and
a data transfer controller, configured to transmit, by means of a transceiver, an indicator of the first and / or second sections to the access point. 7. The device according to claim 6, in which the indicator contains instructions to apply selective transmission by puncturing the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission. 8. The device according to claim 6, in which the data transfer controller is also configured to transmit a metric or other metric to another access point, for transmitting instructions to another access point that the transmission should not be performed during the first portion of the downlink channel time interval data transmission. 9. The device according to claim 6, in which the identification of the first and second sections is based on at least one of the group consisting of: the number of deployed access points, downlink traffic associated with the access point, and downlink traffic data associated with at least one other access point. 10. The device according to claim 6, in which:
the mutual interference controller is also configured to determine the offset of the time parameters used by another access point; and
transmit a time offset indicator to the second access point to synchronize the time characteristics at the access point and at another access point. 11. A device for transmitting data, comprising:
means for identifying the first portion of the time interval of the downlink data channel that will be used by the access point for transmission, and the second portion of the time interval of the downstream data channel that will not be used by the access point for transmission, to reduce mutual interference in the downstream data channel, when this identification of the first and second sections contains the identification of at least one subset of the many subsets of the time interval of the downward channel delivering data in such a way that using at least one subset is associated with lower downlink interference than using at least one other one of the subsets of the downlink channel time slot; and
means for transmitting the metric of the first and / or second sections to the access point. 12. The device according to claim 11, in which the indicator contains instructions to apply selective transmission by puncturing the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission. 13. The device according to claim 11, further comprising transmitting said indicator or other indicator to another access point for transmitting instructions to another access point that the transmission should not be performed during the first portion of the time interval of the downlink data channel. 14. The device according to claim 11, in which the identification of the first and second sections is based on at least one of the group consisting of: the number of deployed access points, traffic downlink data channel associated with the access point, and traffic downlink transmitting data associated with at least one other access point. 15. The device according to claim 11, also containing a determination of the offset time parameters used by another access point; and
transmitting a time offset indicator to an access point to synchronize the time parameters of the access point and another access point. 16. A computer-readable storage medium containing codes enabling the computer to do the following: identify the first section of the time interval on the downstream data channel that will be used by the access point for transmission, and the second section of the time interval of the downward data channel that will not be used by the access point for transmission, in order to reduce mutual interference in the downstream transmission channel, while the identification of the first and second sections contains the identifier a quotation of at least one subset of the plurality of subsets of the time slot in the downlink data channel such that using at least one subset is associated with a lower level of mutual interference in the downlink data channel than when using at least , one other of one of the subsets of the time interval of the downlink data channel; and transmit the indicator of the first and / or second sections to the access point. 17. The computer readable storage medium according to clause 16, in which the indicator contains instructions to apply selective transmission by puncturing the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission. 18. A method for wireless data transmission, comprising the steps of:
identify the first section of the time interval of the downlink data channel that will be used by the access point for transmission, and the second section of the time interval of the downward data channel that will not be used by the access point for transmission, in order to reduce the level of mutual interference on the downstream data channel wherein the identification of the first and second sections comprises the identification of at least one subset of the plurality of subsets of the downlink channel time interval la data so that the use of at least one subset is associated with a lower level of interference on the downlink data transmission than when using at least one other one of the subsets timeslot downlink data channel; and
transmit in the first section of the time interval of the downlink data channel and refrain from transmitting in the second section of the time interval in the downlink data channel. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein transmitting and refraining from transmitting comprises using selective transmission by puncturing a second part of a time interval of a downlink data channel during transmission. 20. The method according to p, in which the identification of the first and second sections includes performing data exchange with a neighboring access point to select a portion of a time interval for transmission, which differs from a portion of a time interval used by a neighboring access point for transmission. 21. The method according to p, in which the identification of the first and second sections includes receiving an indicator of the first and / or second section from a network node. 22. The method according to p, in which the access point is limited so that it does not provide for at least one node, at least one of the group consisting of: signaling, data access, registration and maintenance. 23. A device for transmitting data, comprising:
a mutual interference controller configured to identify a first portion of a downlink time slot to be used by an access point for transmission and a second portion of a downlink time slot of a data channel that will not be used by an access point for transmission to reduce mutual interference in a downlink data, the identification of the first and second sections contains the identification of at least one subset of the many subsets of the time interval a downlink data channel so that the use of at least one subset is associated with lower mutual interference in the downlink data channel than when using at least another one of the subsets of the time interval of the downlink data channel; and
a data controller configured to transmit in a first portion of a time interval of a downlink data channel and to abstain from transmitting in a second portion of a time slot of a downlink transmission channel. 24. The device according to item 23, in which the data transfer controller applies selective transmission by puncturing the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission. 25. The device according to item 23, in which the identification of the first and second sections contains data exchange with a neighboring access point to select a portion of a time interval for transmission, which differs from a portion of a time interval used by a neighboring access point for transmission. 26. The device according to item 23, in which the identification of the first and second sections includes receiving an indicator of the first and / or second sections from a network node. 27. The device according to item 23, in which the access point is limited so that it does not provide for at least one node, at least one of the group consisting of: signaling, data access, registration and services . 28. A device for transmitting data, comprising:
means for identifying the first portion of the time interval of the downlink data channel that will be used by the access point for transmission, and the second portion of the time interval of the downstream data channel that will not be used by the access point for transmission, to reduce mutual interference in the downstream data channel, when this identification of the first and second sections contains the identification of at least one subset of the many subsets of the time interval of the downward channel delivering data in such a way that the use of at least one subset is associated with lower mutual interference on the downlink data channel than when using at least one other one of the subsets of the time interval of the downlink data channel; and
means for transmitting in the first section of the time interval of the downlink data channel and refraining from transmitting in the second section of the time interval of the downlink data channel. 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the means for transmitting and refraining from transmitting uses selective transmission by puncturing the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission. 30. The device according to p, in which the identification of the first and second sections contains data exchange with a neighboring access point to select a portion of a time interval for transmission, which differs from a portion of a time interval used by a neighboring access point for transmission. 31. The device according to p. 28, in which the identification of the first and second sections includes receiving an indicator of the first and / or second section from a network node. 32. The device according to p. 28, in which the access point is limited so that it does not provide for at least one node, at least one of the group consisting of: signaling, data access, registration and services . 33. A computer-readable medium containing codes enabling a computer to perform: identification of a first portion of a time interval of a downlink data channel to be used by an access point for transmission, and a second portion of a time interval of a downstream data channel that will not be used by an access point for transmission , to reduce mutual interference in the downstream data channel, while the identification of the first and second sections contains an identification of at least at least one subset of the many subsets of the time interval of the downlink data channel so that the use of at least one of the subsets is associated with less mutual interference in the downstream data channel than when using at least one other one of the subsets the time interval of the downlink data channel; and
transmission in the first section of the time interval of the downlink channel and abstention from transmission in the second section of the time interval of the downlink data channel. 34. The computer-readable medium according to claim 33, wherein transmitting and refraining from transmitting uses selective transmission by puncturing the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission. 35. A method for transmitting data, comprising the steps of:
identify the first portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will be used by the access point for reception, and the second portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will not be used by the access point for reception, to reduce mutual interference in the uplink data channel, while the identification the first and second sections contains the identification of at least one subset of the many subsets of the time interval of the uplink data channel m such that the use of at least one subset is associated with a lower level of mutual interference in the upstream data channel than when using at least one other one of the subsets of the time slot in the uplink data channel; and
transmit indicators of the first and / or second sections to the access point. 36. The method according to clause 35, in which the indicator instructs the access point to expect puncturing of the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission from the access terminal. 37. The method according to clause 35, also containing a stage on which to receive information related to mutual interference in the uplink data channel, in which the identification of the first and second sections based on the information. 38. The method according to clause 35, in which the identification of the first and second sections is based on at least one of the group consisting of: the number of deployed access points, traffic in the uplink data channel associated with the access point, and traffic in uplink a data channel associated with at least one other access point. 39. The method of claim 35, further comprising transmitting the metric or other metric to another access point to instruct the other access point that reception should not be made during the second portion of the time slot of the uplink data channel. 40. A device for transmitting data, comprising:
a mutual interference controller configured to identify a first portion of a time slot of an uplink data channel to be used by an access point for reception and a second portion of a time slot of an uplink data channel that will not be used by an access point for reception to reduce mutual interference in an uplink a data transmission channel, wherein the identification of the first and second sections comprises the identification of at least one subset of the plurality of subsets of times interval of the uplink data channel so that the use of at least one subset is associated with a lower level of mutual interference in the uplink data channel than when using at least one other one of the subsets of the time interval in the uplink data channel ; and
a data transfer controller, configured to transmit, by means of a transceiver, indicators of the first and / or second portion to the access point. 41. The device according to p, in which the indicator instructs the access point to expect puncturing of the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission from the access terminal. 42. The device according to p. 40, and the data transfer controller is also configured to receive information related to mutual interference, on the uplink data channel, in which the identification of the first and second sections is based on information. 43. The device according to p, in which the identification of the first and second sections is based on at least one of the group consisting of: the number of deployed access points, traffic in the uplink data channel associated with the access point, and traffic in uplink a data channel associated with at least one other access point. 44. The device according to p. 40, and the data transfer controller is also configured to transmit a metric or other metric to another access point to instruct the other access point not to receive during the second portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel. 45. A device for transmitting data, comprising:
means for identifying a first portion of a time slot of an uplink data channel to be used by an access point for reception and a second portion of a time slot of an uplink data channel that will not be used by an access point for reception to reduce mutual interference in an uplink data channel , wherein the identification of the first and second sections contains the identification of at least one subset of the many subsets of the time interval in ascending I eat data channel so that the use of at least one subset was associated with lower levels of interference in the uplink data channel than the use of at least one other of said subsets timeslot uplink data channel; and
means for transmitting indicators of the first and / or second section to the access point. 46. The device according to item 45, in which the indicator instructs the access point to expect puncturing of the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission from the access terminal. 47. The device according to item 45, in which the data transfer controller is also configured to receive information related to mutual interference in the uplink data channel, in which the identification of the first and second sections is based on information. 48. The device according to item 45, in which the identification of the first and second sections is based on at least one of the group consisting of: the number of deployed access points, traffic in the uplink data channel associated with the access point, and traffic in uplink a data channel associated with at least one other access point. 49. The device according to item 45, also containing the transmission of the aforementioned indicator or other indicator to another access point for transmitting instructions to another access point that you should not receive during the second section of the time interval of the uplink data channel. 50. A computer-readable storage medium containing codes enabling the computer to identify the first portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will be used by the access point for reception, and the second portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will not be used by the access point for reception, to reduce mutual interference in the uplink data channel, the identification of the first and second sections contains the identification of at least , one subset of the many subsets of the time interval of the uplink data channel so that the use of at least one subset is associated with a lower level of mutual interference in the uplink data channel than when using at least one other one of the subsets the time interval of the uplink data channel; and
transmit indicators of the first and / or second section to the access point. 51. A computer readable medium according to claim 50, wherein the indicator instructs the access point to expect puncturing of the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission from the access terminal. 52. A method for wireless data transmission, comprising the steps of:
identify the first portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will be used by the access point for reception, and the second portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will not be used by the access point for reception, to reduce mutual interference in the uplink data channel, while the identification the first and second sections contains the identification of at least one subset of the many subsets of the time interval of the uplink data channel such so that the use of at least one subset is associated with a lower level of mutual interference in the uplink data channel than when using at least one other one of the subsets; and
receive in the first section of the time interval of the uplink data channel and refrain from receiving in the second section of the time interval of the uplink data channel. 53. The method according to paragraph 52, in which the reception and abstinence from reception is based on the expected gouging of the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission from the access terminal. 54. The method according to item 53, in which the identification of the first and second sections also includes determining when the access terminal associated with the access point performs transmission during the other one of the segments. 55. The method according to paragraph 52, in which the identification of the first and second sections includes performing data exchange with a neighboring access point to select a portion of a time interval for reception, which differs from a portion of a time interval used by a neighboring access point for reception. 56. The method according to paragraph 52, in which the identification of the first and second sections includes receiving an indicator of the first and / or second section from a network node or from an access terminal that is associated with an access point. 57. A device for transmitting data, comprising:
a mutual interference controller configured to identify a first portion of a time slot of an uplink data channel to be used by an access point for reception and a second portion of a time slot of an uplink data channel that will not be used by an access point for reception to reduce mutual interference in an uplink a data transmission channel, wherein the identification of the first and second sections comprises the identification of at least one subset of the plurality of subsets of times th interval uplink data channel so that the use of at least one subset is associated with a lower level of interference in the uplink data channel than the use of at least one other one of the subsets; and
a data transmission controller configured to receive, through the transceiver, in the first section of a time slot of the uplink data channel and which refrains from receiving in the second section of a time slot of the uplink data channel. 58. The device according to clause 57, in which the reception and abstinence from reception is based on the expected gouging of the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission from the access terminal. 59. The device according to § 58, in which the identification of the first and second sections also includes determining when the access terminal associated with the access point transmits during the other one of the segments. 60. The device according to clause 57, in which the identification of the first and second sections includes performing data exchange with a neighboring access point to select a portion of the time interval for reception, which differs from the portion of the time interval used by the neighboring access point for reception. 61. The device according to clause 57, in which the identification of the first and second sections includes receiving indicators of the first and / or second section from a network node or from an access terminal that is associated with an access point. 62. A device for transmitting data, comprising:
means for identifying the first portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will be used by the access point for reception, and the second portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will not be used by the access point for reception, to reduce mutual interference in the uplink data channel, when this identification of the first and second sections contains the identification of at least one subset of the many subsets of the time interval of the upstream transmission channel and data so that the use of at least one subset is associated with a lower level of mutual interference of the upstream data channel than when using at least one other of the subsets; and
means for receiving in the first section of the time interval of the uplink data channel and refraining from receiving in the second section of the time interval of the uplink data channel. 63. The device according to item 62, in which the reception and abstinence from reception is based on the expected gouging of the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission from the access terminal. 64. The device according to item 63, in which the identification of the first and second sections also includes determining when the access terminal associated with the access point transmits during the other one of the subsets. 65. The device according to item 62, in which the identification of the first and second sections includes performing data exchange with a neighboring access point to select a portion of the time interval for reception, which differs from the portion of the time interval used by the neighboring access point for reception. 66. The device according to item 62, in which the identification of the first and second sections includes receiving indicators of the first and / or second section from a network node or from an access terminal that is associated with an access point. 67. A computer-readable storage medium containing codes enabling the computer to execute:
identifying the first portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will be used by the access point for reception, and the second portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will not be used by the access point for reception, to reduce the level of mutual interference in the uplink data channel, the identification of the first and second sections comprises the identification of at least one subset of the plurality of subsets of the time interval of the uplink data channel so that the use of at least one subset is associated with a lower level of mutual interference in the uplink data channel than when using at least one other one of the subsets; and
perform reception in the first section of the time interval of the uplink data channel and abstain from receiving in the second section of the time interval of the uplink data channel. 68. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 67, wherein the reception and abstinence from reception is based on the expected puncturing of the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission from the access terminal. 69. A method for wireless data transmission, comprising the steps of:
identify the first portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will be used by the access terminal for transmission, and the second portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will not be used by the access terminal for transmission to reduce mutual interference in the uplink data channel in which the identification of the first and the second sections contains the identification of at least one subset of the many subsets of the time interval of the upstream transmission channel data so that the use of at least one subset are associated with a lower level of interference in the uplink data channel, than when using at least one other one of the subsets; and
transmit in the first section of the time interval of the uplink data channel and refrain from transmitting in the second section of the time interval of the uplink data channel. 70. The method according to p, in which the transmission and abstinence from the transmission includes the use of selective transmission for puncturing the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission. 71. The method according to p, in which:
the access terminal receives power control commands that control the transmit power of the access terminal based on the level of mutual interference in the uplink data channel; and
the identification of the first and second sections comprises determining transmission power levels that are used when the access terminal transmits during various subsets of the time interval of the uplink data channel. 72. The method according to p, in which the identification of the first and second sections also includes the identification of at least one subset of the subsets, which is associated with a lower transmit power than at least one other one of the subsets. 73. The method according to p, in which the identification of the first and second sections includes receiving indicators of the first and / or second section from the access point that is associated with the access terminal. 74. A device for transmitting data, comprising:
a mutual interference controller configured to identify a first portion of a time slot of an uplink data channel to be used by an access terminal for transmission, and a second portion of a time slot of an uplink data channel that will not be used by an access terminal for transmission to reduce mutual interference in an uplink a data transmission channel, wherein the identification of the first and second sections comprises the identification of at least one subset of the plurality of burs of the time interval of the uplink data channel so that the use of at least one subset is associated with a lower level of mutual interference in the uplink data channel than when using at least one other one of the subsets; and
a data transfer controller configured to transmit via the transceiver in the first section of the time interval of the uplink data channel and to abstain from transmitting in the second section of the time interval of the uplink data channel. 75. The device according to item 74, in which the data transfer controller uses selective transmission for puncturing the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission. 76. The device according to item 74, in which:
the access terminal receives power control commands that control the transmit power of the access terminal based on the level of mutual interference in the uplink data channel; and
the identification of the first and second sections contains the determination of the transmission power levels that are used when the access terminal transmits during different subsets of the time interval in the uplink data channel. 77. The device according to p, in which the identification of the first and second sections also contains the identification of at least one subset of the subsets that are associated with lower transmit power than at least one other one of the subsets. 78. The device according to claim 74, wherein the identification of the first and second sections comprises receiving indicators of the first and / or second sections from an access point that is associated with an access terminal. 79. A device for transmitting data, comprising:
means for identifying a first portion of a time slot of an uplink data channel that will be used by the access terminal for transmission, and a second portion of a time slot in an uplink data channel that will not be used by the access terminal for transmission, to reduce mutual interference in the uplink data channel, wherein the identification of the first and second sections comprises the identification of at least one subset of the plurality of subsets of a time interval ascending to data transmission analisis such that the use of at least one subset is associated with a lower level of mutual interference in the upstream data channel than the use of at least one other one of the subsets; and
means for transmitting in the first section of the time interval of the uplink data channel and refraining from transmitting in the second section of the time interval of the uplink data channel. 80. The device according to p, in which the means for transmitting and refraining from transmitting uses selective transmission for puncturing the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission. 81. The device according to p. 80, in which:
the access terminal receives power control commands that adjust the transmit power of the access terminal based on the level of mutual interference in the uplink data channel; and
the identification of the first and second sections contains the determination of the transmission power levels that are used when the access terminal transmits during different subsets of the time interval in the uplink data channel. 82. The device according to p, in which the identification of the first and second sections also contains the identification of at least one subset of the subsets, which is associated with lower transmit power than at least one other of the subsets. 83. The device according to p, in which the identification of the first and second sections includes receiving indicators of the first and / or second section from the access point that is associated with the access terminal. 84. A computer-readable storage medium containing codes enabling the computer to execute:
identifying the first portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will be used by the access terminal for transmission, and the second portion of the time interval of the uplink data channel that will not be used by the access terminal for transmission, to reduce mutual interference in the uplink data channel, wherein the first and second sections contains the identification of at least one subset of the many subsets of the time interval of the upstream transmission channel and data so that the use of at least one subset is associated with a lower level of mutual interference in the uplink data channel than when using at least one other one of the subsets; and
transmitting in the first section of the time interval of the uplink data channel and refraining from transmitting in the second section of the time interval of the uplink data channel. 85. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 84, wherein transmitting and refraining from transmitting uses selective transmission to puncture the second part of the time interval of the downlink data channel during transmission.

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