Method and apparatus for power adaptation control in closed-loop communications

• US 5,982,760 A
• Filed: 06/20/1997
• Issued: 11/09/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Chen, Tao
• Primary Examiner(s): Jung, Min
• Application Number:
  US08/879,274
• Time in Patent Office: 872 Days
• Field of Search: 370/277, 370/278, 370/318, 370/328, 370/329, 370/331, 370/332, 370/333, 370/335-342, 370/491, 370/496, 455/522-68, 455/69-442, 455/13.4, 455/437
• US Class Current: 370/335
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/225 Calculation of statistics, e.g. average, variance
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/228 using past power values or information

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing improved power control in a closed-loop communication system. A base station monitors a quality of a feedback link between it and a mobile station under a variety of methods. When a quality of the feedback link becomes unacceptable, the base station and the mobile station enter into an alternative mode of operation, adjusting from a fast power control feedback mode (with a high bandwidth feedback channel and low power control delay), to a slow power control feedback mode (with a low bandwidth feedback channel or a long power control delay). The mobile station adjusts a rate or content of power control messages it feeds back to the base station under a variety of methods. Under this alternative mode, the mobile station increases a power of its feedback signals. Additionally, if the mobile station is in a soft handoff condition, it similarly increases a power of its feedback signals. If the base station determines that the received power control messages are unacceptable, the base station employs power control messages it receives from a base station controller.

Claims

1. In a communication system having at least one base station and at least one user station, wherein a user of said user station transmits signals to and receives communication signals from said base station, a method for controlling transmission signal power in said communication system, the method comprising the steps of:

at said user station, determining a quality of a current communication signal received from said base station;

at said user station, transmitting power control messages to said base station over a feedback channel based on said step of determining a quality of a current communication signal;

determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable;

at said base station, transmitting a new communication signal at an adjusted power level based on said step of determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable;

at said base station, transmitting a feedback control message to said user station; and

at said user station, adjusting said transmission of said power control messages to said base station in response to said feedback control message.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable includes the step of monitoring a quality of said power control messages transmitted by said user station.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting error detection bits with each of said power control messages, and

wherein the step of determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable includes the steps of analyzing error detection bits of a current power control message, and determining that said current power control message is erroneous.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting error correction bits with each of said power control messages, and

wherein the step of determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable includes the steps of:

analyzing error correction bits of a current power control message,

determining that said current power control message is erroneous, and

correcting said current power control message.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station and to another base station, wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting said power control messages to said another base station, and

wherein the step of determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable includes the steps of:

receiving a previous power control message from said base station controller;

comparing said previous power control message from said base station controller to a previous power control message received from said user station; and

determining that said feedback channel is unacceptable based on said step of comparing.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of transmitting a new communication signal at an adjusted power level includes the step of increasing a transmission power level of said new communication signal by a predetermined amount.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting said power control messages at a fast rate, and wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the step of transmitting said power control messages at a slow rate.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the step of repeating transmission of at least one previous power control message.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the step of transmitting said power control messages over an alternate feedback channel.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a current communication signal includes the step of determining a power level of a first number of windows of each frame;

wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting power control messages corresponding to said power level of each of said first number of windows of each frame; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the steps of;

determining a power level of a second number of windows of each frame, said second number being less than said first number, and

transmitting power control messages corresponding to said power level of each of said second number of windows of each frame.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a current communication signal includes the step of determining a power level of a first set of windows of each frame;

wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting power control messages corresponding to said power level of each of said first set of windows of each frame; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the steps of;

determining a power level of a second set of windows of each frame, said second set having a greater duration than said first set, and

transmitting power control messages corresponding to said power level of each of said second set of windows of each frame.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a current communication signal includes the steps of receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining a power level of each window;

wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting power control messages corresponding to said power level of each window; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the step of transmitting only a power control message corresponding a last window in each frame.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a current communication signal includes the steps of receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining a power level of each window;

wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting power control messages corresponding to said power level of each window; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the step of transmitting only an average power control message corresponding to an average power level of each frame.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a current communication signal includes the steps of receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining a power level of each window;

wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting power control messages corresponding to said power level of each window; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the step of transmitting only a weighted average power control message corresponding to a weighted average power level of each frame.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a current communication signal includes the steps of receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining a power level of each window;

wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting power control messages corresponding to said power level of each window; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the step of transmitting only an average power control message corresponding to an average power level of a selected number of said windows, said selected number be greater or less than a number of windows of each frame.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a current communication signal includes the steps of receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining power level signals which include said windows;

wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting power control messages corresponding to said power level signals; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the step of transmitting weighted average power control messages corresponding to weighted average power level of groups of windows, each of said groups of windows including at least one window from a corresponding previous group of windows.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, and wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the steps of determining a symbol error rate for each frame received by said user station, and transmitting to said base station said determined symbol error rate for each frame.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, and wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the steps of determining whether each frame received by said user station contains errors, and transmitting an error indicator message to said base station based on each frame determined to contain errors.

19. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a current communication signal includes receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining a power level of each window;

wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes transmitting power control messages corresponding to said power level of each window; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes transmitting only one power control message corresponding to each frame.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting power control messages each having greater than one bit;

and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting new power control messages each having only one bit.

21. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the steps of:

comparing current power levels of said communication signal within several windows to a threshold value;

producing a net result value based on said comparison; and

transmitting said net result value to said base station.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the step of inserting power control messages within a channel carrying voice signals transmitted to said base station.

23. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the steps of transmitting said power control messages over said feedback channel to said base station, and transmitting alternative power control messages over an alternative channel to said base station.

24. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the steps of comparing a current power level of said communication signal to a threshold power level, and transmitting power control messages having both a magnitude and polarity of difference based on said comparison.

25. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

analyzing a plurality of previous power control messages with respect to plurality of previous, corresponding power levels as compared to a power level threshold;

determining an error value based on said step of analyzing; and

adjusting said power level threshold based on said error value.

26. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the step of selecting one of a plurality of power measurement and feedback methods, each of said power measurement and feedback methods being ranked based on a quality of said feedback channel.

27. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the step of selecting one of a plurality of power measurement and feedback methods.

28. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said power control messages includes the step of selecting one of a plurality of power measurement and feedback methods based on data within said feedback control message.

29. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station and to another base station, wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting said power control messages to said another base station, and

wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

determining that several of said power control messages received from said user station are erroneous;

ignoring subsequent power control messages received from said user station after determining that several of said power control messages received from said user station are erroneous; and

receiving and employing power control messages from said base station controller.

30. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station and to another base station, wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting said power control messages to said another base station over another feedback channel, and

wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

comparing said quality of said feedback channel to a quality of said another feedback channel;

determining a best feedback channel based on said step of comparing;

employing either said power control messages from said feedback channel or said power control messages from said another feedback channel based on said best feedback channel.

31. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station and another base station, wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting said power control messages to said another base station, and

wherein the step of determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable includes the steps of:

interpreting said power control messages at said base station and said another base station to produce first and second interpreted messages, respectively;

forwarding said first and second interpreted messages to said base station controller;

deriving a best power control message based on said first and second interpreted messages; and

providing said best power control message to said base station, and

wherein the step of transmitting a new communication signal at an adjusted power level includes the step of transmitting a new communication signal at an adjusted power level based on said best power control message.

32. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station and to another base station, wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting said power control messages to said another base station, and

wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

determining that several of said power control messages received from said user station are erroneous;

ignoring subsequent power control messages received from said user station after determining that several of said power control messages received from said user station are erroneous;

receiving batches of alternate power control messages from said base station controller; and

adjusting a transmission power level of subsequent communication signals based on a last power control message in each of said batches of alternate power control messages.

33. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station and to another base station, wherein the step of transmitting power control messages to said base station includes the step of transmitting said power control messages to said another base station, and

wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

determining that several of said power control messages received from said user station are erroneous;

ignoring subsequent power control messages received from said user station after determining that several of said power control messages received from said user station are erroneous;

receiving batches of alternate power control messages from said base station controller;

producing average power control messages from said batches of alternate power control messages; and

adjusting transmission power levels of subsequent communication signals based on said average power control messages.

34. The method of claim 1 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station and to another base station, and wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

determining from said base station controller that transmission of communication signals to said mobile station is being handed-off from said base station to said another base station; and

at said base station, increasing a transmission power level of subsequent communication signals by a predetermined amount until said hand-off of said transmission of communication signals is complete.

35. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of determining a quality of a current communication signal includes the step of receiving a code division multiple access (CDMA) spread spectrum communication signal.

36. In a communication system having at least one base station and at least one user station, said base station and said user station transmitting signals to each other, a method for controlling transmission signals in said communication system, the method comprising the steps of:

determining a quality of a currently received communication signal;

transmitting control messages over a feedback channel based on said quality of said currently received communication signal;

determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable;

transmitting a feedback control message after determining that said quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable; and

adjusting said transmission of said control messages in response to said feedback control message.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of determining a quality of a currently received communication signal includes the step of measuring a power of said currently received communication signal.

38. The method of claim 36, further comprising the step of transmitting a new communication signal at an adjusted power level based on said step of determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable.

39. The method of claim 36, further comprising the step of performing said steps of determining a quality of a currently received communication signal, transmitting control messages, determining that a quality of said feedback channel, transmitting a feedback control message and adjusting said transmission of said control messages at said user station.

40. The method of claim 36, further comprising the step of performing said steps of determining a quality of a currently received communication signal, transmitting control messages, determining that a quality of said feedback channel, transmitting a feedback control message and adjusting said transmission of said control messages at said base station.

41. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable includes the step of monitoring a quality of said control messages.

42. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the step of transmitting error detection bits with each of said control messages, and

wherein the step of determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable includes the steps of analyzing error detection bits of a first control message, and determining that said first control message is erroneous.

43. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the step of transmitting error correction bits with each of said control messages, and

wherein the step of determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable includes the steps of:

analyzing error correction bits of a first control message,

determining that said first control message is erroneous, and

correcting said first control message.

44. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station and to another base station, wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the step of transmitting said control messages to said another base station, and

wherein the step of determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable includes the steps of:

receiving another control message from said base station controller;

comparing said another control message from said base station controller to another control message received from said user station; and

determining that said feedback channel is unacceptable based on said step of comparing.

45. The method of claim 36, further comprising the step of increasing a transmission power level of said new communication signal by a predetermined amount.

46. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the step of transmitting said control messages at a first rate, and wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the step of transmitting said control messages at a second rate, the first and second rates differing.

47. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the step of repeating transmission of selected control messages.

48. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the step of transmitting said control messages over an alternate feedback channel.

49. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a currently received communication signal includes the step of determining a level of a first number of windows of each frame;

wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the step of transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each of said first number of windows of each frame; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the steps of;

determining a level of a second number of windows of each frame, said second number being different than said first number, and

transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each of said second number of windows of each frame.

50. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a currently received communication signal includes the step of determining a level of a first set of windows of each frame;

wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the step of transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each of said first set of windows of each frame; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the steps of;

determining a level of a second set of windows of each frame, said second set having a duration differing from said first set, and

transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each of said second set of windows of each frame.

51. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a currently received communication signal includes the steps of receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining a level of each window;

wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the step of transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each window; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the step of transmitting only a control message corresponding a last window in each frame.

52. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a currently received communication signal includes the steps of receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining a level of each window;

wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the step of transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each window; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the step of transmitting only an average control message corresponding to an average level of each frame.

53. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a currently received communication signal includes the steps of receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal, and determining a level of each window;

wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the step of transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each window; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the step of transmitting only a weighted average control message corresponding to a weighted average level of each frame.

54. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a currently received communication signal includes the steps of receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining a level of each window;

wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the step of transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each window; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the step of transmitting only an average control message corresponding to an average level of a selected number of said windows, said selected number be greater or less than a number of windows of each frame.

55. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a currently received communication signal includes the steps of receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining level signals which include said windows;

wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the step of transmitting control messages corresponding to said level signals; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the step of transmitting weighted average control messages corresponding to weighted average level of groups of windows, each of said groups of windows including at least one window from a corresponding previous group of windows.

56. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, and wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the steps of determining a symbol error rate for each frame received by said user station, and transmitting said determined symbol error rate for each frame.

57. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, and wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the steps of determining whether each frame contains errors, and transmitting an error indicator message based on each frame determined to contain errors.

58. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein the step of determining a quality of a current communication signal includes receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining a level of each window;

wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the steps of transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each window; and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the steps of transmitting only one control message corresponding to each frame.

59. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the step of transmitting control messages each having greater than one bit;

and

wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the step of transmitting new control messages each having only one bit.

60. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the steps of:

comparing current levels of said communication signal within several windows to a threshold value;

producing a net result value based on said comparison; and

transmitting said net result value.

61. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the step of inserting control messages within a channel carrying voice signals.

62. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the steps of transmitting said control messages over said feedback channel, and transmitting alternative control messages over an alternative channel.

63. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the steps of comparing a level of said communication signal to a threshold level, and transmitting control messages having both a magnitude and polarity of difference based on said comparison.

64. The method of claim 36, further comprising the steps of:

analyzing a plurality of control messages with respect to a plurality of corresponding levels;

determining an error value based on said step of analyzing; and

transmitting an adjusted control message based on said error value.

65. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the step of selecting one of a plurality of measurement and feedback methods, each of said measurement and feedback methods being ranked based on a quality of said feedback channel.

66. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the step of selecting one of a plurality of measurement and feedback methods.

67. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes the step of selecting one of a plurality of measurement and feedback methods based on data within said feedback control message.

68. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and

wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

determining that several of said control messages are erroneous;

ignoring subsequent control messages after determining that several of said control messages are erroneous; and

receiving and employing control messages from said base station controller.

69. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station and to another base station, wherein the step of transmitting control messages includes the step of transmitting said control messages to said another base station over another feedback channel, and

wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

comparing said quality of said feedback channel to a quality of said another feedback channel;

determining a best feedback channel based on said step of comparing;

employing either said control messages from said feedback channel or said control messages from said another feedback channel based on said best feedback channel.

70. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and

wherein the step of determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable includes the steps of:

interpreting said control messages to produce first and second interpreted messages, respectively;

forwarding said first and second interpreted messages to said base station controller;

deriving a best control message based on said first and second interpreted messages; and

providing said best control message to said base station, and wherein the step of transmitting a new communication signal at an adjusted level includes the step of transmitting a new communication signal at an adjusted level based on said best control message.

71. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and

wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

determining that several of said control messages are erroneous;

ignoring subsequent control messages after determining that several of said control messages are erroneous;

receiving batches of alternate control messages from said base station controller; and

adjusting a transmission level of subsequent communication signals based on a last control message in each of said batches of alternate control messages.

72. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and

wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

determining that several of said control messages are erroneous;

ignoring subsequent power control messages after determining that several of said control messages are erroneous;

receiving batches of alternate control messages from said base station controller;

producing average control messages from said batches of alternate control messages; and

adjusting transmission levels of subsequent communication signals based on said average control messages.

73. The method of claim 36 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

determining that transmission of communication signals to said mobile station is being handed-off from said base station; and

increasing a transmission level of subsequent communication signals by a predetermined amount.

74. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of determining a quality of a currently received communication signal includes the step of receiving a code division multiple access (CDMA) spread spectrum communication signal.

75. In a communication system having at least one base station and at least one user station, said base station and said user station transmitting signals to each other, a system comprising:

means for analyzing a quality of a currently received communication signals;

means, coupled to said means for analyzing, for transmitting control messages over a feedback channel based on said quality of said currently received communication signal;

means for determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable;

means, coupled to said means for determining, for transmitting a feedback control message after determining that said quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable; and

means, coupled to said means for analyzing, for adjusting said transmission of said control messages in response to said feedback control message.

76. The system of claim 75 wherein said means for analyzing a quality of a currently received communication signal includes means for measuring a power of said currently received communication signal.

77. The system of claim 75, further comprising means for transmitting a new communication signal at an adjusted power level based on said determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable.

78. The system of claim 75 wherein said means for transmitting control messages includes means for transmitting error detection bits with each of said control messages, and

wherein said means for determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable includes means for analyzing error detection bits of a first control message, and determining that said current control message is erroneous.

79. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, wherein said means for transmitting control messages includes means for transmitting said control messages to said another base station, and

wherein said means for determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable includes means for receiving another control message from said base station controller, means for comparing said another control message from said base station controller to another control message received from said user station, and means for determining that said feedback channel is unacceptable based on said comparing.

80. The system of claim 75 wherein said means for transmitting control messages includes means for transmitting said control messages at a fast rate, and wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for transmitting said control messages at a slow rate.

81. The system of claim 75 wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for repeating transmission of selected control messages.

82. The system of claim 75 wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for transmitting said control messages over an alternate feedback channel.

83. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein said means for analyzing a quality of a currently received communication signal includes means for determining a level of a first number of windows of each frame;

wherein said means for transmitting control messages includes means for transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each of said first number of windows of each frame; and

wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for determining a level of a second number of windows of each frame, said second number being different than said first number, and means for transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each of said second number of windows of each frame.

84. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein said means for analyzing a quality of a currently received communication signal includes means for determining a level of a first set of windows of each frame;

wherein said means for transmitting control messages includes means for transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each of said first set of windows of each frame; and

wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for determining a level of a second set of windows of each frame, said second set having a duration different from said first set, and means for transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each of said second set of windows of each frame.

85. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein said means for analyzing a quality of a currently received communication signal includes means for receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and means for determining a level of each window;

wherein said means for transmitting control messages includes means for transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each window; and

wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for transmitting only an average control message corresponding to an average level of each frame.

86. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein said means for analyzing a quality of a current communication signal includes means for receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and means for determining a level of each window;

wherein said means for transmitting control messages includes means for transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each window; and

wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for transmitting only an average control message corresponding to an average level of a selected number of said windows, said selected number be greater or less than a number of windows of each frame.

87. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein said means for analyzing a quality of a currently received communication signal includes means for receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and means for determining level signals which include said windows;

wherein said means for transmitting control messages includes means for transmitting control messages corresponding to said level signals; and

wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for transmitting weighted average control messages corresponding to a weighted average level of groups of windows, each of said groups of windows including at least one window from a corresponding previous group of windows.

88. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, and wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for determining a symbol error rate for each frame, and means for transmitting said determined symbol error rate for each frame.

89. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, and wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for determining whether each frame contains errors, and means for transmitting an error indicator message based on each frame determined to contain errors.

90. The system of claim 75 wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for comparing current levels of said communication signal within several windows to a threshold value, means for producing a net result value based on said comparison, and means for transmitting said net result value.

91. The system of claim 75 wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for inserting control messages within a channel carrying voice signals.

92. The system of claim 75 wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for transmitting said control messages over said feedback channel, and means for transmitting alternative control messages over an alternative channel.

93. The system of claim 75 wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for selecting one of a plurality of measurement and feedback modes.

94. The system of claim 75 wherein said means for adjusting said transmission of said control messages includes means for selecting one of a plurality of measurement and feedback modes based on data within said feedback control message.

95. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and

wherein the system further comprises:

means for determining that several of said control messages are erroneous;

means for ignoring subsequent control messages after determining that several of said control messages are erroneous; and

means for receiving and employing control messages from said base station controller.

96. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station and to another base station, wherein said means for transmitting control messages includes means for transmitting said control messages to said another base station over another feedback channel, and

wherein the system further comprises:

means for comparing said quality of said feedback channel to a quality of said another feedback channel;

means for determining a best feedback channel based on said comparing;

means, coupled to said means for comparing, and means for determining a best channel, for employing either said control messages from said feedback channel or said control messages from said another feedback channel based on said best feedback channel.

97. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station and to another base station, wherein said means for transmitting control messages includes means for transmitting said control messages to said another base station, and

wherein said means for determining that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable includes means for interpreting said control messages to produce first and second interpreted messages, respectively, means for forwarding said first and second interpreted messages to said base station controller, means for deriving a best control message based on said first and second interpreted messages, and means for providing said best control message, and

wherein said means for transmitting a new communication signal at an adjusted level includes means for transmitting a new communication signal at an adjusted level based on said best control message.

98. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and

wherein the system further comprises:

means for determining that several of said control messages are erroneous;

means for ignoring subsequent control messages received based on said determining that several of said control messages are erroneous;

means for receiving batches of alternate control messages from said base station controller; and

means, coupled to said means for determining that several messages are erroneous, means for ignoring and means for receiving, for adjusting a transmission level of subsequent communication signals based on a last control message in each of said batches of alternate control messages.

99. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and

wherein the system further comprises:

means for determining that several of said control messages are erroneous;

means for ignoring subsequent control messages after determining that several of said control messages are erroneous;

means for receiving batches of alternate control messages from said base station controller;

means for producing average control messages from said batches of alternate control messages; and

means, coupled to said means for determining that several messages and erroneous means for ignoring, means for receiving and means for producing, for adjusting transmission levels of subsequent communication signals based on said average control messages.

100. The system of claim 75 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and wherein the system further comprises:

means for determining that transmission of communication signals to said mobile station is being handed-off from said base station; and

means for increasing a transmission level of subsequent communication signals by a predetermined amount.

101. In a communication system comprising:

at least one user station configured to determine a quality of a currently received communication signal and transmit control messages over a feedback channel based on said quality of said currently received communication signal;

a base station configured to determine that a quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable and transmit a feedback control message after determining that said quality of said feedback channel is unacceptable, and

wherein said user station is further configured to adjust power control messages transmitted to said base station by said transmitter in response to said feedback control message.

102. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is further configured for measuring a power of said currently received communication signal.

103. The system of claim 101 wherein said base station is further configured for transmitting a new communication signal at an adjusted power level when said feedback channel is determined unacceptable.

104. The system of claim 101 wherein said base station is further configured for monitoring a quality of said control messages.

105. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is further configured for transmitting error detection bits with each of said control messages, and

wherein said base station is further configured for analyzing error detection bits of a first control message, and determining that said first control message is erroneous.

106. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is further configured for transmitting error correction bits with each of said control messages, and

wherein said base station is further configured for analyzing error correction bits of a first control message, determining that said first control message is erroneous, and correcting said first control message.

107. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station and to another base station, wherein said user station is further configured for transmitting said control messages to said another base station, and

wherein said base station is further configured for:

receiving another control message from said base station controller;

comparing said another control message from said base station controller to another control message received from said user station; and

determining that said feedback channel is unacceptable based on said comparing.

108. The system of claim 101 wherein said base station is further configured for increasing a transmission power level of said new communication signal by a predetermined amount.

109. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is further configured for transmitting said control messages at a first rate, and wherein said user station is further configured for transmitting said control messages at a second rate in response to said feedback control message, the first and second rates differing.

110. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is further configured for repeating transmission of selected control messages in response to said feedback control message.

111. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is further configured for transmitting said control messages over an alternate feedback channel in response to said feedback control message.

112. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein said user station is configures for determining a level of a first number of windows of each frame, and transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each of said first number of windows of each frame;

and

wherein said user station is further configured for determining a level of a second number of windows of each frame, said second number being different than said first number, and transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each of said second number of windows of each frame in response to said feedback control message.

113. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein said user station is configured for determining a level of a first set of windows of each frame, and transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each of said first set of windows of each frame;

and

wherein said user station is further configured for determining a level of a second set of windows of each frame, said second set having a duration differing from said first set, and transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each of said second set of windows of each frame in response to said feedback control message.

114. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein said user station is configured for receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal, determining a level of each window, and transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each window;

wherein said user station is further configured for, and transmitting only a control message corresponding a last window in each frame in response to said feedback control message.

115. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein said user station is configure for receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal, determining a level of each window, and transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each window, and

wherein said user station is further configures for transmitting only an average control message corresponding to an average level of each frame in response to said feedback control message.

116. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein said user station is configured for receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal, determining a level of each window, and transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each window, and

wherein said user station is further configured for transmitting only a weighted average control message corresponding to a weighted average level of each frame in response to said feedback control message.

117. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein said user station is configured for receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining a level of each window;

and

wherein said user station is further configured for transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each window, and transmitting only an average control message corresponding to an average level of a selected number of said windows in response to said feedback control message, said selected number be greater or less than a number of windows of each frame.

118. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein said user station is configured for receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining level signals which include said windows;

and

wherein said user station is further configured for transmitting control messages corresponding to said level signals, and transmitting weighted average control messages corresponding to weighted average level of groups of windows in response to said feedback control message, each of said groups of windows including at least one window from a corresponding previous group of windows.

119. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, and wherein said user station is further configured for determining a symbol error rate for each frame received by said user station, and transmitting said determined symbol error rate for each frame in response to said feedback control message.

120. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, and wherein said user station is further configured for determining whether each frame contains errors, and transmitting an error indicator message based on each frame determined to contain errors in response to said feedback control message.

121. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication signal includes multiple frames, wherein said user station is configured for receiving multiple windows of each frame of said current communication signal and determining a level of each window;

and

wherein said user station is configured for transmitting control messages corresponding to said level of each window, and transmitting only one control message corresponding to each frame in response to said feedback control message.

122. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is configured for transmitting control messages each having greater than one bit;

and

wherein said user station is further configured for transmitting new control messages each having only one bit in response to said feedback control message.

123. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is further configured for comparing current levels of said communication signal within several windows to a threshold value, producing a net result value based on said comparison, and transmitting said net result value in response to said feedback control message.

124. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is further configured for inserting control messages within a channel carrying voice signals in response to said feedback control message.

125. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is further configured for transmitting said control messages over said feedback channel, and transmitting alternative control messages over an alternative channel in response to said feedback control message.

126. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is further configured for comparing a level of said communication signal to a threshold level, and transmitting control messages having both a magnitude and polarity of difference based on said comparison.

127. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is configured for analyzing a plurality of control messages with respect to a plurality of corresponding levels, determining an error value based on said analyzing, and transmitting an adjusted control message based on said error value in response to said feedback control message.

128. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is further configured for selecting one of a plurality of measurement and feedback modes in response to said feedback control message, each of said measurement and feedback modes being ranked based on a quality of said feedback channel.

129. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is further configured for selecting one of a plurality of measurement and feedback modes in response to said feedback control message.

130. The system of claim 101 wherein said user station is further configured for selecting one of a plurality of measurement and feedback modes based on data within said feedback control message.

131. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and

wherein said base station is further configured for determining that several of said control messages are erroneous, ignoring subsequent control messages after determining that several of said control messages are erroneous, and receiving and employing control messages from said base station controller.

132. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station and to another base station, wherein said user station is further configured for transmitting said control messages to said another base station over another feedback channel, and

wherein said base station is further configured for comparing said quality of said feedback channel to a quality of said another feedback channel, determining a best feedback channel based on said comparing, and employing either said control messages from said feedback channel or said control messages from said another feedback channel based on said best feedback channel.

133. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and

wherein said base stations are configured for interpreting said control messages to produce first and second interpreted messages, respectively, and forwarding said first and second interpreted messages to said base station controller;

wherein said base station controller is configured for deriving a best control message based on said first and second interpreted messages, and providing said best control message to said base station, and

wherein said base station is further configured for transmitting a new communication signal at an adjusted level based on said best control message.

134. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and

wherein said base station is further configured for determining that several of said control messages are erroneous, ignoring subsequent control messages after determining that several of said control messages are erroneous, receiving batches of alternate control messages from said base station controller, and adjusting a transmission level of subsequent communication signals based on a last control message in each of said batches of alternate control messages.

135. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and

wherein said base station is further configured for determining that several of said control messages are erroneous, ignoring subsequent power control messages after determining that several of said control messages are erroneous, receiving batches of alternate control messages from said base station controller, producing average control messages from said batches of alternate control messages, and adjusting transmission levels of subsequent communication signals based on said average control messages.

136. The system of claim 101 wherein said communication system includes at least one base station controller coupled to said base station, and wherein said base station is further configured for determining that transmission of communication signals to said mobile station is being handed-off from said base station, and increasing a transmission level of subsequent communication signals by a predetermined amount.

137. The system of claim 101 wherein said processor is further configured for receiving a code division multiple access (CDMA) spread spectrum communication signal.

138. In a communication system having a base station, a user station exchanging signals with said base station, said user station comprising:

a receiver that receives a current signal and a feedback control message from said base station;

a measurement circuit coupled to receive said current signal and configured to determine a level of said current signal;

a transmitter that transmits a current control message to said base station, said current control message corresponding to said level of said current signal; and

a processor coupled to said receiver, said transmitter and said measurement circuit, said processor being configured to adjust control messages transmitted to said base station by said transmitter in response to said feedback control message.

139. The user station of claim 138 wherein said measurement circuit and said processor are a microprocessor.

140. In a communication system having a base station and a user station, an apparatus comprising:

a receiver circuit that receives a current signal and a feedback control message from a first station, said first station being one of said base station and said user station;

a transmitter that transmits a current control message to a second station corresponding to a level of said current signal; and

a processor coupled to said receiver circuit and said transmitter, said processor being configured to determine said level of said current signal and to adjust power control messages transmitted to said first station by said transmitter in response to said feedback control message.

141. The apparatus of claim 140 wherein said user station includes said receiver circuit and said processor, and wherein said receiver circuit includes a measurement circuit configured to determine a power level of said current signal.

142. The apparatus of claim 140 wherein said processor is further configured for measuring a power of said currently received communication signal.