Abstract: A multiple mode data communication system and method provides the flexibility to schedule wireless unit transmissions and/or allow the wireless unit to transmit autonomously. In certain embodiments, the wireless units can transmit autonomously and/or use scheduling depending on the data rate, the length of the data packet or the type of data. For example, the wireless units can transmit autonomously at lower data rates and use scheduling at higher data rates. Thus, the multiple mode system enables wireless unit transmissions to be scheduled and/or be transmit autonomously, and wireless units can simultaneously operate in different scheduling and/or autonomous modes.

Abstract: A method for reliably transmitting signaling information is provided. One type of signaling information is transmitted over a primary control channel. The signaling information that is to be transmitted over the primary control channel is defined as a set of particular information. Other signaling information are conveyed over a secondary control channel. Prior to transmission, the information to be conveyed over the secondary channel is scrambled in accordance with a particular scrambling procedure that indicates the information that is to be sent over the primary control channel. The scrambling is thus used to encode the information content of the primary control channel into the information of the secondary control channel thereby further protecting the integrity of the information being conveyed over both control channels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of data rate adaptation based on channel conditions. In the present invention, data is initially transmitted at a first data rate based on a measured first channel condition and, if a NACK is received, the data is retransmitted. The data retransmitted is at a rate which is based on the condition of the channel during or before the transmission of the NACK. The data retransmission rate can also be based on the actual channel condition at the time of the first transmission plus the condition of the channel before or during the transmission of the NACK.

Abstract: Data rate determination is provided in a system where the available power fraction and available Walsh codes in each active leg are dynamically changing over time. This method adapts the rate (modulation and coding) based on the combined resource (power & code space) levels seen at each cell. The method results in maximization of the rate supportable by each cell given their resource constrained situation while meeting the constraints of target packet or frame error rate and orthogonality. Furthermore, improved fast cell selection by the mobile results due to this approach that is based on knowledge of combined resource (power & code space) levels across the cells in the active set.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus of data transmission having increased reliability in control information transmission without increased overhead and frame transmission delays. This method and apparatus of data transmission involves transmitting a data packet over a plurality of time slots of a data channel and associated control information over a plurality of time slots of a parallel control channel, wherein the control information in each time slot indicates to a receiver a manner of decoding the data packet or a portion of the data packet which was transmitted in a corresponding time slot of the data channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of sub-packet adaptation based on data rate. Specifically, the size of a sub-packet is adapted to a data rate at which the sub-packet is to be transmitted. In one embodiment, the sub-packet is size adapted to the data rate in a format that would allow such size adapted sub-packet to be soft combined with another sub-packet of a same or different size. The size adapted sub-packet may be transmitted prior to or after the other sub-packet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of data rate adaptation based on channel conditions. Data is initially transmitted at a first data rate based on a measured first channel condition and subsequently re-transmitted at a second data rate based on a measured second channel condition, wherein the first channel condition is measured prior in time to the second channel condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ARQ technique that efficiently utilizes channel resources while allowing for scheduling flexibility. The ARQ technique is an asynchronous parallel packet transmission technique which utilizes packet identifiers, sequence identifiers and user identifiers. The ARQ technique does not require a strict timing relationship to exist between parallel channels and physical layer frames because the identifiers would indicate to the user the user to whom a sub-packet is intended, the identity of the sub-packet and the sequence of the sub-packet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for minimizing overhead in packet re-transmission in a communication system. Each packet is given a sequence number, based on a current transmission rate, the size of the packet, and a previously assigned sequence number. The packet size can be adapted so that the entire packet fits into a single transmission block. The packet size may also be adapted based on throughput. The packet size may be adapted based on the transmission rate and/or throughput, whether the packet is being transmitted the first time or if it is being re-transmitted. Alternately, if the packet is being re-transmitted, the packet is transmitted at its original transmission rate, regardless of the current transmission rate.