Uplink channel puncturing for reduced interference within a wireless data communications network
First Claim
1. With respect to a multiple access communications protocol where access to a reverse channel is controlled by the state of a forward channel parameter, a method comprising the steps of:
- setting the forward channel parameter whenever the reverse channel has been designated as reserved for a certain user access to preclude other users from accessing the reverse channel; and
setting the forward channel parameter when the reverse channel is not designated as reserved for certain user access to preclude all users from accessing the reverse channel and reduce interference on the reverse channel;
wherein the step of setting the forward channel parameter to preclude all users from accessing the reverse channel comprises the step of setting the forward channel parameter at randomly selected instances other than when set in connection with the reservation made for certain user access.
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Abstract
A multiple access communications channel is punctured at randomly selected time periods to reduce system-wide interference levels. During the puncturing time period, all users are restricted from accessing the communications channel. Puncturing is implemented as a restriction to communications channel access in addition to any other restrictions implicated by use of a particular multiple access protocol. Thus, a control flag on a forward channel is set not only when a reverse channel is either busy with or reserved for the communications of another user, but also when the reverse channel is closed by puncturing to all user communications.
40 Citations
22 Claims
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1. With respect to a multiple access communications protocol where access to a reverse channel is controlled by the state of a forward channel parameter, a method comprising the steps of:
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setting the forward channel parameter whenever the reverse channel has been designated as reserved for a certain user access to preclude other users from accessing the reverse channel; and setting the forward channel parameter when the reverse channel is not designated as reserved for certain user access to preclude all users from accessing the reverse channel and reduce interference on the reverse channel; wherein the step of setting the forward channel parameter to preclude all users from accessing the reverse channel comprises the step of setting the forward channel parameter at randomly selected instances other than when set in connection with the reservation made for certain user access. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A cellular communications system comprised of a plurality of cells, comprising:
a base station for each cell which supports a multiple access communications protocol where access to a reverse channel is controlled by the state of a forward channel parameter broadcast from the base station, the base stations setting the forward channel parameter whenever the reverse channel has been designated as reserved for a certain user access in the cell to preclude others users in the cell from accessing the reverse channel, and the base stations further setting the forward channel parameter each at certain selected times when the reverse channel is not designated as reserved for certain user access to preclude all users in the cell from accessing the reverse channel and reduce interference on the reverse channel, wherein the certain selected times are randomly selected times by each base station, the forward channel parameter being set at each randomly selected time other than when set in connection with the reservation made for certain user access. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A base station having a plurality of operating states including:
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a normal multiple access protocol operation state wherein access to a reverse channel is controlled by the state of a forward channel parameter broadcast from the base station, the base station setting the forward channel parameter whenever the reverse channel has been designated as reserved for a certain user access in the cell to preclude others users in the cell from accessing the reverse channel; and a puncture channel state wherein access to the reverse channel is also controlled by the state of a forward channel parameter broadcast from the base station, the base station setting the forward channel parameter when the reverse channel is not designated as reserved for certain user access to preclude all users in the cell from accessing the reverse channel and reduce interference on the reverse channel; and the base station further including means for transitioning between the normal multiple access protocol operation state and the puncture channel state at certain selected times, wherein the certain selected times are randomly selected times, the forward channel parameter being set at each randomly selected time other than when set in connection with the reservation made for certain user access. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification