Methods and apparatus for power allocation on a reverse link power control channel of a communication system

• US 6,687,510 B2
• Filed: 04/11/2001
• Issued: 02/03/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Black, Peter J., Esteves, Eduardo A. S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Banks-Harold, Marsha D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Moore, James K
• Application Number:
  US09/832,671
• Publication Number:
  US 20010012785A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,028 Days
• Field of Search: 455/522, 455/69, 455/70, 370/252, 370/318, 370/335, 370/342
• US Class Current: 455/522
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/225 Calculation of statistics, e.g. average, variance
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/226 using past references to control power, e.g. look-up-table
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/228 using past power values or information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/265 taking into account the quality of service QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/267 taking into account the information rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/32 TPC of broadcast or control channels
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/343 taking into account loading or congestion level
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/346 distributing total power among users or channels
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/50 at the moment of starting communication in a multiple access environment

Abstract

A method and apparatus that determines how much power to allocate to each of a plurality of reverse link power control (RLPC) Channels to be transmitted from a base station, based upon data rate control (DRC) messages transmitted to the base station. Historical information is used to determine the quality of the Forward Link over which the RLPC is to be transmitted. If the history of the DRCs received indicates that the remote station to which the RLPC Channel is to be directed has not transmitted a DRC recently, then the base station allocates power to the RLPC Channels based upon information provided to the base station in DRCs that were received by the base station, but that were directed to other base stations. Accordingly, the base station can allocate power among the RLPC Channels without having received explicit information as to the quality of the Forward Link between the base station and every remote station intended to receive the information on the RLPC Channels.

Claims

1. A method for allocating power among reverse link power control channels on a communications link between a first station and a plurality of second stations, including the steps of:

a) attempting to receive forward link quality information from each of the plurality of second stations;

b) determining the relative quality of a plurality of reverse link power control channels, each such reverse link power control channel being associated with one of the plurality of second stations, the determination being based upon the forward link quality information received from the associated second stations; and

c) allocating more power to a reverse link power control channel associated with a lower quality forward link than to a reverse link power control channel associated with a higher quality forward link.

2. A method for allocating power to a power control channel which is embedded within a data channel, including the steps of:

a) determining the amount of power that is required to reliably transmit information over the power control channel to each of a plurality of remote stations;

b) allocating the amount of power required to transmit the power control channel to each of the remote stations based upon the determined power requirements;

c) allocating the amount of power required to transmit each data channel based on the total number of data channels and the total available power, independent of the amount of power allocated to each power control channel.

3. A base station within a communication system, including:

a) a receiver configured to receive forward link quality information from each of a plurality of remote stations;

b) a processor, coupled to the receiver, configured to;

i) determine the relative quality of a plurality of reverse link power control channels, each such reverse link power control channel being associated with one of the plurality of remote stations, the determination being based upon the forward link quality information received from the associated remote stations; and

c) allocate more power to a reverse link power control channel associated with a lower quality forward link then to a reverse link power control channel associated with a higher quality forward link.

4. A base station in which power is allocated to a power control channel which is embedded within a data channel, including:

a) a processor configured to;

i) determining the amount of power that is required to reliably transmit information over the power control channel to each of a plurality of remote stations;

ii) allocate the amount of power required to transmit the power control channel to each of the remote stations based upon the determined power requirements;

iii) allocate the amount of power required to transmit each data channel based on the total number of data channels and the total available power, independent of the amount of power allocated to each power control channel

b) a transmitter, coupled to the processor, configured to transmit the power control channels to each of the plurality of remote stations at the allocated power levels.

5. A method for determining the amount of power that is required to transmit power control information from a first station to a second station of a communication system, including the steps of:

a. receiving a first data rate control message from the second station during a first period of time;

b. determining whether the first data rate control message is directed to the first station;

c. storing the first data rate control message on a short list;

d. receiving a second data rate control message from the second station during a second period of time;

e. determining whether the second data rate control message is directed to the first station;

f. if the second data rate control message is not directed to the first station, then;

i) determining the amount of power which would be required to transmit power control information from the first station to the second station during the first period of time based upon the first data rate control message; and

ii) determining the amount of power that is required to reliably transmit power control information from the first station to the second station during the second period of time based upon the amount of power determined to be required to reliably transmit power control information from the first station to the second station during the first period of time.

6. The method of claim 5, further including the steps of:

a) storing the second data rate control message on the short list;

b) storing data rate control messages on the short list if received within a first predetermined amount of time, and storing data rate control messages on a long list if received within a second predetermined amount of time, the second predetermined amount of time being longer than the first predetermined amount of time;

c) determining whether any of the messages on the short list are directed to the first station;

d) if any of the data rate control messages stored on the short list are directed to the first station, then determining the amount of power required to transmit the power control information from the first station to the second station based upon the most recent data rate control message directed to the first station;

e) if none of the data rate control messages stored on the short list are directed to the first station and at least one of the data rate control messages stored on the long list are directed to the first station, then determining the amount of power required to reliably transmit power control information from the first station to the second station during the second period of time based upon each of the power control messages directed to the first station and stored on the long list.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of determining the amount of power required to reliably transmit power control information from the first station to the second station during the second period of time based upon each of the power control messages directed to the first station and stored on the long list further includes the steps of:

a) calculating an average forward link quality based upon the values of each data rate control message stored on the long list and directed to the base station; and

b) determining the amount of power required to reliably transmit power control information from the first station to the second station based upon the average forward link quality.

8. A method for allocating power among reverse link power control channels on a communications link between a first station and a plurality of second stations, including the steps of:

a) attempting to receive forward link quality information from each of the plurality of second stations;

b) determining the relative quality of a plurality of reverse link power control channels, each such reverse link power control channel being associated with one of the plurality of second stations, the determination being based upon the forward link quality information received from the associated second stations;

c) allocating more power to a reverse link power control channel associated with a lower quality forward link than to a reverse link power control channel associated with a higher quality forward link;

d) determining from information received from one of the plurality of second stations whether more power, less power, or the same amount of power is required on the forward link between the one of the plurality of second stations and the first station; and

e) allocating no power to a reverse power control channel associated with one of the plurality of second stations communicating with the first station over a forward link for which the same amount of reverse link power is required.

9. A method for allocating transmit power to a plurality of power control channels, including the steps of:

a) attempting to determine the quality of one or more forward links;

b) identifying those forward links for which reliable quality information is available;

c) initially allocating power to each of the power control channels to be transmitted over a forward link for which reliable quality information is available, the power being allocated based upon the amount of power required to reliably transmit each power control channel to be transmitted over a forward link for which reliable quality information is available, the amount of power required for a particular power control channel being determined as a function of the quality of that particular power control channel;

d) determining whether the total power allocated for all of the power control channels to be transmitted over forward links for which reliable quality information is available is greater than the available power;

i) if greater, then allocating all of the available power to only those power control channels to be transmitted over forward links for which reliable quality information is available in proportion to the relative quality of each forward link with respect to each other forward link for which reliable quality information is available, and allocating no power to those power control channels to be transmitted over forward links for which only unreliable information is available; and

e) if not greater, then allocating power to those power control channels to be transmitted over the forward links for which reliable quality information is available in proportion to requirements of each power control channel, and allocating the remaining power to those power control channels to which only unreliable quality information is available in proportion to the relative quality of the forward links over which they are to be transmitted.

10. A method for allocating transmit power to a plurality of power control channels, including the steps of:

a) determining whether a data rate control message transmitted from a remote station and directed to a receiving base station has been received by the receiving base station within a predetermined first period of time;

b) if a data rate control message transmitted from a remote station and directed to a receiving base station has been received by the receiving base station within the predetermined first period of time, then determining the quality of the forward link between the receiving base station and the transmitting remote station from the data rate control message and considering the quality determination to be reliable;

c) if a data rate control message transmitted from a remote station and directed to a receiving base station has not been received by the receiving base station within the predetermined first period of time, then determining whether a data rate control message transmitted from the remote station and directed to another base station has been received by the receiving base station within the predetermined first period of time;

d) if a data rate control message transmitted from the remote station and directed to a second base station has been received by the receiving base station within the predetermined first period of time, the second base station not being located at the same location as the receiving base station, then determining that the quality of the forward link between the remote station and the receiving base station is no better than the quality of the forward link between the second base station and the remote station, and considering that quality determination to be unreliable; and

e) allocating power to power control channels based upon the determined quality and the reliability of that determined quality.

11. A base station within a communication system, including:

a) a receiver configured to receive from a second station, a first data rate control message during a first period of time and a second data rate control message during a second period of time;

b) a processor, coupled to the receiver, configured to;

i) determine whether the first data rate control message is directed to the base station;

ii) store the first data rate control message on a short list;

iii) determine whether the second data rate control message is directed to the base station;

iv) perform the following, if the second data rate message is not directed to the base station;

1) determine the amount of power that would have been required to transmit power control information from the base station to the second station during the first period of time based upon the first data rate control message;

2) determine the amount of power that is required to reliably transmit power control information from the base station to the second station during the second period of time based upon the amount of power determined to be required to reliably transmit power control information from the base station to the second station during the first period of time.

12. The base station of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to:

a) store the second data rate control message on the short list;

b) store data rate control messages received prior to the receipt of the first data rate control message on the short list if received within a first predetermined amount of time, and storing data rate control messages on a long list if received within a second predetermined amount of time, the second predetermined amount of time being longer than the first predetermined amount of time;

c) determine whether any of the message on the short list are directed to the base station;

d) determine the amount of power required to transmit the power control information from the base station to the second station based upon the most recent data rate control message directed to the base station, if any of the data rate control messages stored on the short list are directed to the base station;

e) determine the amount of power required to reliably transmit power control information from the base station to the second station during the second period of time based upon each of the power control messages directed to the base station and stored on the long list, if none of the data rate control messages stored on the short list are directed to the base station and at least one of the data rate control messages stored on the long list are directed to the base station.

13. The base station of claim 11, wherein the processor determines the amount of power required to reliably transmit power control information from the base station to the second station during the second period of time based upon each of the power control messages directed to the base station and stored on the long list by:

a) calculating an average forward link quality based upon the values of each data rate control message stored on the long list and directed to the base station; and

b) determining the amount of power required to reliably transmit power control information from the base station to the second station based upon the average forward link quality.

14. A base station within a communication system, including:

a) a receiver configured to receive forward link quality information from each of a plurality of remote stations;

b) a processor, coupled to the receiver, configured to;

i) determine the relative quality of a plurality of reverse link power control channels, each such reverse link power control channel being associated with one of the plurality of remote stations, the determination being based upon the forward link quality information received from the associated remote stations;

c) allocate more power to a reverse link power control channel associated with a lower quality forward link than to a reverse link power control channel associated with a higher quality forward link;

d) determine from information received from one of the plurality of the remote stations whether more power, less power, or the same amount of power is required on the forward link between one of the plurality of the remote stations and the base station; and

e) allocate no power to a reverse power control channel associated with one of the plurality of the remote stations communicating with the base station over a forward link for which the same amount of reverse link power is required.

15. A base station within a communication system, including:

a) a receiver configured to receive at least one forward link quality message;

b) a processor configured to;

i) determine the quality of one or more forward links based on the information received in the forward link quality messages;

ii) identify those forward links for which reliable quality information is available;

iii) initially allocate power to each of the power control channels to be transmitted over a forward link for which reliable quality information is available, the power being allocated based upon the amount of power required to reliably transmit each power control channel to be transmitted over a forward link for which reliable quality information is available, the amount of power required for a particular power control channel being determined as a function of the quality of that particular power control channel;

iv) determine whether the total power allocated for all of the power control channels to be transmitted over forward links for which reliable quality information is available is greater than the available power;

v) allocate all of the available power to only those power control channels to be transmitted over forward links for which reliable quality information is available in proportion to the relative quality of each forward link with respect to each other forward link for which reliable quality information is available and to allocate no power to those power control channels to be transmitted over forward links for which only unreliable information is available if the total power is greater than the available power; and

vi) if not greater, then to allocate power to those power control channels to be transmitted over the forward links for which reliable quality information is available in proportion to requirements of each power control channel, and to allocate the remaining power to those power control channels to which only unreliable quality information is available in proportion to the relative quality of the forward links over which they are to be transmitted.

16. A base station within a communication system, including:

a) a receiver configured to receive data rate control messages;

b) a processor, coupled to the receiver, configured to;

i) determine whether a data rate control message transmitted from a remote station and directed to the base station has been received by the base station within a predetermined first period of time;

ii) determine the quality of the forward link between the base station and the remote station from the data rate control message and to consider the determined quality to be reliable, if a data rate control message transmitted from the remote station and directed to the base station has been received by the base station within the predetermined first period of time;

iii) determine whether the data rate control message transmitted from the remote station and directed to a second base station has been received by the base station within the predetermined first period of time, if a data rate control message transmitted from the remote station and directed to the base station has not been received by the base station within the predetermined first period of time;

iv) determine that the quality of the forward link between the remote station and the base station is no better than the quality of the forward link between the second base station and the remote station, and considering the determined quality to be unreliable, if the data rate control message transmitted from the remote station and directed to the second base station has been received by the base station within the predetermined first period of time, the second base station not being located at the same location as the base station; and

v) allocate power to power control channels based upon the determined quality and a reliability of that determined quality.

17. A method for power allocation to at least one power control channel in a communication system, comprising:

receiving at least one indicator at a second station, wherein each of the at least one indicators is transmitted by a distinct first station;

determining whether the at least one indicator is directed to the second station;

allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination, wherein each of the at least one power control channels is intended for one of the first stations, wherein said allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination comprises;

determining whether a forward link quality metric obtained from the indicator is valid; and

allocating power for a power control channel intended for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with the determined forward link quality metric if said determined forward link quality metric is valid and the indicator is directed to the second station; and

allocating power for a power control channel for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with a valid forward link quality metric previously received from one of the first stations if said determined forward link quality metric is invalid and the indicator is directed to the second station.

18. A method for power allocation to at least one power control channel in a communication system, comprising:

receiving at least one indicator at a second station, wherein each of the at least one indicators is transmitted by a distinct first station;

determining whether the at least one indicator is directed to the second station;

allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination, wherein each of the at least one power control channels is intended for one of the first stations, wherein said allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination comprises;

determining whether a forward link quality metric obtained from the indicator is valid; and

allocating power for a power control channel intended for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with the determined forward link quality metric if said determined forward link quality metric is valid and the indicator is directed to the second station;

determining a first power in accordance with said determined forward link quality metric if said determined forward link quality metric is valid and the indicator is not directed to the second station; and

allocating a power for a power control channel for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with said determined first power.

19. A method for power allocation to at least one power control channel in a communication system, comprising:

receiving at least one indicator at a second station, wherein each of the at least one indicators is transmitted by a distinct first station;

determining whether the at least one indicator is directed to the second station;

allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination, wherein each of the at least one power control channels is intended for one of the first stations, wherein said allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination comprises;

determining whether a forward link quality metric obtained from the indicator is valid; and

allocating power for a power control channel intended for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with the determined forward link quality metric if said determined forward link quality metric is valid and the indicator is directed to the second station; and

allocating power for a power control channel for one of the first stations that transmitted the message in accordance with a predetermined value if said determined forward link quality metric is invalid and the indicator is not directed to the second station.

20. The method as claimed in claim 19 further comprising:

storing a forward link quality metric determined in accordance with said received indicator at the second station.

21. A method for power allocation to at least one power control channel in a communication system, comprising:

receiving at least one indicator at a second station, wherein each of the at least one indicators is transmitted by a distinct first station;

determining whether the at least one indicator is directed to the second station;

allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination, wherein each of the at least one power control channels is intended for one of the first stations;

determining a subset of the first stations in accordance with a total power available for the power control channels; and

transmitting a power control channel at said allocated power for each first station in the subset.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21 wherein said determining a subset of the first stations in accordance with a total power available for the power control channels comprises:

determining whether the sum of said allocated powers is greater than the total power available for the power control channels; and

transmitting a power control channel at said allocated power for each of the first stations if said determining is negative.

23. The method as claimed in claim 22 further comprising:

reallocating power for transmission of a power control channel for the subset of first stations that transmitted the reverse link with a reliable forward link quality metric if said determining is positive; and

transmitting a power control channel at said allocated power for each first station in the subset.

24. An apparatus for power allocation to at least one power control channel in a communication system, comprising:

a receiver configured to;

receive at least one indicator, wherein each of the at least one indicators is transmitted by a distinct first station;

a processor; and

a storage medium coupled to said processor and containing a set of instructions executable by said processor to;

determine whether the at least one indicator is directed to said receiver; and

allocate power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination, wherein each of the at least one power control channels is intended for one of the first stations,

wherein said receiver, said processor and said storage medium are disposed in a second station,

wherein said processor is configured to allocate power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination by executing a set of instructions to;

determine whether a forward link quality metric obtained from the indicator is valid;

allocate power for a power control channel intended for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with the determined forward link quality metric if said determined forward link quality metric is valid and the indicator is directed to the second station; and

allocate power for a power control channel for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with a valid forward link quality metric previously received from one of the first stations if said determined forward link quality metric is invalid and the indicator is directed to the second station.

25. An apparatus for power allocation to at least one power control channel in a communication system, comprising:

a receiver configured to;

receive at least one indicator, wherein each of the at least one indicators is transmitted by a distinct first station;

a processor; and

a storage medium coupled to said processor and containing a set of instructions executable by said processor to;

determine whether the at least one indicator is directed to said receiver; and

allocate power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination, wherein each of the at least one power control channels is intended for one of the first stations,

wherein said receiver, said processor and said storage medium are disposed in a second station,

wherein said processor is configured to allocate power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination by executing a set of instructions to;

determine whether a forward link quality metric obtained from the indicator is valid;

allocate power for a power control channel intended for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with the determined forward link quality metric if said determined forward link quality metric is valid and the indicator is directed to the second station;

determine a first power in accordance with said determined forward link quality metric if said determined forward link quality metric is valid and the indicator is not directed to the second station; and

allocate power for a power control channel for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with said determined first power.

26. An apparatus for power allocation to at least one power control channel in a communication system, comprising:

a receiver configured to;

receive at least one indicator, wherein each of the at least one indicators is transmitted by a distinct first station;

a processor; and

a storage medium coupled to said processor and containing a set of instructions executable by said processor to;

determine whether the at least one indicator is directed to said receiver; and

allocate power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination, wherein each of the at least one power control channels is intended for one of the first stations,

wherein said receiver, said processor and said storage medium are disposed in a second station,

wherein said processor is configured to allocate power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination by executing a set of instructions to;

determine whether a forward link quality metric obtained from the indicator is valid;

allocate power for a power control channel intended for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with the determined forward link quality metric if said determined forward link quality metric is valid and the indicator is directed to the second station; and

allocate power for a power control channel for one of the first stations that transmitted the message in accordance with a predetermined value if said determined forward link quality metric is invalid and the indicator is not directed to the second station.

27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26 wherein said processor is further configured to execute a set of instructions to:

store a forward link quality metric determined in accordance with said received indicator.

28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 27 wherein said forward link quality metric determined in accordance with said received indicator is stored in a second storage medium.

29. An apparatus for power allocation to at least one power control channel in a communication system, comprising:

a receiver configured to;

receive at least one indicator, wherein each of the at least one indicators is transmitted by a distinct first station;

a processor; and

a storage medium coupled to said processor and containing a set of instructions executable by said processor to;

determine whether the at least one indicator is directed to said receiver; and

allocate power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination, wherein each of the at least one power control channels is intended for one of the first stations,

wherein said processor is further configured to execute a set of instructions to;

determine a subset of the first stations in accordance with a total power available for the power control channels; and

transmit a power control channel at said allocated power for each first station in the subset.

30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 29 wherein said processor is configured to determine a subset of the first stations in accordance with a total power available for the power control channels by executing a set of instructions to:

determine whether the sum of said allocated powers is greater than the total power available for the power control channels; and

transmit a power control channel at said allocated power for each of the first stations if said determining is negative.

31. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30 wherein said processor is further configured to execute a set of instructions to:

reallocate power for transmission of a power control channel for the subset of first stations that transmitted the reverse link with a reliable forward link quality metric if said determining is positive; and

transmit a power control channel at said allocated power for each first station in the subset.

32. An apparatus for power allocation to at least one power control channel in a communication system, comprising:

means for receiving at least one indicator at a second station, wherein each of the at least one indicators is transmitted by a distinct first station;

means for determining whether the at least one indicator is directed to the second station;

means for allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination, wherein each of the at least one power control channels is intended for one of the first stations, wherein said means for allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination comprises;

means for determining whether a forward link quality metric obtained from the indicator is valid; and

means for allocating power for a power control channel intended for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with the determined forward link quality metric if said determined forward link quality metric is valid and the indicator is directed to the second station; and

means for allocating power for a power control channel for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with a valid forward link quality metric previously received from one of the first stations if said determined forward link quality metric is invalid and the indicator is directed to the second station.

33. An apparatus for power allocation to at least one power control channel in a communication system, comprising:

means for receiving at least one indicator at a second station, wherein each of the at least one indicators is transmitted by a distinct first station;

means for determining whether the at least one indicator is directed to the second station;

means for allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination, wherein each of the at least one power control channels is intended for one of the first stations, wherein said means for allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination comprises;

means for determining whether a forward link quality metric obtained from the indicator is valid; and

means for allocating power for a power control channel intended for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with the determined forward link quality metric if said determined forward link quality metric is valid and the indicator is directed to the second station;

means for determining a first power in accordance with said determined forward link quality metric if said determined forward link quality metric is valid and the indicator is not directed to the second station; and

means for allocating a power for a power control channel for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with said determined first power.

34. An apparatus for power allocation to at least one power control channel in a communication system, comprising:

means for receiving at least one indicator at a second station, wherein each of the at least one indicators is transmitted by a distinct first station;

means for determining whether the at least one indicator is directed to the second station;

means for allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination, wherein each of the at least one power control channels is intended for one of the first stations, wherein said means for allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination comprises;

means for determining whether a forward link quality metric obtained from the indicator is valid; and

means for allocating power for a power control channel intended for one of the first stations that transmitted the indicator in accordance with the determined forward link quality metric if said determined forward link quality metric is valid and the indicator is directed to the second station; and

means for allocating power for a power control channel for one of the first stations that transmitted the message in accordance with a predetermined value if said determined forward link quality metric is invalid and the indicator is not directed to the second station.

35. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34 further comprising:

means for storing a forward link quality metric determined in accordance with said received indicator at the second station.

36. An apparatus for power allocation to at least one power control channel in a communication system, comprising:

means for receiving at least one indicator at a second station, wherein each of the at least one indicators is transmitted by a distinct first station;

means for determining whether the at least one indicator is directed to the second station;

means for allocating power for at least one power control channel in accordance with said determination, wherein each of the at least one power control channels is intended for one of the first stations;

means for determining a subset of the first stations in accordance with a total power available for the power control channels; and

means for transmitting a power control channel at said allocated power for each first station in the subset.

37. The apparatus as claimed in claim 36 wherein said determining a subset of the first stations in accordance with a total power available for the power control channels comprises:

means for determining whether the sum of said allocated powers is greater than the total power available for the power control channels; and

means for transmitting a power control channel at said allocated power for each of the first stations if said determining is negative.

38. The apparatus as claimed in claim 37 further comprising:

means for reallocating power for transmission of a power control channel for the subset of first stations that transmitted the reverse link with a reliable forward link quality metric if said determining is positive; and

means for transmitting a power control channel at said allocated power for each first station in the subset.