Method and apparatus for generating coverage in a celular network

A sub-node configured to be used in a cellular communication network, said sub-node comprising:

• at least one transmitting and receiving coverage antenna to generate coverage in at least one geographical secondary coverage area, said sub-node in communication with a node generating coverage in a geographical primary coverage area, wherein said sub-node further comprises at least one link antenna configured to provide communication with a plurality of nodes, and a control mechanism configured to select one node from said plurality of nodes to extend the coverage of said selected nodes to include one of said at least one secondary coverage area.

A cellular communication network comprising a plurality of nodes each having transmitting and receiving antennas to generate coverage in a geographical primary coverage area, said network comprising:

• at least one sub-node having transmitting and receiving coverage antennas to generate coverage in at least one geographical secondary coverage area, said at least one sub-node in communication with a node to extend the coverage of said node to include one of said at least one geographical secondary coverage area, the at least one sub-node further comprising:
• at least one link antenna providing communication with a plurality of nodes, and
• a control mechanism configured to select one node from said plurality of nodes to extend the coverage of said selected node to include one of said at least one secondary coverage area.

The cellular communication network according to claim 49, wherein said measured parameters is selected from the group consisting of:

• traffic load, signal quality and power level.

A method for generating coverage in a cellular communication network having a plurality of nodes each having transmitting and receiving antennas to generate coverage in a geographical primary coverage area, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing at least one sub-node having transmitting and receiving coverage antennas generating coverage in at least one geographical secondary coverage area, said at least one sub-node communicating with a node to extend the coverage of said node to include one of said at least one geographical secondary coverage area;
• and
• providing communication between said at least one sub-node and a plurality of nodes and configuring a control mechanism to select one node from said plurality of nodes to extend the coverage of said selected node to include one of said at least one secondary coverage area.

A computer program configured to be installed in a sub-node of a communications system, said computer program adapted to be stored in a memory and executed by a processor to communicate with a plurality of nodes, and controlling a control mechanism to select one node from a plurality of nodes.