RU2459356C2 - Control of noise using partial repeated usage of frequencies - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: information technologies.

SUBSTANCE: noise generated during wireless communications may be controlled with the help of application of partial repeated usage and other methods. In some aspects partial usage may refer to alternations of hybrid automatic requests for repeated transfer (HARQ-alternations), parts of a time interval, a frequency spectrum and expansion codes. Noise may be controlled by using a transfer capacity profile and/or a weakening profile. Noise may also be controlled by using methods related to capacity control.

EFFECT: improvement of noise control for wireless networks.

67 cl, 30 dwg

Description

This application claims the priority of the jointly owned provisional patent application US No. 60/974428, filed September 21, 2007, attorney case number 071700P1; US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/974449, filed September 21, 2007, Attorney Case Number 071700P2; US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/974794, filed September 24, 2007, Attorney Case Number 071700P3; and U.S. Patent Application No. 60/977294, filed October 3, 2007, Attorney Case Number 071700P4, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application, in General, relates to wireless communications, and more specifically, but not only to improve communication performance.

Introduction

Wireless communication systems are widely used to provide various types of communication (for example, voice, data, multimedia services, etc.) to multiple users. As the demand for high-speed multimedia and data transfer services is growing rapidly, the challenge is to implement efficient and fault-tolerant communication systems with increased productivity.

To complement the base stations of a traditional mobile telephone network, base stations with a small coverage can be deployed (for example, installed at the user's home) to provide more fault-tolerant indoor wireless coverage for mobile modules. Small-coverage base stations are commonly known as access point base stations, home nodes B, or femto cells. As a rule, such base stations with a small coverage are connected to the Internet and the mobile operator’s network via a DSL router or cable modem.

Since the radio frequency (RF) coverage of base stations with a small coverage may not be optimized by the mobile operator and the deployment of such base stations may be arbitrarily organized, RF interference problems may occur. In addition, soft handoff may not be supported for base stations with little coverage. Thus, there is a need for improved interference management for wireless networks.

Disclosure of invention

The essence of exemplary aspects of the disclosure of the invention is given below. It should be understood that any reference to the term "aspects" in this document may refer to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

This disclosure relates in some aspect to interference management using partial reuse techniques. For example, in some aspects, partial reuse may include the use of part of a set of dedicated interlaces of hybrid automatic retransmission requests (HARQs) for uplink traffic or downlink traffic. In some aspects, partial reuse may include using a portion of the time slot allocated for uplink traffic or downlink traffic. In some aspects, partial reuse may include the use of a portion of the frequency spectrum allocated for uplink traffic or downlink traffic. In some aspects, partial reuse may include the use of a portion of a set of extension codes (e.g., SF16) allocated for uplink traffic or downlink traffic. In some aspects, such parts may be defined and assigned so that neighboring nodes use non-overlapping resources. In some aspects, the design and purpose of such parts may be based on interfering feedback.

This disclosure relates in some aspects to interference control using methods related to power control. For example, in some aspects, the transmit power of the access terminal may be controlled to reduce interference at an unassociated access point. In some aspects, the noise figure or attenuation of an access point is controlled based on the received signal strength associated with signals from one or more access terminals.

This disclosure relates in some aspects to interference management using a transmit power profile and / or an attenuation profile. For example, downlink transmission power or uplink receiver continuity may vary dynamically in a node as a function of time. Moreover, different nodes can use different phases of the profile in order to reduce interference between nodes. In some aspects, a profile may be defined based on interference-related feedback.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other exemplary aspects of the disclosure of the invention are described in the detailed description of the invention and the accompanying claims, which are given below, and in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of several exemplary aspects of an access node;

2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating several exemplary aspects of components in an exemplary communication system;

3 is a flowchart of a method of several exemplary aspects of operations that may be performed in order to control interference;

4 is a flowchart of a method of several exemplary aspects of operations that can be performed in order to control interference using partial reuse based on HARQ interlaces;

5 is a flowchart of a method of several exemplary aspects of operations that may be performed in order to control interference using a transmit power profile;

6 is a simplified diagram illustrating several aspects of an exemplary transmission power profile;

7 is a flowchart of a method of several exemplary aspects of operations that may be performed in order to control interference using a reception attenuation profile;

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram illustrating several aspects of an example reception attenuation profile; FIG.

9 and 10 are flowcharts of a method of several exemplary aspects of operations that may be performed in order to control interference using partial reuse based on time intervals;

11 and 12 are flowcharts of a method of several exemplary aspects of operations that may be performed in order to control interference using partial reuse based on the frequency spectrum;

13 and 14 are flowcharts of a method for several exemplary aspects of operations that may be performed in order to control interference using partial reuse based on extension codes;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method of several exemplary aspects of operations that may be performed in order to control interference using transmit power control; FIG.

16 is a simplified diagram illustrating several aspects of an example power control function;

17 is a flowchart of a method of several exemplary aspects of operations that can be performed in order to control interference by dynamically adjusting the attenuation coefficient;

Fig. 18 is a simplified diagram of a wireless communication system;

FIG. 19 is a simplified diagram of a wireless communication system including femto nodes; FIG.

20 is a simplified diagram illustrating coverage areas for wireless communications;

21 is a simplified block diagram of several exemplary aspects of communication components; and

FIGS. 22-30 are simplified block diagrams of several exemplary aspects of devices configured to control interference, as discussed herein.

In accordance with established practice, various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the sizes of various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not illustrate all the components of this device (for example, apparatus) or method. Finally, like reference numbers may be used to refer to like features throughout the detailed description and drawings.

The implementation of the invention

Various aspects of the disclosure are described below. It should be obvious that the ideas in this document can be implemented in many forms, and that all the specific structures, functions, or both, disclosed in this document are simply characteristic. Based on the ideas in this document, those skilled in the art should appreciate that the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented independently of any other aspects, and that two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, a device may be implemented or the method may be practiced using any number of aspects set forth herein. In addition, such a device can be implemented or the method can be used in practice using a different structure, functionality or structure and functionality, in addition to or different from one or more aspects set forth herein. In addition, the aspect may contain at least one element of the claims.

1 illustrates exemplary aspects of a communication system 100 where distributed nodes (e.g., access points 102, 104 and 106) provide wireless connectivity to other nodes (e.g., access terminals 108, 110, and 112) that may be installed or which can travel throughout the associated geographic area. In some aspects, access points 102, 104, and 106 may communicate with one or more network nodes (eg, a centralized network controller, such as network node 114) to facilitate connectivity to a wide area network.

An access point, such as access point 104, can be limited, whereby only certain access terminals (eg, access terminal 110) are allowed to access the access point, or the access point can be limited in some other way. In this case, the limited access point and / or its associated access terminals (for example, access terminal 110) may interfere with other nodes in the system 100, such as, for example, an unlimited access point (for example, macro access point 102), its associated access terminals (eg, access terminal 108), another restricted access point (eg, access point 106) or its associated access terminals (eg, access terminal 112). For example, the closest access point to a given access terminal may not be the serving access point for this access terminal. Therefore, transmissions through this access terminal may interfere with reception at the access terminal. As explained herein, partial reuse, power control, and other technologies can be used to reduce interference.

Exemplary system operations, such as system 100, are explained in more detail in connection with the flowchart of FIG. 2. For convenience, the operations of FIG. 2 (or any other operations explained or discussed herein) may be described as being performed by specific components (for example, components of a system 100 and / or components of a system 300, as shown in FIG. 3). It should be appreciated, however, that these operations can be performed by other types of components and can be performed using a different number of components. You should also take into account that one or more of the operations described in this document may not be used in this implementation.

For purposes of illustration, various aspects of the disclosure are described in the context of a network node, an access point, and an access terminal that communicate with each other. It should be noted, however, that the ideas in this document may be applicable to other types of devices or devices that are referred to using other terms.

FIG. 3 illustrates several exemplary components that may be included in a network node 114 (eg, a radio network controller), an access point 104, and an access terminal 110 in accordance with the teachings herein. It will be appreciated that the components illustrated for a given one of these nodes may also be included in other nodes in the system 100.

Network node 114, access point 104, and access terminal 110 includes transceivers 302, 304, and 306, respectively, for exchanging data with each other and with other nodes. The transceiver 302 includes a transmitter 308 for sending signals and a receiver 310 for receiving signals. The transceiver 304 includes a transmitter 312 for transmitting signals and a receiver 314 for receiving signals. The transceiver 306 includes a transmitter 316 for transmitting signals and a receiver 318 for receiving signals.

In a typical implementation, the access point 104 communicates with the access terminal 110 through one or more wireless links, and the access point 104 communicates with the network node 114 via a backhaul. It should be appreciated that wireless or non-wireless communication links may be used between these nodes or another in various implementations. Therefore, transceivers 302, 304, and 306 may include wireless and non-wireless communication components.

Network node 114, access point 104, and access terminal 110 also includes various other components that may be used in connection with interference management, as discussed herein. For example, network node 114, access point 104, and access terminal 110 may include interference controllers 320, 322, and 324, respectively, to reduce interference and to provide other related functionality discussed herein. The interference controller 320, 322, and 324 may include one or more components for performing specific types of interference control. Network node 114, access point 104, and access terminal 110 may include communication controllers 326, 328, and 330, respectively, for controlling communication with other nodes and for providing other related functionality discussed herein. Network node 114, access point 104, and access terminal 110 may include synchronization controllers 332, 334, and 336, respectively, for controlling communications with other nodes and for providing other related functionality discussed herein. Other components illustrated in FIG. 3 are explained in the following disclosure.

For purposes of illustration, interference controllers 320 and 322 are illustrated as including several controller components. In practice, however, this implementation may not use all of these components. Here, the HARQ controller component 338 or 340 may provide functionality regarding HARQ interlace operations, as discussed herein. The profile controller component 342 or 344 may provide functionality regarding the transmit power profile or reception attenuation operations, as discussed herein. The time slot controller component 346 or 348 may provide functionality regarding operations of a portion of the time slot, as discussed herein. The spectral mask controller component 350 or 352 may provide functionality regarding spectral mask operations, as discussed herein. The extension code controller component 354 or 356 may provide functionality regarding operations with extension codes, as discussed herein. Transmit power controller component 358 or 360 may provide functionality regarding transmit power operations, as discussed herein. The attenuation coefficient controller component 362 or 364 may provide functionality regarding attenuation coefficient operations, as discussed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates how a network node 114, an access point 104, and an access terminal 110 can communicate with each other to provide interference control (eg, interference mitigation). In some aspects, these operations may be used in the uplink and / or downlink to reduce interference. In general, one or more of the methods described in FIG. 2 can be used in more specific implementations, which are described in connection with FIGS. 4-18 below. Therefore, for purposes of clarity, descriptions of more specific implementations may not describe these technologies in detail repeatedly.

As represented by step 202, the network node 114 (e.g., the interference controller 320) may optionally set one or more interference control parameters for the access point 104 and / or the access terminal 110. Such parameters can take various forms. For example, in some implementations, the network node 114 may set partial reuse parameters to reduce interference in the uplink and / or downlink. As mentioned herein, such partial reuse may include one or more of HARQ interlaces, decimation, frequency spectrum, or spreading codes. In some implementations, the network node 114 may specify other types of interference management information, such as, for example, transmission power parameters and reception attenuation parameters. Examples of such parameters are described in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 4-18.

In some aspects, setting the interference parameters may include determining how to allocate one or more resources. For example, the operations of block 402 may include setting how the allocated resource (e.g., frequency spectrum, etc.) can be divided for partial reuse. In addition, setting partial reuse parameters may include determining how much of the allocated resource (for example, how many HARQ interlaces, etc.) can be used through any of a set of access points (for example, restricted access points). Setting partial reuse parameters may also include determining how much of a resource can be used through a set of access points (for example, restricted access points).

In some aspects, the network node 114 may set a parameter based on received information that indicates whether or not interference may occur in the uplink or downlink and, if so, the extent of such interference. Such information can be received from various nodes in the system (for example, access points and / or access terminals) and in various ways (for example, via a transit connection, over the air interface, etc.).

For example, in some cases, one or more access points (eg, access point 104) may monitor the uplink and / or downlink and send an interference indicator detected in the uplink and / or downlink to the network node 114 (for example, on a repeated basis or upon request). As an example of the first case, the access point 104 can calculate the signals, the intensity of the signals that it receives from nearby access terminals that are not associated (for example, are not served by) with the access point 104 (for example, access terminals 108 and 112), and report them to the network node 114.

In some cases, each of the access points in the system can form a load indicator when it is subjected to a relatively high load. Such an indicator may take the form of, for example, a 1xEV-DO busy bit, relative transmission grant channel (RGCH) in 3GPP, or some other suitable form. In a traditional scenario, the access point may send this information to the associated access terminal via a downlink. However, such information can also be sent to network node 114 (for example, through a transit connection).

In some cases, one or more access terminals (eg, access terminal 110) may monitor downlink signals and provide information based on this monitoring. Access terminal 110 may send such information to access point 104 (for example, which can redirect information to network node 114) or to network node 114 (via access point 104). Other access terminals in the system may send information to network node 114 in a similar manner.

In some cases, the access terminal 110 may generate measurement reports (e.g., on a repeated basis). In some aspects, such a measurement report may indicate from which access points the access terminal 110 receives signals, from an indicator of the received signal strength associated with signals from each access point (e.g., Ec / Io), path loss to each of the points access or some other suitable type of information. In some cases, the measurement report may include information regarding all load indicators of the access terminal 110 received via the downlink.

Network node 114 may then use information from one or more measurement reports to determine whether or not access point 104 and / or access terminal 110 is relatively close to another node (eg, another access point or access terminal). In addition, the network node 114 may use this information to determine whether or not any of these nodes interferes with any other of these nodes. For example, the network node 114 may determine the intensity of the received signal at the node based on the transmit power of the node that transmits the signals and the path loss between these nodes.

In some cases, the access terminal 110 may generate information that is indicative of a signal-to-noise ratio (for example, a signal-to-noise-and-noise ratio, SINR) in a downlink. Such information may include, for example, a channel quality indicator (CQI), a data rate control indicator (DRC), or some other appropriate information. In some cases, this information may be sent to access point 104, and access point 104 may redirect this information to network node 114 for use in interference management operations. In some aspects, the network node 114 may use such information to determine whether or not there is interference in the downlink, or to determine whether the interference in the downlink is increasing or decreasing.

As described in more detail below, in some cases, interference-related information can be used to determine how to apply partial reuse in order to reduce interference. As one example, CQI or other suitable information may be received based on HARQ interlaces, whereby it can be determined which HARQ interlaces are associated with the least interference. A similar technology can be used for other partial reuse methods.

It should be appreciated that the network node 114 may set parameters in various other ways. For example, in some cases, the network node 114 may optionally select one or more parameters.

As represented by step 204, the network node 114 (for example, communication controller 326) sends the specified interference control parameters to the access point 104. As explained below, in some cases, the access point 104 uses these parameters, and in some cases, the access point 104 redirects these parameters to the access terminal 110.

In some cases, the network node 114 may control interference in the system by setting the interference control parameters to be used by two or more nodes (eg, access points and / or access terminals) in the system. For example, in the case of a partial reuse scheme, the network node 114 may send various (e.g., mutually exclusive) interference control parameters to neighboring access points (e.g., access points that are close enough to interfere with each other). As a specific example, network node 114 may assign a first HARQ interlace to access point 104 and assign a second HARQ interlace to access point 106. Thus, communication in one limited access point may practically not interfere with communication in another limited access point. Similar technologies can be used for other partial reuse schemes and for access terminals in the system.

As represented by step 206, the access point 104 (e.g., the interference controller 322) determines the interference control parameters that it can use or which it can send to the access terminal 110. In cases where the network node 114 sets the interference control parameters for the access point 104, this determination operation may simply include receiving said parameters and / or retrieving said parameters (for example, from a storage device).

In some cases, the access point 104 determines the interference control parameters on its own. These parameters may be similar to the parameters explained above in connection with step 202. In addition, in some cases, these parameters can be determined in the same way as explained above in step 202. For example, the access point 104 may receive information (for example, reports on measurements, CQI, DRC) from access terminal 110. In addition, access point 104 may monitor the uplink and / or downlink to determine interference on that link. Access point 104 may also optionally select a parameter.

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine an interference control parameter. For example, in some cases, the access point 104 may exchange data with the access point 106 to determine which parameters are used by the access point 106 (and thereby select different parameters), or to coordinate the use of different (for example, mutually exclusive) parameters. In some cases, the access point 104 may determine whether or not it can interfere with another node (for example, based on CQI feedback, which indicates that another node is using a resource), and if so, set the interference control parameters so, to reduce such potential interference.

As represented by step 208, the access point 104 (eg, communication controller 328) may send interference control parameters or other related information to the access terminal 110. For example, in some cases, this information may indicate how partial reuse is deployed (for example, which HARQ interlaces should be used, which spectral mask should be used, etc.) in the uplink or downlink between access point 104 and access terminal 110. In some cases, this information may relate to power control (for example, indicates uplink transmit power).

As represented by steps 210 and 212, the access point 104 may thereby transmit to the access terminal 110 in the downlink, or the access terminal 110 may transmit to the access point 104 in the uplink. Here, the access point 104 may use its interference control parameters to transmit in the downlink and / or receive in the uplink. Similarly, access terminal 110 may take into account these interference control parameters for downlink reception or uplink transmission.

In some implementations, an access terminal 110 (e.g., an interference controller 306) may set one or more interference control parameters. Such a parameter may be used by the access terminal 110 and / or sent (for example, via the communication controller 330) to the access point 104 (for example, for use during uplink operation).

Referring now to FIG. 4, operations are described in more detail regarding the use of a partial reuse scheme using HARQ interlaces in the uplink or downlink. In some aspects, system 100 may utilize time division multiplexing, whereby information can be transmitted in one or more predetermined time slots. Such time intervals may take various forms and / or be referred to using various terms. As an example, in various implementations, a time slot may refer to or be referred to as a frame, subframe, time slot, transmission time interval (TTI), HARQ interlace, etc. As an example, a predetermined number of time slots (eg, TTI) 1-16 may be monitored and used for downlink transmission. A similar scheme can be used for uplink transmission.

Based on traffic and associated interference levels in the monitored time slots and based on the use of one or more of the schemes discussed herein, uplink or downlink transmission may be limited to a predetermined number of time slots N, where N = 8, for example, is less than the total number M time slots, where M = 16, for example. In some aspects, such a partial reuse scheme may use HARQ interlacing.

In the traditional 1xEV-DO system, for example, every fourth subframe can be assigned to each HARQ process, so that repeated HARQ transmissions for the initial transmission in subframe "n" are performed in time intervals (n + 4), (n + 8), ( n + 12), etc. As a specific example, HARQ interlace 1 may be assigned subframes 1, 5, 9, etc. If the initial data transmission for HARQ interlacing 1 during subframe 1 is unsuccessful, a negative reception signal (NACK) may be sent on a complementary communication line (for example, uplink in the case of HARQ transmission on the downlink). The data can then be retransmitted during subframe 5 of this HARQ interlace 1 and, upon successful transmission, an acknowledgment signal (ACK) is received (eg, via an uplink). Similar operations can be performed by other HARQ processes in other HARQ interlaces 2, 3, and 4.

In some aspects, a partial reuse scheme may use HARQ interlaces to configure neighboring nodes (e.g., access points and / or access terminals) to transmit at different times. For example, the first access point may transmit during HARQ interlaces 1 and 2, while the second access point may transmit during HARQ interlaces 3 and 4. As a result, interference that might otherwise occur between nodes can be reduced.

As represented by step 402 of FIG. 4, the network node 114 (for example, the HARQ control component 338 of the interference controller 320) determines how many HARQ interlaces can be used by each access point (for example, in a set of restricted access points). For example, a predetermined number of “N” HARQ interlaces is less than the total number of “M” HARQ interlaces allocated for a set may be determined based on interference-related feedback from one or more access points and / or access terminals in the system (e.g. as explained above in connection with FIG. 2). Thus, at any time, the number N of downlink (or uplink) HARQ interlaces from the total number of M HARQ interlaces can be set based on the activity in the downlink (or uplink) of neighboring nodes in the M HARQ interlaces.

N can be a fixed value or dynamically set. In the case where M = 4, N can be dynamically set between the minimum value of N _{MIN is} greater than zero and the maximum value of N _{MAX is} less than 4. In some cases, the value of N can be arbitrarily determined. Typically, however, the value of N may be chosen in an attempt to more effectively reduce interference between nodes in the system. The determination of the value of N may be based on various criteria.

For example, one criterion may relate to how access points are deployed in the system (for example, the total number of access points, the density of access points within a given area, the relative proximity of access points, etc.). Here, if there are a large number of nodes that are close to each other, a smaller value of N can be used so that neighboring nodes are less likely to use identical HARQ interlaces. Conversely, if there is a small number of nodes in the system, a larger value of N can be set so as to increase communication performance (for example, throughput).

Another criterion may relate to traffic (for example, the amount of traffic, types of communication, traffic service quality requirements) processed through access points. For example, some types of communication may be more sensitive to interference than other types of communication. In this case, a lower value of N may be used. In addition, some types of communication may have more stringent bandwidth requirements (but less interference sensitivity), whereby a larger value for N can be used.

In some cases, the network node 114 may set the value N based on the received interference-related information (for example, as explained in FIG. 2). For example, the number of access points monitored by a given access terminal and the relative proximity of the access points to the access terminal can be determined based on measurement reports received from the access terminal. Thus, the network node 114 can determine whether or not transmissions in a given cell (for example, through a limited access point or its associated access terminals) can interfere with a neighboring cell, and set N accordingly.

Network node 114 may also set N based on interference information received from one or more access points (for example, as explained in FIG. 2). For example, if the interference values are high, a lower N value may be set. Thus, the number of HARQ interlaces used by a given access point can be reduced, thereby reducing the probability of interference in each set of N HARQ interlaces from the total number M HARQ interlaces.

As represented by step 404, in some cases, the network node 114 may indicate specific HARQ interlaces to be used by specific access points. For example, the network node 114 may determine the amount of interference that may be observed in each of the M HARQ interlaces through a given point, and assign HARQ interlaces having lower interference to this access point. As a specific example, the network node 114 may determine that downlink transmission by the access point 106 in these two HARQ interlaces (e.g., interlaces 3 and 4) that it uses may interfere with reception at the access terminals, associated with the access point 104. This can be determined, for example, based on information related to the downlink information that the network node can receive, as explained in this document. Network node 114 may then indicate HARQ interlaces 1 and 2 for use by access point 104.

As mentioned above, the determination of interference in each HARQ interlace can be based on signals received by the network node 114. For example, the probability of interference between nodes can be determined based on one or more measurement reports received from one or more access terminals, such as explained in this document. In addition, for a downlink, the access terminals in the system can generate channel quality indicator (CQI) or data rate control (DRC) information for each HARQ interlace (for example, for each TTI in 3GPP) and redirect this information to a network node 114. Also for the downlink, the access terminal may monitor the downlink and provide interference information based on HARQ interlaces (eg, based on TTI). Similarly, for the uplink, the access terminal can monitor the uplink and provide interference-related information based on HARQ interlaces (eg, based on TTI). In some cases (for example, DRC feedback in 3GPP2), the feedback from the access terminal may not provide permission per HARQ interlace. In this case, ACK / NACK feedback or some other type of feedback can be used to identify the desired set of HARQ interlaces. As another example, the downlink data rate may be adjusted in a given HARQ interlace to determine the rate at which the access terminal can successfully decode data (for example, with a given accuracy). Based on the optimal data rate defined for each HARQ interlace, an assumption can be made as to which HARQ interlace should provide the optimal performance for a given access point. Alternatively, a centralized HARQ interlace selection scheme may be used (for example, where a network node indicates HARQ interlaces for neighboring nodes, as explained herein).

In some aspects, the designation of specific HARQ interlaces by the network node 114 may depend on whether or not the corresponding uplink or downlink traffic is synchronized. Such synchronization can be achieved, for example, using regulation, such as Tau-DPCH (where DPCH refers to a dedicated physical channel), or some other suitable synchronization scheme.

In some aspects, the network node 114 may indicate consecutive HARQ interlaces for these access points. Thus, if uplink or downlink traffic of various nodes is not synchronized, at least a portion of the indicated HARQ interlaces may not be subject to interference. As an example, if HARQ interlaces 1-4 are assigned to the first access point, and HARQ interlaces 5-8 are assigned to the second access point, then these access points are not interfered with from another access point in at least three of the HARQ interlaces , even if the time distribution of access points is not synchronized.

As represented by step 406, the network node 114 then sends the parameters of the HARQ interlace that it specified for one or more access points. For example, a network node 114 may send a node-specific designation to each access point, or a network node 114 may send a common designation to all access points in a set of access points.

As represented by step 408, the access point 104 (for example, the HARQ control component 340 of the interference controller 322) determines the HARQ interlaces that it should use for uplink or downlink communications. Here, the access point 104 should take the value N from the network node 114. If the network node 114 indicates the HARQ interlaces to be used by the access point 104, the access point 104 can simply use these HARQ interlaces. In some cases, the access point 104 may optionally select a parameter.

If the HARQ interlaces are not designated by the network node 114 or are arbitrarily selected, the access point 104 may determine which N HARQ interlaces to use based on the relevant criteria. Initially, this definition is thereby based (for example, limited) on the value of N. In some cases, the access point 104 may specify or adapt N (for example, based on criteria, as explained above).

In some cases, access point 104 may select HARQ interlaces associated with the least interference. Here, access point 104 may determine which HARQ interlaces to use in a similar manner as explained above. For example, access point 104 may receive information (eg, measurement reports, CQI, DRC) from access terminal 110. In addition, access point 104 may monitor the uplink and / or downlink to determine interference on that link. For example, when the access point 104 is idle, it can track uplink interference (load) from outside the cell. Thus, the access point 104 can select HARQ interlaces that provide minimal interference outside the cell.

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine the HARQ interlaces that it should use. For example, access point 104 and access point 106 may negotiate to use different (e.g., mutually exclusive) HARQ interlaces.

As represented by block 410, the access point 104 may determine a time offset to use for uplink or downlink communications. For example, access point 104 may continuously monitor a communication line for a period of time to determine approximately when a neighboring node starts and ends its transmissions. Thus, the access point 104 can determine (for example, evaluate) the timing of the time slots of the neighboring node. The access point can then synchronize the time distribution of the time slots of the uplink or downlink for this time. In some aspects, this may include setting the Tau-DPCH parameter.

In some cases (for example, 3GPP), access points can synchronize their synchronization (for example, HS-PDSCH synchronization) by combining in time their P-CCPCH (main common physical control channels). Such synchronization can be achieved, for example, using GPS components at each access point, transmitting service signals for synchronization between access points (which can be relatively effective for neighboring access points, for example, tens of meters from each other) or some other technology.

In some cases (for example, in HSDPA), the amount of overhead information can be relatively high and not orthogonal to the traffic. Here, discontinuous transmission or reception (DTX or DRX) can be used, whereby overhead information is not transmitted during the DTX / DRX period. In such cases, transmission for CCPCH and EHICH can be considered, and access terminals can be configured to take into account the lower CPICH Ec / Io measurements that they can observe from access points using DTX / DRX.

As represented by step 412, the access point 104 may send a message to the associated access terminal to inform the access terminal which HARQ interlaces should be used for the uplink or downlink. In some implementations, the access point 104 may use the E-AGCH (Advanced Absolute Transmission Authorization Channel) or some other similar mechanism to send HARQ interlace designations to the associated access terminals. For example, access point 104 may set Xags = 1 to indicate which TTI the access terminal should use. In addition, the access point 104 may send an indicator regarding the time offset (eg, Tau-DPCH) determined in step 410 to the access terminal. Thus, the access point can dispatch data transfers (uplink or downlink) in the optimal N HARQ interlaces from the available M HARQ interlaces (step 414).

The HARQ interlace parameters (for example, N and the specific HARQ interlaces used by this node) described above can be adjusted over time. For example, the information described above can be collected on a repeated basis and the parameters adjusted accordingly (for example, using hysteresis and / or slow filtering, if required). Thus, HARQ interlaces can be deployed in a manner that takes into account the current interference conditions in the system.

In some implementations, HARQ interlaces can be allocated in a hierarchical manner. For example, if restricted access points are not deployed in the coverage area of a macro access point, a complete set of HARQ interlaces (for example, 8) can be allocated to a macro access point. In case limited access points are deployed in the coverage area of a macro access point, however, one part of HARQ interlaces (for example, 5) can be allocated for macro coverage, and the other part of HARQ interlaces (for example, 3) can be allocated for limited access points. HARQ interlaces allocated to restricted access points can then be allocated to limited access points (eg, N = 1), as described above. The number of HARQ interlaces allocated in this way can be set (for example, in a fixed way or dynamically adjusted) based on various criteria, as explained in this document (for example, deployment of a limited access point, traffic, interference, etc.) . For example, as the number of restricted access points in the system or the amount of traffic in restricted access points increases, the number of HARQ interlaces allocated to these access points can increase.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, operations are described in more detail regarding the use of a scheme for varying transmit power (e.g., downlink transmit power) over time in order to reduce interference. In some aspects, this scheme includes defining a transmit power profile, such as the profile 602 shown in FIG. 6, which defines various power levels over time. Such a profile can take various forms and be defined in various ways. For example, in some cases, the profile may contain a set of values that specify the transmit power for different points in time. In some cases, the profile can be specified by means of an equation (for example, a sinusoidal waveform). In some aspects, the profile may be periodic. As shown in FIG. 6, a maximum value (MAX), a minimum value (MIN), and a period 604 can be set for the profile.

The transmit power profile can be used to control the transmit power in different ways. For example, in some cases, the transmit power profile is used to control the total transmit power. In some implementations, overhead channels (e.g., CPICH, etc.) and dedicated channels may operate at constant power. The remaining power according to the transmit power profile can then be shared by other channels (for example, HS-SCCH and HS-PDSCH). In some implementations, overhead channels can be scaled.

As described in more detail below, in some aspects, transmission power based partial reuse can be achieved using a transmission power profile. For example, neighboring access points can use one profile (or a similar profile), but operate on the basis of different phases of the profile. For example, the first access point can transmit according to the profile shown in Fig.6, while the second access point transmits using this profile, shifted 180 degrees. Thus, when the first access point transmits at maximum power, the second access point can transmit at minimum power.

As represented by step 502 of FIG. 5, the network node 114 (for example, the profile management component 342 of the interference controller 320) sets (for example, indicates) information about the transmit power profile to be used for wireless transmission (for example, in downlink communication lines). This information may include, for example, parameters such as a transmit power profile, initial minimum and maximum values, and an initial period value.

In some cases, one or more of these parameters may be predefined or arbitrarily determined. As a rule, however, these parameters are chosen in an attempt to more effectively reduce interference between nodes in the system. The determination of this information may be based on various criteria, such as, for example, one or more measurement reports from one or more access terminals, one or more messages from one or more access points regarding CQIs reported by one or more associated access terminals , the number of active access terminals and the average downlink traffic at each access point (for example, in each cell).

As a specific example, setting the transmit power profile parameter can be based on how the access points are deployed in the system (for example, the total number of access points, the density of access points within a given area, the relative proximity of access points, etc.). Here, if there are a large number of nodes that are close to each other, the parameters can be set so that neighboring nodes are less likely to transmit with a high power level simultaneously. By way of example, a transmit power profile may be formed such that a given access point can transmit at or near maximum power for a relatively short period of time. Thus, the transmit power profile can provide adequate isolation when a large number of phase values (for example, 60 degrees, 120 degrees, etc.) are used by various nodes in the system in connection with the transmit power profile. Conversely, if there is a small number of nodes in the system, the parameters can be set so as to improve communication performance (for example, throughput). By way of example, a transmit power profile can be formed such that a given access point can transmit at or near maximum power for a longer period of time.

Different levels of isolation between neighboring access points (for example, cells) can also be achieved by adjusting the values of the minimum and maximum parameters. For example, a larger high-low ratio provides optimal isolation by having longer periods of time where the access terminal transmits at a lower power level.

The transmission power profile parameter can be set based on traffic (for example, traffic load, types of communication, traffic service quality requirements) processed by access points. For example, some types of communication may be more sensitive to interference than other types of communication. In this case, a parameter (for example, a transmit power profile or a maximum-minimum) that provides a higher isolation can be used (for example, as explained above). In addition, some types of communication may have more stringent bandwidth requirements (but less interference susceptibility), whereby a transmit power profile that provides more transmissions at higher power levels can be used (for example, as explained above).

In some cases, the network node 114 may set transmission power profile parameters based on received interference information (for example, feedback from one or more access points and / or access terminals in the system, as explained above in connection with FIG. 2). For example, the number of access points monitored by a given access terminal and the relative proximity of the access points to the access terminal can be determined based on measurement reports received from the access terminal. Thus, the network node 114 can determine whether or not transmissions in a given cell (for example, associated with a limited access point) can interfere with a neighboring cell, and adjust the power profile parameters accordingly. Network node 114 may also set parameters based on interference information received from one or more access points (for example, as explained in FIG. 2).

In some implementations, a period parameter may be set based on a trade-off between sensitivity for application data delay (e.g., VoIP) and CQI / DRC filtering / delay (e.g., delay from when the SINR is measured to when it is in effect, in traffic scheduler for the access point). For example, if the cells carry a large amount of VoIP traffic, the period can be set to match the frequency of the VoIP packets. In some cases, a period in the range of 50-100 ms may be appropriate. In some implementations, a period parameter may be set based on the number of access terminals served.

As represented by step 504, in some cases, the network node 114 may indicate specific phase offset values to be used by specific access points. For example, network node 114 may determine the amount of interference that can be observed through a given access point when it uses different phase offset values (for example, based on CQI messages received for each TTI). The phase offset associated with the least interference at this access point can then be assigned to this access point.

Network node 114 may also indicate phase offset values for neighboring nodes in a manner that reduces interference between nodes. As a specific example, the network node 114 may determine that downlink transmission by the access point 106 may interfere with reception at the access terminal associated with the access point 104. This can be determined, for example, based on downlink interference information that the network node 114 may receive, as explained herein. Network node 114 may then indicate various (for example, 180 degrees out of phase) phase shift values for access points 104 and 106.

As represented by step 506, the network node 114 then sends information about the power profile that it specified for one or more access points. Here, the network node 114 may send a node-specific designation to each access point, or the network node 114 may send a common designation to all access points in the set of access points.

As represented by steps 508 and 510, the access point 104 (for example, the profile management component 344 of the interference controller 322) determines the transmission power profile parameters that it should use for downlink communication. In the event that the network node 114 indicates all the parameters of the transmit power profile to be used by the access point 104, the access point 104 can simply use these parameters. In some cases, the access point 104 may optionally select a parameter (e.g., phase shift).

If all parameters are not indicated by the network node 114 or are arbitrarily selected, the access point 104 may determine which parameters to use based on relevant criteria. Typically, the access point may implement a tracking algorithm to dynamically determine the phase offset value to use in connection with the transmit power profile, minimum, maximum, and period parameters that the access point 104 receives from network node 114.

In some cases, the access point 104 may select a phase offset value that is associated with the least interference. Here, access point 104 may determine which phase offset value to use, in a similar manner as explained above. For example, at step 508, the access point 104 may receive information (eg, measurement reports, CQI, DRC) from the access terminal 110, and / or the access point 104 may monitor the communication line to determine interference in the communication line. As an example of the latter case, when the access point 104 is inactive, it can track interference (load) from outside the cell in the downlink. Thus, the access point 104 may select a phase offset value that provides minimal interference outside the cell at step 510.

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points so as to determine a phase offset value. For example, the access point 104 and the access point 106 may negotiate to use different (e.g., out-of-phase) phase offset values. In this case, the operations of step 508 cannot be performed.

As represented by block 512, the access point transmits in the downlink based on the current transmit power profile. Thus, the transmission power can vary in time in a manner that can reduce interference with neighboring nodes.

The parameters of the transmission power profile (for example, the parameters of the maximum, minimum, and period specified by the network node 114) described above can be adjusted in time. For example, the information described above may be collected on a repeatable basis and the parameters adjusted accordingly (for example, using hysteresis and / or slow filtering, if required). Thus, the transmit power of the access terminals in the system can be controlled in a manner that takes into account the current interference conditions in the system. For example, if the interference increases at a given node (for example, as determined by CQI messages), the maximum power parameter may decrease. In the simplified case, maximum_i is set to minimum_i for each access point_i. Network node 114 may then try to set these values to provide an identical (or almost identical) average CQI in each cell, which can be achieved using the Ec_i, j / Io measurement of each access terminal_j from each access point_i.

Referring now to Figs. 7 and 8, operations are described in more detail regarding the use of a scheme for varying reception attenuation (e.g., uplink attenuation) over time in order to reduce interference. In some aspects, this scheme includes defining a reception attenuation profile, such as the 802 profile shown in FIG. 8, which defines various levels of attenuation over time. Such a profile can take various forms and be defined in various ways. For example, in some cases, the profile may contain a set of values that specify the attenuation of reception for different points in time. In some cases, the profile can be specified by means of an equation (for example, a sinusoidal waveform). As shown in FIG. 8, a maximum value (MAX), a minimum value (MIN), and a period of 804 can be set for the profile.

As described in more detail below, in some aspects, the reception-based partial reuse may be implemented using the reception-attenuation profile. For example, neighboring access points can use one profile (or a similar profile), but operate on the basis of different phases of the profile. For example, the first access point may receive according to the profile shown in FIG. 8, while the second access point can receive 180 degrees shifted using this profile. Thus, when the first access point receives at maximum attenuation, the second access point can receive at minimum attenuation.

As represented by step 702 of FIG. 7, the network node 114 (for example, the profile component 342 of the interference controller 320) sets information about the reception attenuation profile to be used for wireless reception (for example, on the uplink). This information may include, for example, parameters such as a reception attenuation profile, initial minimum and maximum values, and an initial period value.

In some cases, one or more of these parameters may be predefined or arbitrarily determined. As a rule, however, these parameters are chosen in an attempt to more effectively reduce interference between nodes in the system. The determination of this information may be based on various criteria, such as, for example, one or more measurement reports from one or more access terminals, one or more messages from one or more access points regarding CQIs reported by one or more associated access terminals , the number of active access terminals and average uplink traffic at each access point (for example, in each cell).

As a specific example, setting the reception attenuation profile parameter can be based on how access points are deployed in the system (for example, the total number of access points, the density of access points within a given area, the relative proximity of access points, etc.). Here, if there are a large number of nodes that are close to each other, the parameters can be set so that neighboring nodes are less likely to receive with a high level of attenuation at the same time. By way of example, a reception attenuation profile may be formed such that a given access point can receive at or near maximum attenuation for a relatively short period of time. Thus, the reception attenuation profile can provide adequate isolation when a large number of phase values (e.g. 60 degrees, 120 degrees, etc.) are used by various nodes in the system in connection with the reception attenuation profile. Conversely, if there is a small number of nodes in the system, the parameters can be set so as to improve communication performance (for example, throughput). As an example, a reception attenuation profile may be formed such that a given access point can receive at or at a maximum attenuation level over a longer period of time.

Different levels of isolation between neighboring access points (for example, cells) can also be achieved by adjusting the values of the minimum and maximum parameters. For example, a larger high-low ratio provides optimal isolation by having longer periods of time where the access terminal receives at a lower level of attenuation.

The parameter of the reception attenuation profile can be set based on traffic (for example, traffic load, types of communication, traffic service quality requirements) processed by access points. For example, some types of communication may be more sensitive to interference than other types of communication. In this case, a parameter (for example, a reception attenuation profile or a maximum-minimum) that provides a higher isolation can be used (for example, as explained above). In addition, some types of communication may have more stringent bandwidth requirements (but less interference sensitivity), whereby a reception attenuation profile can be used that provides more transmissions at higher attenuation levels (for example, as explained above).

In some cases, the network node 114 may set reception attenuation profile parameters based on received interference information (for example, feedback from one or more access points and / or access terminals in the system, as explained above in connection with FIG. 2). For example, the number of access points monitored by a given access terminal and the relative proximity of the access points to the access terminal can be determined based on measurement reports received from the access terminal. Thus, the network node 114 can determine whether or not transmissions in a given cell (for example, associated with a limited access point) can interfere with a neighboring cell, and adjust the attenuation profile parameters accordingly. Network node 114 may also set parameters based on interference information received from one or more access points (for example, as explained in FIG. 2).

In some implementations, a period parameter may be set based on a trade-off between sensitivity for application data delay (e.g., VoIP) and filtering / delay in the downlink control channel (e.g., CQI / DRC, ACK channel, etc.) as explained above.

As represented by step 704, in some cases, the network node 114 may indicate specific phase offset values and / or other parameters explained above to be used by specific access points. For example, network node 114 may determine the amount of interference that can be observed by a given access point when it uses different phase offsets. The phase offset associated with the least interference at this access point can then be assigned to this access point.

Network node 114 may also indicate phase offset values for neighboring nodes in a manner that reduces interference between nodes. As a specific example, network node 114 may determine that uplink transmission by access terminal 112 may interfere with reception at access point 104. This can be determined, for example, based on uplink related information that the network node 114 can receive, as explained herein. Network node 114 may then indicate various (for example, 180 degrees out of phase) phase shift values for access points 104 and 106.

As represented by step 706, the network node 114 then sends the attenuation profile information that it has specified for one or more access points. Here, the network node 114 may send a node-specific designation to each access point, or the network node 114 may send a common designation to all access points in the set of access points.

As represented by steps 708 and 710, the access point 104 (for example, the profile component 344 of the interference controller 322) determines the reception attenuation profile parameters that it should use for uplink communication. In the event that the network node 114 indicates all the reception attenuation profile parameters to be used by the access point 104, the access point 104 can simply use these parameters. In some cases, the access point 104 may optionally select a parameter (e.g., phase shift).

If all parameters are not indicated by the network node 114 or are arbitrarily selected, the access point 104 may determine which parameters to use based on relevant criteria. Typically, the access point may implement a tracking algorithm to dynamically determine the phase offset value that is used in connection with the attenuation profile, minimum, maximum, and period parameters that the access point 104 receives from network node 114.

In some cases, the access point 104 may select a phase offset value that is associated with the least interference. Here, access point 104 may determine which phase offset value to use, in a similar manner as explained above. For example, at step 708, the access point 104 may receive information (eg, measurement reports) from the access terminal 110, and / or the access point 104 may monitor the communication line to determine interference in the communication line. As an example of the latter case, when the access point 104 is inactive, it can track interference (load) from outside the cell in the uplink. Thus, the access point 104 may select a phase offset value that provides minimal interference outside the cell, at 710.

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points so as to determine a phase offset value. For example, the access point 104 and the access point 106 may negotiate to use different (e.g., out-of-phase) phase offset values. In this case, the operations of block 708 cannot be performed.

As represented by step 712, the access point receives in the uplink based on the current reception attenuation profile (for example, by applying the attenuation profile to the received signal). Thus, the attenuation of reception can vary in time in such a way that it can reduce interference with neighboring nodes.

The parameters of the reception attenuation profile (for example, the maximum, minimum, and period parameters specified by the network node 114) described above can be adjusted in time. For example, the information described above can be collected on a repeated basis and the parameters adjusted accordingly (for example, using hysteresis and / or slow filtering, if required). Thus, attenuation of reception of access terminals in the system can be controlled in a manner that takes into account the current interference conditions in the system. For example, attenuation (e.g., maximum attenuation) may increase as the power level of the received signal at one or more access points increases. In the simplified case, maximum_i is set to minimum_i for each access point_i and is controlled in the same way as explained above.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, operations are described in more detail regarding the use of a partial reuse scheme using selective transmission (eg, decimation) in an uplink or downlink. As mentioned above, the system may transmit for one or more predetermined time intervals, which, in various implementations, may refer to or be referred to as a frame, subframe, time interval, transmission time interval (TTI), HARQ interlace, etc.

In some aspects, a partial reuse scheme may include configuring neighboring nodes (e.g., access points and / or access terminals) to refuse transmission during a portion of one or more transmission time slots. For example, the first access point can transmit during the first part (for example, part or a full subframe) of the time interval, while the second access point transmits during the second part (for example, another part of a subframe or a completely different subframe) of the time interval. As a result, interference that may otherwise occur between nodes may be reduced.

In some aspects, determining whether or not a node should refuse transmission during a given part of a time interval may include determining how much interference is present in different parts of the time interval. For example, a node may refuse to transmit in those parts of the time slot that are associated with a higher level of interference.

Referring initially to FIG. 9, as represented by step 902, a network node 114 (for example, a time slot management component 346 of an interference controller 320) or some other suitable entity may determine how a given transmission time slot or set of transmission time slots should be divided into parts so that the various nodes can selectively refuse to transmit during one or more of these parts of the time interval. This may include, for example, determining parameters such as the structure of each part of the time interval, the number of parts of the time interval, the size of each part of the time interval, and the location of each part of the time interval. Here, it should be appreciated that a given portion of a time interval may be defined to include subparts that are not adjacent in time, or may be defined as one adjacent time period. In some cases, these time slot parameters may be predefined for the system.

In some aspects, the parameters of the parts of the time interval are set so as to reduce interference in the system. For this purpose, parts of the time interval can be set based on how the nodes are deployed in the system (for example, the total number of access points, the density of access points within a given area, the relative proximity of access points, etc.). Here, if there are a large number of nodes deployed in a given area, more parts of the time interval (for example, and possibly smaller parts) can be specified, and / or more separation can be provided between parts of the time interval. Thus, neighboring nodes are less likely to use the identical part of the time interval (or interference with the neighboring part of the time interval), and all potentially interfering nodes can thus be configured to not transmit for a larger percentage of the time interval or set of time intervals . Conversely, if there are fewer nodes in the system, smaller parts of the time interval (for example, and possibly larger parts with less separation) can be set so as to increase communication performance (for example, throughput).

Parts of the time interval can also be set based on traffic (for example, traffic volume, types of communication, traffic service quality requirements) processed by access points. For example, some types of communication may be more sensitive to interference than other types of communication. In such a case, more parts of the time interval may be specified and / or greater separation may be provided between parts of the time interval. In addition, some types of communications may have more stringent bandwidth requirements (but less sensitivity to interference), whereby large portions of the time interval can be specified.

Parts of the time interval can also be set based on interference in the system. For example, if the interference values are high in the system, more parts of the time interval may be specified and / or more separation may be provided between parts of the time interval.

The operations of block 902, therefore, can be based on interference-related feedback from one or more access points and / or access terminals in the system (for example, as explained above). For example, measurement reports of the access terminal and / or messages from access nodes can be used to determine the extent to which nodes in the system can interfere with each other.

As represented by step 904, in some cases, the network node 114 may indicate specific portions of a time slot to be used by specific nodes. In some cases, parts of the time interval may be assigned randomly. Typically, however, portions of the time slot may be selected in an attempt to reduce interference between nodes in the system. In some aspects, determining which portion of a time interval a given node should use may be similar to the operation of block 902 described above. For example, network node 114 may determine the amount of interference that is associated with parts of a time slot.

For the downlink, the access point may first be configured to use the first part of the time slot. The interference associated with the use of this part of the time interval can then be determined (for example, based on CQI messages collected over a period of time). The access point can then be configured to use the second part of the time interval. The interference associated with the use of the second part of the time interval can then be determined (for example, based on CQI messages collected over a period of time). The network controller may then assign the portion of the time slot associated with the least interference to the access point.

For the uplink, the access terminal may be configured to initially use the first part of the time slot. The interference associated with using this part of the time interval, for example, can be determined indirectly based on transmission power values (for example, as automatically set by power control commands from the associated access point) used in uplink transmission over a period of time. The access terminal may then be configured to use the second part of the time interval. The interference associated with the use of the second part of the time interval can then be determined (for example, as explained above). The network node 114 may then designate the portion of the time slot associated with the least interference (for example, as indicated by the lowest transmit power on the uplink) for this access terminal and its associated access point.

Network node 114 may also indicate portions of a time slot for neighboring nodes in a manner that reduces interference between nodes. As a specific example, the network node 114 may determine that downlink transmission by the access point 106 may interfere with reception at the access terminal associated with the access point 104. This can be determined, for example, based on downlink interference information that the network node 114 may receive, as explained herein. In order to reduce such potential interference, the network node 114 may assign different parts of the time slot to the access points 104 and 106.

As represented by step 906, the network node 114 may determine the time offset of one or more access points to synchronize the time distribution of the time slots of the access points. Such synchronization can be achieved, for example, using regulation, such as Tau-DPCH (where DPCH refers to a dedicated physical channel), or some other suitable synchronization scheme.

As represented by step 908, the network node 114 then sends the parameters of the portion of the time interval that it has specified for one or more access points. For example, a network node 114 may send a node-specific designation to each access point, or a network node 114 may send a common designation to all access points in a set of access points. Network node 114 may also send one or more time offset indicators to access points for use in synchronization operations.

Referring now to FIG. 10, this flowchart describes operations that can be performed by an access point for operating in a downlink or an access terminal for operating in an uplink. Initially, a downlink case is considered.

As represented by step 1002, the access point 104 (eg, the time slot management component 348 of the interference controller 322) determines the portion of the time slot that it should use for downlink communication. In the event that the network node 114 indicates a portion of the time interval to be used by the access point 104, the access point 104 may simply use these parts of the time interval. In some cases, the access point 104 may optionally choose which part of the time slot to use.

If a portion of the time slot is not designated by the network node 114 or is arbitrarily selected, the access point 104 may determine which portion of the time slot to use based on the relevant criteria. In some aspects, the access point 104 may select the portion of the time slot associated with the least interference. Here, the access point 104 may determine which part of the time interval to use, in a similar manner as explained above at step 904 (for example, by using different parts at different time periods and monitoring CQI or some other parameter during each time period).

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine which portion of the time slot to use. For example, the access point 104 and the access point 106 may negotiate to use different (eg, mutually exclusive) parts of the time interval.

As represented by step 1004, the access point 104 may determine a time offset to be used for downlink communications. For example, access point 104 may continuously monitor a communication line for a period of time to determine approximately when a neighboring node starts and ends its transmissions. Thus, the access point 104 can determine (for example, evaluate) the synchronization of parts of the time interval of the neighboring node. The access point can then synchronize a portion of the time distribution of downlink time slots for that time. In some aspects, this may include setting the Tau-DPCH parameter.

As represented by step 1006, the access point 104 may send a message (e.g., including time offset information) to the associated access terminal to inform the access terminal which parts of the time slot should be used for the downlink. Thus, the access point 104 can dispatch the downlink transmissions in the optimal accessible parts of the time interval (step 1008).

Turning now to the uplink scenario, as represented by step 1002, the access terminal 104 (e.g., the interference controller 324) determines the portions of the time slot that it should use for uplink communications. In the event that the network node 114 indicates the parts of the time interval to be used by the access terminal 110, the access terminal 110 may simply use these parts of the time interval. In some cases, the access terminal 110 may optionally select which part of the time slot to use.

If portions of the time slot are not designated by the network node 114 or are arbitrarily selected, the access terminal 110 may determine which portion of the time slot to use based on the relevant criteria. In some aspects, the access terminal 110 may select the portion of the time slot associated with the least interference (e.g., the lowest transmit power). Here, the access terminal 110 may determine which portion of the time slot to use in a similar manner as explained above at 904, or this may be done automatically due to the power control operations of the access point 104.

In some cases, the access point 104 may track uplink interference during a portion of the time interval test (eg, a test to determine which portion of the time interval has the least interference). In such cases, the access point 104 may instruct the access terminal 110 to use certain parts of the time interval during this phase of the interference test. Alternatively, the access terminal 110 may inform the access point 104 which parts of the time slot are used for a given phase of the test.

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine which portion of the uplink time slot to use. For example, the access point 104 and the access point 106 may negotiate to use different (eg, mutually exclusive) parts of the time interval. In this case, the access point 104 may redirect this information to the access terminal 110.

As represented by step 1004, the access terminal 110 may determine a time offset to use for uplink or downlink communications. For example, access terminal 110 may continuously monitor a communication line for a period of time to determine approximately when a neighboring node starts and ends its transmissions. Thus, the access terminal 110 can determine (for example, evaluate) the synchronization of parts of the time interval of the neighboring node. Alternatively, access terminal 110 may receive time offset information from access point 104 (eg, Tau-DPCH parameter). In any case, the access terminal 110 may then synchronize a portion of the time allocation of the uplink time slots for that time.

As represented by step 1006, the access terminal 110 may send a message to the access point 104 to inform the access point 104 which parts of the time slot should be used for the uplink. Thus, the access terminal 110 can dispatch uplink data transmissions in the optimal accessible parts of the time interval (step 1008).

The above operations can be performed on a repeated basis in an attempt to continuously provide the optimal parts of the time interval for nodes in the system. In some cases, it may be decided not to transmit pilot bits for certain times in order to provide a more accurate SNR estimate (for example, for EV-DOs). In some cases, a decision may be made not to transmit during certain service channels in order to provide optimal isolation (for example, for HSPA). In addition, preparation can be performed at access terminals to account for lower signal measurements that they can observe from access points using the above scheme.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, operations regarding the use of a partial reuse scheme using spectral masks in an uplink or downlink are described in more detail. In some aspects, this scheme may include configuring neighboring nodes (eg, access points and / or access terminals) to use various spectral masks in transmission. Here, instead of using the entire available frequency spectrum at constant power, each node can use a spectral mask to create an uneven power spectral density. For example, the first access point can transmit using a spectral mask associated with the first set of spectral components (for example, the first subset of the selected frequency spectrum), while the second access point can transmit using another spectral mask associated with the second set of spectral components (for example , the second subset of the selected frequency spectrum). As a result, interference that may otherwise occur between nodes may be reduced.

In some aspects, determining as to whether or not a node should use a given spectral mask may include determining how much interference is observed when various spectral masks are used. For example, the node may choose to use a spectral mask that is associated with lower interference. Here, it should be appreciated that a given spectral mask can be defined to include spectral components that are not adjacent in frequency or can be defined as one adjacent frequency range. In addition, the spectral mask may contain a positive mask (for example, for specifying frequency components that should be used) or a negative mask (for example, for specifying frequency components that should not be used).

Referring initially to FIG. 11, as represented by step 1102, the network node 114 (for example, the spectral mask control component 350 of the interference controller 320) may receive information that is indicative of interference associated with various spectral components of the frequency spectrum allocated for transmission over uplink or downlink.

The operations of step 1102, therefore, can be based on interference-related feedback from one or more access points and / or access terminals in the system (for example, as explained above). For example, measurement reports of the access terminal and / or messages from access nodes can be used to determine the extent to which nodes in the system can interfere with each other when this spectral mask is used.

As represented by step 1104, in some cases, the network node 114 may indicate specific spectral masks to be used by specific nodes. In some cases, spectral masks can be assigned randomly. Typically, however, spectral masks can be selected in an attempt to more effectively reduce interference between nodes in the system.

For example, for a downlink, the access point may first be configured to use a first spectral mask (for example, a filter defined with specific spectral characteristics) during transmission. This spectral mask can be limited, for example, to actually the first half of the selected spectrum (for example, the spectral mask has an almost complete spectral power density for half the spectrum and a significantly reduced power spectral density for the other half of the spectrum). The interference associated with the use of this spectral mask can then be determined (for example, based on CQI messages collected over a period of time). The access point can then be configured to use a second spectral mask (for example, which is limited in fact to the second half of the selected spectrum). The interference associated with the use of the second spectral mask can then be determined (for example, based on CQI messages collected over a period of time). Network node 114 may then assign the spectral mask associated with the least interference to the access point.

For the uplink, the access terminal may first be configured to use the first spectral mask in transmission. The interference associated with the use of this spectral mask can then be determined (for example, based on uplink interference measured by the associated access terminal). The access terminal may then be configured to use a second spectral mask, and the interference associated with the use of the second spectral mask is determined. Network node 114 may then assign the spectral mask associated with the least interference to the access terminal.

Network node 114 may also designate spectral masks for neighboring nodes in a manner that reduces interference between nodes. As a specific example, the network node 114 may determine that downlink transmission by the access point 106 may interfere with reception at the access terminal associated with the access point 104. This can be determined, for example, based on downlink interference information that the network node 114 may receive, as explained herein. To reduce such potential interference, the network node 114 may assign different spectral masks to the access points 104 and 106.

As represented by step 1106, the network node 114 then sends the spectral masks that it has identified for the corresponding access point (s). Here, the network node 114 may send a node-specific message to each access point, or the network node 114 may send a general message to all access points in the set of access points.

Referring now to FIG. 12, this flowchart describes operations that can be performed by an access point and an associated access terminal for uplink communication and downlink operation. As represented by step 1202, the access point 104 (for example, the spectral mask control component 352 of the interference controller 322) determines the spectral mask to be used for the uplink or downlink. In case the network node 114 indicates a spectral mask to be used, the access point 104 may simply use the designated spectral mask. In some cases, the access point 104 may optionally choose which spectral mask to use.

If the spectral mask is not indicated by the network node 114 or is arbitrarily selected, the access point 104 may determine which spectral mask to use based on the relevant criteria. In some aspects, access point 104 may select a spectral mask associated with the least interference. For example, access point 104 may determine which spectral mask to use, in a similar manner as explained above in steps 1102 and 1104 (for example, using different spectral masks at different time periods and monitoring CQI or some other parameter related to interference during each time period).

In some cases, the access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine which spectral mask to use. For example, access point 104 and access point 106 may negotiate to use different (eg, mutually exclusive) spectral masks.

As represented by step 1204, the access point 104 sends a message to the access terminal 110 to inform the access terminal 110 which spectral mask should be used for the uplink (or, optionally, the downlink). Thus, the access point 104 may transmit in the downlink using the optimal available spectrum, and / or the access terminal 110 may transmit in the uplink using the optimal available spectrum (step 1206). Here, the corrector in the receiving node (for example, the access terminal for the downlink) can reduce the effect of the spectral mask (especially if there is no load from the neighboring cell). In addition, in some cases, the corrector may be adaptive and take into account the specific spectral mask used in the transmitting node (for example, in an access point for a downlink).

The above operations can be performed on a repeated basis in an attempt to continuously provide optimal spectral masks for nodes in the system.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, operations regarding the use of a partial reuse scheme using extension codes (eg, Walsh codes or OVSF codes) are described. In some aspects, this scheme may include configuring neighboring nodes (eg, access points) to use various extension codes during transmission. Here, instead of using all the codes in a dedicated set of extension codes, each node can use a subset of extension codes. For example, the first access point can transmit using the first set of extension codes, while the second access point transmits using the second set of extension codes. As a result, interference that may otherwise occur between nodes may be reduced.

In some aspects, determining as to whether or not a node should use a given extension code may include determining how much interference is observed when various extension codes are used. For example, the node may choose to use an extension code that is associated with lower interference.

Referring initially to FIG. 13, as represented by step 1302, the network node 114 (for example, the extension code management component 354 of the interference controller 320) may receive information that is indicative of interference associated with various subsets of the extension codes from the set of extension codes allocated for downlink transmission.

The operations of step 1302, therefore, can be based on interference-related feedback from one or more access points and / or access terminals in the system (for example, as explained above). For example, measurement reports of the access terminal and / or messages from access nodes can be used to determine the extent to which nodes in the system can interfere with each other when a given extension code is used.

As represented by step 1304, in some cases, the network node 114 may indicate specific extension codes to be used by specific nodes. In some cases, extension codes may be assigned randomly. Typically, however, extension codes may be selected in an attempt to more effectively reduce interference between nodes in the system.

For example, the access point may first be configured to use the first set of extension codes when transmitting in the downlink. The interference associated with the use of this set of extension codes can then be determined (for example, based on CQI messages collected over a period of time). The access point can then be configured to use a second set of extension codes, and interference associated with using the second set of extension codes is determined. Network node 114 may then assign an extension code associated with the least interference to the access point.

Network node 114 may also indicate extension codes for neighboring nodes in a manner that reduces interference between nodes. As a specific example, the network node 114 may determine that downlink transmission by the access point 104 may interfere with reception at the access terminal associated with the access point 106. This can be determined, for example, based on downlink interference information that the network node 114 may receive, as explained herein. To reduce such potential interference, the network node 114 may assign various extension codes to access points 104 and 106.

As represented by step 1306, the network node 114 then sends the extension codes that it identified for the corresponding access point (s). Here, the network node 114 may send a node-specific message to each access point, or the network node 114 may send a general message to all access points in the set of access points.

As represented by step 1308, the network node 114 may also send one or more other sets of extension codes to the access point (s). As explained in more detail below, these sets can identify extension codes that are not used by a given point, and / or extension codes that are used by some other access point.

Referring now to FIG. 14, as represented by block 1402, an access point 104 (eg, an extension code management component 356 of an interference controller 322) determines a set of extension codes to be used for the downlink. In the event that the network node 114 indicates a set to be used, the access point 104 may simply use the designated set. In some cases, the access point 104 may optionally choose which set of extension codes to use.

If the set of extension codes is not indicated by the network node 114, or is arbitrarily selected, the access point 104 may determine which set to use based on relevant criteria. In some aspects, access point 104 may select a set of spreading codes associated with the least interference. For example, access point 104 may determine which set to use in a similar manner as explained above in steps 1302 and 1304 (for example, using different extension codes at different time periods and monitoring CQI or some other parameter related to interference during each time period).

In some cases, access point 104 may interact with one or more other access points to determine which set of extension codes to use. For example, access point 104 and access point 106 may negotiate to use a different (e.g., mutually exclusive) set of extension codes.

As represented by block 1404, the access point 104 may not necessarily synchronize its time distribution, the time distribution of one or more other access points. For example, by achieving character matching of a noise-like sequence with neighboring cells (for example, associated with other restricted access points), orthogonal channels can be established between access points using different extension codes at each access point. Such synchronization can be performed, for example, using the methods described above (for example, access points may include GPS functionality).

As represented by block 1406, the access point 104 may optionally determine extension codes that are used by one or more other access points. Such information is detected, for example, from a network node 114 or directly from other access nodes (for example, through a transit connection).

As represented by block 1408, the access point 104 sends a message to the access terminal 110 to inform the access terminal 110 which extension code should be used for the downlink. In addition, the access point 104 may send information to the access terminal 110, which identifies extension codes that are not used by the access point 104, and / or which identifies extension codes that are used by some other access point (for example, a neighboring access point) .

As represented by block 1410, the access point 104 transmits in the downlink using the selected set of extension codes. In addition, as represented by block 1412, the access terminal 110 uses the extension code information sent by the access point 104 to decode the information that it receives via the downlink.

In some implementations, access terminal 110 may be configured to use information regarding extension codes not used by access point 104 to more efficiently decode received information. For example, a signal processor 366 (e.g., containing interference suppression capabilities) may use these other extension codes in an attempt to suppress, from received information, all interference created by signals received from another node (e.g., access point 106) that are encoded using these other extension codes. Here, the original received information is operated using other extension codes to provide decoded bits. The signal is then generated from the decoded bits, and this signal is subtracted from the original received information. The resulting signal is then operated on with extension codes sent by the access point 104 to provide an output signal. Advantageously, using such interference control techniques, relatively high levels of interference cancellation can be achieved even when the access point 104 and the access terminal 110 are not time synchronized.

The above operations can be performed on a repeated basis in an attempt to continuously provide optimal extension codes for nodes in the system.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, operations are described regarding the use of a power-related noise reduction circuit. In particular, these operations relate to controlling the transmit power of the access terminal so as to reduce all interference that the access terminal may cause on the uplink at an unassociated access point (for example, that operates on the same carrier frequency of an adjacent carrier frequency).

As represented by step 1502, the node (for example, network node 114 or access point 104) receives power control signals that can be used to determine how to control the uplink transmission power of access terminal 110. In various scenarios, signals may be received from a network node 114, an access point 104, another access point (eg, access point 106) or an associated access terminal (eg, access points 110). Such information can be received in various ways (for example, via a transit connection, over the air interface, etc.).

In some aspects, these received signals may provide an interference indicator at a neighboring access point (eg, access point 106). For example, as explained herein, access terminals associated with access point 104 may generate measurement reports and transmit these messages to network node 114 through access point 104.

In addition, access points in the system can generate a load indicator (for example, a busy bit or a relative transmission permission channel) and send this information to the associated access terminal via a downlink. Thus, the access point 104 can monitor the downlink to receive this information, or the access point 104 can receive this information from its associated access terminals, which can receive this information on the downlink.

In some cases, interference information may be received from the network node 114 or the access point 106 through the transit connection. For example, access point 106 may report its load information (eg, interference) to network node 114. Network node 114 may then distribute this information to other access points in the system. In addition, access points in the system can communicate directly with each other to inform each other about their respective load conditions.

As represented by step 1504, the transmit power indicator for the access terminal 110 is set based on the above parameters. This indicator may relate, for example, to a maximum allowed power value, an instantaneous power value, or a traffic-to-pilot indicator (T2P).

In some aspects, the maximum transmit power value for the access terminal 110 is set by evaluating the interference that the access terminal 110 may direct at the access point 106. These interference can be estimated, for example, based on the path loss information derived from the measurement reports received from the access terminal 110. For example, access terminal 110 may determine path loss to access point 106 in path loss to access point 104. Based on this information, the access point 104 may determine the induced power (e.g., the amount of interference) at the access point 106 based on the signal strength of the signals that the access point 104 receives from the access terminal 110. The access point 104 can thereby determine the maximum allowed transmit power for the access terminal 110 based on the above measurements (for example, the maximum transmit power can be reduced by a certain amount).

In some aspects, an instantaneous power value may be generated to control the current transmit power of the access terminal. For example, if the magnitude of the induced interference is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the access terminal 110 may be instructed to reduce its transmit power (for example, by a specific amount or to a specified value).

In some cases, the power control operation may be based on one or more parameters. For example, if the access point 104 receives a busy bit from the access point 106, the access point 104 may use information from the measurement reports to determine if interference is caused at the access point 106 by the access terminal 110.

Referring now to FIG. 16, in some implementations, the transmit power indicator generated in step 1504 may refer to a maximum T2P in the uplink. In addition, in some cases, this value may be specified as a function of SINR in the downlink. The waveform 1602 of FIG. 16 illustrates one example of a function that associates a SINR in a downlink with a T2P in an uplink. In this case, the application of T2P in the uplink may decrease as the SINR in the downlink decreases. Thus, uplink interference from access terminals in an unbalanced communication line can be limited. As shown in the example of FIG. 16, a minimum T2P value 1604 can be set for the access terminal such that a determined minimum weight coefficient value is guaranteed. In addition, a maximum value of 1606 T2P can be set. In some aspects, the uplink T2P allocated to each access terminal may be limited to a minimum of the power reserve of the access terminal or the SINR function in the downlink (for example, as shown in FIG. 16). In some implementations (eg, 3GPP), the above functionality may be provided through an uplink scheduler of an access point that has access to CQI feedback from the access terminal.

Referring again to FIG. 15, as represented by step 1506, in some implementations, the threshold value of the total power to thermal noise ratio (RoT) for the access point may be allowed to increase above the traditional value for load control purposes. For example, in some cases, the restriction may not be imposed on the RoT threshold. In some cases, the RoT threshold may be allowed to rise to a value limited only by the uplink budget or saturation level at the access point. For example, the upper threshold RoT may increase at an access point 104 to a predetermined value to enable each associated access terminal to operate at the highest T2P level allowed by its power headroom.

By enabling such an increase in the threshold value of RoT, the access point can control its intensity of the total received signal. This may be advantageous in cases where the access point is subject to a high level of interference (for example, from a nearby access terminal). In the absence of a limitation of the threshold value of RoT, however, access terminals in neighboring cells may be involved in power competition to overcome interference from each other. For example, these access terminals can become saturated at the maximum transmit power on the uplink (for example, 23 dBm) and, as a result, can cause significant interference at macro access points. To prevent this mode of competition, the transmit power of the access terminal may be reduced by increasing the threshold value of RoT. In some cases, such a competition mode can be avoided by using the maximum T2P control scheme in the uplink (for example, as described above in connection with FIG. 16).

As represented by step 1508, an indicator regarding a transmit power value (e.g., maximum power, instantaneous power, or T2P) calculated using one or more of the methods described above can be sent to access terminal 110 to control the transmit power of access terminal 110 . This message may be sent directly or indirectly. As an example of the first case, explicit overhead transmission can be used to inform the access terminal 110 of a new maximum power value. As an example of the second case, the access point 104 may adjust T2P or may redirect the load indicator from the access point 106 (possibly after some modification) to the access terminal 110. Access terminal 110 may then use this parameter to determine the maximum power value.

Referring now to FIG. 17, in some implementations, the signal attenuation coefficient may be adjusted to reduce interference. Such a parameter may include noise figure or attenuation. The magnitude of such augmentation or attenuation of the signal can be dynamically adjusted based on the signal intensity measured from other nodes (for example, as explained in this document), or certain service messages (for example, indicating interference) exchanged between access points. In this way, the access point 104 can compensate for interference from nearby access terminals.

As represented by step 1702, the access terminal 104 may receive signals related to power control (for example, as explained above). As represented by steps 1704 and 1706, the access point 104 may determine whether the received signal from the associated access terminal or the unassociated access terminal is greater than or equal to the threshold level. If not, access point 104 continues to monitor power control related signals. If so, the access point 104 adjusts the attenuation coefficient in steps 1708. For example, in response to an increase in the received signal strength, the access point 104 may increase its noise figure or attenuation of the receiver. As represented by block 1710, the access point 104 may send a transmission power control message to the associated access terminals to increase their transmit power on the uplink as a result of increasing the attenuation coefficient (for example, to overcome noise figure or attenuation on the uplink imposed to access point 104).

In some aspects, access point 104 may distinguish signals received from unassociated access terminals from signals received from associated access terminals. Thus, the access terminal 104 can appropriately adjust the transmit power of its associated access terminals. For example, various adjustments may be performed in response to signals from associated as compared to non-associated access terminals (for example, depending on whether there is only one associated access terminal).

In another embodiment, interference cancellation may be performed by an access point for access terminals that are not served by the access point, or for access terminals that are not in the active set of access points. To this end, scrambling codes (in WCDMA or HSPA) or user long codes (in 1xEV-DO) can be shared by all access points (which receive scrambling codes from all access terminals). Then, the access point decodes the information of the respective access terminals and removes the interference associated with the respective access terminals.

In some aspects, the ideas in this document can be used on a network that includes macro coverage (for example, a large area cellular network such as a 3G network, typically referred to as a macro cellular network) and small scale coverage (for example, network environment in an apartment or in a house). As the access terminal (AT) moves in this network, the access terminal can be served at specific locations through access nodes (AN) that provide macro coverage, while the access terminal can be served at other locations through access nodes that provide small scale coverage. In some aspects, small-scale coverage nodes can be used to provide incremental throughput, indoor coverage, and various services (for example, for more reliable user experience). As explained in this document, a node that provides coverage in a relatively large area may be referred to as a macro node. A node that provides coverage in a relatively small area (for example, in an apartment) may be referred to as a femto node. A node that provides coverage for an area that is smaller than the macro region and larger than the femto region can be referred to as a pico node (for example, when providing coverage inside an office building).

A cell associated with a macro node, a femto node, or a pico node may be referred to as a macro cell, a femto cell, or a pico cell, respectively. In some implementations, each cell may be further associated with (eg, divided into) one or more sectors.

In various applications, other terms may be used to refer to a macro node, a femto node, or a pico node. For example, a macro node may be configured or referred to as an access node, base station, access point, e-node B, macro cell, etc. In addition, the femto node may be configured or referred to as home node B, home e-node B, access point base station, femto cell, etc.

FIG. 18 illustrates a 1800 wireless communication system configured to support a number of users in which ideas in this document may be implemented. System 1800 provides communications for multiple cells 1802, such as, for example, macro cells 1802A-1802G, with each cell being served by a corresponding access node 1804 (e.g., access nodes 1804A-1804G). As shown in FIG. 18, access terminals 1806 (e.g., access terminals 1806A-1806L) may be dispersed at various locations throughout the system over time. Each access terminal 1806 may communicate with one or more access nodes 1804 on a forward link (FL) and / or reverse link (RL) at a given moment, depending on, for example, whether or not access terminal 1806 is active, and whether or not it is in soft handoff mode. A wireless communication system 1800 may provide services for a large geographic area. For example, macro cells 1802A-1802G may cover multiple blocks in an environment.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example communications system 1900 where one or more femto nodes are deployed within a network environment. In particular, the system 1900 includes several femto nodes 1910 (for example, femto nodes 1910A and 1910B) installed in a relatively small-scale network environment (for example, in one or more 1930 apartments of a user). Each femto node 1910 can be connected to the global network 1940 (for example, the Internet) and the core network 1950 of a mobile operator via a DSL router, cable modem, wireless line, or other means of connection (not shown). As explained below, each femto node 1910 may be configured to serve associated access terminals 1920 (e.g., access terminal 1920A) and, optionally, extraneous access terminals 1920 (e.g., access terminal 1920B). In other words, access to femto nodes 1910 may be limited, whereby a given access terminal 1920 may be served by a set of indicated (e.g., home) femto nodes 1910, but may not be served by unspecified femto nodes 1910 (e.g. through the femto node 1910 neighbor).

FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a coverage map 2000, where several tracking areas 2002 (or routing areas, or location areas) are defined, each of which includes several macro coverage areas 2004. Here, coverage areas associated with tracking areas 2002A, 2002B and 2002C are delineated by wide lines, and macro coverage areas 2004 are represented by hexagons. 2002 tracking areas also include 2006 femto coverage areas. In this example, each of the femto-coating zones 2006 (for example, the femto-coating zone 2006C) is illustrated within the macro coverage zone 2004 (for example, the macro-coating zone 2004B). It should be noted, however, that the 2006 femto coverage zone may not be completely within the 2004 macro coverage zone. In practice, a large number of 2006 femto coverage zones can be specified using a given tracking area 2002 or a macro coverage area 2004. In addition, one or more pico coverage areas (not shown) may be defined within a given tracking area 2002 or macro coverage area 2004.

Referring again to FIG. 19, the owner of the femto node 1910 can subscribe to a mobile service, such as, for example, a 3G mobile service offered through a core network 1950 of a mobile operator. In addition, access terminal 1920 may allow operation both in macro environments and in small-scale network environments (eg, apartment). In other words, depending on the current location of the access terminal 1920, the access terminal 1920 may be served by an access node 1960 of the mobile network of the macro cell 1950 or any of a set of femto nodes 1910 (for example, femto nodes 1910A and 1910B that are constantly placed inside the corresponding apartment 1930 user). For example, when a subscriber is away from home, he is served through a standard macro access node (for example, node 1960), and when a subscriber is at home, he is served through a femto node (for example, node 1910A). Here, it should be appreciated that the femto node 1920 may be backward compatible with existing access terminals 1920.

The femto node 1910 may be deployed at a single frequency or, alternatively, at multiple frequencies. Depending on the specific configuration, one frequency or one or more of several frequencies may overlap with one or more frequencies used by a macro node (e.g., 1960 node).

In some aspects, access terminal 1920 may be configured to connect to a preferred femto node (eg, a home femto node of access terminal 1920) whenever such a connectivity is possible. For example, each time the access terminal 1920 is in the user's apartment 1930, it may be desirable for the access terminal 1920 to communicate only with the home femto node 1910.

In some aspects, if the access terminal 1920 operates on a 1950 macro-cellular network but does not reside on its most preferred network (e.g., specified in the preferred roaming list), access terminal 1920 may continue to search for the most preferred network (e.g. Preferred Femto Node 1910) by re-selecting the best system (BSR), which may include periodically scanning available systems to determine whether or not optimal systems are currently available And follow-up action to associate with such preferred systems. When recording a discovery, access terminal 1920 may restrict the search to a specific frequency band and channel. For example, a search for the most preferred system may be repeated periodically. Upon detection of a preferred femto node 1910, the access terminal 1920 selects the femto node 1910 to wait for a call within its coverage area.

A femto node may be limited in some aspects. For example, a given femto node may provide only certain services to certain access terminals. In deployments with so-called limited (or closed) association, this access terminal can only be serviced by the macro cell’s mobile network and a given set of femto nodes (for example, femto nodes 1910, which are constantly located in the corresponding apartment of the user 1930). In some implementations, a node may be limited so as not to provide at least one of at least one of the following: signaling, data access, registration, paging, or service.

In some aspects, a restricted femto node (which may also be referred to as a closed subscriber group home node B) is a femto node that provides services to a limited initialized set of access terminals. This kit can be expanded temporarily or continuously as needed. In some aspects, a closed subscriber group (CSG) may be defined as a set of access nodes (eg, femto nodes) that share a common access control list of access terminals. A channel on which all femto nodes (or all restricted femto nodes) in a region operate, may be referred to as a femto channel.

Various relationships can thus exist between a given femto node and a given access terminal. For example, from the point of view of the access terminal, an open femto node may be referred to as a femto node without limited association. A restricted femto node may be referred to as a femto node which is limited in some way (for example, restricted for association and / or registration). A home femto node may be referred to as a femto node for which the access terminal is authorized to access and operate. The invited femto node may be referred to as a femto node for which the access terminal is temporarily authorized to access and operate. An extraneous femto node may be referred to as a femto node for which the access terminal is not authorized to access and operate, with the possible exception of emergency situations (for example, emergency calls).

From the point of view of a limited femto node, a home access terminal may be referred to as an access terminal that is authorized to access the limited femto node. The invited access terminal may be referred to as an access terminal with temporary access to a limited femto node. A third-party access terminal may be referred to as an access terminal that does not have permission to access a limited femto node, with the possible exception of emergency situations, such as emergency calls (for example, an access terminal that does not have credentials or permission to register in a limited femto node).

For convenience, the disclosure of an entity in this document describes various functionality in the context of a femto node. It should be noted, however, that a pico node can provide identical or similar functionality for a larger coverage area. For example, a pico node may be limited, a home pico node may be defined for a given access terminal, etc.

A multiple access wireless communication system may simultaneously support communication for multiple wireless access terminals. As mentioned above, each terminal can exchange data from one or more base stations via transmission on the forward and reverse links. A forward link (or downlink) refers to a communication line from base stations to terminals, and a reverse link (or uplink) refers to a communication line from terminals to base stations. This communication line can be established through a system with one input and one output, a system with many inputs and many outputs (MIMO), or some other type of system.

The MIMO system uses several (N _T ) transmit antennas and several (N _R ) receive antennas for data transmission. A MIMO channel formed by N _T transmit and N _R receive antennas can be decomposed into N _S independent channels, which are also referred to as spatial channels,

where N _S <min {N _T , N _R }. Each of the N _S independent channels corresponds to a dimension. A MIMO system can provide increased performance (for example, higher throughput and / or greater reliability) if additional dimensions are created using multiple transmit and receive antennas.

A MIMO system can support time division duplex (TDD) and frequency division duplex (FDD) systems. In a TDD system, transmissions on the forward and reverse links are carried out in the same frequency domain, so that the principle of reversibility provides an opportunity to estimate the forward link channel from the reverse link channel. This allows the access point to take advantage of the formation of a radiation pattern in a forward link when multiple antennas are available at the access point.

The ideas in this document can be included in a node (for example, a device) that uses various components to exchange data with at least one other node. 21 illustrates several exemplary components that can be used to facilitate communication between nodes. In particular, FIG. 21 illustrates a wireless device 2110 (eg, an access point) and a wireless device 2150 (eg, an access terminal) of a MIMO system 2100. At device 2110, traffic data for a certain number of data streams is provided from a data source 2112 to a processor 2114 transmit (TX) data.

In some aspects, each data stream is transmitted through a respective transmit antenna. TX data processor 2114 formats, codes, and interleaves the traffic data for each data stream based on a particular coding scheme selected for that data stream to provide encoded data.

The coded data for each data stream may be multiplexed with pilot data using OFDM techniques. The pilot data is typically a known data pattern that is processed in a known manner and can be used in a receiver system in order to evaluate channel response. The multiplexed pilot and encoded data for each data stream is then modulated (i.e., symbolically converted) based on a particular modulation scheme (e.g., BPSK, QSPK, M-PSK or M-QAM) selected for that data stream to provide symbols modulation. The data rate, coding, and modulation for each data stream may be determined by instructions executed by processor 2130. Memory device 2132 may store program code, data, and other information used by processor 2130 or other components of device 2110.

Modulation symbols for all data streams are then provided to the TX MIMO processor 2120, which can further process modulation symbols (for example, for OFDM). The TX MIMO processor 2120 then provides N _T modulation symbol streams to N _T transceivers (XCVR) 2122A-2122T. In various embodiments, TX MIMO processor 2120 applies beamforming weights to the symbols of the data streams and to the antenna from which the symbol is transmitted.

Each transceiver 2122 receives and processes a corresponding symbol stream to provide one or more analog signals, and further leads to the desired parameters (e.g., amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog signals to provide a modulated signal suitable for MIMO transmissions. N _T modulated signals from transceivers 2122A-2122T are then transmitted from N _T antennas 2124A-2124T, respectively.

At device 2150, the transmitted modulated signals are received by N _R antennas 2152A-2152R, and a received signal from each antenna 2152 is provided to a corresponding transceiver (XCVR) 2154A-2154R. Each transceiver 2154 leads to the required parameters (for example, filters, amplifies, and downconverts) the corresponding received signal, digitizes the signal brought to the required parameters to provide samples, and further processes the samples to provide the corresponding “received” stream characters.

A receive (RX) data processor 2160 then receives and processes N _R received symbol streams from N _R transceivers 2154 based on a particular receiver processing technology to provide N _T “detected” symbol streams. The RX data processor 2160 then demodulates, interleaves, and decodes each detected symbol stream to recover traffic data for the data stream. The processing by the RX data processor 2160 is complementary to the processing performed by the TX MIMO processor 2120 and TX data processor 2114 in the device 2110.

The processor 2170 periodically determines which precoding matrix to use (described below). The processor 2170 formulates a reverse link message comprising a matrix index portion and a rank value portion. Storage device 2172 may store program code, data, and other information used by processor 2170 or other components of device 2150.

The reverse link message may comprise various types of information related to the communication link and / or the received data stream. The reverse link message is then processed by the TX data processor 2138, which also receives traffic data for a certain number of data streams from the data source 2136, is modulated by a modulator 2180, adjusted to the desired parameters by the transceivers 2154A-2154R, and transmitted back to the device 2110.

At device 2110, modulated signals from device 2150 are received via antennas 2124, adjusted to desired parameters by transceivers 2122, demodulated by demodulator (DEMOD) 2140, and processed by RX data processor 2142 to extract a reverse link message transmitted by device 2150. The processor 2130 then determines which precoding matrix to use to determine the weighting factors of the radiation pattern, and then Work on the extracted message.

FIG. 21 also illustrates that communication components may include one or more components that perform interference control operations, as discussed herein. For example, an interference control component (INTER) 2190 may interact with a processor 2130 and / or other components of a device 2110 to send / receive signals to / from another device (e.g., device 2150), as discussed herein. Similarly, the interference control component 2192 can communicate with the processor 2170 and / or other components of the device 2150 to send / receive signals to / from another device (e.g., device 2110). It will be appreciated that for each device 2110 and 2150, the functionality of two or more of the described components may be provided through a single component. For example, one processing component may provide the functionality of an interference control component 2190 and a processor 2130, and one processing component may provide the functionality of an interference control component 2192 and a processor 2170.

The ideas in this document may be incorporated into various types of communication systems and / or system components. In some aspects, the ideas in this document can be used in a multiple access system that allows communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (for example, by specifying one or more of bandwidth, transmit power, encoding, interleaving, etc. ) For example, the ideas in this document can be applied to any or a combination of the following methods: code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, multi-carrier CDMA systems (MCCDMA), wideband CDMA systems (W-CDMA), high-speed packet access systems (HSPA, HSPA +), time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, single-carrier FDMA systems (SC-FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems or other multiple-access technologies wow access. A wireless communication system using the ideas in this document may be configured to implement one or more standards, such as IS-95, cdma2000, IS-856, W-CDMA, TDSCDMA and other standards. A CDMA network may implement a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), cdma2000, or some other technology. UTRA includes W-CDMA and the Low Noise Sequence Character (LCR) standard. Additionally, cdma2000 technology covers IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. A TDMA network may implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA network may implement such radio technology as Enhanced UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM®, etc. UTRA, E-UTRA and GSM are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). The ideas in this document can be implemented in a 3GPP (LTE) long-term development standard system, UMB system for mobile devices (UMB), and other types of systems. LTE is a version of UMTS that uses EUTRA. Although certain aspects of disclosure can be described using 3GPP terminology, it should be understood that the ideas in this document can be applied to 3GPP technology (Re199, Re15, Re16, Re17), as well as to 3GPP2 technology (1xRTT, 1xEV-DO RelO, RevA, RevB) and other technologies.

The ideas in this document can be incorporated (for example, implemented as part of or implemented through) into a variety of devices (for example, nodes). In some aspects, a node (eg, a wireless node) implemented in accordance with the ideas in this document may be an access point or access terminal.

For example, an access terminal may comprise, be implemented as, or known as a subscriber unit, subscriber station, subscriber module, mobile station, mobile device, mobile node, remote station, remote terminal, user terminal, user agent, user device, or some other term. In some implementations, the access terminal may be a cell phone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) telephone, a wireless subscriber access station (WLL), a personal digital device (PDA), a handheld wireless device, or some other suitable processing device connected to a wireless modem. Accordingly, one or more of the aspects discussed herein may be included (implemented in) in a telephone (e.g., a cell phone or smartphone), a computer (e.g., a laptop computer), a portable communications device, a portable computing device (e.g., a personal digital device), a household device (for example, a music or video device or satellite radio device), a global positioning system device, or any other suitable device that is configured to ü communication through a wireless transmission medium.

An access point may comprise, be implemented as or known as a Node B, an e-Node B, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station (BS), a radio base station (RBS), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station ( BTS), Transceiver Function (TF), Radio Transceiver, Radio Router, Basic Service Set (BSS), Advanced Service Set (ESS), or some other similar term.

In some aspects, a node (eg, an access point) may be an access node for a communication system. Such an access device may provide, for example, connectivity to a network (e.g., a wide area network, such as the Internet or a cellular network) via a wired or wireless connection to a network. Accordingly, an access node may provide an opportunity to another node (for example, an access terminal) to access a network or some other functionality. In addition, it should be appreciated that one or both of the nodes may be portable or, in some cases, relatively non-portable.

In addition, it should be borne in mind that the wireless node may allow the transmission and / or reception of information in a non-wireless manner (for example, via a wired connection). Thus, the receiving device and the transmitting device, as explained herein, may include appropriate communication interface components (e.g., electrical or optical interface components) to exchange data via a non-wireless transmission medium.

A wireless node may communicate via one or more wireless links that are based or otherwise support any suitable wireless technology. For example, in some aspects, a wireless node may be associated with a network. In some aspects, the network may comprise a local area network or a wide area network. A wireless device may support or otherwise use one or more of a variety of wireless communication methods, protocols, or standards, such as those described herein (e.g., CDMA, TDMA, OFDM, OFDMA, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, etc.) . Similarly, a wireless node may support or otherwise use one or more of a plurality of respective modulation or multiplexing schemes. The wireless node may thereby include appropriate components (e.g., radio interfaces) to establish and exchange data through one or more wireless communication lines using the above or other wireless communication technologies. For example, a wireless node may comprise a wireless transceiver with associated components of a transmitter and receiver, which may include various components (eg, signal conditioners and signal processors) that facilitate communication over a wireless transmission medium.

The components described herein can be implemented in a variety of ways. Referring to FIG. 22-30, devices 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, and 3000 are represented as a sequence of interconnected function blocks. In some aspects, the functionality of these units may be implemented as a processing system including one or more processor components. In some aspects, the functionality of these blocks may be implemented using, for example, at least a portion of one or more integrated circuits (e.g., ASIC). As explained herein, an integrated circuit may include a processor, software, other related components, or some combination of the above. The functionality of these blocks can also be implemented in some other way, as discussed in this document. In some aspects, one or more of the dashed steps in FIGS. 22-23 are optional.

Devices 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, and 3000 may include one or more modules that can perform one or more of the functions described above with respect to the various drawings. In some aspects, one or more components of the interference controller 320 or the interference controller 322 may provide functionality regarding, for example, HARQ interlacing means 2202, profile setting means 2302, phase shifting means 2402, identification means 2502, spectral mask means 2602, code means 2702 extensions, processing means 2802, transmit power means 2902 or attenuation coefficient means 3004. In some aspects, the communication controller 326 or the communication controller 328 may provide functionality relating, for example, to means 2204, 2304, 2404, 2504, 2604, 2704, or 2904. In some aspects, the synchronization controller 332 or the synchronization controller 334 may provide functionality relating, for example , means 2206, 2506 or 2706 synchronization. In some aspects, the communication controller 330 may provide functionality regarding, for example, reception means 2802. In some aspects, signal processor 366 may provide functionality regarding, for example, processing means 2804. In some aspects, the transceiver 302 or the transceiver 304 may provide functionality regarding, for example, a signal determination means 3002.

It should be understood that any reference to an element in this document using such a designation as "first", "second", etc., in general, does not limit the number or order of these elements. Instead, these designations may be used herein as a convenient way of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, references to the first and second elements do not mean that only two elements can be used in this case or that the first element must precede the second element in some way. In addition, unless stated otherwise, a set of elements may contain one or more elements.

Specialists in the art should understand that information and signals can be provided using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols and symbols of a noise-like sequence, which may be exemplified throughout the description above, may be provided by means of voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles or any combination of the above.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that any of the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, processors, tools, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware (to for example, a digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination of them, which can be designed using source coding or some other technology), various forms of program or design code, with holding instructions (which, for convenience, may be referred to herein as "software" or "software module"), or a combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described above generally in terms of functionality. This functionality is implemented as hardware or software, depends on the specific application and design restrictions imposed on the system as a whole. Highly qualified specialists can implement the described functionality in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as being a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

Various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented within or implemented by an integrated circuit (IC), access terminal, or access point. An IC may comprise a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a specialized integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete logic element or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, electrical components, optical components, mechanical components or any combination of the above, configured to perform the functions described in this document, and may execute codes or other structures that are constantly located on IC, outside IC, or both. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors together with a DSP core, or any other similar configuration.

It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed processes is an example of a typical approach. Based on the design preferences, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes can be changed, while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The method points in the appended claims represent elements of the various steps in an exemplary order and are not intended to be limited to the particular order or hierarchy presented.

The functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination of the above. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and a communication medium that includes any transmission medium that facilitates moving a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available media that can be accessed through a computer. By way of example, but not limitation, these computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage device, magnetic disk storage device or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used in order to transfer or save the required program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and which can be accessed by computer. Also, any connection is correctly called a machine-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio transmission, and microwave media, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair cable, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio broadcasts, and microwave media are included in the media definition. The term disc (in English, “disc” or “disc”) as used herein includes a compact disc (CD), a laser disc, an optical disc, a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, and a Blu-ray disc, in this case, “disk” usually reproduce data magnetically, while “disc” usually reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included in the number of computer-readable media. Thus, it should be appreciated that computer-readable media can be implemented in any suitable computer program product.

The foregoing description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to create or use the present disclosure. Various modifications in these aspects should be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the aspects shown in this document, but should satisfy the broadest scope consistent with the principles and new features disclosed in this document.

Claims (67)

1. A communication method comprising the steps of:
determining a spectral mask to be used for transmission based on information related to interference; and
send a spectral mask to the access point. 2. The method according to claim 1, in which:
a frequency spectrum is allocated for transmission; and
determining a spectral mask comprises the step of identifying at least one spectral component of said spectrum so that the use of this at least one spectral component is associated with lower interference than the use of at least one other spectral component of the spectrum . 3. The method according to claim 1, additionally containing a stage in which said information is received via a wireless communication line. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said information relates to interference monitored at an access point and / or at least one other access point. 5. The method according to claim 1, in which:
said information is received from at least one access terminal associated with the access point and / or associated with at least one other access point; and
this information relates to downlink channel quality in at least one access terminal or downlink data rate in at least one access terminal. 6. The method according to claim 1, in which the definition of the spectral mask is based on at least one report on measurements in the downlink provided by at least one access terminal associated with the access point and / or associated with at least at least with one other access point. 7. The method according to claim 1, in which the definition of the spectral mask is based on at least one of the group consisting of the number of deployed access points, the traffic associated with the access point, and the traffic associated with at least one other access point. 8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising sending an indicator or other indicator to another access point to instruct another access point to use a different spectral mask. 9. A communication device comprising:
an interference controller configured to determine a spectral mask to be used for transmission based on information related to interference; and
a communication controller configured to send a spectral mask to the access point. 10. The device according to claim 9, in which a frequency spectrum is allocated for transmission; and
the definition of the spectral mask contains the identification of at least one spectral component of the spectrum so that the use of this at least one spectral component is associated with lower interference than the use of at least one other spectral component of the spectrum. 11. The device according to claim 9, in which the communication controller is further configured to receive said information over a wireless communication line. 12. The device according to claim 9, in which:
said information is received from at least one access terminal associated with the access point and / or associated with at least one other access point; and
this information relates to downlink channel quality in at least one access terminal or downlink data rate in at least one access terminal. 13. The device according to claim 9, in which the definition of the spectral mask is based on at least one report on measurements in the downlink provided by at least one access terminal associated with the access point and / or associated with at least at least with one other access point. 14. The device according to claim 9, in which the communication controller is further configured to send an indicator or other indicator to another access point to instruct another access point to use a different spectral mask. 15. A communication device comprising:
means for determining a spectral mask to be used for transmission based on information related to interference; and
means for sending the spectral mask to the access point. 16. The device according to clause 15, in which the frequency spectrum is allocated for transmission; and
the definition of the spectral mask contains the identification of at least one spectral component of the spectrum so that the use of this at least one spectral component is associated with lower interference than the use of at least one other spectral component of the spectrum. 17. The device according to clause 15, in which the means for determining made with the possibility of receiving the above information on a wireless communication line. 18. The device according to clause 15, in which:
said information is received from at least one access terminal associated with the access point and / or associated with at least one other access point; and
this information relates to downlink channel quality in at least one access terminal or downlink data rate in at least one access terminal. 19. The device according to clause 15, in which the definition of the spectral mask is based on at least one report on measurements in the downlink provided by at least one access terminal associated with the access point and / or associated with at least at least with one other access point. 20. The device according to clause 15, in which the means for sending is configured to send an indicator or other indicator to another access point to instruct another access point to use a different spectral mask. 21. Machine-readable medium containing codes for instructing a computer:
determine the spectral mask to be used for transmission based on information related to interference; and
send a spectral mask to the access point. 22. The computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein a frequency spectrum is allocated for transmission; and
the definition of the spectral mask contains the identification of at least one spectral component of the spectrum so that the use of this at least one spectral component is associated with lower interference than the use of at least one other spectral component of the spectrum. 23. The computer readable medium of claim 21, further comprising codes for instructing the computer to receive said information over a wireless link. 24. A wireless communication method, comprising the steps of:
determining a spectral mask to be used for transmission based on information related to interference;
take a spectral mask; and
transmit information in accordance with the spectral mask. 25. The method according to paragraph 24, in which:
a frequency spectrum is allocated for transmission; and
determining a spectral mask comprises the step of identifying at least one spectral component of said spectrum so that the use of this at least one spectral component is associated with lower interference than the use of at least one other spectral component of the spectrum . 26. The method according to paragraph 24, in which the said transmitted information is transmitted by the access point. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising determining the interference in the downlink, the determination of the spectral mask based on interference in the downlink. 28. The method according to item 27, in which:
said interference information is received from at least one access terminal associated with the access point; and
said interference related information relates to downlink channel quality in at least one access terminal or downlink data rate in at least one access terminal. 29. The method according to p, in which the definition of the spectral mask is based on at least one report on measurements in the downlink provided by at least one access terminal associated with the access point. 30. The method according to p, in which the definition of the spectral mask comprises the step of exchanging data with a neighboring access point to select a spectral mask other than the spectral mask used by the neighboring access point. 31. The method according to p, in which the definition of the spectral mask comprises the step of receiving the spectral mask from the network node. 32. The method according to p, in which the access point is limited so as not to provide at least one node, at least one of the group consisting of signaling, data access, registration and maintenance. 33. The method according to paragraph 24, in which said transmitted information is transmitted by the access terminal. 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising determining the interference in the uplink, the determination of the spectral mask based on interference in the uplink. 35. The method according to p, in which:
the access terminal receives power control commands that control the transmit power of the access terminal based on uplink interference; and
determining the spectral mask comprises the step of determining the transmit power levels that were used when the access terminal transmitted other spectral components of the frequency spectrum allocated for uplink transmission. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein determining the spectral mask further comprises identifying at least one of the spectral components that is associated with lower transmit power than at least one other of the spectral components. 37. The method according to clause 33, in which the definition of the spectral mask is based on at least one report on measurements in the downlink provided by the access terminal. 38. The method of claim 33, wherein determining the spectral mask comprises receiving a spectral mask from the access point that is associated with the access terminal. 39. A communication device comprising:
an interference controller configured to determine a spectral mask to be used for transmission based on information related to interference; and
a communication controller configured to receive a spectral mask and transmit information in accordance with the spectral mask. 40. The device according to § 39, in which a frequency spectrum is allocated for transmission; and
the definition of the spectral mask contains the identification of at least one spectral component of the spectrum so that the use of this at least one spectral component is associated with lower interference than the use of at least one other spectral component of the spectrum. 41. The device according to § 39, in which said transmitted information is transmitted by the access point. 42. The device according to paragraph 41, in which:
the interference controller is further configured to determine downlink interference; and
The definition of the spectral mask is based on downlink interference. 43. The device according to paragraph 41, wherein determining the spectral mask comprises exchanging data with a neighboring access point to select a spectral mask different from the spectral mask used by the neighboring access point. 44. The device according to paragraph 41, wherein determining the spectral mask comprises receiving a spectral mask from a network node. 45. The device according to § 39, in which said transmitted information is transmitted by the access terminal. 46. The device according to item 45, in which:
the interference controller is further configured to detect interference in the uplink; and
The definition of the spectral mask is based on interference in the uplink. 47. The device according to item 45, in which:
the communication controller is further configured to receive power control commands that control the transmit power of the access terminal based on interference in the uplink; and
the definition of the spectral mask contains the determination of the transmission power levels that were used when the access terminal transmitted other spectral components of the frequency spectrum allocated for uplink transmission. 48. The device according to clause 47, in which the definition of the spectral mask further comprises the identification of at least one of the spectral components, which is associated with a lower transmit power than at least one other of the spectral components. 49. The device according to item 45, in which the definition of the spectral mask is based on at least one report on measurements in the downlink provided by the access terminal. 50. A communication device comprising:
means for determining a spectral mask to be used for transmission based on information related to interference;
means for receiving a spectral mask; and
means for transmitting information in accordance with a spectral mask. 51. The device according to p. 50, in which a frequency spectrum is allocated for transmission; and
the definition of the spectral mask contains the identification of at least one spectral component of the spectrum so that the use of this at least one spectral component is associated with lower interference than the use of at least one other spectral component of the spectrum. 52. The device according to item 50, wherein said transmitted information is transmitted by an access point. 53. The device according to paragraph 52, in which:
means for determining configured to determine interference in the downlink; and
The definition of the spectral mask is based on downlink interference. 54. The device according to paragraph 52, in which the definition of the spectral mask comprises exchanging data with a neighboring access point to select a spectral mask other than the spectral mask used by the neighboring access point. 55. The device according to paragraph 52, in which the definition of the spectral mask comprises receiving a spectral mask from a network node. 56. The device according to item 50, in which the said transmitted information is transmitted by the access terminal. 57. The device according to p, in which:
means for determining configured to determine interference in the uplink; and
The definition of the spectral mask is based on interference in the uplink. 58. The device according to p, in which:
means for transmitting is configured to receive power control commands that control the transmit power of the access terminal based on interference in the uplink; and
the definition of the spectral mask contains the determination of the transmission power levels that were used when the access terminal transmitted other spectral components of the frequency spectrum allocated for uplink transmission. 59. The device according to § 58, in which the definition of the spectral mask further comprises identifying at least one of the spectral components, which is associated with a lower transmit power than at least one other of the spectral components. 60. The device according to p, in which the definition of the spectral mask is based on at least one report on measurements in the downlink provided by the access terminal. 61. Machine-readable medium containing codes for instructing a computer:
determine the spectral mask to be used for transmission based on information related to interference;
take a spectral mask; and
transmit information in accordance with the spectral mask. 62. The computer-readable medium of claim 61, wherein a frequency spectrum is allocated for transmission; and
the definition of the spectral mask contains the identification of at least one spectral component of the spectrum so that the use of this at least one spectral component is associated with lower interference than the use of at least one other spectral component of the spectrum. 63. The computer-readable medium of claim 61, wherein said transmitted information is transmitted by an access point. 64. The computer-readable medium of claim 63, further comprising codes for instructing the computer to determine interference in the downlink, wherein the definition of the spectral mask is based on interference in the downlink. 65. The computer-readable medium of claim 63, wherein the spectral mask definition comprises exchanging data with a neighboring access point to select a spectral mask different from the spectral mask used by the neighboring access point. 66. The computer-readable medium of claim 61, wherein said transmitted information is transmitted by an access terminal. 67. The computer-readable medium of claim 66, further comprising codes for instructing the computer to receive power control commands that control the transmit power of the access terminal based on uplink interference, wherein determining the spectral mask includes determining transmit power levels that were used when the terminal access transmitted other spectral components of the frequency spectrum allocated for transmission on the uplink.

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