Dynamic RS coverage in multi-hop cellular networks

Abstract

For use in a wireless network, a controller for relay stations. The relay station increases cell coverage and user data rates while employing power consumption saving techniques. The relay station compares a threshold power setting with a current power setting. If the threshold power setting is greater than the current power setting, the relay station increments the threshold power setting and decreases the cell coverage. If the threshold power setting is less than or equal to the current power setting, the relay station decreases the threshold power setting until the threshold power setting is equal to a total power setting of the relay station. The relay station also employs load balancing techniques by comparing a threshold power setting with a current load setting. If the threshold power setting is greater than the current load setting, the relay station increases the cell coverage based on the available bandwidth.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-hop cellular network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the multi-hop cellular network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the multi-hop cellular network according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

Claims

1. For use in a wireless network having a relay station in communication with a mobile station, a method of managing cell coverage comprising: comparing a threshold power setting of a relay station with a current power setting of the relay station; andwhen the threshold power setting is greater than the current power setting, incrementing the threshold power setting; anddecreasing the cell coverage.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein decreasing the cell coverage is accomplished by reducing a transmit power of the relay station.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein incrementing the first threshold power setting continues until the first threshold power setting is equal to the current power setting.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising: transmitting a message to the mobile station indicating that the cell coverage has decreased.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising: handing off the mobile station to a second relay station.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: when the threshold power setting is less than or equal to the current power setting, decrementing the threshold power setting; andincreasing cell coverage.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein decrementing the threshold power setting continues until the first threshold power setting is equal to a total power setting of the relay station.

8. For use in a wireless network having a relay station in communication with a mobile station, a method of managing cell coverage comprising: comparing a threshold power setting of a relay station with a current load setting of the relay station; andwhen the threshold power setting is greater than the current load setting, increasing the cell coverage.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein increasing the cell coverage is accomplished by increasing the transmit power of the relay station.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising: calculating a total bandwidth being served by the cell.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising: comparing the threshold power with the total bandwidth; andadjusting the cell coverage based on the comparison.

12. The method of claim 8 further comprising: when the threshold power setting is less than or equal to the current load setting, decreasing the cell coverage.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein decreasing the cell coverage is accomplished by reducing the transmit power of the relay station.

14. The method as set forth in claim 12 further comprising: transmitting a message to the mobile station indicating that the cell coverage has decreased.

15. The method as set forth in claim 14 further comprising: handing off the mobile station to a second relay station.

16. For use in a wireless network having a relay station in communication with a mobile station, the relay station comprising: a controller capable of: comparing a threshold power setting of a relay station with a current power setting of the relay station; andwhen the threshold power setting is greater than the current power setting, incrementing the threshold power setting; anddecreasing the cell coverage; andwhen the threshold power setting is less than or equal to the current power setting, decrementing the threshold power setting until the threshold power setting is equal to a total power setting of the relay station; andincreasing cell coverage.

17. The relay station of claim 16, wherein decreasing the cell coverage is accomplished by reducing a transmit power of the relay station.

18. The relay station of claim 16, wherein incrementing the threshold power setting continues until the threshold power setting is equal to the current power setting.

19. The relay station of claim 18 further comprising: transmitting a message to the mobile station indicating that the cell coverage has decreased.

20. The relay station of claim 19 further comprising: handing off the mobile station to a second relay station.