System and method for uplink coordinated multipoint reception operation

For use in a wireless communications network wherein a plurality of base stations are capable of performing a coordinated multipoint communication with at least one subscriber station, a base station comprising:

• at least one antenna configured to receive a data burst from the at least one subscriber station;
• and
• a controller coupled to the at least one antenna, wherein the controller is configured to at least one of:
• decode the data burst locally;
• and
• if unable to successfully decode the data burst, receive one of the data burst and decoded data from a second base station.

For use in a wireless communications network wherein a plurality of base stations are capable of performing a coordinated multipoint communication with at least one subscriber station, a method comprising:

• receiving a signal comprising a data burst from the at least one subscriber station to a serving base station;
• decoding the data burst locally;
• and
• if the data burst is successfully decoded, forwarding the decoded data burst to the serving base station.