A base station, a network, and a method of base station switching between modes

摘要

A method is provided of a first base station for wireless telecommunications switching between a first mode in which the base station sends pilot channel signals and a second mode in which the first base station does not send pilot packet signals. The first base station records for a given time period expected levels of loading on the cells of the first base station, expected levels of loading in cells facing towards the first base station of a ring of closest neighbouring base stations, and expected levels of loading in cells facing towards the first base station of selected base stations from among a ring of next closest neighbouring base stations. The first base station determines to switch between the modes dependent upon criteria being met relating to said levels.