Dynamic special subframe allocation

摘要

A base station transmits a message to wireless devices in connected mode. The message comprises an initial subframe allocation bitmap indicating an initial plurality of subframes including an initial plurality of special subframes. After an increase in the number of wireless devices or traffic load by an amount greater than a load value, the base station transmits a second message. The second message comprises an updated subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of subframes including an updated plurality of special subframes. The updated plurality of special subframes includes a smaller number of special subframes than the initial plurality of special subframes.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
a) transmitting, by a first base station, a first message to a first plurality of wireless devices in connected mode, said first message comprising an initial first subframe allocation bitmap indicating an initial first plurality of subframes, said initial first plurality of subframes comprising an initial first plurality of special subframes; b) transmitting, by each of at least one second base station, a second message to a second plurality of wireless devices in connected mode, for each of said at least one second base station, said second message comprising an initial second subframe allocation bitmap indicating an initial second plurality of subframes, said initial second plurality of subframes comprising an initial second plurality of special subframes, coverage area of said first base station overlapping coverage area of each of said at least one second base station; and c) after an increase in the traffic load carried by said first base station by an amount greater than a load value:
i) transmitting, by said first base station, a third message, said third message comprising an updated first subframe allocation bitmap indicating an updated first plurality of subframes, said updated first plurality of subframes comprising an updated first plurality of special subframes, said updated first plurality of special subframes comprising a smaller number of special subframes than said initial first plurality of special subframes; andii) transmitting, by each of said at least one second base station, a fourth message, said fourth message comprising an updated second subframe allocation bitmap indicating an updated second plurality of subframes, said updated second plurality of subframes comprising an updated second plurality of special subframes, said updated second plurality of special subframes comprising a greater number of special subframes than said initial second plurality of special subframes; and wherein during a majority of symbols of a special subframe of a base station: no signal is transmitted by said base station; or signals are transmitted at a special subframe power level that is substantially lower than a transmit power during a non-special subframe.