U.S. patent application number 13/873181 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-12 for systems, methods and apparatus for facilitating handover control using resource reservation with frequency reuse.
This patent application is currently assigned to QUALCOMM Incorporated. The applicant listed for this patent is QUALCOMM INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to Parag A. Agashe, Naga Bhushan, Peter Gaal, Rajat Prakash.
Application Number | 20130235848 13/873181 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42173591 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130235848 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gaal; Peter ; et
al. |
September 12, 2013 |
SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING HANDOVER CONTROL
USING RESOURCE RESERVATION WITH FREQUENCY REUSE
Abstract
Systems, methods and apparatus for facilitating handover control
using resource reservation with frequency reuse are provided. In
one embodiment, the method can include: transmitting scheduling
information for the transmission of information on frequencies
corresponding to an unreserved portion of a frequency band. The
method can also include transmitting scheduling information for the
transmission of information on frequencies corresponding to a
reserved portion of the frequency band. A frequency reuse scheme
can be employed over the frequencies corresponding to the reserved
portion of the frequency band, and the information transmitted on
the frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion of the
frequency band can be handover signaling information.
Inventors: |
Gaal; Peter; (San Diego,
CA) ; Prakash; Rajat; (La Jolla, CA) ; Agashe;
Parag A.; (San Diego, CA) ; Bhushan; Naga;
(San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
QUALCOMM INCORPORATED |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
QUALCOMM Incorporated
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
42173591 |
Appl. No.: |
13/873181 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12603400 |
Oct 21, 2009 |
8442001 |
|
|
13873181 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
370/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 16/12 20130101;
H04W 36/16 20130101; H04W 16/10 20130101; Y02D 30/70 20200801; H04W
72/042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/331 |
International
Class: |
H04W 36/16 20060101
H04W036/16 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: receiving, at a user equipment, scheduling
information indicative of one or more frequencies corresponding to
a common portion of a frequency band, and indicative of a type of
first information for communication over the one or more
frequencies corresponding to the common portion of the frequency
band; and receiving, at the user equipment, scheduling information
indicative of one or more reserved frequencies corresponding to a
first reserved portion of the frequency band, and indicative of a
type of second information for communication over the one or more
reserved frequencies, wherein the one or more reserved frequencies
are assigned to a first base station of a plurality of base
stations according to a frequency reuse scheme employed over the
one or more reserved frequencies.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising communicating data,
from the user equipment, over the one or more frequencies
corresponding to the common portion of the frequency band.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising communicating, from
the user equipment, one or more signaling messages over the one or
more reserved frequencies corresponding to the first reserved
portion of the frequency band.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the one or more signaling
messages are signaling message for handover from the first base
station of the plurality of base stations to a second base station
of the plurality of base stations.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the type of first information is
data information and the type of second information is signaling
information.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more
reserved frequencies corresponding to a first reserved portion of
the frequency band corresponds to a first random access channel,
and at least one of the one or more frequencies corresponding to a
common portion of a frequency band corresponds to a second random
access channel, wherein the first random access channel and the
second random access channel are accessible by the user equipment,
the method further comprising: measuring, at the user equipment, a
channel quality experienced by the user equipment; determining, at
the user equipment, that the first random access channel
corresponds to at least one of the one or more reserved
frequencies; and in response to determining that the first random
access channel corresponds to at least one of the one or more
reserved frequencies, the user equipment communicating over the
first random access channel when the channel quality is less than a
selected level.
7. A computer program product, comprising: a computer-readable
medium comprising: a first set of codes for causing a computer to
receive, at a user equipment, scheduling information indicative of
one or more frequencies corresponding to a common portion of a
frequency band, and indicative of a type of first information for
communication over the one or more frequencies corresponding to the
common portion of the frequency band; and a second set of codes for
causing the computer to receive, at the user equipment, scheduling
information indicative of one or more reserved frequencies
corresponding to a first reserved portion of the frequency band,
and indicative of a type of second information for communication
over the one or more reserved frequencies, wherein the one or more
reserved frequencies are assigned to a first base station of a
plurality of base stations according to a frequency reuse scheme
employed over the one or more reserved frequencies.
8. The computer program product of claim 7, further comprising: a
third set of codes for causing the computer to communicate data,
from the user equipment, over the one or more frequencies
corresponding to the common portion of the frequency band; and a
fourth set of codes for causing the computer to communicate, from
the user equipment, one or more signaling messages over the one or
more reserved frequencies corresponding to the first reserved
portion of the frequency band.
9. The computer program product of claim 7, wherein at least one of
the one or more reserved frequencies corresponding to a first
reserved portion of the frequency band corresponds to a first
random access channel, and at least one of the one or more
frequencies corresponding to a common portion of a frequency band
corresponds to a second random access channel, wherein the first
random access channel and the second random access channel are
accessible by the user equipment, the computer program product
further comprising: a fifth set of codes for causing the computer
to measure, at the user equipment, a channel quality experienced by
the user equipment; a sixth set of codes for causing the computer
to determine, at the user equipment, that the first random access
channel corresponds to at least one of the one or more reserved
frequencies; and a seventh set of codes for causing the computer
to, at the user equipment, in response to determining that the
first random access channel corresponds to at least one of the one
or more reserved frequencies, communicate over the first random
access channel when the channel quality is less than a selected
level.
10. An apparatus, comprising: a control unit comprising: a
measurement unit configured to measure a quality of a channel
experienced at the apparatus; a scheduling unit configured to
schedule transmission and reception of information on a reserved
portion of frequency or an unreserved portion of frequency; and a
user equipment data and signaling information generator configured
to generate data or signaling information for transmission on the
reserved portion of frequency or the unreserved portion of
frequency; a transmitter configured to transmit, to a base station
serving the apparatus, information indicative of the quality of the
channel experienced at the apparatus; a receiver configured to
receive resource allocation information, from the base station
serving the apparatus, the resource allocation information
comprising: scheduling information for causing the transmitter to
transmit the data or the signaling information on the reserved
portion of frequency or on the unreserved portion of frequency; and
scheduling information for causing the scheduling unit to schedule
the transmission and the reception of information on the reserved
portion of frequency or on the unreserved portion of frequency; and
a memory configured to store the scheduling information.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the signaling information is
handover signaling information.
12. An apparatus, comprising: means for receiving scheduling
information indicative of one or more frequencies corresponding to
a common portion of a frequency band, and being indicative of a
type of first information for communication over the one or more
frequencies corresponding to the common portion of the frequency
band; and means for receiving scheduling information indicative of
one or more reserved frequencies corresponding to a first reserved
portion of the frequency band, and indicative of a type of second
information for communication over the one or more reserved
frequencies, wherein the one or more reserved frequencies are
assigned to a first base station of a plurality of base stations
according to a frequency reuse scheme employed over the one or more
reserved frequencies.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising means for
communicating data over the one or more frequencies corresponding
to the common portion of the frequency band.
14. A method comprising: receiving information indicative of a
frequency reuse scheme to be employed over a reserved portion of a
frequency band assigned to a first base station of a plurality of
base stations, wherein the reserved portion of the frequency band
is a fraction of a frequency spectrum, the fraction of the
frequency spectrum being determined based on a signaling traffic
load for the first base station of the plurality of base stations
and a position of the first base station of the plurality of base
stations relative to a second base station of the plurality of base
stations; and transmitting signaling information over the reserved
portion of the frequency band.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the frequency band further
comprises an unreserved portion, and one or more portions of the
reserved portion is interleaved with one or more portions of the
unreserved portion.
16. A computer program product, comprising: a computer-readable
medium comprising: a first set of codes for causing a computer to
receive information indicative of a frequency reuse scheme to be
employed over a reserved portion of a frequency band assigned to a
first base station of a plurality of base stations, wherein the
reserved portion of the frequency band is a fraction of a frequency
spectrum, the fraction of the frequency spectrum being determined
based on a signaling traffic load for the first base station of the
plurality of base stations and a position of the first base station
of the plurality of base stations relative to a second base station
of the plurality of base stations; and a second set of codes for
causing the computer to transmit signaling information over the
reserved portion of the frequency band.
17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the frequency
band further comprises an unreserved portion, and one or more
portions of the reserved portion is interleaved with one or more
portions of the unreserved portion.
18. An apparatus comprising: a receiver configured to receive
information indicative of a frequency reuse scheme to be employed
over a reserved portion of a frequency band assigned to a first
base station of a plurality of base stations, wherein the reserved
portion of the frequency band is a fraction of a frequency
spectrum, the fraction of the frequency spectrum being determined
based on a signaling traffic load for the first base station of the
plurality of base stations and a position of the first base station
of the plurality of base stations relative to a second base station
of the plurality of base stations; and a transmitter configured to
transmit signaling information over the reserved portion of the
frequency band.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the frequency band further
comprises an unreserved portion, and one or more portions of the
reserved portion is interleaved with one or more portions of the
unreserved portion.
20. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving information
indicative of a frequency reuse scheme to be employed over a
reserved portion of a frequency band assigned to a first base
station of a plurality of base stations, wherein the reserved
portion of the frequency band is a fraction of a frequency
spectrum, the fraction of the frequency spectrum being determined
based on a signaling traffic load for the first base station of the
plurality of base stations and a position of the first base station
of the plurality of base stations relative to a second base station
of the plurality of base stations; and means for transmitting
signaling information over the reserved portion of the frequency
band.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the frequency band further
comprises an unreserved portion, and one or more portions of the
reserved portion is interleaved with one or more portions of the
unreserved portion.
22. A method, comprising: identifying a pair of base stations in a
wireless communication system, the pair of base stations comprising
a first base station and a second base station; determining if the
first base station and the second base station are neighboring base
stations; assigning the first base station and the second base
station to a same reserved subset of frequencies; and in response
to the first base station and the second base station being
neighboring base stations, assigning full power transmission to the
first base station and reduced power transmission to the second
base station.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the first base
station outputting the full power transmission and the second base
station outputting the reduced power transmission concurrently.
24. A computer program product, comprising: a computer-readable
medium comprising: a first set of codes for causing a computer to
identify a pair of base stations in a wireless communication
system, the pair of base stations comprising a first base station
and a second base station; a second set of codes for causing the
computer to determine if the first base station and the second base
station are neighboring base stations; a third set of codes for
causing the computer to assign the first base station and the
second base station to a same reserved subset of frequencies; and a
fourth set of codes for causing the computer to, in response to the
first base station and the second base station being neighboring
base stations, assign full power transmission to the first base
station and reduced power transmission to the second base
station.
25. The computer program product of claim 24, wherein the first
base station outputs the full power transmission and the second
base station outputs the reduced power transmission
concurrently.
26. An apparatus, comprising: a processor configured to: identify a
pair of base stations in a wireless communication system, the pair
of base stations comprising a first base station and a second base
station; determine if the first base station and the second base
station are neighboring base stations; assign the first base
station and the second base station to a same reserved subset of
frequencies; and in response to the first base station and the
second base station being neighboring base stations, assign full
power transmission to the first base station and reduced power
transmission to the second base station.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first base station is
assigned to output the full power transmission, and the second base
station is assigned to output the reduced power transmission,
concurrently.
28. An apparatus, comprising: a processing means configured to:
identify a pair of base stations in a wireless communication
system, the pair of base stations comprising a first base station
and a second base station; determine if the first base station and
the second base station are neighboring base stations; assign the
first base station and the second base station to a same reserved
subset of frequencies; and in response to the first base station
and the second base station being neighboring base stations, assign
full power transmission to the first base station and reduced power
transmission to the second base station.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the first base station is
assigned to output the full power transmission, and the second base
station is assigned to output the reduced power transmission,
concurrently.
30. A method, comprising: identifying a pair of base stations in a
wireless communication system, the pair of base stations comprising
a first base station and a second base station; determining if the
first base station and the second base station are neighboring base
stations; assigning the first base station and the second base
station to a same reserved subset of frequencies; and in response
to the first base station and the second base station being
neighboring base stations, assigning a first power level to the
first base station and a second power level to the second base
station, the first power level and the second power level being
different and being assigned for concurrent transmissions from the
first base station and the second base station.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the first power level is
greater than the second power level.
32. A computer program product, comprising: a computer-readable
medium comprising: a first set of codes for causing a computer to
identify a pair of base stations in a wireless communication
system, the pair of base stations comprising a first base station
and a second base station; a second set of codes for causing the
computer to determine if the first base station and the second base
station are neighboring base stations; a third set of codes for
causing the computer to assign the first base station and the
second base station to a same reserved subset of frequencies; and a
fourth set of codes for causing the computer to, in response to the
first base station and the second base station being neighboring
base stations, assign a first power level to the first base station
and a second power level to the second base station, the first
power level and the second power level being different and being
assigned for concurrent transmissions from the first base station
and the second base station.
33. The computer program product of claim 32, wherein the first
power level is greater than the second power level.
34. An apparatus, comprising: a processor configured to: identify a
pair of base stations in a wireless communication system, the pair
of base stations comprising a first base station and a second base
station; determine if the first base station and the second base
station are neighboring base stations; assign the first base
station and the second base station to a same reserved subset of
frequencies; and in response to the first base station and the
second base station being neighboring base stations, assign a first
power level to the first base station and a second power level to
the second base station, the first power level and the second power
level being different and being assigned for concurrent
transmissions from the first base station and the second base
station.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the first power level is
greater than the second power level.
36. An apparatus, comprising: a processing means configured to:
identify a pair of base stations in a wireless communication
system, the pair of base stations comprising a first base station
and a second base station; determine if the first base station and
the second base station are neighboring base stations; assign the
first base station and the second base station to a same reserved
subset of frequencies; and in response to the first base station
and the second base station being neighboring base stations, assign
a first power level to the first base station and a second power
level to the second base station, the first power level and the
second power level being different and being assigned for
concurrent transmissions from the first base station and the second
base station.
37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first power level is
greater than the second power level.
38. A method, comprising: identifying a pair of base stations in a
wireless communication system, the pair of base stations comprising
a first base station and a second base station; determining if the
first base station and the second base station are neighboring base
stations; in response to the first base station and the second base
station being neighboring base stations, assigning the first base
station to a first reserved subset of frequencies, and assigning
the second base station to a second reserved subset of frequencies;
and in response to the first base station and the second base
station not being neighboring base stations, assigning the first
base station and the second base station to a same reserved subset
of frequencies.
39. The method of claim 38, further comprising, in response to the
first base station and the second base station not being
neighboring base stations, assigning a first power level to the
first base station and a second power level to the second base
station, wherein the first power level and the second power level
are substantially equal.
40. A computer program product, comprising: a computer-readable
medium comprising: a first set of codes for causing a computer to
identify a pair of base stations in a wireless communication
system, the pair of base stations comprising a first base station
and a second base station; a second set of codes for causing the
computer to determine if the first base station and the second base
station are neighboring base stations; a third set of codes for
causing the computer to, in response to the first base station and
the second base station being neighboring base stations, assign the
first base station to a first reserved subset of frequencies, and
assigning the second base station to a second reserved subset of
frequencies; and a fourth set of codes for causing the computer to,
in response to the first base station and the second base station
not being neighboring base stations, assign the first base station
and the second base station to a same reserved subset of
frequencies.
41. The computer program product of claim 40, further comprising: a
fifth set of codes for causing the computer to, in response to the
first base station and the second base station not being
neighboring base stations, assign a first power level to the first
base station and a second power level to the second base station,
wherein the first power level and the second power level are
substantially equal.
42. An apparatus, comprising: a processor configured to: identify a
pair of base stations in a wireless communication system, the pair
of base stations comprising a first base station and a second base
station; determine if the first base station and the second base
station are neighboring base stations; in response to the first
base station and the second base station being neighboring base
stations, assign the first base station to a first reserved subset
of frequencies, and assign the second base station to a second
reserved subset of frequencies; and in response to the first base
station and the second base station not being neighboring base
stations, assign the first base station and the second base station
to a same reserved subset of frequencies.
43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the processor is further
configured to, in response to the first base station and the second
base station not being neighboring base stations, assign a first
power level to the first base station and a second power level to
the second base station, wherein the first power level and the
second power level are substantially equal.
44. An apparatus, comprising: a processing means configured to:
identify a pair of base stations in a wireless communication
system, the pair of base stations comprising a first base station
and a second base station; determine if the first base station and
the second base station are neighboring base stations; in response
to the first base station and the second base station being
neighboring base stations, assign the first base station to a first
reserved subset of frequencies, and assign the second base station
to a second reserved subset of frequencies; and in response to the
first base station and the second base station not being
neighboring base stations, assign the first base station and the
second base station to a same reserved subset of frequencies.
45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the processing means is
further configured to, in response to the first base station and
the second base station not being neighboring base stations, assign
a first power level to the first base station and a second power
level to the second base station, wherein the first power level and
the second power level are substantially equal.
46. A system comprising: a central controller configured to:
determine a signaling traffic load in a cell managed by a first
base station; determine a fraction of a frequency spectrum for
allocation to the first base station, wherein determination of the
fraction of the frequency spectrum is made based on the signaling
traffic load and a position of the first base station relative to
other base stations, the fraction of the frequency spectrum
corresponding to a reserved portion of frequency; determine a
frequency reuse scheme to employ over the reserved portion of
frequency; and transmit information indicative of the frequency
reuse scheme to the first base station; user equipment configured
to: measure channel conditions; and output information indicative
of channel conditions; and a base station configured to: receive
the information indicative of the frequency reuse scheme; receive
the information indicative of channel conditions; and schedule
communication for the user equipment on the reserved portion of
frequency in response to the channel conditions being below a
selected level, wherein a scheduled communication is handover
signaling communication.
47. The system of claim 46, wherein the channel conditions are at
least one of a transmit power or a received signal strength
measurement measured at the user equipment.
48. A system comprising: a central controlling means configured to:
determine a signaling traffic load in a cell managed by a first
base station; determine a fraction of a frequency spectrum for
allocation to the first base station, wherein determination of the
fraction of the frequency spectrum is made based on the signaling
traffic load and a position of the first base station relative to
other base stations, the fraction of the frequency spectrum
corresponding to a reserved portion of frequency; determine a
frequency reuse scheme to employ over the reserved portion of
frequency; and transmit information indicative of the frequency
reuse scheme to the first base station; user equipment means
configured to: measure channel conditions; and output information
indicative of channel conditions; and a base station means
configured to: receive the information indicative of the frequency
reuse scheme; receive the information indicative of channel
conditions; and schedule communication for the user equipment on
the reserved portion of frequency in response to the channel
conditions being below a selected level, wherein a scheduled
communication is handover signaling communication.
49. The system of claim 48, wherein the channel conditions are at
least one of a transmit power or a received signal strength
measurement measured at the user equipment.
50. A method, comprising: determining, by a central controller, a
signaling traffic load in a cell managed by a first base station;
determining, by the central controller, a fraction of a frequency
spectrum for allocation to the first base station, wherein
determination of the fraction of the frequency spectrum is made
based on the signaling traffic load and a position of the first
base station relative to other base stations, the fraction of the
frequency spectrum corresponding to a reserved portion of
frequency; determining, by the central controller, a frequency
reuse scheme to employ over the reserved portion of frequency;
transmitting, from the central controller, information indicative
of the frequency reuse scheme to the first base station; measuring,
at the user equipment, channel conditions; outputting, from the
user equipment, information indicative of channel conditions;
receiving, at the base station, the information indicative of the
frequency reuse scheme; receiving, at the base station, the
information indicative of channel conditions; and scheduling, at
the base station, communication for the user equipment on the
reserved portion of frequency, in response to the channel
conditions being below a selected level, wherein a scheduled
communication is handover signaling communication.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein the channel conditions are at
least one of a transmit power or a received signal strength
measurement measured at the user equipment.
52. A computer program product, comprising: a first set of codes
for causing a first computer to determine a signaling traffic load
in a cell managed by a first base station; a second set of codes
for causing the first computer to determine a fraction of a
frequency spectrum for allocation to the first base station,
wherein determination of the fraction of the frequency spectrum is
made based on the signaling traffic load and a position of the
first base station relative to other base stations, the fraction of
the frequency spectrum corresponding to a reserved portion of
frequency; a third set of codes for causing the first computer to
determine a frequency reuse scheme to employ over the reserved
portion of frequency; a fourth set of codes for causing the first
computer to transmit information indicative of the frequency reuse
scheme to the first base station; a fifth set of codes for causing
a second computer to measure channel conditions; a sixth set of
codes for causing the second computer to output information
indicative of channel conditions; a seventh set of codes for
causing a third computer to receive the information indicative of
the frequency reuse scheme; an eighth set of codes for causing the
third computer to receive the information indicative of channel
conditions; and a ninth set of codes for causing the third computer
to schedule communication for the second computer on the reserved
portion of frequency, in response to the channel conditions being
below a selected level, wherein a scheduled communication is
handover signaling communication.
53. The computer program product of claim 52, wherein the channel
conditions are at least one of a transmit power or a received
signal strength measurement measured at the user equipment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 12/603,400, filed Oct. 21, 2009, and entitled
"METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COOPERATION STRATEGY SELECTION IN A
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM", the entirety of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] I. Field
[0003] The following description relates to wireless
communications, in general, and to facilitating handover control in
wireless communication systems, in particular.
[0004] II. Background
[0005] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to
provide various types of communication. For instance, voice and/or
data can be provided via such wireless communication systems. A
typical wireless communication system, or network, can provide
multiple users access to one or more shared resources (e.g.,
bandwidth, transmit power). For instance, a system can use a
variety of multiple access techniques such as Frequency Division
Multiplexing (EDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Code Division
Multiplexing (CDM), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
(OFDM), and others.
[0006] Generally, wireless multiple-access communication systems
can simultaneously support communication for multiple user
equipments (UEs). Each UE can communicate with one or more base
stations (BSs) via transmissions on forward and reverse links. The
forward link (or downlink (DL)) refers to the communication link
from BSs to UEs, and the reverse link (or uplink (UL)) refers to
the communication link from UEs to BSs. This communication link can
be established via a single-in-single-out, multiple-in-single-out
or a multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) system.
[0007] MIMO systems commonly employ multiple (N.sub.T) transmit
antennas and multiple (N.sub.R) receive antennas for data
transmission. A MIMO channel formed by the N.sub.T transmit and
N.sub.R receive antennas can be decomposed into N.sub.S independent
channels, which can be referred to as spatial channels, where
N.sub.S.ltoreq.{N.sub.T, N.sub.R}. Each of the N.sub.S independent
channels corresponds to a dimension. Moreover, MIMO systems can
provide improved performance (e.g., increased spectral efficiency,
higher throughput and/or greater reliability) if the additional
dimensionalities created by the multiple transmit and receive
antennas are utilized.
[0008] MIMO systems can support various duplexing techniques to
divide forward and reverse link communications over a common
physical medium. For instance, frequency division duplex (FDD)
systems can utilize disparate frequency regions for forward and
reverse link communications. Further, in time division duplex (TDD)
systems, forward and reverse link communications can employ a
common frequency region so that the reciprocity principle allows
estimation of the forward link channel from reverse link
channel.
[0009] Wireless communication systems oftentimes employ one or more
BSs to provide a coverage area. A typical BS can transmit multiple
data streams for broadcast, multicast and/or unicast services,
wherein a data stream may be a stream of data that can be of
independent reception interest to a UE. A UE within the coverage
area of such BS can be employed to receive one, more than one, or
all the data streams carried by the composite stream. Likewise, a
UE can transmit data to the BS or to another UE. In some
embodiments, as with OFDM systems, wherein BSs transmit over a
frequency, frequency reuse can be employed to assign different
frequencies to neighboring BSs to reduce the interference
experienced by the UE due to the concurrent transmissions of the
neighboring BSs.
SUMMARY
[0010] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more
embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of such
embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all
contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key
or critical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of
any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some
concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a
prelude to the more detailed description that is presented
later.
[0011] In accordance with one or more embodiments and corresponding
disclosure thereof, various aspects are described in connection
with facilitating handover control using resource reservation with
frequency reuse in wireless communication systems.
[0012] According to related aspects, a method is provided. The
method can include transmitting scheduling information for
transmission of first information on one or more frequencies. The
one or more frequencies can correspond to an unreserved portion of
a frequency band. The method can also include transmitting
scheduling information for transmission of second information on
one or more frequencies corresponding to a reserved portion of the
frequency band. A frequency reuse scheme can be employed over the
one or more frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion of
the frequency band.
[0013] Accordingly to other related aspects, a computer program
product is provided. The computer program product can include a
computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can include
a first set of codes for causing a computer to transmit scheduling
information for transmission of first information on one or more
frequencies corresponding to an unreserved portion of a frequency
band. The computer-readable medium can also include a second set of
codes for causing the computer to transmit scheduling information
for transmission of second information on one or more frequencies
corresponding to a first reserved portion of the frequency band. A
frequency reuse scheme can be employed over the one or more
frequencies corresponding to the first reserved portion of the
frequency band.
[0014] According to still other aspects, an apparatus is provided.
The apparatus can include a receiver configured to receive
frequency reuse information indicative of a first reserved portion
of a frequency band assigned to the apparatus according to a
frequency reuse scheme, and to receive information indicative of a
quality of a channel experienced at a user equipment. The apparatus
can also include a control unit. The control unit can include a
channel quality unit configured to determine the quality of the
channel experienced at the user equipment. The control unit can
also include a scheduling unit configured to schedule communication
of first information on the first reserved portion of the frequency
band in response to the quality of the channel at the user
equipment being less than a selected level. The first information
can be signaling information. The apparatus can also include a
transmitter configured to transmit, to the user equipment, resource
allocation information indicative of scheduled communication; and a
memory configured to store the frequency reuse information.
[0015] According to yet other aspects, another apparatus is
provided. The apparatus can include means for receiving frequency
reuse information indicative of a first reserved portion of a
frequency band assigned to the apparatus according to a frequency
reuse scheme; and means for receiving information indicative of a
quality of a channel experienced at a means for communicating. The
apparatus can also include means for determining the quality of the
channel experienced at the means for communicating; and means for
scheduling communication of first information on the first reserved
portion of a frequency band in response to the quality of the
channel at the means for communicating being less than a selected
level, wherein the first information is signaling information. The
apparatus can also include means for transmitting, to the means for
communicating, resource allocation information indicative of a
scheduled communication; and means for storing frequency reuse
information indicative of the frequency reuse scheme.
[0016] According to still other aspects, another method is
provided. The method can include: receiving, at a user equipment,
scheduling information indicative of one or more frequencies
corresponding to a common portion of a frequency band, and
indicative of a type of first information for communication over
the one or more frequencies corresponding to the common portion of
the frequency band. The method can also include receiving, at the
user equipment, scheduling information indicative of one or more
reserved frequencies corresponding to a first reserved portion of
the frequency band, and indicative of a type of second information
for communication over the one or more reserved frequencies. The
one or more reserved frequencies can be assigned to a first base
station of a plurality of base stations according to a frequency
reuse scheme employed over the one or more reserved
frequencies.
[0017] According to yet other aspects, another computer program
product is provided. The computer program product can include a
computer-readable medium including a first set of code for causing
a computer to receive, at a user equipment, scheduling information
indicative of one or more frequencies corresponding to a common
portion of a frequency band, and indicative of a type of first
information for communication over the one or more frequencies
corresponding to the common portion of the frequency band. The
computer-readable medium can also include a second set of codes for
causing the computer to receive, at the user equipment, scheduling
information indicative of one or more reserved frequencies
corresponding to a first reserved portion of the frequency band,
and indicative of a type of second information for communication
over the one or more reserved frequencies. The one or more reserved
frequencies can be assigned to a first base station of a plurality
of base stations according to a frequency reuse scheme employed
over the one or more reserved frequencies.
[0018] According to other aspects, an apparatus is provided. The
apparatus can include a control unit. The control unit can include:
a measurement unit configured to measure a quality of a channel
experienced at the apparatus; and a scheduling unit configured to
schedule transmission and reception of information on a reserved
portion of frequency or an unreserved portion of frequency. The
control unit can also include a user equipment data and signaling
information generator configured to generate data or signaling
information for transmission on the reserved portion of frequency
or the unreserved portion of frequency. The apparatus can also
include: a transmitter configured to transmit, to a base station
serving the apparatus, information indicative of the quality of the
channel experienced at the apparatus; and a receiver configured to
receive, from the base station serving the apparatus, resource
allocation information. The resource allocation information can
include: scheduling information for causing the transmitter to
transmit the data or the signaling information on the reserved
portion of frequency or on the unreserved portion of frequency; and
scheduling information for causing the scheduling unit to schedule
the transmission and the reception of information on the reserved
portion of frequency or on the unreserved portion of frequency. The
apparatus can also include a memory configured to store the
scheduling information.
[0019] According to still other embodiments, an apparatus is
provided. The apparatus can include: means for measuring a quality
of a channel experienced at the apparatus; means for scheduling
transmission and reception of information on a reserved portion of
frequency or an unreserved portion of frequency; and means for
generating data and signaling information to generate data or
signaling information for transmission on the reserved portion of
frequency or the unreserved portion of frequency. The apparatus can
also include: means for transmitting, to a means for controlling
communication serving the apparatus, information indicative of the
quality of the channel experienced at the apparatus; and means for
receiving resource allocation information, from the means for
controlling communication serving the apparatus. The resource
allocation information can include: scheduling information for
causing the means for transmitting to transmit the data or the
signaling information on the reserved portion of frequency or on
the unreserved portion of frequency; and scheduling information for
causing the means for scheduling to schedule the transmission and
the reception of information on the reserved portion of frequency
or on the unreserved portion of frequency. The apparatus can also
include means for storing the scheduling information.
[0020] According to yet other aspects, an apparatus is provided.
The apparatus can include: means for measuring a quality of a
channel experienced at the apparatus; means for scheduling
transmission and reception of information on a reserved portion of
frequency or an unreserved portion of frequency; and means for
generating data and signaling information to generate data or
signaling information for transmission on the reserved portion of
frequency or the unreserved portion of frequency. The apparatus can
also include: means for transmitting, to a means for controlling
communication serving the apparatus, information indicative of the
quality of the channel experienced at the apparatus. The apparatus
can also include: means for receiving resource allocation
information, from the means for controlling communication serving
the apparatus. The resource allocation information can include:
scheduling information for causing the means for transmitting to
transmit the data or the signaling information on the reserved
portion of frequency or on the unreserved portion of frequency; and
scheduling information for causing the means for scheduling to
schedule the transmission and the reception of information on the
reserved portion of frequency or on the unreserved portion of
frequency. The apparatus can also include means for storing the
scheduling information.
[0021] According to still other aspects, another method is
provided. The method can include receiving information indicative
of a frequency reuse scheme to be employed over a reserved portion
of a frequency band assigned to a first base station of a plurality
of base stations. The reserved portion of the frequency band can be
a fraction of a frequency spectrum, and the fraction of the
frequency spectrum can be determined based on a signaling traffic
load for the first base station of the plurality of base stations
and a position of the first base station of the plurality of base
stations relative to a second base station of the plurality of base
stations. The method can also include transmitting signaling
information over the reserved portion of the frequency band.
[0022] According to yet other aspects, another computer program
product is provided. The computer program product can include a
computer-readable medium comprising: a first set of codes for
causing a computer to receive information indicative of a frequency
reuse scheme to be employed over a reserved portion of a frequency
band assigned to a first base station of a plurality of base
stations. The reserved portion of the frequency band can be a
fraction of a frequency spectrum, and the fraction of the frequency
spectrum can be determined based on a signaling traffic load for
the first base station of the plurality of base stations and a
position of the first base station of the plurality of base
stations relative to a second base station of the plurality of base
stations. The computer-readable medium can also include a second
set of codes for causing the computer to transmit signaling
information over the reserved portion of the frequency band.
[0023] In yet other embodiments, another apparatus is provided. The
apparatus can include a receiver configured to receive information
indicative of a frequency reuse scheme to be employed over a
reserved portion of a frequency band assigned to a first base
station of a plurality of base stations. The reserved portion of
the frequency band can be a fraction of a frequency spectrum. The
fraction of the frequency spectrum can be determined based on a
signaling traffic load for the first base station of the plurality
of base stations and a position of the first base station of the
plurality of base stations relative to a second base station of the
plurality of base stations. The apparatus can also include a
transmitter configured to transmit signaling information over the
reserved portion of the frequency band.
[0024] In still other embodiments, another apparatus is provided.
The apparatus can include means for receiving information
indicative of a frequency reuse scheme to be employed over a
reserved portion of a frequency band assigned to a first base
station of a plurality of base stations. The reserved portion of
the frequency band can be a fraction of a frequency spectrum. The
fraction of the frequency spectrum can be determined based on a
signaling traffic load for the first base station of the plurality
of base stations and a position of the first base station of the
plurality of base stations relative to a second base station of the
plurality of base stations. The apparatus can also include means
for transmitting signaling information over the reserved portion of
the frequency band.
[0025] According to other aspects, another method is provided. The
method can include: identifying a pair of base stations in a
wireless communication system, the pair of base stations comprising
a first base station and a second base station; determining if the
first base station and the second base station are neighboring base
stations; and assigning the first base station and the second base
station to a same reserved subset of frequencies. The method can
also include, in response to the first base station and the second
base station being neighboring base stations, assigning full power
transmission to the first base station and reduced power
transmission to the second base station.
[0026] According to still other aspects, another computer program
product is provided. The computer program product includes a
computer-readable medium including: a first set of codes for
causing a computer to identify a pair of base stations in a
wireless communication system, the pair of base stations comprising
a first base station and a second base station; a second set of
codes for causing the computer to determine if the first base
station and the second base station are neighboring base stations;
and code for assigning the first base station and the second base
station to a same reserved subset of frequencies. The
computer-readable medium can also include a third set of codes for
causing the computer to, in response to the first base station and
the second base station being neighboring base stations, assign
full power transmission to the first base station and reduced power
transmission to the second base station.
[0027] In yet another embodiment, another apparatus is provided.
The apparatus can include a processor configured to identify a pair
of base stations in a wireless communication system. The pair of
base stations can include a first base station and a second base
station. The processor can also be configured to determine if the
first base station and the second base station are neighboring base
stations; assign the first base station and the second base station
to a same reserved subset of frequencies; and in response to the
first base station and the second base station being neighboring
base stations, assign full power transmission to the first base
station and reduced power transmission to the second base
station.
[0028] In still another embodiment, yet another apparatus is
provided. The apparatus can include a processing means configured
to identify a pair of base stations in a wireless communication
system. The pair of base stations can include a first base station
and a second base station. The processor can also be configured to:
determine if the first base station and the second base station are
neighboring base stations; assign the first base station and the
second base station to a same reserved subset of frequencies; and
in response to the first base station and the second base station
being neighboring base stations, assign full power transmission to
the first base station and reduced power transmission to the second
base station.
[0029] According to other aspects, another method is provided. The
method can include: identifying a pair of base stations in a
wireless communication system, the pair of base stations comprising
a first base station and a second base station; determining if the
first base station and the second base station are neighboring base
stations; and assigning the first base station and the second base
station to a same reserved subset of frequencies. The method can
also include, in response to the first base station and the second
base station being neighboring base stations, assigning a first
power level to the first base station and a second power level to
the second base station. The first power level and the second power
level can be different and can be assigned for concurrent
transmissions from the first base station and the second base
station.
[0030] According to still other aspects, another computer program
product is provided. The computer program product includes a
computer-readable medium including: a first set of codes for
causing a computer to identify a pair of base stations in a
wireless communication system, the pair of base stations comprising
a first base station and a second base station; a second set of
codes for causing the computer to determine if the first base
station and the second base station are neighboring base stations;
and a third set of codes for causing the computer to assign the
first base station and the second base station to a same reserved
subset of frequencies. The computer-readable medium can also
include a fourth set of codes for causing the computer to, in
response to the first base station and the second base station
being neighboring base stations, assign a first power level to the
first base station and a second power level to the second base
station. The first power level and the second power level can be
different and can be assigned for concurrent transmissions from the
first base station and the second base station.
[0031] According to other aspects, an apparatus is provided. The
apparatus can include a processor configured to identify a pair of
base stations in a wireless communication system. The pair of base
stations can include a first base station and a second base
station. The processor can also be configured to: determine if the
first base station and the second base station are neighboring base
stations; assign the first base station and the second base station
to a same reserved subset of frequencies; and in response to the
first base station and the second base station being neighboring
base stations, assign a first power level to the first base station
and a second power level to the second base station, the first
power level and the second power level being different and being
assigned for concurrent transmissions from the first base station
and the second base station.
[0032] According to still other aspects, another apparatus is
provided. The apparatus can include a processing means configured
to identify a pair of base stations in a wireless communication
system. The pair of base stations can include a first base station
and a second base station. The processing means can also be
configured to: determine if the first base station and the second
base station are neighboring base stations; assign the first base
station and the second base station to a same reserved subset of
frequencies; and in response to the first base station and the
second base station being neighboring base stations, assign a first
power level to the first base station and a second power level to
the second base station, the first power level and the second power
level being different and being assigned for concurrent
transmissions from the first base station and the second base
station.
[0033] According to other aspects, another method is provided. The
method can include: identifying a pair of base stations in a
wireless communication system, the pair of base stations comprising
a first base station and a second base station; determining if the
first base station and the second base station are neighboring base
stations; and, in response to the first base station and the second
base station being neighboring base stations, assigning the first
base station to a first reserved subset of frequencies, and
assigning the second base station to a second reserved subset of
frequencies. The method can also include, in response to the first
base station and the second base station not being neighboring base
stations, assigning the first base station and the second base
station to a same reserved subset of frequencies.
[0034] According to still other aspects, another computer program
product is provided. The computer program product includes a
computer-readable medium including: a first set of codes for
causing a computer to identify a pair of base stations in a
wireless communication system, the pair of base stations comprising
a first base station and a second base station; a second set of
codes for causing the computer to determine if the first base
station and the second base station are neighboring base stations;
and a third set of codes for causing the computer to, in response
to the first base station and the second base station being
neighboring base stations, assign the first base station to a first
reserved subset of frequencies, and assigning the second base
station to a second reserved subset of frequencies. The
computer-readable medium can also include a fourth set of codes for
causing the computer to, in response to the first base station and
the second base station not being neighboring base stations, assign
the first base station and the second base station to a same
reserved subset of frequencies.
[0035] According to still other aspects, another apparatus is
provided. The apparatus can include a processor configured to
identify a pair of base stations in a wireless communication
system. The pair of base stations can include a first base station
and a second base station. The processor can also be configured to;
determine if the first base station and the second base station are
neighboring base stations; in response to the first base station
and the second base station being neighboring base stations, assign
the first base station to a first reserved subset of frequencies,
and assign the second base station to a second reserved subset of
frequencies; and in response to the first base station and the
second base station not being neighboring base stations, assign the
first base station and the second base station to a same reserved
subset of frequencies.
[0036] According to still other aspects, another apparatus is
provided. The apparatus can include processing means configured to
identify a pair of base stations in a wireless communication
system. The pair of base stations can include a first base station
and a second base station. The processing means can also be
configured to: determine if the first base station and the second
base station are neighboring base stations; in response to the
first base station and the second base station being neighboring
base stations, assign the first base station to a first reserved
subset of frequencies, and assign the second base station to a
second reserved subset of frequencies; and in response to the first
base station and the second base station not being neighboring base
stations, assign the first base station and the second base station
to a same reserved subset of frequencies.
[0037] According to other aspects, a system is provided. The system
can include a central controller, user equipment and a base
station. The central controller can be configured to: determine a
signaling traffic load in a cell managed by a first base station;
and determine a fraction of a frequency spectrum for allocation to
the first base station. The determination of the fraction of the
frequency spectrum can be made based on the signaling traffic load
and a position of the first base station relative to other base
stations. The fraction of the frequency spectrum can correspond to
a reserved portion of frequency. The central controller can also be
configured to: determine a frequency reuse scheme to employ over
the reserved portion of frequency; and transmit information
indicative of the frequency reuse scheme to the first base station.
The user equipment can be configured to: measure channel
conditions; and output information indicative of the channel
conditions. The base station can be configured to: receive the
information indicative of the frequency reuse scheme; receive the
information indicative of the channel conditions; and schedule
communication for the user equipment on the reserved portion of
frequency in response to channel conditions being below a selected
level, wherein the scheduled communication is handover signaling
communication.
[0038] In still other aspects, another system is provided. The
system can include a central controlling means configured to:
determine a signaling traffic load in a cell managed by a first
base station; and determine a fraction of a frequency spectrum for
allocation to the first base station, wherein determination of the
fraction of the frequency spectrum is made based on the signaling
traffic load and a position of the first base station relative to
other base stations. The fraction of the frequency spectrum can
correspond to a reserved portion of frequency. The central
controlling means can also be configured to: determine a frequency
reuse scheme to employ over the reserved portion of frequency; and
transmit information indicative of the frequency reuse scheme to
the first base station. The system can also include user equipment
means configured to: measure channel conditions; and output
information indicative of channel conditions. The system can also
include a base station means configured to: receive the information
indicative of the frequency reuse scheme; receive the information
indicative of channel conditions; and schedule communication for
the user equipment on the reserved portion of frequency in response
to the channel conditions being below a selected level, wherein a
scheduled communication is handover signaling communication.
[0039] In other aspects, a method is provided. The method can
include: determining, by a central controller, a signaling traffic
load in a cell managed by a first base station; and determining, by
the central controller, a fraction of a frequency spectrum for
allocation to the first base station. The determination of the
fraction of the frequency spectrum can be made based on the
signaling traffic load and a position of the first base station
relative to other base stations, and the fraction of the frequency
spectrum can correspond to a reserved portion of frequency. The
method can also include determining, by the central controller, a
frequency reuse scheme to employ over the reserved portion of
frequency; transmitting, from the central controller, information
indicative of the frequency reuse scheme to the first base station;
measuring, at the user equipment, channel conditions; and
outputting, from the user equipment, information indicative of
channel conditions. The method can also include: receiving, at the
base station, the information indicative of the frequency reuse
scheme; receiving, at the base station, the information indicative
of channel conditions; and scheduling, at the base station,
communication for the user equipment on the reserved portion of
frequency, in response to the channel conditions being below a
selected level. The scheduled communication can be handover
signaling communication.
[0040] In still another aspect, a computer program product is
provided. The computer program product can include: a first set of
codes for causing a first computer to determine a signaling traffic
load in a cell managed by a first base station; and a second set of
codes for causing the first computer to determine a fraction of a
frequency spectrum for allocation to the first base station. The
determination of the fraction of the frequency spectrum can be made
based on the signaling traffic load and a position of the first
base station relative to other base stations, and the fraction of
the frequency spectrum can correspond to a reserved portion of
frequency. The computer program product can also include: a third
set of codes for causing the first computer to determine a
frequency reuse scheme to employ over the reserved portion of
frequency; a fourth set of codes for causing the first computer to
transmit information indicative of the frequency reuse scheme to
the first base station; a fifth set of codes for causing a second
computer to measure channel conditions; and a sixth set of codes
for causing the second computer to output information indicative of
channel conditions. The computer program product can also include:
a seventh set of codes for causing a third computer to receive the
information indicative of the frequency reuse scheme; an eighth set
of codes for causing the third computer to receive the information
indicative of channel conditions; and a ninth set of codes for
causing the third computer to schedule communication for the second
computer on the reserved portion of frequency, in response to the
channel conditions being below a selected level. The scheduled
communication can be handover signaling communication.
[0041] Toward the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
the one or more embodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully
described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following
description and the annexed drawings set forth herein detail
certain illustrative aspects of the one or more embodiments. These
aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways
in which the principles of various embodiments can be employed and
the described embodiments are intended to include all such aspects
and their equivalents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example wireless
communication system for facilitating handover control using
resource reservation with frequency reuse in accordance with
aspects described herein.
[0043] FIG. 2 is an illustration of another example wireless
communication for facilitating handover control using resource
reservation with frequency reuse in accordance with aspects
described herein.
[0044] FIG. 3 is an illustration of frequency resource reservation
in a wireless communication system in accordance with aspects
described herein.
[0045] FIG. 4 is an illustration of another example system for
facilitating handover control using resource reservation with
frequency reuse in accordance with aspects described herein.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of resource
reservation employing frequency reuse in accordance with aspects
described herein.
[0047] FIGS. 6-8 are flowcharts illustrating methods of determining
frequency reuse schemes in accordance with aspects described
herein.
[0048] FIGS. 9, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 11A and 11B are
illustrations of example systems for facilitating handover control
using resource reservation with frequency reuse in accordance with
aspects described herein.
[0049] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for employing
resource reservation using frequency reuse in accordance with
aspects described herein.
[0050] FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts illustrating methods for
selecting user equipment for which to employ resource reservation
using frequency reuse in accordance with aspects described
herein.
[0051] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for
facilitating handover control using resource reservation with
frequency reuse in accordance with aspects described herein.
[0052] FIG. 16 is an illustration of an example system for
facilitating handover control using resource reservation with
frequency reuse in accordance with aspects described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] Various embodiments are now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may
be evident, however, that such embodiments may be practiced without
these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures
and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate
describing one or more embodiments.
[0054] As used in this application, the terms "component,"
"module," "unit," "system," and the like are intended to refer to a
computer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combination
of hardware and software, software and/or software in execution.
For example, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a
process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an
executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By
way of illustration, both an application running on a computing
device and/or the computing device can be a component. One or more
components can reside within a process and/or thread of execution
and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed
between two or more computers. In addition, these components can
execute from various computer-readable media having various data
structures stored thereon. The components can communicate by way of
local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal
having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component
interacting with another component in a local system, distributed
system, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other
systems by way of the signal).
[0055] The techniques described herein can be used for various
wireless communication systems such as code division multiple
access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency
division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division
multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier-frequency division multiple
access (SC-FDMA) and/or other systems. The terms "system" and
"network" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA system can
implement a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio
Access (UTRA), CDMA2000, etc. UTRA includes Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA)
and other variants of CDMA. CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and
IS-856 standards. An OFDMA system can implement a radio technology
such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE
802.12 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc.
UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunication
System (UMTS). 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is an upcoming
release of UMTS that uses E-UTRA, which employs OFDMA on the
downlink and SC-FDMA on the uplink. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE and
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) are described in
documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership
Project" (3GPP). Additionally, CDMA2000 and UMB are described in
documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership
Project 2" (3GPP2). Further, such wireless communication systems
can additionally include peer-to-peer (e.g., mobile-to-mobile) ad
hoc network systems often using unpaired unlicensed spectrums,
802.xx wireless LAN, BLUETOOTH and any other short- or long-range,
wireless communication techniques.
[0056] Single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA)
utilizes single carrier modulation and frequency domain
equalization. SC-FDMA can have similar performance and essentially
the same overall complexity as those of an OFDMA system. A SC-FDMA
signal can have lower peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) because of
its inherent single carrier structure. SC-FDMA can be used, for
instance, in uplink communications where lower PAPR greatly
benefits UEs in terms of transmit power efficiency. Accordingly,
SC-FDMA can be implemented as an uplink multiple access scheme in
3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) or Evolved UTRA.
[0057] Furthermore, various embodiments are described herein in
connection with a UE. A UE can also be called a system, subscriber
unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile, remote station,
remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless
communication device, user agent, user device or access terminal. A
UE can be a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session
Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL)
station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device
having wireless connection capability, computing device, or other
processing device connected to a wireless modem. Moreover, various
embodiments are described herein in connection with a BS. A BS can
be utilized for communicating with UEs and can also be referred to
as an access point, Node B, Evolved Node B (eNodeB, eNB) or some
other terminology.
[0058] Moreover, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive
"or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless specified
otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase "X employs A or B"
is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, the phrase "X employs A or B" is satisfied by any of the
following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A
and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this
application and the appended claims should generally be construed
to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from the
context to be directed to a singular form.
[0059] Various aspects or features described herein can be
implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using
standard programming and/or engineering techniques. The term
"article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a
computer program accessible from any computer-readable device,
carrier, or media. For example, computer-readable media can
include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g.,
hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g.,
compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and
flash memory devices (e.g., EPROM, card, stick, key drive).
Additionally, various storage media described herein can represent
one or more devices and/or other machine-readable media for storing
information. The term "machine-readable medium" can include,
without being limited to, wireless channels and various other media
capable of storing, containing, and/or carrying codes and/or
instruction(s) and/or data.
[0060] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example wireless
communication system for facilitating handover control using
resource reservation with frequency reuse in accordance with
various aspects set forth herein. System 100 can include a BS 102
that can include multiple antenna groups. For example, one antenna
group can include antennas 104, 106, another group can comprise
antennas 108, 110, and an additional group can include antennas
112, 114. Two antennas are illustrated for each antenna group;
however, more or fewer antennas can be utilized for each group. BS
102 can additionally include a transmitter chain and a receiver
chain, each of which can in turn comprise a plurality of components
associated with signal transmission and reception (e.g.,
processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers,
antennas), as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.
[0061] BS 102 can communicate with one or more UEs such as UE 116,
122. However, it is to be appreciated that BS 102 can communicate
with substantially any number of UEs similar to UEs 116, 122. UEs
116, 122 can be, for example, cellular phones, smart phones,
laptops, handheld communication devices, handheld computing
devices, satellite radios, global positioning systems, PDAs, and/or
any other suitable device for communicating over system 100. As
depicted, UE 116 is in communication with antennas 112, 114, where
antennas 112, 114 transmit information to UE 116 over DL 118 and
receive information from UE 116 over an UL 120. Moreover, UE 122 is
in communication with antennas 104, 106, where antennas 104, 106
transmit information to UE 122 over a DL 124 and receive
information from UE 122 over an UL 126.
[0062] Each group of antennas and/or the area in which they are
designated to communicate can be referred to as a sector of BS 102.
For example, antenna groups can be designed to communicate to UEs
in a sector of the areas covered by BS 102. In communication over
DLs 118, 124, the transmitting antennas of BS 102 can utilize
beamforming to improve signal-to-noise ratio of DLs 118, 124 for
UEs 116, 122. Also, while BS 102 utilizes beamforming to transmit
to UEs 116, 122 scattered randomly through an associated coverage,
UEs 116, 122 in neighboring cells can be subject to less
interference as compared to a BS transmitting through a single
antenna to all its UEs.
[0063] In a time division duplex (TDD) system, DL 118 and UL 120
can utilize a common frequency band and DL 124 and UL 126 can
utilize a common frequency band. In a frequency division duplex
(FDD) system, DL 118 can utilize a different frequency band than
that used by UL 120, and DL 124 can utilize a different frequency
band than that employed by UL 126.
[0064] FIG. 2 is an illustration of another example wireless
communication for facilitating handover control using resource
reservation with frequency reuse in accordance with aspects
described herein. The system 200 can be divided into a plurality of
cells 202, 204, 206, 208, 210. Each of the plurality of cells 202,
204, 206, 208, 210 can be served by a BS. For example, each of the
plurality of cells 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 can be respectively
served by BS 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 where each BS 212, 214, 216,
218, 220 can be similar in structure and/or functionality to that
described for BS 102 with reference to FIG. 1. While FIG. 2
illustrates each cell size to be approximately equal to the size of
each of the other cells, in various embodiments, the cell coverage
area can be dictated by the transmit power output from each BS. As
described above with reference to FIG. 1, each cell can be further
divided into a sector corresponding to an antenna group of the
BS.
[0065] In the embodiment shown, the BS 212 can be located in the
source cell 202, which manages the communication of UEs 122, 122',
and BS 214 can be located in the target cell 204 towards which UE
122 is moving and for which handover can be performed. During
operation, the UEs 122, 122' can measure the strength of the signal
received at the UE from the serving BS 212 of source cell 202, and
the strength of the signal received at the UE from the target BS
214 of target cell 204. The UE 122 can transmit to the serving BS
212, a signaling message including information indicative of the
strength of the signals received from the serving BS 212 and the
target BS 214. In some embodiments, the measurements of the signals
can take approximately 600 seconds to 800 seconds. When the
strength of the signal received from the target BS 214 is greater
than the strength of the signal received from the serving BS 212 by
a determined amount, handover signaling information can be
transmitted among the serving BS 212, UE 122 and target BS 214 for
handover of the UE 122 from the serving BS 212 to the target BS
214.
[0066] However, in high mobility environments, the conditions of
the channel over which the UE 122 communicates can change very
quickly. For example, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the
channel can change drastically based on the position of the UE 122
relative to nearby buildings or other large structures within the
source cell 202. Further, in high mobility environments in which
the frequency reuse factor is equal to 1, and therefore the serving
BS 212 and the target BS 214 communicate over the same frequency
band, handover can be further compromised as the interference
experienced at the UE 122 can be worsened by the concurrent
communications of the serving BS 212 and the target BS 214. Because
wireless communication systems generally limit the amount of time
for performing handover, poor channel conditions can cause
unacceptable delay, call drops or other disruptions to channel
connectivity that can cause handover to fail. Accordingly,
embodiments of resource reservation using frequency reuse schemes
are described herein for facilitating handover. While the
embodiments described herein primarily address handover, and
correspondingly, handover signaling information, the systems,
methods and apparatus described herein can be extended to other
functions performed in, and other types of signaling information
communicated in, wireless communication systems.
[0067] FIG. 3 is an illustration of frequency resource reservation
in a wireless communication system in accordance with aspects
described herein. A centralized controller (such as that described
below with reference to FIG. 4) can be configured to control the
assignment of the reserved subset of frequencies and the unreserved
frequencies to the BSs. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the frequency
spectrum for the system 200 can be divided into an unreserved
portion 302 and a reserved portion 304. The reserved portion 304 of
the frequency spectrum can include one or more reserved subsets of
frequencies, such as reserved subsets of frequencies 306, 308, 310.
The reserved portions 306, 308, 310 can be assigned to one or more
of the BSs 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 for communication over the
reserved subsets of frequencies that correspond to the reserved
portions 306, 308, 310. In some embodiments, each of the reserved
subsets of frequencies can be a resource block (RB). In one
embodiment, the system 200 could include five to seven RBs and each
BS could be assigned to communicate over at least one of the RBs.
In some embodiments, the reserved portion of the frequencies can
correspond to a fractional frequency reuse ("FFR") channel. The
physical frequency location of the various blocks is not limited to
that shown in FIG. 3, as the frequency location of one or more of
the RBs can be at any designated location on the frequency
spectrum. In some embodiments, one or more of the reserved
frequencies corresponding to the RBs can be contiguous or
interleaved between one or more unreserved frequencies. By way of
example, but not limitation, one or more of the RBs can be located
at or near one or more frequencies at the upper end or at the lower
end of the frequency spectrum. In embodiments, the transmission in
the reserved frequencies can be performed through any number of
methods including, but not limited, frequency hopping between
different frequency locations.
[0068] Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the unreserved portion 302
could be an unassigned portion of frequency over which any of the
BSs 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 can communicate.
[0069] FIG. 4 is an illustration of another example system for
facilitating handover control using resource reservation with
frequency reuse in accordance with aspects described herein. The
system 100' can include a central controller 400, a BS 102'' and a
UE 122''. The central controller 400 can be communicatively coupled
to the BS 102'' and the BS 102'' can be communicatively coupled to
the UE 122''. The system 100' can determine resource reservation in
which to employ frequency reuse according to aspects described
herein.
[0070] The central controller 400 can include a processor 402 and a
memory 404. The processor 402 can be configured to determine a
signaling traffic load in a cell managed by BS 102''. In some
embodiments, the signaling traffic load can be the amount of
signaling traffic being communicated for handover and/or for any
other function in the cell generating signaling traffic. In some
embodiments, the signaling traffic load can include an amount of
anticipated signaling traffic. The amount of anticipated signaling
traffic could be based on the time, day, traffic patterns and/or
the geographical proximity of UEs in a cell relative to other
cells.
[0071] A frequency spectrum can be provided in the system for
communication by the BSs and UEs in the system 100'. The processor
402 can determine a fraction of the frequency spectrum for
allocation to each of BSs, including BS 102''. The determination
can be made based on the amount of the signaling traffic load, with
the fraction of frequency spectrum allocated to the BS 102''
increasing with an increase in signaling traffic load.
[0072] In some embodiments, the processor 402 can be configured to
re-allocate the fraction of frequency spectrum allocated to one or
more BSs. The re-allocation can be based on a change in traffic
conditions, an increase or decrease in the number of BSs in the
system 100' or otherwise. The fraction of the frequency spectrum
allocated can correspond to one or more reserved portions of
frequency. By way of example, but not limitation, with reference to
FIG. 3, the fraction of the frequency spectrum allocated to BS
102'', could be the fraction of the frequency spectrum
corresponding to the reserved subset of frequencies 306.
[0073] The processor 402 can also determine a frequency reuse
scheme to employ over the reserved portion of frequency allocated
to the one or more BSs. The processor 402 can perform the method
described below with reference to FIG. 5 to determine the frequency
reuse scheme to employ over the reserved portion of frequency.
[0074] The central controller 400 can also include a memory 404.
The memory 404 can be configured to store any number of different
types of information for performing the methods described herein,
including, but not limited to, storing the signaling traffic load
in one or more cells, the geographical proximity of UEs to
potential target cells, the transmit powers of the BSs and/or the
geographical proximity of BS 102'' to neighboring BSs. The central
controller 400 can be configured to transmit information, to the BS
102'', indicative of the frequency reuse scheme that is determined
by the central controller 400.
[0075] The BS 102'' can include a processor 406 and a memory 408.
Processor 406 and memory 408 can be communicatively coupled to one
another. Processor 406 can be configured to perform any one or more
of the functions described for BS 102, 102', 102'', 212, 214, 216,
218, 220. In some embodiments, processor 406 executes the functions
according to one or more instructions stored in memory 408 and/or
received from the central controller 400.
[0076] The UE 122'' can include a processor 410 and a memory 412.
Processor 410 and memory 412 can be communicatively coupled to one
another. Processor 410 can be configured to perform any one or more
of the functions described for UE 116, 122, 122', 122''. In some
embodiments, processor 410 executes the functions according to one
or more instructions stored in memory 412 and/or received from the
central controller 400 and/or the BS 102, 102', 102'', 212, 214,
216, 218, 220.
[0077] In some embodiments, a method of the system 100' (not shown)
can be as followed. The method can include: determining, by the
central controller 400, a signaling traffic load in a cell managed
by a first base station; and determining, by the central controller
400, a fraction of a frequency spectrum for allocation to the first
base station. The determination of the fraction of the frequency
spectrum can be made based on the signaling traffic load and a
position of a first base station relative to other base stations,
and the fraction of the frequency spectrum can correspond to a
reserved portion of frequency. The method can also include
determining, by the central controller 400, a frequency reuse
scheme to employ over the reserved portion of frequency;
transmitting, from the central controller 400, information
indicative of the frequency reuse scheme to the first base station;
measuring, at UE 122'', channel conditions; and outputting, from
the UE 122'', information indicative of channel conditions. The
method can also include: receiving, at BS 102'', the information
indicative of the frequency reuse scheme; receiving, at the BS
102'', the information indicative of channel conditions; and
scheduling, at the BS 102'', communication for the UE 122'' on the
reserved portion of frequency, in response to the channel
conditions being below a selected level. The scheduled
communication can be handover signaling communication.
[0078] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of resource
reservation employing frequency reuse in accordance with aspects
described herein. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in some
embodiments, the method 500 can be performed by the central
controller 400. The method 500 can include determining a signaling
traffic load 502 in a cell managed by BS 102''. At 504, the method
500 can include determining a fraction of a frequency spectrum for
allocation to the BS 212. At 506, the method can include
determining a frequency reuse scheme to employ over the reserved
portion of frequency. At 508, the method can include employing the
frequency reuse scheme over the fraction of the frequency spectrum
corresponding to the reserved frequencies. Accordingly, frequency
reuse can be employed only over a selected portion of frequencies
in a frequency spectrum. The method can also include transmitting
(not shown) information indicative of the frequency reuse scheme.
The information can be transmitted to the BS 102''.
[0079] Referring back to FIG. 4, the BS 102'' can be configured to
receive, from the central controller 400, the information
indicative of the frequency reuse scheme. In some embodiments, the
information can also include information identifying the reserved
portion of frequency allocated to the BS 102'', if any. The BS
102'' can also be communicatively coupled to a UE 122'' in the cell
managed by the BS 102'' and can receive, from the UE 122'',
information indicative of the channel conditions experienced by the
UE 122''. The channel conditions can be current channel conditions
and/or past channel conditions. In some embodiments, the channel
conditions can be the channel conditions that the UE anticipates
experiencing in the near future.
[0080] The BS 102'' can compare the information indicative of the
channel conditions experienced at the UE 122'' to a selected level,
such as a threshold value. When the channel conditions are less
than the selected level, channel conditions can be considered to be
poor, and the BS can provide signaling support to the UE 122'' by
scheduling the UE 122'' to conduct signaling communication in the
reserved portion of the frequency band. For example, the BS 102''
can schedule the UE 122'' to communicate handover signaling
information over the reserved portions of frequency in order to
increase the likelihood for successful handover notwithstanding the
poor channel conditions.
[0081] The UE 122'' can be configured to measure channel
conditions, and can therefore send the information indicative of
the channel conditions to the BS 102''. In various embodiments,
channel conditions can include, but are not limited to, the
transmit power of signals from the BS 102'' and from other BSs (not
shown) in the system that the UE 122'' can detect; a channel
quality indicator (CQI); a received signal strength indicator
(RSSI) measurement; a received signal strength; a reference signal
received power (RSRP); a reference signal received quality (RSRQ);
and/or any other variable that can be measured by the UE and used
by the BS 102'' to determine the channel quality experienced by the
UE 122''. In various embodiments, the received signal strength can
be the received signal strength for a selected cell and can
therefore be cell-specific.
[0082] FIGS. 6-8 are illustrations of flowcharts describing
frequency reuse schemes to be employed over reserved portions of
frequencies as described herein. The manner of determining which
BSs in a system can be assigned to which reserved portion of
frequency can be performed according to these methods. As such,
FIGS. 6-8 can illustrate embodiments of methods that can be
performed at 506 of FIG. 5. Thus, FIGS. 6-8 are referred to as
methods 506', 506'' and 506''', respectively.
[0083] Referring first to FIG. 6, at 602, the method 506' can
include identifying a pair of BSs. For example, the method 506' can
identify BS 102'' and BS 102'. At 604, the method 506' can
determine whether the BS 102'' and the BS 102' are neighboring BSs.
If the BSs are neighboring, at 608, the method 506' can assign the
BS 102'' to a different reserved subset of frequencies than that
assigned to BS 102'. If the BSs are non-neighboring, at 606, the
method 506' can assign the BS 102'' and the BS 102' to the same
reserved subset of frequencies. The BSs can be assigned to the
reserved subsets of frequencies to communicate signaling traffic.
By way of example, but not limitation, the signaling traffic can be
handover signaling messages. In some embodiments, the assignment
can also allow a BS to communicate data over the reserved subset of
frequencies when reserved frequency resources are available. For
example, if the BS is not communicating signaling information at a
selected time, the assignment can allow the BS to communicate data
to maintain an acceptable level of efficiency with regard to
bandwidth usage.
[0084] Turning to FIG. 7, at 702, the method 506'' can include
identifying a pair of BSs. For example, the method 506'' can
identify BS 102'' and BS 102'. At 704, the method 506'' can
determine whether the BS 102'' and the BS 102' are neighboring BSs.
At 708, if the BSs are neighboring, the method 506'' can assign BS
102'' and BS 102' to the same reserved frequencies and assign full
power transmission to one BS and reduced power to the other BS. For
example, the method 506'' can assign full power transmission to BS
102'' and assign reduced power transmission to BS 102'. If the BSs
are non-neighboring, at 706, the method 506'' can assign BS 102''
and BS 102' to the same reserved subset of frequencies without
power level assignments. The BSs can be assigned to the reserved
subset of frequencies to communicate signaling traffic. By way of
example, but not limitation, the signaling traffic could be
handover signaling messages. In some embodiments, the assignment
can also allow a BS to communicate data over the reserved subset of
frequencies when reserved frequency resources are available. For
example, if the BS is not communicating signaling information at a
selected time, the assignment can allow the BS to communicate data
to maintain an acceptable level of efficiency with regard to
bandwidth usage.
[0085] Now turning to FIG. 8, at 802, the method 506''' can include
identifying a pair of BSs. For example, the method 506''' can
identify BS 102'' and BS 102'. At 804, the method 506''' can
determine whether the BS 102'' and the BS 102' are neighboring BSs.
At 808, if the BSs are neighboring, the method 506''' can assign BS
102'' and BS 102' to the same reserved frequencies and assign
different transmit power levels to the BSs 102'', 102'. The
transmit power levels can control the level of power output for
transmissions from the BS 102'' and the BS 102' during concurrent
time slots. At 806, if the BSs are non-neighboring, the method can
assign the BS 102'' and the BS 102' to the same reserved subset of
frequencies. The BSs can be assigned to the reserved subset of
frequencies to communicate signaling traffic. By way of example,
but not limitation, the signaling traffic could be handover
signaling messages. In some embodiments, the assignment can also
allow a BS to communicate data over the reserved subset of
frequencies when reserved frequency resources are available. For
example, if the BS is not communicating signaling information at a
selected time, the assignment can allow the BS to communicate data
to maintain an acceptable level of efficiency with regard to
bandwidth usage.
[0086] FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example system for
facilitating handover control using resource reservation with
frequency reuse in accordance with aspects described herein. In the
embodiment shown, the system 100'' can include a BS 102' and a UE
122'. The BS 102' can be communicatively coupled to the UE 122' for
communicating resource allocation information and/or any other data
or signaling information to the UE 122'. Analogously, while not
shown, the UE 122' can communicate data or signaling information to
the BS 102' over an UL. The BS 102' and the UE 122' can also
receive information from one another over a DL and an UL,
respectively. In some embodiments, the DL can be such as the DL
over which the resource allocation information 920 is received.
[0087] The BS 102' can include a control unit 902, a transmitter
912, a receiver 914 and a memory 916. The control unit 902 can
include a channel quality unit 904, a scheduling unit 906, a power
control unit 908 and a BS data and signaling information generator
910. The channel quality unit 904 can be configured for determining
a quality of the channel experienced by the UE 122'. The channel
quality unit 904 can determine the quality of the channel based on
any of a number of different types of information received from the
UE 122', including, but not limited to, a received signal strength,
a RSRP, a RSRQ, RSSI measurements, CQI information and/or transmit
power experienced from the BS 102' at the UE 122'. In various
embodiments, the channel quality unit 904 can determine the quality
of the channel according to the methods described below with
reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0088] The scheduling unit 906 can be configured for scheduling the
UE 122' (or any other UEs in the cell managed by the BS 102') for
communication on a reserved portion of frequency assigned to the BS
102' and/or on an unreserved portion of frequency. The scheduling
can be for communication by the UE 122' on the DL or the UL. In
some embodiments, the BS can select the UEs to be scheduled based
on a likelihood that the UE 122' does or will require handover
support, does or will perform handover and/or based on the channel
conditions experienced by the UE 122'. In various embodiments, the
scheduling unit 906 can schedule the UEs according to the methods
described below with reference to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14.
[0089] Referring back to FIG. 9, the power control unit 908 can be
configured to control the level of power in the signals output from
the BS 102'. For example, with reference to the method of
performing frequency reuse described with reference to FIGS. 7 and
8, the power control unit 908 can control whether the BS 102'
outputs the full transmit power level or a reduced power level.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, the power control unit 908 can
control power according to the frequency reuse scheme by which the
BS 102' operates.
[0090] The BS data and signaling information generator 910 can be
configured to generate data or signaling information for
transmission to the UE 122'. The signaling information can be any
signaling information. In some embodiments, the signaling
information can be information for handover of the UE 122' from the
BS 102' to another BS. The BS data and signaling information
generator 910 can generate data or signaling information for
transmission on selected frequencies according to the frequency
reuse scheme described above with reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. By
way of example, but not limitation, the BS data and signaling
information generator can operate according to a method whereby
signaling information, including, but not limited to, handover
information, can be transmitted and received on a reserved portion
of frequencies assigned to the BS 102', while the data can be
transmitted and received on the unreserved portion of frequencies.
During time periods whereby the reserved portions of frequencies
are not fully allocated to UEs or the UEs do not require the
handover or other signaling support, the BS data and signaling
information generator 910 can be configured to generate data for
transmission on the reserved portion of frequency.
[0091] The transmitter 912 can be configured to transmit the data
or signaling information from the BS 102'. In some embodiments, the
transmitter 912 can transmit the data or signaling information on
selected frequencies based on the type of the information. For
example, the transmitter 912 can be configured to transmit data on
the unreserved frequencies in the system while transmitting
signaling information on the reserved portion of frequencies.
[0092] As another example, the transmitter 912 can be configured to
transmit resource allocation information to the UE 122'. The
resource allocation information can include, but is not limited to,
the frequencies on which the UE 122' is scheduled to communicate on
the UL and/or the DL, the type of information that the UE 122' can
transmit or receive on the reserved and/or unreserved frequencies,
the reserved and/or unreserved frequencies on which the UE 122' is
scheduled to communicate, the time slots for communication on the
UL and/or the DL.
[0093] The receiver 914 can be configured to receive data or
signaling information from the UE 122'. In some embodiments, the
receiver 914 can receive the data or signaling information on
selected frequencies based on the type of the information. For
example, the receiver 914 can be configured to receive data on the
unreserved frequencies while receiving signaling information on the
reserved portion of frequencies.
[0094] In some embodiments, the receiver 914 can be configured to
receive transmissions from the UE 122' over a random access
channel. For example, the UE 122' can employ an approach whereby
the UE 122' selects a random access channel in a reserved portion
of the frequency to improve the chances that a UE 122' will
successfully access the channel. The UE 122' can autonomously
determine which random access channel to select based on any number
of factors that improve the likelihood that another UE will not
collide with the UE 122' will the UE 122' is attempting to
successfully access the random access channel. In some embodiments,
the UE 122' can select a random access channel in a frequency band
that is included in the reserved portion of the frequency. As such,
in these embodiments, only the UEs having poor channel conditions
and/or preparing to initiate handover, are likely to be assigned to
the reserved portion, and access the random access channel in the
reserved portion of frequency can be accessed by fewer UEs than the
random access channel(s) in the unreserved portion of frequency.
Accordingly, the UE can improve the chances of communicating over
the random access channel without collision.
[0095] The BS 102' can also include a memory 916 configured to
store frequency reuse information 918. In some embodiments, the
memory 916 can also store computer code for performing any of the
functions and/or methods described as performed by any of the BSs
herein. The frequency reuse information 918 can include, but is not
limited to, information indicative of the reserved and unreserved
portions of the frequency band assigned to the BS 102' and/or the
UEs assigned to the reserved and unreserved portions of the
frequency band.
[0096] The UE 122' can include a control unit 922, a transmitter
930, a receiver 932 and a memory 934. The control unit 922 can
include a measurement unit 924, a scheduling unit 926 and a UE data
signaling information generator 928. The measurement unit 924 can
be configured for measuring signal power from the BS 102' and a
target BS (not shown) to determine if handover from BS 102' to the
target BS should be performed. In various embodiments, the
measurement unit 924 can measure the received signal strength, the
RSRP and/or RSRQ from BS 102' and a target BS, the transmit power
from the BS 102' or the target BS and/or measurements for
determining the CQI.
[0097] The scheduling unit 926 can be configured for scheduling of
transmission and/or reception of information to and/or from the UE
122' on the DL and/or the UL. In some embodiments, the scheduling
unit 926 can be configured to schedule data and/or signaling
information on the frequencies on which the UE 122' is allocated to
transmit and receive such information as dictated by the resource
allocation information received from the BS 102' and stored as
scheduling information 936 in memory 934.
[0098] The UE data and signaling information generator 928 can be
configured to generate data or signaling information for
transmission from the UE 122'. The signaling information can be any
signaling or control information. In some embodiments, the
signaling information can be a handover signaling messages for
handover of the UE 122' from the BS 102' to another BS. The UE data
and signaling information generator 928 can generate data or
signaling information for transmission on selected frequencies
according to the frequency reuse scheme described above with
reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. By way of example, but not
limitation, the UE data and signaling information generator 928 can
operate according to a method whereby signaling information,
including, but not limited to, handover information, can be
transmitted and received on reserved portion of frequencies
assigned to the source BS (i.e., BS 102') for the UE 122'.
[0099] The transmitter 930 can be configured to transmit the data
or signaling information from the UE 122'. In some embodiments, the
transmitter 930 can transmit the data or signaling information on
selected frequencies based on the type of the information. For
example, the transmitter 930 can be configured to transmit data on
the unreserved frequencies while transmitting signaling information
on the reserved portion of the frequency associated with BS
102'.
[0100] In some embodiments, as described above, the transmitter 930
can be configured to transmit transmissions from the UE 122' over a
random access channel. For example, the UE 122' can employ an
approach whereby the UE 122' selects a random access channel in a
reserved portion of the frequency band to improve the chances that
a UE 122' will successfully access the channel. The UE 122' can
autonomously determine which random access channel to select based
on any number of factors that improve the likelihood that another
UE will not collide with the UE 122' while the UE 122' is
attempting to successfully access the random access channel. In
some embodiments, the UE 122' can select a random access channel in
a frequency band that is included in the reserved portion of the
frequency since, in some embodiments, only the UEs having poor
channel conditions and/or preparing to initiate handover, will be
assigned to the reserved portion and access the random access
channel in the reserved portion of frequency.
[0101] The receiver 932 can be configured to receive data or
signaling information from the BS 102'. In some embodiments, the
receiver 932 can receive the data or signaling information on
selected frequencies. For example, the receiver 932 can be
configured to receive data on the unreserved frequencies while
receiving signaling information on the reserved frequencies. As
another example, the receiver 932 can be configured to receive
resource allocation information 920 at the UE 122'. The resource
allocation information 920 can include, but is not limited to, the
frequencies on which the UE 122' is scheduled to communicate on the
UL and/or the DL, the type of information that the UE 122' can
transmit or receive on the reserved and/or unreserved frequencies
that the UE 122' on which the UE 122' is scheduled to communicate,
the time slots for communication on the UL and/or the DL and/or
whether the UE 122' is scheduled for transmission only on the
unreserved portion of frequency and/or whether the UE 122' is
identified as a UE for scheduling signaling information on the
reserved portion of frequency.
[0102] FIG. 10A is an illustration of a block diagram of a system
for facilitating handover control using resource reservation with
frequency reuse in accordance with aspects set forth herein. It is
to be appreciated that system 1000 is represented as including
functional blocks, which can be functional blocks that represent
functions implemented by a processor, hardware, software, firmware,
or combination thereof. System 1000 can include a logical or
physical grouping 1002 of electrical components for facilitating
handover control using resource reservation with a frequency reuse
scheme.
[0103] The electrical components can act in conjunction. For
instance, the logical or physical grouping 1002 can include an
electrical component 1004 for receiving information. The electrical
component 1004 for receiving information can be configured to
receive frequency reuse information indicative of a reserved
portion of a frequency band assigned to the system 1000. The
electrical component 1004 for receiving information can also be
configured to receive information indicative of a quality of a
channel experienced at a UE (not shown). In some embodiments, the
electrical component 1004 for receiving information can be the
receiver 914 described with reference to FIG. 9 or the processor
406 described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0104] The logical or physical grouping 1002 can also include an
electrical component 1006 for determining channel quality. The
electrical component 1006 for determining channel quality can be
configured to determine the quality of the channel experienced at
the UE. The channel quality can be determined based on the
information indicative of the quality of the channel that is
received from the UE. In some embodiments, the electrical component
1006 for determining channel quality can be the channel quality
unit 904 described with reference to FIG. 9 or the processor 406
described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0105] The logical or physical grouping 1002 can also include an
electrical component 1008 for scheduling communication. The
electrical component 1008 for scheduling information can be
configured to schedule communication of information on a reserved
portion or an unreserved portion of frequency based on the channel
conditions at a UE. For example, the electrical component 1008 for
scheduling information can be configured to schedule communication
of signaling information on a reserved portion of a frequency band
in response to the quality of the channel at a UE being less than a
selected level. The signaling information can include, but is not
limited to, handover signaling information for performing handover
of the UE from the system 1000 to another system. In some
embodiments, the electrical component 1008 for scheduling
communication can be the scheduling unit 906 described with
reference to FIG. 9 or the processor 406 described with reference
to FIG. 4.
[0106] The logical or physical grouping 1002 can also include an
electrical component 1010 for transmitting information. The
electrical component 1010 for transmitting information can be
configured to transmit, to the UE, resource allocation information
indicative of the scheduled communication. The scheduled
communication can be the information generated by the electrical
component 1008 for scheduling communication. In some embodiments,
the electrical component 1010 for transmitting information can be
the transmitter 912 described with reference to FIG. 9 or the
processor 406 described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0107] The logical or physical grouping 1002 can also include an
electrical component 1012 for generating data and signaling
information. The electrical component 1012 for generating data and
signaling information can be configured to generate data for
transmission on an unreserved portion of the frequency band and to
generate signaling information for transmission on the first
reserved portion of the frequency band. The timing for data or
signaling information to be generated and/or whether the generated
information is generated for transmission on the reserved portion
of frequency or the unreserved portion of frequency can be dictated
by the scheduling information generated at the electrical component
1008 for scheduling information. In some embodiments, the
electrical component 1012 for generating data and signaling
information can be the BS data and signaling information generator
910 described with reference to FIG. 9 or the processor 406
described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0108] The logical or physical grouping 1002 can also include an
electrical component 1014 for controlling transmit power. The
electrical component 1014 for controlling transmit power can be
configured to control a power level of information transmitted from
the system 1000. In some embodiments, the electrical component 1014
for controlling transmit power can be the power control unit 908
described with reference to FIG. 9 or the processor 406 described
with reference to FIG. 4.
[0109] The logical or physical grouping 1002 can also include an
electrical component 1016 for storing. The electrical component
1016 for storing can be configured to store frequency reuse
information indicative of a frequency reuse scheme. In some
embodiments, the electrical component 1016 for storing can be the
memory 916 described with reference to FIG. 9 or the memory 408
described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0110] FIG. 10B is an illustration of a block diagram of a system
for facilitating handover control using resource reservation with
frequency reuse in accordance with aspects set forth herein. It is
to be appreciated that system 1020 is represented as including
functional blocks, which can be functional blocks that represent
functions implemented by a processor, hardware, software, firmware,
or combination thereof. System 1020 can include a logical or
physical grouping 1022 of electrical components for facilitating
handover control using resource reservation with a frequency reuse
scheme.
[0111] The electrical components can act in conjunction. For
instance, the logical or physical grouping 1022 can include an
electrical component 1024 for receiving information. The electrical
component 1024 for receiving information can be configured to
receive frequency reuse information indicative of a reserved
portion of a frequency band assigned to the system 1020. The
reserved portion of the frequency band can be a fraction of a
frequency spectrum. The fraction of the frequency spectrum can be
determined based on a signaling traffic load for the system 1020,
and a position of the apparatus associated with the system 1020
relative to a second apparatus. In some embodiments, the electrical
component 1024 for receiving information can be the receiver 914
described with reference to FIG. 9 or the processor 406 described
with reference to FIG. 4.
[0112] The logical or physical grouping 1022 can also include an
electrical component 1026 for transmitting information. The
electrical component 1026 for transmitting information can be
configured to transmit signaling information over the reserved
portion of the frequency band. In some embodiments, the electrical
component 1026 for transmitting information can be the transmitter
912 described with reference to FIG. 9 or the processor 406
described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0113] FIG. 10C is an illustration of a block diagram of a system
for facilitating handover control using resource reservation with
frequency reuse in accordance with aspects set forth herein. It is
to be appreciated that system 1030 is represented as including
functional blocks, which can be functional blocks that represent
functions implemented by a processor, hardware, software, firmware,
or combination thereof. System 1030 can include an electrical
component 1032 for processing information. The electrical component
1032 for processing information can be configured to identify a
pair of base stations in a wireless communication system. The pair
of base stations can include a first base station and a second base
station. The electrical component 1032 for processing information
can also be configured to: determine if the first base station and
the second base station are neighboring base stations; assign the
first base station and the second base station to a same reserved
subset of frequencies; and in response to the first base station
and the second base station being neighboring base stations, assign
full power transmission to the first base station and reduced power
transmission to the second base station. In some embodiments, the
electrical component 1032 for processing information can be the
processor 402 described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0114] FIG. 10D is an illustration of a block diagram of a system
for facilitating handover control using resource reservation with
frequency reuse in accordance with aspects set forth herein. It is
to be appreciated that system 1040 is represented as including
functional blocks, which can be functional blocks that represent
functions implemented by a processor, hardware, software, firmware,
or combination thereof. System 1040 can include an electrical
component 1042 for processing information. The electrical component
1042 for processing information can be configured to identify a
pair of base stations in a wireless communication system. The pair
of base stations can include a first base station and a second base
station. The electrical component 1042 for processing information
can also be configured to: determine if the first base station and
the second base station are neighboring base stations; assign the
first base station and the second base station to a same reserved
subset of frequencies; and in response to the first base station
and the second base station being neighboring base stations, assign
a first power level to the first base station and a second power
level to the second base station, the first power level and the
second power level being different and being assigned for
concurrent transmissions from the first base station and the second
base station. In some embodiments, the electrical component 1042
for processing information can be the processor 402 described with
reference to FIG. 4.
[0115] FIG. 10E is an illustration of a block diagram of a system
for facilitating handover control using resource reservation with
frequency reuse in accordance with aspects set forth herein. It is
to be appreciated that system 1050 is represented as including
functional blocks, which can be functional blocks that represent
functions implemented by a processor, hardware, software, firmware,
or combination thereof. System 1050 can include an electrical
component 1052 for processing information. The electrical component
1052 for processing information can be configured to identify a
pair of base stations in a wireless communication system. The pair
of base stations can include a first base station and a second base
station. The electrical component 1042 for processing information
can also be configured to: determine if the first base station and
the second base station are neighboring base stations; in response
to the first base station and the second base station being
neighboring base stations, assign the first base station to a first
reserved subset of frequencies, and assign the second base station
to a second reserved subset of frequencies; and in response to the
first base station and the second base station not being
neighboring base stations, assign the first base station and the
second base station to a same reserved subset of frequencies.
[0116] In some embodiments, the electrical component 1042 for
processing information can be the processor 402 described with
reference to FIG. 4.
[0117] FIG. 11A is another illustration of a block diagram of a
system for facilitating handover control using resource reservation
with frequency reuse in accordance with aspects set forth herein.
It is to be appreciated that system 1100 is represented as
including functional blocks, which can be functional blocks that
represent functions implemented by a processor, hardware, software,
firmware, or combination thereof. System 1100 can include a logical
or physical grouping 1102 of electrical components for facilitating
handover control using resource reservation with frequency
reuse.
[0118] The logical or physical grouping 1102 of electrical
component can include an electrical component 1104 for receiving
information, an electrical component 1106 for transmitting
information, an electrical component 1108 for scheduling, an
electrical component 1110 for measuring channel quality, an
electrical component 1112 for generating data and signaling
information and/or an electrical component 1114 for storing
scheduling information.
[0119] The electrical components can act in conjunction. For
instance, logical or physical grouping 1102 can include an
electrical component 1104 for receiving resource allocation
information. The resource allocation information can include
scheduling information for causing the electrical component 1106
for transmitting information to transmit data or the signaling
information on a reserved portion of frequency or on an unreserved
portion of frequency. The resource allocation information can also
include scheduling information for causing the electrical component
1108 for scheduling, to schedule the transmission and the reception
of the information on the reserved portion of frequency or on the
unreserved portion of frequency. In some embodiments, the
electrical component 1104 for receiving information can be the
receiver 932 described with reference to FIG. 9 or the processor
410 described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0120] The electrical component 1106 for transmitting information
can be configured to transmit, to a BS serving the system 1100,
information indicative of the quality of the channel experienced at
the system 1100. In some embodiments, the electrical component 1106
for transmitting information can be the transmitter 930 described
with reference to FIG. 9 or the processor 410 described with
reference to FIG. 4.
[0121] The electrical component 1108 for scheduling can be
configured to schedule transmission and reception of information on
the reserved portion of frequency or on the unreserved portion of
frequency. The scheduling can be performed based on the scheduling
information received at the electrical component 1104 for receiving
information. In some embodiments, the electrical component 1108 for
scheduling information can be the scheduling unit 926 described
with reference to FIG. 9 or the processor 410 described with
reference to FIG. 4.
[0122] The electrical component 1110 for measuring channel quality
can be configured to measure a quality of a channel experienced at
the system 1100. The channel quality can be measured by measuring
the received transmit power output from a BS managing a cell in
which the system 1100 is located, a CQI at the system 1100 and/or a
received signal strength measurement at the system 1100. In some
embodiments, the electrical component 1110 for measuring channel
quality can be the measurement unit 924 described with reference to
FIG. 9 or the processor 410 described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0123] The electrical component 1112 for generating data and
signaling information can be configured to generate data and
signaling information for transmission on the reserved portion of
frequency or the unreserved portion of frequency. The timing
whereby the electrical component 1112 for generating data and
signaling generates the data or signaling information and/or
whether the generated information is generated for transmission on
the reserved portion of frequency or the unreserved portion of
frequency, can be dictated by the scheduling information received
at the electrical component 1104 for receiving information. In some
embodiments, the electrical component 1112 for generating data and
signaling information can be the UE data and signaling information
generator 928 described with reference to FIG. 9 or the processor
410 described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0124] The electrical component 1114 for storing can be configured
to store the scheduling information received at the electrical
component 1104 for receiving information. In some embodiments, the
electrical component 1114 for storing can be the memory 934
described with reference to FIG. 9 or the memory 412 described with
reference to FIG. 4.
[0125] FIG. 11B is another illustration of a block diagram of a
system for facilitating handover control using resource reservation
with frequency reuse in accordance with aspects set forth herein.
It is to be appreciated that system 1120 is represented as
including functional blocks, which can be functional blocks that
represent functions implemented by a processor, hardware, software,
firmware, or combination thereof. System 1120 can include a logical
or physical grouping 1122 of electrical components for facilitating
handover control using resource reservation with frequency
reuse.
[0126] The system 1120 can include an electrical component 1124 for
providing central control functionality. The electrical component
1124 for providing central control functionality can be configured
to: determine a signaling traffic load in a cell managed by a first
base station; and determine a fraction of a frequency spectrum for
allocation to the first base station, wherein determination of the
fraction of the frequency spectrum is made based on the signaling
traffic load and a position of the first base station relative to
other base stations. The fraction of the frequency spectrum can
correspond to a reserved portion of frequency. The electrical
component 1124 for providing central control functionality can also
be configured to: determine a frequency reuse scheme to employ over
the reserved portion of frequency; and transmit information
indicative of the frequency reuse scheme to the first base station.
In some embodiments, the electrical component 1124 for providing
central control functionality can be the central controller 400
described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0127] The system 1120 can also include an electrical component
1126 for providing user equipment functionality. The electrical
component 1126 for providing user equipment functionality can be
configured to: measure channel conditions; and output information
indicative of channel conditions. In some embodiments, the
electrical component 1126 for providing user equipment
functionality can be the UE 122'' described with reference to FIG.
4.
[0128] The system 1120 can also include an electrical component
1128 for providing base station functionality. The electrical
component 1128 for providing base station functionality can be
configured to: receive the information indicative of the frequency
reuse scheme; receive the information indicative of channel
conditions; and schedule communication for the user equipment on
the reserved portion of frequency in response to the channel
conditions being below a selected level, wherein a scheduled
communication is handover signaling communication. In some
embodiments, the electrical component 1128 for providing base
station functionality can be the BS 102'' described with reference
to FIG. 4.
[0129] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for employing
resource reservation using frequency reuse in accordance with
aspects described herein. In some embodiments, the method 1200 can
include employing a processor for performing a number of acts. At
1202, the method 1200 can transmit scheduling information for
transmission of information on frequencies corresponding to an
unreserved portion of a frequency band. At 1204, the method 1200
can transmit scheduling information for transmission of information
on one or more frequencies corresponding to a reserved portion of
the frequency band. A frequency reuse scheme can be employed over
the frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion of the
frequency band. The transmission of scheduling information at 1202
and/or 1204 can be over a wired or wireless backhaul link
communicatively coupling a central processor with one or more BSs.
In one embodiment, the central processor can be the central
controller 400 described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0130] In some embodiments, the frequency reuse scheme can include
an assignment of a first BS and another BS to the one or more
frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion of the frequency
band. The BSs assigned to the reserved portion can be
non-neighboring base station BSs. At 1206, the method 1200 can
select a UE to be scheduled for transmission of information on the
frequencies corresponding to the unreserved portion of the
frequency band. At 1208, the method 1200 can perform select other
UEs for transmission of information on the frequencies
corresponding to the reserved portion of the frequency band.
[0131] In various embodiments, the method 1200 can be further
adapted to include specific methods for identifying the UEs to be
selected for scheduling. Accordingly, steps 1206 and 1208 can be as
described at FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0132] The BS can identify UEs for scheduling on the reserved
portion of frequencies in any number of ways. In some embodiments,
when the BS receives information from the UE indicative of low
signal quality (on either the UL and/or the DL) that triggers
handover of the UE, the BS can compare the signal quality to a
threshold value. If the signal quality is less than the threshold,
the BS can schedule the UE for UL and/or DL communication on the
reserved portion of the frequencies. For example, FIGS. 13 and 14
are flowcharts illustrating methods for selecting user equipment
for which to employ resource reservation using frequency reuse in
accordance with aspects described herein.
[0133] Referring to FIG. 13, the method 1300 can be for selecting a
UE for scheduling of transmission of information on the frequencies
corresponding to the reserved portion of frequency.
[0134] At 1302, the method 1300 can include receiving a channel
measurement from the UE, and at 1304, determining if the channel
measurement is below a selected level. At 1306, the method 1300 can
include, in response to the channel measurement being below the
selected level, selecting the UE for transmission of the
information on the frequencies corresponding to the reserved
portion. The information for transmission on the frequencies
corresponding to the reserved portion can be signaling information,
including, but not limited to, handover signaling information.
[0135] At 1308, the method 1300 can include, in response to the
channel measurement not being below the selected level, not
selecting the UE for transmission of the information on the
frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion. The method 1300
can also include determining a plurality of channel measurements
for other UEs. The method 1300 can also include determining if any
of the plurality of channel measurements is below the selected
level. The channel measurements can include, but are not limited
to, CQI, SNR, signal-to-interference ratio (SIR), transmit powers
from BSs, a received signal strength, a RSRP, a RSRQ, RSSI,
measured pathloss, UL power headroom report (PHR) and/or UL
interference-over-thermal (IoT) measurements.
[0136] The method 1300 can include, in response to none of the
channel measurements being below the selected level, and therefore
not selecting a UE for transmission of information on the
frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion based on low
channel measurements, selecting one or more UEs for transmission of
data, in lieu of signaling information, on the frequencies
corresponding to the reserved portion.
[0137] Now turning to FIG. 14, the method 1400 can include
receiving a measurement report from the UE. In some embodiments,
the measurement report can be a Radio Resource Management (RRM)
measurement report. The RRM measurement report can include signal
strength indicator measurements (SSIM). In one embodiment shown, at
1402, the method 1400 can include receiving an SSIM report. In
various embodiments, the RRM measurement report can include, but is
not limited to, RSRP or RSRQ for a number of BSs. At 1404, the
method 1400 can include determining if the SSIM for a first BS is
less than the SSIM for a second BS by more than an appropriately
selected threshold. The first BS can be the source BS for the UE
and the second BS can be a potential target BS for the UE.
[0138] At 1406, in response to the SSIM for the first BS being less
than the SSIM for the second BS, the method 1400 can include
selecting the UE for transmission of information on the frequencies
corresponding to the first reserved portion. The information can be
signaling information, for handover.
[0139] At 1408, in response to the SSIM for the first BS not being
less than the SSIM for the second BS, the method 1400 can include
not selecting the UE for transmission of information on the
frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion. In this
embodiment, any one or more UEs can be scheduled for transmission
of data on the unreserved portion since the SSIM information
indicates that the UE is close enough to the serving BS and
therefore not likely to need handover support.
[0140] FIG. 15 is another method for facilitating handover control
using resource reservation with frequency reuse in accordance with
aspects set forth herein. The method 1500 can include employing a
processor for performing various acts. At 1502, the method 1500 can
receive scheduling information indicative of frequencies
corresponding to a common portion of a frequency band, and
indicative of a type of first information for communication over
the frequencies corresponding to the common portion of the
frequency band. At 1504, the method 1500 can receive scheduling
information indicative of reserved frequencies corresponding to a
reserved portion of the frequency band, and indicative of a type of
information for communication over the reserved frequencies. The
reserved frequencies can be assigned to a BS according to a
frequency reuse scheme employed over the reserved frequencies.
[0141] At 1506, the method 1500 can include communicating data over
the frequencies corresponding to the common portion of the
frequency band.
[0142] At 1508, the method 1500 can include communicating signaling
messages over the reserved frequencies corresponding to the
reserved portion of the frequency band. In some embodiments, the
signaling message can be a message for handover, of a UE, from the
serving BS for the UE to a target BS for the UE.
[0143] In some embodiments, at least one of the reserved
frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion of the frequency
band can correspond to a first random access channel. The
frequencies corresponding to a common portion of a frequency band
can correspond to a second random access channel. The first random
access channel and the second random access channel can be
accessible by the UE. Although not shown, the method 1500 can also
include, measuring, at the UE, a channel quality experienced by the
UE; and determining, at the UE, that the first random access
channel corresponds to at least one of the reserved frequencies.
Further, the method 1500 can include, in response to determining
that the first random access channel corresponds to at least one of
the reserved frequencies, and that the UE has poor channel quality
that warrants use of the reserved frequencies, the UE communicating
over the first random access channel in lieu of communicating over
the second random access channel.
[0144] In various embodiments, computer program products having
computer-readable mediums including code can be utilized to perform
the method steps and/or functions described herein.
[0145] One embodiment includes a computer program product having a
computer-readable medium storing a first set of codes for causing a
computer to transmit scheduling information for transmission of
information on frequencies corresponding to an unreserved portion
of a frequency band. The computer-readable medium can also store a
second set of codes for causing the computer to transmit scheduling
information for transmission of other information on one or more
frequencies corresponding to a reserved portion of the frequency
band. The frequency reuse scheme can be employed over the one or
more frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion of the
frequency band.
[0146] In some embodiments, the information scheduled for
transmission on the reserved portion of the frequency band can be
signaling information including one or more messages for handover
of a UE from a serving BS to a target BS. The frequency reuse
scheme can include an assignment of the serving BS and target BS to
frequencies corresponding to a reserved portion of the frequency
band when the serving BS and the target BS are not neighboring
BSs.
[0147] In some embodiments, the frequency reuse scheme can include
an assignment of the serving BS to a first reserved portion of the
frequency band, and the target BS to a second reserved portion of
the frequency band when the serving BS and the target BS are
neighboring BSs.
[0148] In some embodiments, the computer-readable medium also
includes a third set of codes for causing the computer to select a
first UE for transmission of the information on the one or more
frequencies corresponding to the unreserved portion of the
frequency band; and a fourth set of codes for causing the computer
to select a second UE for transmission of information on the one or
more frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion.
[0149] In some embodiments, the fourth set of codes for causing the
computer to select the second UE for transmission of the
information on the one or more frequencies corresponding to the
reserved portion can include: a fifth set of codes for causing the
computer to receive a channel measurement from the second UE; a
sixth set of codes for causing the computer to determine if the
channel measurement is below a selected level; a seventh set of
codes for causing the computer to, in response to the channel
measurement being below the selected level, select the second UE
for transmission of information on the one or more frequencies
corresponding to the reserved portion; and an eighth set of codes
for causing the computer to, in response to the channel measurement
not being below the selected level, not select the second UE for
transmission of information on the one or more frequencies
corresponding to the reserved portion.
[0150] In some embodiments, the computer program product also
includes a ninth set of codes for causing the computer to determine
a plurality of channel measurements for other UEs in the system;
and a tenth set of codes for causing the computer to determine if
any of the plurality of channel measurements from any of the UEs
are below the selected level. The computer program product can also
include an eleventh set of codes for causing the computer to, in
response to none of the plurality of channel measurements for any
of the UEs in the system being below the selected level, and not
selecting the second UE for transmission of information on the one
or more frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion, select
at least one of the UEs for transmission of information on one or
more frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion.
[0151] In some embodiments, the channel measurement can be at least
one of: a channel quality indicator, a transmit power or a received
signal strength measurement measured at the second UE. The
plurality of channel measurements can be a plurality of channel
quality indicators, transmit powers and/or received signal strength
measurements from one or more of the other UEs besides the second
UE.
[0152] Another embodiment includes a computer program product
having a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can
include: a first set of codes for causing the computer to receive,
at a UE, scheduling information indicative of one or more
frequencies corresponding to a common portion of a frequency band,
and indicative of a type of first information for communication
over the one or more frequencies corresponding to the common
portion of the frequency band. The computer-readable medium can
also include: a second set of codes for causing the computer to
receive, at the UE, scheduling information indicative of one or
more reserved frequencies corresponding to a reserved portion of
the frequency band, and indicative of a type of information for
communication over the one or more reserved frequencies. The one or
more reserved frequencies can be assigned to a BS according to a
frequency reuse scheme employed over the one or more reserved
frequencies.
[0153] In some embodiments, the computer program product can also
include: a third set of codes for causing the computer to
communicate, from the UE, data over the one or more frequencies
corresponding to the common portion of the frequency band; and a
fourth set of codes for causing the computer to communicate, from
the UE, one or more signaling messages over the one or more
reserved frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion of the
frequency band.
[0154] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more
reserved frequencies corresponding to the reserved portion of the
frequency band can correspond to a first random access channel, and
at least one of the one or more frequencies corresponding to a
common portion of a frequency band can correspond to a second
random access channel. The first random access channel and the
second random access channel can be accessible by the UE, and the
computer program product can also include: a fifth set of codes for
causing the computer to measure, at the UE, a channel quality
experienced by the UE; a sixth set of codes for causing the
computer to determine, at the UE, that the first random access
channel corresponds to at least one of the one or more reserved
frequencies; and a seventh set of codes for causing the computer
to, in response to determining that the first random access channel
corresponds to at least one of the one or more reserved
frequencies, communicate over the first random access channel when
the channel quality is less than a selected level.
[0155] Another embodiment includes another computer program product
including a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium
can include a first set of codes for causing a computer to receive
information indicative of a frequency reuse scheme to be employed
over a reserved portion of a frequency band assigned to a BS. The
reserved portion of the frequency band can be a fraction of a
frequency spectrum. The fraction of the frequency spectrum can be
determined based on a signaling traffic load for the first BS and a
position of the first BS relative to one or more other BSs. The
computer program product can also include a second set of codes for
causing the computer to transmit signaling information over the
reserved portion of the frequency band.
[0156] Another embodiment includes another computer program product
including a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium
can include a first set of codes for causing the computer to
identify a pair of BSs in a system; a second set of codes for
causing the computer to determine if the pair of BSs are
neighboring; a third set of codes for causing the computer to
assign the first BS of the pair and the second BS of the pair to
the same reserved subset of frequencies; and a fourth set of codes
for causing the computer to, in response to the first BS and the
second BS being neighboring base stations, assign full power
transmission to the first BS and reduced power transmission to the
second BS.
[0157] Another embodiment includes another computer program product
including a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium
can include a first set of codes for causing a computer to identify
a pair of BSs in a system; a second set of codes for causing the
computer to determine if the pair of BSs are neighboring base
stations; a third set of codes for causing the computer to assign
the first BS of the pair and the second BS of the pair to the same
reserved subset of frequencies; and a fourth set of codes for
causing the computer to, in response to the pair of BSs being
neighboring base stations, assign a first power level to the first
BS of the pair and a second power level to the second BS of the
pair. The first power level and the second power level can be
different and can be assigned for concurrent transmissions from the
first BS and the second BS.
[0158] Another embodiment includes a computer program product
including a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium
can include a first set of codes for causing the computer to
identify a pair of BSs; a second set of codes for causing the
computer to determine if the pair of BSs are neighboring BSs; a
third set of codes for causing the computer to, in response to the
pair being neighboring base stations, assign the first BS of the
pair to a first reserved subset of frequencies, and assigning the
second BS of the pair to a second reserved subset of frequencies;
and a fourth set of codes for causing the computer to, in response
to the first BS and the second BS not being neighboring base
stations, assign the first BS and the second BS to the same
reserved subset of frequencies.
[0159] Another embodiment includes another computer program product
including another computer-readable medium. The computer program
product can include: a first set of codes for causing a first
computer to determine a signaling traffic load in a cell managed by
a first base station; and a second set of codes for causing the
first computer to determine a fraction of a frequency spectrum for
allocation to the first base station. The determination of the
fraction of the frequency spectrum can be made based on the
signaling traffic load and a position of the first base station
relative to other base stations, and the fraction of the frequency
spectrum can correspond to a reserved portion of frequency. The
computer program product can also include: a third set of codes for
causing the first computer to determine a frequency reuse scheme to
employ over the reserved portion of frequency; a fourth set of
codes for causing the first computer to transmit information
indicative of the frequency reuse scheme to the first base station;
a fifth set of codes for causing a second computer to measure
channel conditions; and a sixth set of codes for causing the second
computer to output information indicative of channel conditions.
The computer program product can also include: a seventh set of
codes for causing a third computer to receive the information
indicative of the frequency reuse scheme; an eighth set of codes
for causing the third computer to receive the information
indicative of channel conditions; and a ninth set of codes for
causing the third computer to schedule communication for the second
computer on the reserved portion of frequency, in response to the
channel conditions being below a selected level. The scheduled
communication can be handover signaling communication.
[0160] FIG. 16 is an illustration of an example system for
facilitating handover control using resource reservation with
frequency reuse in accordance with aspects described herein.
Referring now to FIG. 16, a block diagram illustrating an example
system 1600 in which various aspects described herein can function
is provided. In one example, system 1600 is a multiple-input
multiple-output (MIMO) system that includes a transmitter system
1610 and a receiver system 1650. It should be appreciated, however,
that transmitter system 1610 and/or receiver system 1650 could also
be applied to a multi-input single-output system wherein, for
example, multiple transmit antennas (e.g., on a base station), can
transmit one or more symbol streams to a single antenna device
(e.g., a mobile station). Additionally, it should be appreciated
that aspects of transmitter system 1610 and/or receiver system 1650
described herein could be utilized in connection with a single
output to single input antenna system.
[0161] In accordance with one aspect, traffic data for a number of
data streams are provided at transmitter system 1610 from a data
source 1612 to a transmit (TX) data processor 1614. In one example,
each data stream can then be transmitted via a respective transmit
antenna 1624. Additionally, TX data processor 1614 can format,
encode, and interleave traffic data for each data stream based on a
particular coding scheme selected for each respective data stream
in order to provide coded data. In one example, the coded data for
each data stream can then be multiplexed with pilot data using OFDM
techniques. The pilot data can be, for example, a known data
pattern that is processed in a known manner. Further, the pilot
data can be used at receiver system 1650 to estimate channel
response. Back at transmitter system 1610, the multiplexed pilot
and coded data for each data stream can be modulated (i.e., symbol
mapped) based on a particular modulation scheme (e.g., BPSK, QSPK,
M-PSK, or M-QAM) selected for each respective data stream in order
to provide modulation symbols. In one example, data rate, coding,
and modulation for each data stream can be determined by
instructions performed on and/or provided by processor 1630.
[0162] Next, modulation symbols for all data streams can be
provided to a TX MIMO processor 1620, which can further process the
modulation symbols (e.g., for OFDM). TX MIMO processor 1620 can
then provides N.sub.T modulation symbol streams to N.sub.T
transceivers 1622A through 1622T. In one example, each transceiver
1622 can receive and process a respective symbol stream to provide
one or more analog signals. Each transceiver 1622 can then further
condition (e.g., amplify, filter, and upconvert) the analog signals
to provide a modulated signal suitable for transmission over a MIMO
channel. Accordingly, N.sub.T modulated signals from transceivers
1622A through 1622T can then be transmitted from N.sub.T antennas
1624A through 1624T, respectively.
[0163] In accordance with another aspect, the transmitted modulated
signals can be received at receiver system 1650 by N.sub.R antennas
1652A through 1652R. The received signal from each antenna 1652 can
then be provided to respective transceivers 1654. In one example,
each transceiver 1654 can condition (e.g., filter, amplify, and
downconvert) a respective received signal, digitize the conditioned
signal to provide samples, and then processes the samples to
provide a corresponding "received" symbol stream. An RX data
processor 1660 can then receive and process the N.sub.R received
symbol streams from N.sub.R transceivers 1654 based on a particular
receiver processing technique to provide N.sub.T "detected" symbol
streams. In some embodiments, the RX data processor 1660 can be an
RX MIMO data processor. In one example, each detected symbol stream
can include symbols that are estimates of the modulation symbols
transmitted for the corresponding data stream. RX data processor
1660 can then process each symbol stream at least in part by
demodulating, deinterleaving, and decoding each detected symbol
stream to recover traffic data for a corresponding data stream.
Thus, the processing by RX data processor 1660 can be complementary
to that performed by TX MIMO processor 1620 and TX data processor
1614 at transmitter system 1610. RX data processor 1660 can
additionally provide processed symbol streams to a data sink (not
shown).
[0164] In accordance with one aspect, the channel response estimate
generated by RX data processor 1660 can be used to perform
space/time processing at the receiver, adjust power levels, change
modulation rates or schemes, and/or other appropriate actions.
Additionally, RX data processor 1660 can further estimate channel
characteristics such as, for example,
signal-to-noise-and-interference ratios (SNRs) of the detected
symbol streams. RX data processor 1660 can then provide estimated
channel characteristics to a processor 1670. In one example, RX
data processor 1660 and/or processor 1670 can further derive an
estimate of the "operating" SNR for the system. Processor 1670 can
then provide channel state information (CSI), which can comprise
information regarding the communication link and/or the received
data stream. This information can include, for example, the
operating SNR. The CSI can then be processed by a TX data processor
1638, modulated by a modulator 1680, conditioned by transceivers
1654A through 1654R, and transmitted back to transmitter system
1610. In addition, a data source 1636 at receiver system 1650 can
provide additional data to be processed by TX data processor
1638.
[0165] Back at transmitter system 1610, the modulated signals from
receiver system 1650 can then be received by antennas 1624,
conditioned by transceivers 1622, demodulated by a demodulator
1640, and processed by a RX data processor 1642 to recover the CSI
reported by receiver system 1650. In one example, the reported CSI
can then be provided to processor 1630 and used to determine data
rates as well as coding and modulation schemes to be used for one
or more data streams. The determined coding and modulation schemes
can then be provided to transceivers 1622 for quantization and/or
use in later transmissions to receiver system 1650. Additionally
and/or alternatively, the reported CSI can be used by processor
1630 to generate various controls for TX data processor 1614 and TX
MIMO processor 1620. In another example, CSI and/or other
information processed by RX data processor 1642 can be provided to
a data sink (not shown).
[0166] In one example, processor 1630 at transmitter system 1610
and processor 1670 at receiver system 1650 direct operation at
their respective systems. Additionally, a database (not shown) at
transmitter system 1610 and a database (not shown) at receiver
system 1650 can provide storage for program codes and data used by
processors 1630 and 1670, respectively. Further, at receiver system
1650, various processing techniques can be used to process the
N.sub.R received signals to detect the N.sub.T transmitted symbol
streams. These receiver processing techniques can include spatial
and space-time receiver processing techniques, which can also be
referred to as equalization techniques, and/or "successive
nulling/equalization and interference cancellation" receiver
processing techniques, which can also be referred to as "successive
interference cancellation" or "successive cancellation" receiver
processing techniques.
[0167] The teachings herein may be incorporated into a node (e.g.,
a device) employing various components for communicating with at
least one other node. FIG. 16 depicts several sample components
that may be employed to facilitate communication between nodes.
Specifically, FIG. 16 illustrates a wireless device (e.g., an
access point) and a wireless device 1650 (e.g., a UE) of a MIMO
system 1600. At the device 1610, traffic data for a number of data
streams is provided from a data source 1612 to a transmit ("TX")
data processor 1614.
[0168] In some aspects, each data stream is transmitted over a
respective transmit antenna. The TX data processor 1614 formats,
codes, and interleaves the traffic data for each data stream based
on a particular coding scheme selected for that data stream to
provide coded data.
[0169] The coded data for each data stream may be multiplexed with
pilot data using OFDM techniques. The pilot data is typically a
known data pattern that is processed in a known manner and may be
used at the receiver system to estimate the channel response. The
multiplexed pilot and coded data for each data stream is then
modulated (i.e., symbol mapped) based on a particular modulation
scheme (e.g., BPSK, QSPK, M-PSK, or M-QAM) selected for that data
stream to provide modulation symbols. The data rate, coding, and
modulation for each data stream may be determined by instructions
performed by a processor 1630. A data memory 1632 may store program
code, data, and other information used by the processor 1630 or
other components of the device 1610.
[0170] The modulation symbols for all data streams are then
provided to a TX MIMO processor 1620, which may further process the
modulation symbols (e.g., for OFDM). The TX MIMO processor 1620
then provides N.sub.T modulation symbol streams to N.sub.T
transceivers ("XCVR") 1622A through 1622T. In some aspects, the TX
MIMO processor 1620 applies beam-forming weights to the symbols of
the data streams and to the antenna from which the symbol is being
transmitted.
[0171] Each transceiver 1622 receives and processes a respective
symbol stream to provide one or more analog signals, and further
conditions (e.g., amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog
signals to provide a modulated signal suitable for transmission
over the MIMO channel. N.sub.T modulated signals from transceivers
1622A through 1622T are then transmitted from N.sub.T antennas
1624A through 1624T, respectively.
[0172] At the device 1650, the transmitted modulated signals are
received by N.sub.R antennas 1652A through 1652R and the received
signal from each antenna 1652 is provided to a respective
transceiver ("XCVR") 1654A through 1654R. Each transceiver 1654
conditions (e.g., filters, amplifies, and downconverts) a
respective received signal, digitizes the conditioned signal to
provide samples, and further processes the samples to provide a
corresponding "received" symbol stream.
[0173] An RX data processor 1660 then receives and processes the
N.sub.R received symbol streams from N.sub.R transceivers 1654
based on a particular receiver processing technique to provide
N.sub.T "detected" symbol streams. The RX data processor 1660 then
demodulates, deinterleaves, and decodes each detected symbol stream
to recover the traffic data for the data stream. The processing by
the RX data processor 1660 is complementary to that performed by
the TX MIMO processor 1620 and the TX data processor 1614 at the
device 1610.
[0174] A processor 1670 periodically determines which pre-coding
matrix to use (discussed below). The processor 1670 formulates a
reverse link message comprising a matrix index portion and a rank
value portion. A data memory 1672 can store program code, data, and
other information used by the processor 1670 or other components of
the device 1650.
[0175] The reverse link message may comprise various types of
information regarding the communication link and/or the received
data stream. The reverse link message is then processed by a TX
data processor 1638, which also receives traffic data for a number
of data streams from a data source 1636, modulated by a modulator
1680, conditioned by the transceivers 1654A through 1654R, and
transmitted back to the device 1610.
[0176] At the device 1610, the modulated signals from the device
1650 are received by the antennas 1624, conditioned by the
transceivers 1622, demodulated by a demodulator ("DEMOD") 1640, and
processed by a RX data processor 1642 to extract the reverse link
message transmitted by the device 1650. The processor 1630 then
determines which pre-coding matrix to use for determining the
beam-forming weights then processes the extracted message.
[0177] In some embodiments, there is a unique RB associated with
one or more of the N.sub.T antennas 1624A through 1624T.
Accordingly, the methods described herein for frequency resource
reservation on the downlink can be employed for one or more of the
N.sub.T antennas 1624A through 1624T and for one or more
corresponding N.sub.R antennas 1652A through 1652R.
[0178] In some embodiments, the methods described herein for
frequency resource reservation on the uplink can be employed
between one or more N.sub.R antennas 1652A through 1652R and one or
more N.sub.T antennas 1624A through 1624T. Accordingly, when a
device 1650 accesses a channel using random access, it can attempt
the random access on only a subset of frequencies.
[0179] FIG. 16 also illustrates that the communication components
may include one or more components that perform interference
control operations as taught herein. For example, an interference
("INTER.") control component 1690 can cooperate with the processor
1630 and/or other components of the device 1610 to send/receive
signals to/from another device (e.g., device 1650) as taught
herein. Similarly, an interference control component 1692 may
cooperate with the processor 1670 and/or other components of the
device 1650 to send/receive signals to/from another device (e.g.,
device 1610). It should be appreciated that for each device 1610
and 1650 the functionality of two or more of the described
components may be provided by a single component. For example, a
single processing component may provide the functionality of the
interference control component 1690 and the processor 1630 and a
single processing component may provide the functionality of the
interference control component 1692 and the processor 1670.
[0180] The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules,
and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed
herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose
processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array
(FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or
transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination
thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A
general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in the
alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,
controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also
be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration. Additionally, at least
one processor may comprise one or more modules operable to perform
one or more of the steps and/or actions described above.
[0181] Further, the steps and/or actions of a method or algorithm
described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be
embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a
processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may
reside in RAM database, flash database, ROM database, EPROM
database, EEPROM database, registers, a hard disk, a removable
disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the
art. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor,
such that the processor can read information from, and write
information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage
medium may be integral to the processor. Further, in some aspects,
the processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC.
Additionally, the ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the
alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as
discrete components in a user terminal. Additionally, in some
aspects, the steps and/or actions of a method or algorithm may
reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or
instructions on a machine-readable medium and/or computer readable
medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program
product.
[0182] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the methods and
functions described may be implemented in hardware, software,
firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software,
the methods and functions may be stored on or transmitted over as
one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium.
Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and
communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer
of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media
may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By
way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media
can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk
storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,
or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired
program code in the form of instructions or data structures and
that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is
properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the
software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote
source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair,
digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as
infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic
cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as
infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of
medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD),
laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk
and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically,
while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of
the above should also be included within the scope of
computer-readable media.
[0183] In one or more aspects, the functions described may be
implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination
thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or
transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a
computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both
computer storage media and communication media including any medium
that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to
another. A storage medium may be any available media that can be
accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such
computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or
other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or
store desired program code in the form of instructions or data
structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any
connection may be termed a computer-readable medium. For example,
if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote
source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair,
digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as
infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic
cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as
infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of
medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD),
laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk
and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically,
while discs usually reproduce data optically with lasers.
Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope
of computer-readable media.
[0184] While the foregoing disclosure discusses illustrative
aspects and/or embodiments, it should be noted that various changes
and modifications could be made herein without departing from the
scope of the described aspects and/or embodiments as defined by the
appended claims. Furthermore, although elements of the described
aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the
singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the
singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of
any aspect and/or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion
of any other aspect and/or embodiment, unless stated otherwise.
* * * * *