US 6,594,500 B2 · Method and apparatus for controlling transmit power thresholds based on classification of wireless communication subscribers

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for allowing a base station or base station controller to adjust transmissions to fixed location subscribers in closed-loop communication systems. In a closed-loop communication system, a base station exchanges signals with both fixed location and mobile user stations. When a user or subscriber initially registers with the base station, the base station determines a status of this subscriber based on, for example, an electronic serial number transmitted to the base station. The base station compares the electronic serial number to a database (Home Location Register) which determines whether the user corresponds to a fixed station or a mobile station. If the user is a fixed station, then the base station lowers nominal and minimum power level thresholds. Based on the lowered thresholds, the base station thereafter transmits forward link signals to the fixed station at a lower power level. As a result, the base station can increase its capacity due to the lower overall power rate.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A method for controlling transmission signal power of communication signals transmitted by base stations to remote user stations in a communication system comprising at least one base station, a base station controller communicating with said at least one base station, at least one fixed location user station and at least one mobile user station, comprising:

receiving, at said at least one base station, a current signal from the at least one fixed location user station or the at least one mobile user station;
determining if the current signal was transmitted by the at least one fixed location user station;
reducing a transmission power threshold if the current signal was transmitted by the fixed location user station;
and
adjusting power of communication signals transmitted from said at least one base station to the fixed location user station in accordance with said reduced transmission power threshold and a quality metric of a communication link.

2 more elements

An apparatus for controlling transmission signal power of communication signals transmitted by base stations to remote user stations in a communication system, comprising at least one base station, a base station controller communicating with said at least one base station, at least one fixed location user station and at least one mobile user station, comprising:

a receiver configured to receive a current signal from the at least one fixed location user station and the at least one mobile user station;
a processor coupled to said receiver;
and
a storage medium embodying a set of instructions executable by said processor to:
determine if the current signal was transmitted by the at least one fixed location user station;
reduce a transmission power threshold if the current signal was transmitted by the at least one fixed location user station;
and
adjust power of communication signals transmitted from the base station to the fixed location user station in accordance with the reduced transmission power threshold and a quality metric of a communication link.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for controlling transmit power thresholds based on classification of wireless communication subscribers

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for controlling transmit power thresholds based on classification of wireless communication subscribers

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14