Method and apparatus for adapting capabilities of a wireless communication system to load requirements

Abstract

Techniques to adapt capabilities of a base station in a wireless communication system to load requirements. In one method, capabilities of each of a number of configurations for a number of wireless technologies are initially characterized. Each configuration comprises a unique set of channels (i.e., RF carriers) used for data transmission, with each channel implementing a particular wireless technology. The wireless technologies include at least one supportive of voice (e.g., IS-95, cdma2000, W-CDMA, GSM, and so on) and at least one supportive of high data rate (e.g., HDR). The load requirements for the base station are determined, and one of the configurations is selected based on the characterized capabilities and the determined load requirements. The selected configuration is thereafter activated. Hysteresis may be used in selecting the configuration and/or activating the selected configuration. The base station may be adapted continually, periodically, or at scheduled times.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.