Abstract: A wireless communication system base station uses a dual-polarized antenna array to receive two signal groups having orthogonal polarizations. In a preferred embodiment a first signal group is received using a first sub-array of odd-numbered antenna elements, while a second signal group is received using a second sub-array of even-numbered antenna elements. Dipoles within the odd-numbered elements are selected so that they have a common polarization orthogonal to the dipoles selected in the even-numbered elements. The two signal groups thus have orthogonal polarizations. Base station signal processing hardware performs separate spatial channel estimation for these two groups, and uses the polarization diversity to improve performance in both the uplink and downlink. The use of polarization diversity allows the physical dimensions of the antenna array to be kept to a minimum.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide for management of wireless communications through the development and use of link space information. Such link space information provides link-centric information with respect to wireless links of a network to thereby provide a view of the network which takes into account phenomena affecting the wireless links. Utilizing such link space information, automated management of various aspects of a wireless network may be provided, including automated provisioning, management, and/or optimization of network links. Network operations may include use of link space information in providing network management applications such as automatic fault management, automatic performance management, operation advisories, and/or the like.

Abstract: The invention provides optimization of communication links by using a control loop with a relatively long time constant and adjusting particular communication links based upon feedback from a virtual communication unit associated with a communication link. A preferred embodiment of the invention optimizes wireless links in a point to multipoint system, such as a cellular communication system, by dividing a service area into segments and adjusting an antenna beam associated with a segment when a mobile unit is operable therein. This preferred embodiment results in convergence upon an optimized communication link over time and is suitable for use even with highly mobile systems. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide control loops for location or segment optimization as well as for individual optimization.

Abstract: A wireless communication system base station uses a dual-polarized antenna array to receive two signal groups having orthogonal polarizations. In a preferred embodiment, a first signal group is received using a first sub-array of odd-numbered antenna elements, while a second signal group is received using a second sub-array of even-numbered antenna elements. Dipoles within the odd-numbered elements are selected so that they have a common polarization orthogonal to the dipoles selected in the even-numbered elements. The two signal groups thus have orthogonal polarizations. Base station signal processing hardware performs separate spatial channel estimation for these two groups, and uses the polarization diversity to improve performance in both the uplink and downlink. The use of polarization diversity allows the physical dimensions of the antenna array to be kept to a minimum.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which proactively determine particular access terminals which are compatible for simultaneous communication at a high data rate and preferred embodiments provide scheduling of simultaneous communications such that data communication is optimized. Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize a multiple element antenna array, and associated array response vectors associated with narrow antenna beam forming techniques, (adaptive array antennas) to identify compatible access terminals, such as by calculating a correlation between particular access terminals and, preferably utilizing a predetermined correlation threshold, identifying suitably uncorrelated access terminals. Using such information embodiments of the present invention may determine which particular access terminals may be controlled to transmit at a high data rate at a same time. Embodiments of the present invention are operable with respect to the forward and/or reverse links.

Abstract: The invention provides optimization of communication links by using a control loop with a relatively long time constant and adjusting particular communication links based upon feedback from a virtual communication unit associated with a communication link. A preferred embodiment of the invention optimizes wireless links in a point to multipoint system, such as a cellular communication system, by dividing a service area into segments and adjusting an antenna beam associated with a segment when a mobile unit is operable therein. This preferred embodiment results in convergence upon an optimized communication link over time and is suitable for use even with highly mobile systems. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide control loops for location or segment optimization as well as for individual optimization.

Abstract: Traffic channel signals and pilot channel signals are transmitted from a base station to a mobile station using different beams. The beam carrying the pilot channel signal is a sector-wide beam, while the beam carrying the traffic channel signal has been minimized based on the number of frame errors associated with the traffic channel signal. The pilot and traffic channel signals are also phase matched. All traffic channel antenna beams in the same direction are maintained at approximately the same effective radiated power.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing analysis of channel characteristics for determining a optimum beam configuration for use therein are shown. Preferably, the direction and angle spread for subscriber units are determined in order to provide a beam for use therewith. According to a preferred embodiment, forward link characteristics are emulated in the reverse link in order to identify an optimum beam configuration. This optimum beam configuration is then preferably adapted for use in the forward link. Preferably, the present invention operates to recognize subscriber units which are spatially separated such that the optimized beams may be utilized in providing simultaneous communications therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base station of a wireless communications system including an adaptive antenna array and beam forming means for forming simultaneous multiple forward link beams. Preferably mobile stations are separated into groups of mobile stations corresponding to a maximum number of simultaneous forward link beams for determining which of said groups can be served by compatible simultaneous forward link beams. Preferably, if mobiles remain outside of a compatible group, the number of simultaneous forward link beams is increased and grouping of the mobile stations is repeated until all the mobile stations are included in compatible groups. Preferably simultaneous data beams are formed to mobiles of a said group during a time interval accorded to said group, such that every mobile station receives service data during a full cycle of said time intervals at a rate equal to or in excess of a target service data rate for that mobile.

Abstract: A base station clustered adaptive antenna array includes a plurality of clusters of antenna elements. Each cluster is spaced away from an adjacent cluster by a first predetermined spacing related to receive-mode beamforming and includes a plurality of transmit-receive antenna elements. Each element within the cluster is spaced away from an adjacent element by a second predetermined spacing related to transmit-mode beamforming. In order to reduce the visual impact of the antenna array, each cluster is included within a single exterior housing or radome. A medial receive-only antenna element may be provided between adjacent clusters to enhance beamforming for reverse link reception.

Abstract: This invention provides a CDMA (IS-95) cellular communication system, in which a base station transmits a common broadcast pilot signal through a sector wide beam and traffic signals through narrower adaptive spatial beams by way of an adaptive antenna array. The present invention further provides methods of recovering the phase mismatch between the pilot and traffic signals received at a mobile station, thereby providing for coherent demodulation. By implementing the phase-recovery process at individual mobile stations, the present invention enables the base station to transmit the traffic signals with optimal power gain and minimal interference.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for providing improved wireless data communication. Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize multiple antenna beams in the forward link to provide increased forward link capacity and/or improved forward link signal quality. Multiple orthogonal sub-pilots are transmitted from a plurality of antenna elements for use in determining forward link channel characteristics according to a preferred embodiment. Forward link channel estimates may then be made by the preferred embodiment subscriber units and provided in a reverse link control channel to the corresponding base station. Multiple beams may also be utilized in the reverse link to provide increased reverse link capacity, such as for use in providing feedback of forward link channel estimates.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for adaptive downlink beamforming in a wireless communication system. The technique involves using an antenna array to transmit downlink control signals from the base station to the subscribers in the cell. Rather than transmitting the control signals in a given direction continuously, the control signals in the present system are transmitted for only a short time interval using one of a sequence of specified directional beams. After a predetermined sweep cycle period, the control signal beam is then retransmitted again in the same direction. Typically, during this cycle period control signal beams are also transmitted in other specified directions. In one embodiment, for example, the control signal beams sweep around the base station once during each cycle. A subscriber located in the cell will receive a repeating pattern of signal pulses corresponding to the periodic beams directed toward the subscriber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diversity-combining two electromagnetic signals (11,21) within a receiver (25). Two separated antennas (10,20) are employed. The antennas (10,20) are separated by some combination of spatial, polarization, and pattern separation. The first antenna (10) receives the first signal (11), and the second antenna (20) receives the second signal (21). Coupled to at least one of the antennas (10,20) is a circuit (12) for varying the gain and the phase of the signal (11,21) received at said antenna (10 or 20, respectively). The gain and the phase are constrained to be selected from within a finite set of preselected discrete gains and a finite set of preselected discrete phases. A search module (6) searches through all of the gain/phase combinations to optimize the signal-to-impairment ratio within the receiver (25). When the signal-to-impairment ratio is optimized, the gain and the phase are fixedly established.