Abstract: In a cellular system, channels are assigned for new calls using a flexible channel allocation algorithm that is a hybrid of a measurement-based dynamic channel assignment (MBDCA) algorithm and a reuse-distance criterion algorithm, such as a cost-function-based DCA (CFBDCA). In one embodiment, the MBDCA algorithm is implemented at each cell site in the cellular system and generates a list of candidate channels for each new call. The list is transmitted to the mobile switching center (MSC), which implements the CFBDCA algorithm to select a particular channel from the list of candidate channels for the new call.

Abstract: Operations in a cellular system are controlled based on cost values that are generated using neighbor association. In neighbor association, each cost value corresponds to a cost of assigning a candidate channel to a first cell in the cellular system, assuming that the candidate channel is already assigned to a second cell in the cellular system and each cost value is based on an average power attenuation for all of the cells in the cellular system that share the same tier as the second cell with respect to the first cell, wherein the average power attenuation is based on the reuse distances between the first cell and the cells in the same tier. In one embodiment, the cost values are used in a cost-function-based dynamic channel assignment (DCA) algorithm that is, but does not have to be, applied to a list of candidate channels generated using a measurement-based DCA algorithm.

Abstract: In a cellular system, a new cell measures signal strengths of different channels being used by existing cells. The new cell generates a list of candidate channels corresponding to the channels with the greatest signal strength and transmits the list to the mobile switching center (MSC) of the cellular system. The MSC determines which of the candidate channels correspond to beacons in existing cells and transmits configuration information to the new cell for those corresponding existing cells. In this way, the new cell automatically receives configuration information on its neighbor cells. If the MSC determines that the number of candidate channels that are beacons is too small, the MSC will ask the new cell to transmit additional candidate channels (i.e., those having even lower signal strength).

Abstract: In a cellular system, channels are assigned for new calls using a cost-function-based dynamic channel assignment (CFBDCA) algorithm. In one embodiment, the CFBDCA algorithm is implemented in the cellular system's mobile switching center (MSC), which maintains a database containing one or more cost tables and a busy channel table. The entries in the cost tables reflect the costs of using a candidate channel in one particular cell of the cellular system, assuming that the channel is already being used in another particular cell. The entries in the busy channel table identify which channels are currently being used in which cells. The CFBDCA algorithm uses the cost tables and the busy channel table to generate cost of reusing the channel (CORC) values. Depending on the implementation, the CFBDCA algorithm of the present invention may or may not be used in conjunction with a measurement-based DCA (MBDCA) algorithm.