Abstract: A method and system for mobile assisted handoff between base stations using different carrier frequencies in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular system. In the method and apparatus, a mobile station performs handoff measurements on forward link transmissions of handoff candidate CDMA base stations, where the forward link transmissions are transmitted on a carrier frequency that differs from the forward link carrier frequency of the current base station. The handoff measurements are performed during selected transmission frames that define transmission periods on the reverse link by the mobile station. During the measurement time in the selected transmission frame, the mobile station does not receive (punctures) data sent to it on the forward link and does not transmit data on the reverse link.

Abstract: A rate determination unit and methods for use in a receiver in a communication system that is adapted to receive communications at a plurality of different data rates is disclosed. The rate determination unit is configured to receive an encoded signal and determine the encoded signal's data rate without first requiring decoding of the encoded signal. In a preferred embodiment, the rate determination unit includes a plurality of hypothesis units and a hypothesis analyzer. Each hypothesis unit is arranged to determine a hypothesis value for a frame of the encoded signal at an associated one of the data rates. The hypothesis analyzer is arranged to compare selected hypothesis values, determine the frame data rate based on such comparisons, and output a rate indication signal based on the determined frame data rate.

Abstract: A method and system for mobile assisted hand-off between base stations using different carrier frequencies in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular system. In the method and apparatus, a mobile station performs handoff measurements on forward link transmissions of handoff candidate CDMA base stations, where the forward link transmissions are transmitted on a carrier frequency that differs from the forward link carrier frequency of the current base station. The handoff measurements are performed during selected transmission frames that define transmission periods on the reverse link by the mobile station. During the measurement time in the selected transmission frame, the mobile station does not receive (punctures) data sent to it on the forward link, and does not transmit data on the reverse link.