Methods controlling extended range areas in heterogeneous networks and related network nodes

摘要

A method may provide wireless communications in a network including a first base station and a second base station, with the first base station operating within a coverage area of the second base station. The method may include providing soft-cell communications in an extended range area of the first base station, with the extended range area being outside a primary range area of the first base station. A number of wireless devices in the extended range area connected and/or communicating with the first base station may be tracked. Responsive to the number of wireless devices in the extended range area connected and/or communicating with the first base station exceeding a threshold (Threshold_N), the extended range area over which soft-cell communications are provided may be reduced.

主权项

1. A method providing wireless communications in a network including a first base station and a second base station, with the first base station operating within a coverage area of the second base station, the method comprising:
providing soft-cell communications in an extended range area of the first base station wherein the extended range area is outside a primary range area of the first base station; tracking a number of wireless devices in the extended range area connected and/or communicating with the first base station; and responsive to the number of wireless devices in the extended range area connected and/or communicating with the first base station exceeding a threshold, reducing the extended range area over which soft-cell communications are provided.