A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING INITIAL TIME ALIGNMENT IN A CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

摘要

A method and apparatus for use in a cellular mobile radio telephone system for initially setting a time alignment parameter in a mobile station. The method comprises the steps of estimating an optimal time alignment parameter for use during communication on a new traffic channel of a desired base station based on information available before the communication on the traffic channel is established, sending the estimated time alignment parameter to the mobile station, and setting the time alignment value in the mobile in accordance with the estimated time alignment parameter. An apparatus for initially setting a time alignment parameter is also provided according to a preferred embodiment.