Abstract: In a data communication system capable of variable rate transmission, high rate packet data transmission improves utilization of the forward link and decreases the transmission delay. Data transmission on the forward link is time multiplexed and the base station transmits at the highest data rate supported by the forward link at each time slot to one mobile station. The data rate is determined by the largest C/I measurement of the forward link signals as measured at the mobile station. Upon determination of a data packet received in error, the mobile station transmits a NACK message back to the base station. The NACK message results in retransmission of the data packet received in error. The data packets can be transmitted out of sequence by the use of sequence number to identify each data unit within the data packets.

Abstract: Reverse link busy bits are independently generated by each base station and indicate whether a base station has reached a reverse link capacity limit. A remote station combines multipath components of the reverse link busy bits in its Active Set and in response transmits a reverse link signal only when all of the reverse link busy bits indicate that the base stations in the Active Set have reverse link capacity. In an embodiment, the remote station weights the reverse link busy signals in accordance with the signal strength of the transmitting base station and determines whether to transmit based on the weighted sum of the busy signals. In an embodiment, the remote station weights the reverse link busy signals in accordance with the signal strength of the transmitting base station and determines a maximum reverse link data rate based on the weighted sum of the busy signals.

Abstract: In a data communication system capable of variable rate transmission, high rate packet data transmission improves utilization of the forward link and decreases the transmission delay. Data transmission on the forward link is time multiplexed and the base station transmits at the highest data rate supported by the forward link at each time slot to one mobile station. The data rate is determined by the largest C/I measurement of the forward link signals as measured at the mobile station. Upon determination of a data packet received in error, the mobile station transmits a NACK message back to the base station. The NACK message results in retransmission of the data packet received in error. The data packets can be transmitted out of sequence by the use of sequence number to identify each data unit within the data packets.

Abstract: Reverse link busy bits are independently generated by each base station and indicative of whether the transmitting base station has reached a reverse link capacity limit. In a first exemplary embodiment, the remote station combines the multipath components of the reverse link busy bits from each of the transmitting base stations in its Active Set and in response transmits a reverse link signal only when all of the reverse link busy bits indicate that the base stations in the remote stations Active Set have reverse link capacity. In a first alternative embodiment, the remote station weights the reverse link busy signals in accordance with the signal strength of the base station transmitting the busy signal and determines whether to transmit based on the weighted sum of the busy signals.

Abstract: Reverse link busy bits are independently generated by each base station and indicate whether a base station has reached a reverse link capacity limit. A remote station combines multipath components of the reverse link busy bits in its Active Set and in response transmits a reverse link signal only when all of the reverse link busy bits indicate that the base stations in the Active Set have reverse link capacity. In an embodiment, the remote station weights the reverse link busy signals in accordance with the signal strength of the transmitting base station and determines whether to transmit based on the weighted sum of the busy signals. In an embodiment, the remote station weights the reverse link busy signals in accordance with the signal strength of the transmitting base station and determines a maximum reverse link data rate based on the weighted sum of the busy signals.

Abstract: Reverse link busy bits are independently generated by each base station and indicate whether a base station has reached a reverse link capacity limit. A remote station combines multipath components of the reverse link busy bits in its Active Set and in response transmits a reverse link signal only when all of the reverse link busy bits indicate that the base stations in the Active Set have reverse link capacity. In an embodiment, the remote station weights the reverse link busy signals in accordance with the signal strength of the transmitting base station and determines whether to transmit based on the weighted sum of the busy signals. In an embodiment, the remote station weights the reverse link busy signals in accordance with the signal strength of the transmitting base station and determines a maximum reverse link data rate based on the weighted sum of the busy signals.

Abstract: A plurality of methods for achieving the soft or softer handoff process such that the performance of a system is improved. A first method is based on delaying the softer handoff process. A second method is based on reducing the power of transmissions from the sector having the weakest signal strength. A third method is based on eliminating transmissions from the sector having the weakest signal strength. A fourth method adds a new base station or sector only when the mobile unit is in need of additional power to operate properly. In all four methods, reverse link demodulation in each sector may continue with or without the transmission of the forward link. In all four methods the operation could be based on the signal strength of the reverse link signal or the forward link. It is also possible to combine two or more of these methods to create a hybrid method.

Abstract: In a data communication system capable of variable rate transmission, high rate packet data transmission improves utilization of the forward link and decreases the transmission delay. Data transmission on the forward link is time multiplexed and the base station transmits at the highest data rate supported by the forward link at each time slot to one mobile station. The data rate is determined by the largest C/I measurement of the forward link signals as measured at the mobile station. Upon determination of a data packet received in error, the mobile station transmits a NACK message back to the base station. The NACK message results in retransmission of the data packet received in error. The data packets can be transmitted out of sequence by the use of sequence number to identify each data unit within the data packets.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information signals using spread spectrum communication techniques. PN sequences are constructed that provide orthogonality between the users so that mutual interference will be reduced, allowing higher capacity and better link performance. With orthogonal PN codes, the cross-correlation is zero over a predetermined time interval, resulting in no interference between the orthogonal codes, provided only that the code time frames are time aligned with each other. In an exemplary embodiment, signals are communicated between a cell-site and mobile units using direct sequence spread spectrum communication signals. In the cell-to-mobile link, pilot, sync, paging and voice channels are defined. Information communicated on the cell-to-mobile link channels are, in general, encoded, interleaved, bi-phase shift key (BPSK) modulated with orthogonal covering of each BPSK symbol along with quadrature phase shift key (QPSK) spreading of the covered symbols.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling the data rates for communications to and from a base station and a plurality of remote users. The usage of the communications resource whether the forward link resource (from base station to remote users) or reverse link resource (from remote users to base station) is measured. The measured usage value is compared against at least one predetermined threshold value and the data rates of communications or a subset of communications on said communications resource is modified in accordance with said comparisons.

Abstract: A “time multiplexed” transmission scheme capable of reducing the amount of interference from other cells operated at the same frequency band. Each cell in a system transmits in designated time intervals (e.g., time slots) during which other interfering cells may be prevented from transmitting. By temporarily “blanking” transmissions from interfering cells during the designated time slots, the amount of interference from these cells is reduced. The improved signal quality may support transmission at a desired or higher data rate, which may not be possible without cell blanking. In one variant, transmissions from the cells are staggered over different time slots. A set of one or more cells may be designated to transmit in each of a number of slot phases. The cells transmit in a staggered manner on these phases to reduce interference. The transmission scheme may be used for a various channel types (e.g., a control channel) and applications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting a serving sector in a high rate data (HDR) communication system are disclosed. An exemplary HDR communication system defines a set of data rates, at which a sector of an Access Point may send data packets to an Access Terminal. The sector is selected by the Access Terminal to achieve the highest data throughput while maintaining a targeted packet error rate. The Access Terminal employs various methods to evaluate quality metrics of forward and reverse links from and to different sectors, and uses the quality metrics to select the sector to send data packets to the Access Terminal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting a serving sector in a high rate data (HDR) communication system are disclosed. An exemplary HDR communication system defines a set of data rates, at which a sector of an Access Point may send data packets to an Access Terminal. The sector is selected by the Access Terminal to achieve the highest data throughput while maintaining a targeted packet error rate. The Access Terminal employs various methods to evaluate quality metrics of forward and reverse links from and to different sectors, and uses the quality metrics to select the sector to send data packets to the Access Terminal.

Abstract: A system and method is taught for controlling a power level of transmissions in a communication system. A first station of the communication system transmits signals on a communication channel and a pilot channel. A second station of the communication system measures a signal to noise ratio of the received signal, determines an expected signal to noise ratio of the received signal, determines an indicator in accordance with said measured signal to noise ratio and the expected signal to noise ratio, and transmits the indicator. The indicator is received at the first station the indicator and determines the power level of the next transmission according to said received indicator. Additionally, methods and systems for the measurement of the signal to noise ratio of the received signal, the determination of the expected signal to noise ratio of the received signal, and the determination of the indicator are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment of method and appartus for determining loading in a communication system, the communication system accumulates a power control commands series and corresponding transmit gain adjustments series between a base station and a designated remote station, under regular operating conditions. After transmissions form the remaining remote stations are interrupted, the communication system repeats the accumulation, and determines the loading according to the accumulated series. Alternatively, the communication system measures power of a test signal injected into base station receiver, under regular operating conditions. After transmissions form the remote stations are interrupted, the communication system repeats the measurement, and determines the loading according to the two measurements. Alternatively, the communication system measures gain of an AGC at the base station's receiver, under regular operating conditions.

Abstract: A power control system for communication systems which utilizes a ternary signaling scheme to reduce or eliminate limit cycling which occurs as the result of using a binary signaling scheme is described. The power control values (each having one of three possible values) are not encoded and are punctured onto the data to improve the response time of the power control loop and allow for dynamic adjustment of the transmit power. The power up, power down, and do nothing commands are represented by positive, negative, and zero values (e.g., +1, −1, and 0), respectively. The remote station decreases its transmit power if any base station issues a power down command, maintains its transmit power if no base stations issue a power down command and at least one base station issues a do nothing command, and increases its transmit power if all base station issue power up commands.

Abstract: A communication system that allows a soft handoff to be completed, even when the communications link between the active base station and the mobile station deteriorates before the mobile station has received the handoff direction message. The mobile station maintains a list of base stations that the mobile station is in communication with, referred to as an “Active Set”. In addition, the mobile station maintains another list of base stations that are proximate to the base stations in the active set. This list is referred to as the “Neighbor Set”. A memory within the mobile station includes information that would allow the mobile station to demodulate information transmitted from those base stations on the neighbor set. In accordance with the disclosed method and apparatus, the mobile station places a base station in the active set upon including the base station in a pilot strength measurement message (PSMM).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the transmit power levels of first and second base station transceivers, wherein the first and second base station transceivers are respectively associated with first and second sectors of a cell. The received signal strength of a communication signal arriving at the mobile station is initially determined. A power control value that is based on the received signal strength is then transmitted from the mobile station to the first and second base station transceivers. A first received power control value is next generated by attempting to receive the transmitted power control value at the first base station transceiver, and a second received power control value is generated by attempting to receive the transmitted power control value at the second base station transceiver. A common transmit power value is calculated at a base station controller for the first and second base station transceivers when the first and second received power control values are unequal.

Abstract: A communication system that allows a soft handoff to be completed, even when the communications link between the active base station and the mobile station deteriorates before the mobile station has received the handoff direction message. The mobile station maintains a list of base stations that the mobile station is in communication with, referred to as an “Active Set”. In addition, the mobile station maintains another list of base stations that are proximate to the base stations in the active set. This list is referred to as the “Neighbor Set”. A memory within the mobile station includes information that would allow the mobile station to demodulate information transmitted from those base stations on the neighbor set. In accordance with the disclosed method and apparatus, the mobile station places a base station in the active set upon including the base station in a pilot strength measurement message (PSMM).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling transmission power levels in a mobile communication system. The method provides for a closed-loop power control method. A mobile station provides information on the quality of the signal received from the base station, and the base station responds by adjusting the power allocated to that user in a shared base station signal. The transmission power is adjusted initially by a large increment and then ramped down at an increasingly decreasing rate. The mobile station also provides information to the base station as to its relative velocity and the base station adjusts its transmission power in accordance with this velocity information.