APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING RANGE EXPANSION IN A WIRELESS NETWORK

摘要

A wireless network for communicating with a mobile station capable of operating in a range expansion mode. The wireless network comprises a macro-base station (BS) operable to communicate with the mobile station and a micro-base station (BS) in a coverage area associated with the macro-BS. The macro-BS transmits to the micro-BS a first control message indicating a range expansion (RE) capability of the mobile station. In response, the micro-BS transmits to the macro-BS PCFICH information associated with the micro-BS. The macro-BS transmits the PCFICH information to the mobile station and the mobile station uses the PCFICH information to perform a handover procedure to the micro-BS.