Service differentiating and overload indication for downlink

A computer-readable memory medium that stores program instructions, the execution of which result in operations that comprise:

• determining a discard packet ratio for one of a plurality of service groups associated with a cell of a wireless communication system;
• comparing the determined discard packet ratio to a threshold value;
• and
• if the threshold value is exceeded, performing at least one overload control action.

An apparatus, comprising:

• an interface;
• and
• a controller coupled with said interface and configurable to provide QoS provisioning within a cell of a wireless communication network, said controller configured to determine a discard packet ratio for one of a plurality of service groups;
• to compare the determined discard packet ratio to a threshold value and to be responsive to a condition that the threshold value is exceeded, to perform at least one overload control action.

An apparatus, comprising:

• means for determining a discard packet ratio for one of a plurality of service groups associated with a cell of a wireless communication system;
• means for comparing the determined discard packet ratio to a threshold value;
• and
• means, responsive to the threshold value being exceeded, for performing at least one overload control action;
• said means for determining the discard packet ratio, comparing and performing the at least one overload control action operating in an iterative fashion until the determined discard packet ratio is less than the threshold;
• and where said means for determining the discard packet ratio and comparing operate on a plurality of service groups in turn, once per averaging period, beginning with a highest priority service group.