Abstract: A smart antenna steering algorithm performs a periodic re-scan at an end of a sustained use period and before a next sustained use period. During a sustained use period, a re-scan of the other antenna beams is not performed. The periodic re-scan is performed on alternate antenna beams that were selected when the preferred antenna beam was selected. The steering algorithm monitors a quality metric of the alternate antenna beams as well as a quality metric for the preferred antenna beam. If the quality metric of the preferred antenna beam is less than the quality metrics of anyone of the alternate antenna beams, then the alternate antenna beam corresponding to the quality metric having a higher value is selected for the next sustained use period.

Abstract: An antenna steering algorithm for a smart antenna uses signal quality metrics and link quality metrics for selecting a preferred antenna beam. The link quality metrics supplement the signal quality metrics for improving the antenna steering decision. The link quality metrics are based on information available from existing counters operating in the media access control (MAC) layer. Separate estimates of the frame error rates in the receive links and in the transmit links are obtained. One estimate is the downlink quality metric (DLQM) and another estimate is the uplink quality metric (ULQM). Alternative link quality metrics are based on throughput and data rates of the exchanged data.

Abstract: A smart antenna steering algorithm operates in response to different functions monitored by the media access control (MAC) layer within a client station. One function is when the MAC layer indicates that the client station has been placed in a power savings mode. In response, the antenna algorithm stores an index of the currently selected antenna. Another function is when the MAC layer indicates that the client station has not been synchronized, associated and authenticated with an access point. In response, the algorithm selects an omni-directional antenna beam as the default antenna beam. Another function is when the MAC layer provides beacon period synchronization information to the antenna steering algorithm so that the algorithm can update its own timer.

Abstract: A smart antenna steering algorithm performs a self-monitored re-scan during a sustained use period after having selected a preferred antenna beam. During a sustained use period, a re-scan of the other antenna beams is not performed. The steering algorithm periodically monitors a quality metric of the ongoing radio link provided by the preferred antenna beam. The quality metric is based upon a signal quality metric and a link quality metric. If the quality metric drops below certain thresholds during the sustained use period, the steering algorithm either swaps the preferred antenna beam with an alternate antenna beam or initiates a re-scan of the available antenna beams for selecting a new preferred antenna beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a set of cells used to support a soft handoff. The apparatus is used in a wireless communication system including a plurality of cells and at least one wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) having at least one beam antenna which is configured to transition between a switch beam mode and an omni-directional beam mode. The WTRU communicates with a serving cell while the beam antenna is in the switch beam mode. The WTRU performs measurements on cells neighboring the serving cell to determine measurement results associated with the cells. The WTRU then determines whether each of the measurement results exceeds a predetermined threshold. A set of cells associated with the measurement results that exceed the predetermined threshold is established. If the number of cells in the set reaches a predetermined number, the beam antenna transitions from the switch beam mode to the omni-directional beam mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a set of cells used to support a soft handoff. The apparatus is used in a wireless communication system including a plurality of cells and at least one wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) having at least one beam antenna which is configured to transition between a switch beam mode and an omni-directional beam mode. The WTRU communicates with a serving cell while the beam antenna is in the switch beam mode. The WTRU performs measurements on cells neighboring the serving cell to determine measurement results associated with the cells. The WTRU then determines whether each of the measurement results exceeds a predetermined threshold. A set of cells associated with the measurement results that exceed the predetermined threshold is established. If the number of cells in the set reaches a predetermined number, the beam antenna transitions from the switch beam mode to the omni-directional beam mode.