Signaling support for antenna selection using subset lists and subset masks

A method for enabling a communication device to have at least partial control over which antenna(s) associated with a scheduling unit to use for subsequent transmissions, the method comprising:

• obtaining an antenna subset list that identifies a configuration of virtual antennas for one or more base station(s) associated with the scheduling unit;
• using the antenna subset list to select which virtual antenna(s) in the configuration of virtual antennas to use for transmissions;
• and
• sending an antenna selection signal which contains information requesting that the scheduling unit use the selected virtual antenna(s) for the subsequent transmissions.

A base station, comprising:

• a scheduling unit;
• and
• a configuration of virtual antennas, wherein the scheduling unit is configured to:
• transmit an antenna subset list to a communication device, where the antenna subset list identifies the configuration of virtual antennas;
• and
• receive an antenna selection signal from the communication device, where the antenna selection signal contains information indicating which virtual antenna(s) within the configuration of virtual antennas to use for subsequent transmissions to the communication device.

A communication system, comprising:

• a scheduling unit and at least one base station configured to transmit an antenna subset list that identifies a configuration of virtual antennas associated with the base station(s);
• and
• a communication device configured to:
• receive the antenna subset list;
• use the antenna subset list to select one or more virtual antenna(s) to use for subsequent transmissions;
• and
• transmit an antenna selection signal which contains information indicating the selected virtual antenna(s) to use for the subsequent transmissions, wherein the base station(s) and the scheduling unit are further configured to receive the antenna selection signal and use the selected virtual antenna(s) associated with the base station(s) to send the subsequent transmissions to the communication device.