Abstract: A method and apparatus for smoothing bit rate transitions in a bursty input data stream. The method includes the steps of receiving the input data stream in a buffer, periodically measuring the occupancy level of the buffer and withdrawing the contents of the buffer at an output rate. In a simple embodiment of the invention, the output rate is increased if the buffer occupancy level is above a threshold occupancy level and decreased if the buffer occupancy level is below a second threshold intensity, where both threshold occupancy levels are dependent on the current output rate. The output rate is made dependent on the buffer occupancy level, which allows the output data stream to have smoother data rate transitions than does the input data stream. As a result, there is little degradation of service quality to other users of the system upon establishing the bursty connection and problems related to convergence of power levels across the entire system are practically eliminated.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-readable storage medium for use in a communications system wherein the transmit power of a wireless link is adjusted so that link performance meets a target level. The method consists of dynamically adjusting the target level as a function of the traffic characteristics of the link. It may be executed at a base station or mobile unit. To perform the method, the apparatus or storage medium (a) computes a threshold instantaneous performance parameter as a first function of a measured instantaneous performance parameter, a measured instantaneous bit rate and at least one target error performance parameter; and (b) generates a power control command based upon a second function of the measured instantaneous performance parameter and the threshold instantaneous performance parameter. This provides a smoothing effect of the interference induced to other users and may result in increased cell capacity.