Timeslot conversion in a cellular communication system

摘要

A cellular communication system employs an air interface time frame structure comprising time frames divided into a plurality of timeslots. In the system, a timeslot configuration processor (115) comprises a timeslot configurator (203) which configures timeslots of the time frames as a first service type or a second service type. The first and second service type can be circuit switched or packet switched service types. A first processor (205) converting a first timeslot from the first service type to the second service type. The cellular communication system then supports at least one service of the second service type in the first timeslot. A second processor (207) converts the first timeslot from the second type to the first type in response to a first service type usage characteristic for a cell supporting the at least one service and a second service type usage characteristic for a plurality of cells. The invention can improve timeslot conversion performance and can specifically reduce the required number of timeslot conversions.