Radio Link Management in a Combined Cell

A Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communication node arrangement comprising:

• at least two spatially separated antenna units;
• at least one radio unit;
• and
• at least one central unit;
• wherein each antenna unit has at least one corresponding coverage area and is connected to the central unit;
• wherein the coverage areas form a combined cell;
• wherein the central unit comprises a control unit;
• wherein the control unit is configured to alter transmitting properties of at least a first antenna unit, having at least a first coverage area, to a user terminal, such that either more or less power is transmitted by the first antenna unit in a dedicated channel by inserting transmit power alterations;
• wherein the dedicated channel is configured for inner power control loop commands;
• wherein the control unit is configured to:
• monitor received inner power control loop commands when at least a second antenna unit having at least a second coverage area is communicating with the user terminal;
• and
• determine whether the first antenna unit should start or stop communicating with the user terminal, or continue as before, based on how a result of the monitored inner power control loop commands responds to the transmitting properties alterations.

A method for controlling transmitted power to a user terminal in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communication system, the method comprising:

• altering transmitting properties of at least a first antenna unit to a user terminal such that either more or less power is transmitted by the first antenna unit in a dedicated channel by inserting transmit power alterations, where the dedicated channel is used for inner power control loop commands;
• monitoring received inner power control loop commands when at least a second antenna unit is communicating with the user terminal, wherein each antenna unit has at least one corresponding coverage area, wherein the coverage areas form a combined cell;
• and
• determining whether the first antenna unit should start or stop communicating with the user terminal, or continue as before, based on how a result of the monitored inner power control loop commands responds to the transmitting properties alterations.