HK1159412A - Cell identifier assignment and selection - Google Patents

Description

Cell identifier allocation and selection

Claiming priority based on 35U.S.C. § 119

This patent application claims priority from provisional application No.61/083,848 entitled "SYSTEMS and methods FOR rejecting objects, SERVER-BASED PCI SELECTION FOR candidates" filed on 25.7.2008 and provisional application No.61/108,272 entitled "PHYSICAL CELL IDENTITY ASSIGNMENT" filed on 24.10.2008, both of which are assigned to the assignee of the present application and are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

The following description relates generally to wireless communications, and more specifically to allocating or selecting a physical cell identifier.

Background

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed today to provide various types of communication content such as voice, data, and so on. A typical wireless communication system may be a multiple-access system capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power). Examples of such multiple access systems may include: code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, and the like. Further, these systems may also comply with specifications such as third generation partnership project (3GPP), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), and/or multicarrier wireless specifications such as evolution-data optimized (EV-DO), one or more revisions thereof, and/or the like.

Generally, wireless multiple-access communication systems can simultaneously support communication for multiple mobile devices. Each mobile device can communicate with one or more access points (e.g., base stations) via transmissions on forward and reverse links. The forward link (or downlink) refers to the communication link from the access points to the mobile devices, and the reverse link (or uplink) refers to the communication link from the mobile devices to the access points. Further, communication between mobile devices and access points can be established via single-input single-output (SISO) systems, multiple-input single-output (MISO) systems, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, and so forth. Further, mobile devices can communicate with other mobile devices (and/or access points with other access points) in a peer-to-peer wireless network configuration.

An access point uses a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) to identify the coverage cell or sector provided by the access point. For example, the mobile device can use the identifiers to establish a connection and/or continuous communication with the access point. In one implementation, the PCIs may be assigned by a central entity, where the central entity receives location information from the access points and assigns the PCIs according to location. In another implementation, the PCI assignments may be distributed such that access points may select their own PCIs based on information obtained from other access points. In either case, PCI collision can occur when two access points share a PCI and a device receives the PCI from both access points, or PCI confusion can occur when one access point is adjacent to two access points with the same PCI.

Disclosure of Invention

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with one or more aspects and corresponding content thereof, various aspects described herein facilitate centralized Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) allocation based at least in part on information collected from neighboring cells to mitigate or minimize PCI collision and/or PCI confusion. In particular, the access point may measure Radio Frequency (RF) parameters of neighboring cells and provide these parameters to the PCI assignment entity. Further, the access point may provide local parameters (e.g., altitude, transmit power, etc.) of the access point, from which the PCI allocation entity may generate one or more PCIs for the access point. Additionally or alternatively, the PCI allocation entity may provide a prioritized list of PCIs to the access point, from which the access point may select a PCI. In one example, the list can be prioritized based at least in part on the local and neighbor parameters described above.

According to a related aspect, the present application provides a method comprising: one or more RF parameters associated with one or more neighboring access points are measured. In addition, the method further comprises: transmitting the one or more RF parameters to a network component to receive a PCI assignment.

Another aspect relates to a wireless communications apparatus. The wireless communications apparatus can include at least one processor configured to receive one or more RF parameters related to one or more surrounding access points. The at least one processor is further configured to: sending a request for PCI to a network component including the one or more RF parameters. The wireless communication apparatus further includes: a memory coupled with the at least one processor.

Another aspect relates to an apparatus. The device includes: means for obtaining one or more RF parameters from one or more neighboring access points; means for transmitting a request for PCI with the one or more RF parameters.

Another aspect relates to a computer program product, which may have a computer-readable medium including code for causing at least one computer to: one or more RF parameters associated with one or more neighboring access points are measured. The computer-readable medium further includes code for causing the at least one computer to: transmitting the one or more RF parameters to a network component to receive a PCI assignment.

Moreover, another aspect relates to an apparatus comprising: a neighbor measurement component to receive one or more RF parameters from one or more neighboring access points. The device also includes: a PCI request component to send a request for PCI with the one or more RF parameters.

According to other aspects, the present application provides a method comprising: a PCI request is received from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more RF parameters related to one or more neighboring access points. In addition, the method further comprises: selecting a PCI for the access point based at least in part on the one or more RF parameters; sending the PCI to the access point.

Another aspect relates to a wireless communications apparatus. The wireless communications apparatus can include at least one processor configured to receive a PCI request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more RF parameters related to surrounding access points. The at least one processor is further configured to: determining a PCI for the access point at least in part by comparing the one or more RF parameters to available PCIs; sending the PCI to the access point. The wireless communication apparatus further includes: a memory coupled with the at least one processor.

Another aspect relates to an apparatus. The apparatus includes means for receiving one or more RF parameters from an access point related to at least one neighboring access point. In addition, the apparatus further comprises: means for selecting a PCI for the access point based at least in part on the one or more RF parameters; means for transmitting the PCI to the access point.

Another aspect relates to a computer program product having a computer-readable medium including code for causing at least one computer to: a PCI request is received from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more RF parameters related to one or more neighboring access points. The computer-readable medium further includes code for causing the at least one computer to: selecting a PCI for the access point based at least in part on the one or more RF parameters; sending the PCI to the access point.

Moreover, another aspect relates to an apparatus comprising: a PCI parameter receiving component for obtaining one or more RF parameters from an access point related to at least one neighboring access point. The device also includes: a PCI selecting component for selecting a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) for the access point based at least in part on the one or more RF parameters; a PCI transmitting component for providing the PCI to the access point.

Further, the present application provides a method comprising: a PCI list is received from a network component. The method also includes selecting a PCI from the list of PCIs based at least in part on parameters associated with the PCIs indicated in the list of PCIs.

Another aspect relates to a wireless communications apparatus. The wireless communications apparatus can include at least one processor configured to receive a PCI list from a network component. The at least one processor is further configured to: a PCI is selected from the list of PCIs to facilitate communications in a wireless network according to the relevant parameters in the list. The wireless communication apparatus further includes: a memory coupled with the at least one processor.

Another aspect relates to an apparatus. The device includes: a PCI list receiving module for receiving a PCI list from the network component. The device also includes: and the selection module is used for selecting the PCI in the PCI list according to the parameters of the PCI specified in the PCI list so as to be used for communication in a wireless network.

Another aspect relates to a computer program product, which may have a computer-readable medium including code for causing at least one computer to: a PCI list is received from a network component. The computer-readable medium further includes code for causing the at least one computer to: selecting a PCI from the list of PCIs based at least in part on parameters of the PCI indicated in the list of PCIs.

Moreover, another aspect relates to an apparatus comprising: a PCI receiving component for obtaining a PCI list from the network component. The device also includes: and the PCI selecting component is used for selecting the PCI in the PCI list according to the parameters of the PCI specified in the PCI list so as to be used for communication in a wireless network.

According to other aspects, the present application provides a method comprising: receiving a PCI request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more parameters related to the access point. In addition, the method further comprises: evaluating one or more different parameters received from a plurality of different access points; generating a list of PCIs for the access point at least in part by comparing the one or more parameters to the one or more different parameters, wherein the list of PCIs indicates at least one list parameter for each PCI.

Another aspect relates to a wireless communications apparatus. The wireless communications apparatus can include at least one processor configured to obtain a PCI request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more parameters related to the access point. The at least one processor is further configured to: analyzing one or more different parameters received from a plurality of different access points; establishing a list of PCIs for the access point at least in part by comparing the one or more parameters to the one or more different parameters, wherein the list of PCIs has list parameters for each PCI. The wireless communication apparatus further includes: a memory coupled with the at least one processor.

Another aspect relates to an apparatus. The device includes: a PCI request receiving module to receive a PCI request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more parameters related to the access point. In addition, the apparatus further comprises: a PCI list generation module to generate a PCI list for the access point at least in part by comparing the one or more parameters to one or more different parameters received from one or more different access points, wherein the PCI list has list parameters for each PCI.

Another aspect relates to a computer program product having a computer-readable medium including code for causing at least one computer to: receiving a PCI request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more parameters related to the access point; one or more different parameters received from a plurality of different access points are evaluated. The computer-readable medium further includes code for causing the at least one computer to: generating a PCI list for the access point at least in part by comparing the one or more parameters to the one or more different parameters, wherein the PCI list has list parameters.

Moreover, another aspect relates to an apparatus comprising: a PCI parameter receiving component that obtains a PCI request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more parameters related to the access point. In addition, the apparatus further comprises: a PCI list component to generate a PCI list for the access point at least in part by comparing the one or more parameters to one or more disparate parameters received from one or more disparate access points, wherein the PCI list has list parameters for each PCI.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed and the description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

Drawings

Fig. 1 depicts an example wireless communication system that facilitates centralized assignment of Physical Cell Identifiers (PCIs).

Fig. 2 depicts an example communications apparatus for employment within a wireless communications environment.

Fig. 3 depicts an exemplary wireless communication system for allocating PCI.

Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary method of requesting PCI allocation, wherein the neighbor RF parameters are specified in the request.

Fig. 5 depicts an example method of receiving a request for a PCI allocation that includes neighbor RF parameters.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary method of receiving a PCI list based on a PCI request.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary method of forming a PCI list from a received PCI request.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary system that receives one or more PCI based requests.

Fig. 9 depicts a wireless communication system in accordance with various aspects set forth herein.

FIG. 10 depicts a wireless communication network in accordance with aspects described herein.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary wireless network environment that can be employed in conjunction with the various systems and methods described herein.

Fig. 12 depicts an exemplary system for sending neighbor parameters in a requesting PCI.

FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary system that receives a PCI request that includes neighbor parameters.

FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary system that receives a list of PCI in response to a PCI request.

FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary system that generates a PCI list from a PCI request.

Detailed Description

Various aspects will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that such aspect(s) may be practiced without these specific details.

As used herein, the terms "component," "module," "system," and the like are intended to include a computer-related entity, such as, but not limited to: hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being: a process running on a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of example, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the internet with other systems by way of the signal).

Further, various aspects are described herein in connection with a terminal, which may be a wired terminal or a wireless terminal. A terminal can also be called a system, device, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile device, remote station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, communication device, user agent, user equipment, or User Equipment (UE). A wireless terminal may be a cellular telephone, a satellite telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld device having wireless connection capability, a computing device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. Various aspects are described herein in connection with a base station. A base station may be utilized for communicating with wireless terminal(s) and may also be referred to as an access point, node B, or some other terminology.

Furthermore, the term "or" means an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, the phrase "X employs A or B" means any of the natural inclusive permutations unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clear from the context. That is, any of the following examples satisfy the phrase "X employs a or B": x is A; b is used as X; or X employs A and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

The techniques described herein may be used for various wireless communication systems such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" may be used interchangeably from time to time. A CDMA system may implement a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), CDMA2000, and so on. UTRA includes wideband CDMA (W-CDMA) and other variants of CDMA. In addition, CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. TDMA systems may implement wireless technologies such as global system for mobile communications (GSM). The OFDMA system may implement wireless technologies such as evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11(Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16(WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, flash OFDM, and the like. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a version of UMTS that uses E-UTRA, which uses OFDMA on the downlink and SC-FDMA on the uplink. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, and GSM are described in documents from an organization entitled "third Generation partnership project" (3 GPP). In addition, CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named "third generation partnership project 2" (3GPP 2). These wireless communication systems may also include peer-to-peer (e.g., mobile station-to-mobile station) ad hoc network systems, which typically use unlicensed spectrum, 802.xx wireless LANs, bluetooth, and any other short-range or long-range wireless communication technologies.

Various aspects or features are presented in terms of systems that may include a number of devices, components, modules, and the like. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc. and/or may not include all of the devices, components, modules etc. discussed in connection with the figures. Combinations of these approaches may also be used.

Referring now to fig. 1, a wireless communication system 100 that facilitates centralized PCI allocation based on information of neighboring access points is depicted. The system 100 includes a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) assigning component 102 that assigns one or more PCIs to one or more access points. The PCI assigning component 102 can be part of a core wireless network, located in a different access point, or located elsewhere that can be accessed by multiple access points. For example, PCI assigning component 102 can be an operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) system, a Network Management System (NMS), and the like. The system 100 may also include multiple macrocell access points 104, 106, 108 and/or multiple lower power access points 110, 112, 114, which may be, for example, femtocell access points, picocell access points, relay nodes, and so forth.

According to an example, the access point 110 attempts to join a wireless network, for example, after initialization, power up, connection re-establishment, and so on. As part of joining a wireless network, access point 110 can obtain a PCI to allow other devices to communicate with access point 110 and/or one or more sectors implemented by access point 110. In one example, access point 110 can measure Radio Frequency (RF) parameters of surrounding access points (e.g., macrocell access point 104, access point 112, and/or substantially any access point within range). For example, the RF parameters may relate to signal quality, path loss, identification (e.g., PCI of a neighboring access point), traffic volume, devices communicating with the access point, and so forth. The access point may provide the neighbor RF parameters to the PCI assigning component 102 along with optional other local parameters (e.g., location, altitude, transmit power, etc.) with respect to the access point 110.

PCI assigning component 102 can receive the parameters and generate one or more PCIs for access point 110 based at least in part on the parameters. For example, the PCI assigning component 102 can compare the parameters to other parameters received from neighboring access points, which can be identified in the received parameters, as described above. For example, if access point 100 does not provide information or provides a signal quality or other parameter below a threshold associated with access point 114, then PCI assigning component 102 can assign access point 110 a PCI for use by access point 114. This is particularly true, for example, for larger reported height differences for access point 110 and access point 114. In an alternative example, if the measured signal quality or interference of access point 104 is above the threshold for access point 110, then PCI assigning component 102 can search for other PCIs that are different from the PCI of access point 104 (e.g., the PCI of access point 114 that is likely not to interfere with access point 110) for assignment to access point 110.

As another example, the PCI assigning component 102 can prioritize a list of potential PCIs for the access point 110, which can be based on parameters received by the PCI assigning component 102. For example, PCI assigning component 102 can send the list to access point 110 to allow access point 110 to select a PCI from the list based on measured neighbor or local parameters (e.g., neighboring RF information, altitude, transmit power, etc.).

Turning to fig. 2, illustrated is a communications apparatus 200 that facilitates employment within a wireless communications environment. The communications apparatus 200 can be an access point, a mobile device, or a portion thereof, or substantially any communications apparatus that participates in a wireless network. The communication device 200 includes a neighbor measurement component 202, a PCI request component 204, and a PCI receive component 206, wherein the neighbor measurement component 202 can receive and measure parameters of surrounding communication devices (not shown), the PCI request component 204 can communicate with a core network component (not shown) or other component to request a PCI for communication in a wireless network, and the PCI receive component 206 can obtain the PCI from the core network or other component.

According to one example, the communications apparatus 200 attempts to join a wireless network. As part of joining the network, PCI requesting component 204 can request a PCI from the network to allow subsequent identification in communication with the network and/or one or more devices. In one example, the PCI request component 204 can include parameters related to the communications apparatus 200 and/or one or more neighboring devices in the request (e.g., location, altitude, transmit power, or other parameters known to the communications apparatus 200). For example, the neighbor measurement component 202 can obtain some parameters from neighboring devices, such as identification (e.g., PCI), signal quality/strength, path loss, traffic, and so forth. The neighbor measurement component 202 can receive RF signals from neighboring devices, measure and/or decode the signals to determine the parameters described above. As another example, neighbor measurement component 202 can determine parameters based on measurement reports from devices (e.g., one or more UEs or other devices receiving network access) in communication with communications apparatus 200. As another example, the neighbor measurement component 202 can receive the parameters from the neighboring devices over a backhaul link.

The PCI receiving component 206 may receive one or more PCIs in response to the request. For example, the PCIs may be provided according to parameters specified in the request to minimize conflicts between PCIs, as described above. In one example, PCI receiving component 206 may receive a list of prioritized PCIs. The PCI selecting component 208 can select an optimal PCI from the list based at least in part on local parameters and/or those obtained via the neighbor measurement component 202. In this example, rather than the PCI requesting component 204 having to send the request with local and/or neighbor measurement parameters, the selection logic (or a portion thereof) is performed by the PCI selection component 208, rather than by the component from which the PCI is requested. In one example, the PCI list may be prioritized or ordered; also, in one example, the list may include probabilities of selecting whichever of the PCIs by different devices.

Referring now to fig. 3, illustrated is a wireless communication system 300 that facilitates requesting a PCI and parameters related to one or more neighboring access points. The access point 302 may be a macrocell base station, a femtocell access point, a picocell access point, a relay node, or a portion thereof and/or substantially any wireless device that may be allocated a PCI. As described above, PCI assigning component 102 can be an upstream network component (e.g., in a core network), such as an OAM, NMS, and/or a portion thereof that appears in a different access point. Moreover, system 300 can be a MIMO system and/or conform to one or more wireless network system specifications (e.g., EV-DO, 3GPP2, 3GPP LTE, WiMAX, etc.), and can include other components that facilitate communication between access point 302 and PCI assigning component 102.

Access point 302 can include neighbor measurement component 202, local parameters component 304, PCI requesting component 204, PCI receiving component 206, and PCI selecting component 208, wherein neighbor measurement component 202 can evaluate one or more neighboring access points to determine parameters related thereto, local parameters component 304 can receive one or more parameters related to access point 302, PCI requesting component 204 can transmit a request for a PCI along with the determined parameters and/or one or more local parameters, PCI receiving component 206 can receive one or more PCIs based on the request, and PCI selecting component 208 can select one of the plurality of PCIs transmitted in response to the request. The PCI assigning component 102 includes a PCI parameter receiving component 306, a PCI selecting component 308, a PCI list component 310, and a PCI transmitting component 312, wherein the PCI parameter receiving component 306 can receive a PCI request and related parameters, the PCI selecting component 308 can select a PCI for the request based at least in part on the parameters, the PCI list component 310 can generate a plurality of PCIs for the request, and the PCI transmitting component 312 can transmit one or more PCIs based at least in part on the request.

According to an example, the access point 302 attempts to obtain a PCI in the wireless network. This may be initiated as part of joining the wireless network, for example, after power-up, during initialization settings, and so forth. As described above, the neighbor measurement component 202 can receive RF signals from neighboring access points, measure parameters related to such signals, such as signal strength, path loss, identification (e.g., PCI), network traffic, and so forth, of such access points or related sectors. For example, neighbor measurement component 202 can obtain neighbor RF parameters by using a wireless receiver (for receiving parameters), using received UE measurement reports to learn PCI, communicating with neighboring access points over a backhaul, and so forth. Further, local parameters component 304 can obtain one or more parameters related to access point 302, such as location, altitude, transmit power, and so forth. The PCI request component 204 may generate and send a request for PCI and include neighbor parameters and/or local parameters in the request.

PCI parameter receiving component 306 can obtain the request and associated parameters. Based on these parameters, PCI selection component 308 can select a PCI for access point 302. For example, PCI selecting component 308 may analyze the neighbor parameters to determine PCIs of other access points that may interfere with access point 302, which PCI selecting component 308 may avoid. In addition, PCI selecting component 308 can analyze these parameters as well as other access point parameters received in addition (e.g., access points identified in the neighborhood have additionally received PCIs from PCI assigning component 102 and provided their own local and neighbor parameters). In one example, as described above, PCI selection component 308 may evaluate the altitude of the access point. For example, at higher altitudes, the PCI assigned to access point 302 will most likely propagate farther (e.g., in the relevant signals from or to access point 302) because there may be fewer obstacles. Therefore, the neighbor parameters, and thus the selection of the PCI, are highly influenced. Likewise, the transmit power of access point 302 can be evaluated such that for higher transmit powers, PCI selecting component 308 can ensure that a PCI is not assigned to another access point to a greater extent than for lower transmit powers.

As another example, PCI selecting component 308 can refrain from assigning the same or similar PCI to access point 302 in the event that the neighbor parameters include an access point having a signal quality that exceeds a threshold. PCI selecting component 308 may learn parameters from access point 302 (e.g., approximate location, RF neighbor parameters, PCI of neighbor, altitude, transmit power, etc.), and PCI selecting component 308 may select a PCI based on this additional information to minimize interference. As described above, PCI selecting component 308 may also use similar information from other access points. After the PCI is selected, PCI transmitting component 312 may provide the PCI to access point 302. The PCI receiving component 206 may obtain the PCI and use the PCI in subsequent transmissions.

As another example, PCI list component 310 can generate a list of PCIs for access point 302 based on one or more parameters. In this example, the access point 302 can send a portion of the neighbor parameters and/or local parameters (or no parameters at all), and the PCI assigning component 102 can provide some possible PCIs. The PCI transmitting component 312 may provide the PCI list to the access point 302. The PCI receiving component 206 may receive this list of PCIs and the PCI selecting component 208 may select a PCI from the list for use. In one example, the logic of PCI selection component 208 is similar to the logic of PCI selection component 308 described above. Thus, in one example, the PCI requesting component 204 can send local parameters (or no parameters) to the PCI assigning component 102 and the PCI parameter receiving component 306 can receive the parameters. The PCI list component 310 can determine or select a list of PCIs for the access point 302 based on the local parameters (which relate to the location, altitude, transmit power, etc. of the access point 302).

In one example, PCI list component 310 can prioritize the PCI list by determining a best match for the available PCIs of access point 302 based on the received parameters and/or known parameters of access point 302 (and/or other access points). For example, as described above, PCI parameter receiving component 306 can receive local parameters of neighboring access points including location, transmit power, altitude, and so on, from which PCI list component 310 can select a plurality of PCIs for access point 302 by comparing the location, transmit power, altitude, and so on of access point 302 with corresponding values of other access points. For example, the PCI list component 310 can select one or more PCIs for the access point 302 that are associated with disparate access points that are located far away and/or disparate access points that transmit at lower transmit power at a given location such that the access point 302 is likely not to be subject to interference associated with disparate access points. In one example, PCI list component 310 can prioritize the list based on transmit power, location, operator configuration, number of related users, cell type (e.g., macro cell, pico cell, femto cell, etc.), and/or the like.

Further, for example, PCI list component 310 can use a list for other access points, but use different permutations of the list based on parameters received by PCI parameter receiving component 306 and/or based on a previous list provided by PCI list component 310. As another example, the PCI list component 310 can randomize the list based on a probability for selecting a PCI for a given access point. This may be calculated, for example, based on known or received parameters for a given access point, a history of PCI selections made at a given access point, and so on. To this end, for example, the PCI list component 310 can include parameters of the PCIs in the list, such as a priority, a probability of selecting the PCI, and so forth. In any case, as described above, PCI transmitting component 312 may transmit a list for use by one or more access points. Upon receiving the list, the PCI selecting component 208 may select a PCI to use based on the one or more neighbor parameters obtained by the neighbor measuring component 202, as described above. Thus, in this example, at least a portion of the PCI selection may be performed at the access point 302.

Referring to fig. 4-7, methodologies relating to providing server-based PCI allocation are depicted. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance with one or more aspects, occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with one or more aspects.

Turning to fig. 4, an exemplary methodology 400 that facilitates obtaining PCI in a wireless network is depicted. At 402, RF parameters associated with neighboring access points may be measured. As described above, this may include receiving and measuring signal strength, path loss, traffic, etc. from neighboring access points, as well as receiving identifiers and/or PCIs of neighboring access points. Further, as described above, these parameters, and the like, can be received from UEs communicating with neighboring access points over backhaul connections with the neighboring access points. These RF parameters may be transmitted to the wireless network at 404 to initiate communication. For example, the RF parameters may be sent in a PCI request. The PCI may be selected using these RF parameters, as well as local parameters that are also transmitted, as described above. At 406, the PCI may be received from a component of the wireless network (e.g., OAM, NMS), or other component that includes functional elements for allocating the PCI, as described above.

Referring to fig. 5, an exemplary method 500 for selecting a PCI for an access point based on received neighbor RF parameters is illustrated. At 502, a PCI request including neighbor RF parameters may be received from an access point. As described above, these parameters may relate to the strength of a signal received by the access point from a neighboring access point, the identity or PCI of a neighboring access point, and so on. At 504, a PCI for the access point may be selected based on the neighbor RF parameters. For example, if there are unused available PCIs (e.g., as indicated by one or more PCIs not in the neighbor list), one or more unused PCIs may be selected for the access point. As another example, a PCI of a neighboring access point having a signal strength below a threshold level can be selected for the access point as indicated by the RF parameters. Furthermore, as described above, local parameters of the access point may be considered, such as location, transmit power, altitude, and so on. In addition, as described above, the PCI for an access point may also be selected using local parameters received from neighboring access points in previous PCI requests. At 506, the selected PCI may be transmitted to the access point for use in wireless network communications.

Turning to FIG. 6, an exemplary methodology 600 that facilitates receiving a list of PCIs and selecting a PCI therefrom is depicted. At 602, a PCI list may be received from a wireless network component (e.g., OAM, NMS, etc.). The list may be prioritized such that the highest ranked PCI is separated from the lower ranked PCI. It should be appreciated that a list of PCIs responsive to a PCI request may be received, in which one or more local parameters are specified, as one example. At 604, a PCI may be selected from the list based on parameters of the PCIs in the list. The parameter may be a priority, a probability that one or more different access points will select each PCI, and so on. However, the PCI may also be selected based on measured RF parameters associated with neighboring access points, as described above. To this end, for example, based on these RF parameters, the highest level of PCI may not be the most desirable, and the next highest level of PCI may be selected. The PCI may be used for identification in subsequent wireless network communications at 606.

Referring to fig. 7, an exemplary method 700 for generating a PCI list for an access point is shown. At 702, a PCI request may be received from an access point. For example, the PCI request may include one or more parameters related to the access point, such as location, transmit power, altitude, and so forth. Parameters in the PCI request can be evaluated at 704, and a list of PCIs for the access point can be generated at 706 based on the evaluated parameters. The list is generated, for example, from comparing the parameters to different parameters received by different access points in previous PCI requests, or from other known information about the access point and different access points. Further, as described above, the list may be generated from a previous list, and permutations of the list may be generated from the previous list to minimize PCI collisions. Thus, for example, when similarly located access points request a PCI, a list may be sent to one access point and a permuted version of the list may be sent to the other access points. As described above, these access points may select a PCI according to the list priority and will likely select a different PCI. The list may be sent to the access point at 708.

It is to be appreciated that, in accordance with one or more aspects described herein, inferences can be made regarding: determine a PCI for the access point from a set of parameters, determine a PCI list priority, and so on. As used herein, the term to "infer" or "inference" refers generally to the process of reasoning about or inferring states of the system, environment, and/or user from a set of observations as captured via events and/or data. Inference can be employed to identify a specific context or action, or can generate a probability distribution over states, for example. The inference can be probabilistic-that is, the computation of a probability distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of data and events. Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inference results in the construction of new events or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or not the events are correlated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and stored event data come from one or several event and data sources.

Fig. 8 depicts a system 800 that facilitates requesting PCI in a wireless network. System 800 comprises a base station 802 (e.g., an access point, etc.) that has a receiver 810 that receives signals from one or more mobile devices 804 via a plurality of receive antennas 806 and a transmitter 828 that transmits signals to the one or more mobile devices 804 via transmit antennas 808. Receiver 810 can receive information from receive antennas 806, receiver 810 operatively associated with a descrambler that decodes the received signal. Further, demodulator 812 may demodulate the received descrambled signal. Demodulated symbols can be analyzed by a processor 814. Processor 814 can be a processor dedicated to analyzing information received by receiver 810 and/or generating information for transmission by a transmitter 828, and processor 814 can be a processor that controls one or more components of base station 802, and/or a processor that both analyzes information received by receiver 810, generates information for transmission by transmitter 828, and controls one or more components of base station 802. Further, processor 814 can be coupled to memory 816 that retains information related to estimating signal (e.g., pilot) strength and/or interference strength, data to be transmitted to or received from mobile device 804 (or a disparate base station (not shown)), and/or any other suitable information related to performing various acts and functions described herein.

It will be appreciated that the memory 816 (or other data store) described herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way of example, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include Read Only Memory (ROM), Programmable ROM (PROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include Random Access Memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way of example, and not limitation, RAM may be available in a variety of forms such as Synchronous RAM (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). The memory 816 of the subject systems and methods is intended to comprise, without being limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

The processor 814 is further coupled to a neighbor measurement component 818, a PCI requesting component 820, a PCI receiving component 822, and a PCI selecting component 824, wherein the neighbor measurement component 818 can obtain parameters related to neighboring access points, the PCI requesting component 820 can send a request for a PCI to a network component (not shown), the PCI receiving component 822 can obtain a PCI in response to the PCI request or other PCI, and the PCI selecting component 824 can select a PCI upon receiving the list of PCIs. As described above, the neighbor measurement component 818 can obtain parameters related to the neighboring access point (e.g., signal strength, identifier, PCI, etc. of the base station 802) by receiving a signal from the access point over the air or over a backhaul, receiving a signal from a mobile device 804 that is communicating with or has communicated with the neighboring access point, and so forth. In one example, PCI requesting component 820 can use these parameters when requesting PCI from a network component. Additionally or alternatively, the PCI requesting component 820 can request PCI using local parameters of the base station 802.

In either case, PCI requesting component 820 can request PCI. The PCI receiving component 822 can receive a PCI or a PCI list. Upon receiving the list of PCIs, PCI selecting component 824 can select a PCI from the list. As described above, this can be done according to parameters obtained by the neighbor measurement component 818. After selecting a PCI, or if a PCI is received by the PCI receiving component 822, the base station 802 can use the PCI in subsequent communications. Further, while the demodulator 812, the neighbor measurement component 818, the PCI requesting component 820, the PCI receiving component 822, the PCI selecting component 824, and/or the modulator 826 are depicted as being separate from the processor 814, it is to be appreciated that the components described above can be part of the processor 814 or multiple processors (not shown).

Referring now to fig. 9, a wireless communication system 900 is depicted in accordance with various embodiments shown herein. System 900 includes a base station 902 that has multiple antenna groups. For example, one antenna group can include antennas 904 and 906, another group can include antennas 908 and 910, and an additional group can include antennas 912 and 914. Two antennas are depicted for each antenna group; however, more or fewer antennas may be used for each group. Moreover, base station 902 can comprise a transmitter chain and a receiver chain, each of which can in turn comprise a plurality of components associated with signal transmission and reception (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, antennas, etc.), as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

Base station 902 can communicate with one or more mobile devices, such as mobile device 916 and mobile device 922; however, it is to be appreciated that base station 902 can communicate with nearly any number of mobile devices similar to mobile devices 916 and 922. Mobile devices 916 and 922 can be, for example, cellular phones, smart phones, laptops, handheld communication devices, handheld computing devices, satellite radios, global positioning systems, PDAs, and/or any other suitable device for communicating over wireless communication system 900. As depicted, mobile device 916 is in communication with antennas 912 and 914, where antennas 912 and 914 transmit information to mobile device 916 over a forward link 918 and receive information from mobile device 916 over a reverse link 920. Moreover, mobile device 922 is in communication with antennas 904 and 906, where antennas 904 and 906 transmit information to mobile device 922 over forward link 924 and receive information from mobile device 922 over reverse link 926. In a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, forward link 918 can utilize a different frequency band than that used by reverse link 920, and forward link 924 can employ a different frequency band than that employed by reverse link 926, for example. Moreover, in Time Division Duplex (TDD), forward link 918 and reverse link 920 can utilize a common frequency band and forward link 924 and reverse link 926 can utilize a common frequency band.

Each group of antennas and/or the area in which they are designated to communicate can be referred to as a sector of base station 902. For example, antenna groups can be designed to communicate to mobile devices in a sector of the areas covered by base station 902. In communication over forward links 918 and 924, the transmitting antennas of base station 902 can utilize beamforming to improve signal-to-noise ratio of forward links 918 and 924 for mobile devices 916 and 922. Moreover, when base station 902 uses beamforming to transmit to mobile devices 916 and 922 scattered randomly through an associated coverage, mobile devices in neighboring cells can be subject to less interference as compared to base station 902 transmitting through a single antenna to all its mobile devices. In addition, mobile devices 916 and 922 can communicate directly with each other using peer-to-peer or ad hoc networking technologies (not shown).

According to an example, system 900 can be a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system. Moreover, system 900 can employ substantially any type of duplexing technique (e.g., FDD, FDM, TDD, TDM, CDM, etc.) to divide communication channels (e.g., forward link, reverse link). In addition, the communication channels may be orthogonalized to allow simultaneous communication with multiple devices on the channels; in one example, OFDM may be used for this purpose. Thus, a channel may be divided into multiple frequency portions over a time period. Further, a frame may be specified as a plurality of frequency portions over a set of time periods; thus, for example, a frame may include a plurality of OFDM symbols. Base station 902 can communicate with mobile devices 916 and 922 over channels established for various types of data. For example, channels may be established for transmitting various types of general communication data, control data (e.g., quality information for other channels, acknowledgement indicators for data received on these channels, interference information, reference signals, etc.), and so on. As one example, as described above, base station 902 can request a PCI from a network component (not shown). As depicted in one example, base station 902 can utilize mobile devices 916 and/or 922 to measure parameters of other surrounding base stations (not shown).

Referring now to fig. 10, a wireless communication system 1000 for supporting multiple mobile devices is depicted. The system 1000 provides communication for a plurality of cells (e.g., macro cells 1002A-1002G), each of which is served by a respective access point 1004A-1004G. As previously described, the access points 1004A-1004G associated with the macro cells 1002A-1002G may be base stations, for example. The mobile devices 1006A-1006I are illustrated as being dispersed throughout different locations of the wireless communication system 1000. As shown, each mobile device 1006A-1006I can communicate with one or more access points 1004A-1004G on a forward link and/or a reverse link. Also shown are access points 1008A-1008E. As described above, these access points may be relatively low power, small scale access points (e.g., femto cell access points, pico cell access points, relay nodes, mobile base stations, etc.) that provide services related to a particular service location. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile devices 1006A-1006I can communicate with the smaller scale access points 1008A-1008E to receive provided services. In one example, the wireless communication system 1000 may provide service over a large geographic area (e.g., macro cells 1002A-1002G may cover several neighborhoods, small-scale access points 1008A-1008E may be present in areas such as residential areas, office buildings, etc., as depicted). In one example, mobile devices 1006A-1006I can establish connections over-the-air and/or over a backhaul connection with access points 1004A-1004G and/or 1008A-1008E.

According to an example, mobile devices 1006A-1006I can move about a wireless network to reselect cells provided by respective access points 1004A-1004G and 1008A-1008E. The handoff may be performed for a variety of reasons, such as proximity to the target access point, services provided by the target access point, protocols or standards supported by the target access point, a valid bill associated with the target access point, and so forth. In one example, the mobile device 1006D can communicate with the access point 1004D and initiate a handoff to the small scale access point 1008C when the mobile device 1006D is within a specified proximity of the small scale access point 1008C or a measured signal strength thereof. To facilitate reselection of the small-scale access point 1008C, the source access point 1004D may send information regarding the mobile device 1006D, such as environmental or other information related to continued communication with the mobile device 1006D, to the target small-scale access point 1008C. Thus, the target small-scale access point 1008C may provide wireless network access to the mobile device 1006D based on the environment information to facilitate seamless handoff from the access point 1004D. Due to the unplanned nature of the placement of the small scale access points 1008A-1008E, the PCI may conflict or be confused with other access points. As described above, the PCI assignment function described herein may mitigate such conflicts and confusion.

Fig. 11 illustrates an exemplary wireless communication system 1100. For simplicity, the wireless communication system 1100 depicts one base station 1110 and one mobile device 1150. However, it is to be appreciated that system 1100 can include more than one base station and/or more than one mobile device, wherein other base stations and/or mobile devices can be substantially similar or different from example base station 1110 and mobile device 1150 described below. Moreover, it is to be appreciated that base station 1110 and/or mobile device 1150 can employ the systems (FIGS. 1-3 and 8-10) and/or methods (FIGS. 4-7) described herein to facilitate wireless communication there between.

At base station 1110, traffic data for a number of data streams can be provided from a data source 1112 to a Transmit (TX) data processor 1114. According to one example, each data stream is transmitted on a respective antenna. TX data processor 1114 formats, codes, and interleaves the traffic data stream based on a particular coding scheme selected for that data stream to provide coded data.

The coded data for each data stream can be multiplexed with pilot data using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) techniques. Additionally or alternatively, the pilot symbols may be Frequency Division Multiplexed (FDM), Time Division Multiplexed (TDM), or Code Division Multiplexed (CDM). The pilot data is typically a known data pattern that is processed in a known manner and is used at mobile device 1150 to estimate channel response. The multiplexed pilot and coded data for each data stream can be modulated (e.g., symbol mapped) based on a particular modulation scheme (e.g., binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), M-phase-shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM), etc.) selected for that data stream to provide modulation symbols. The data rate, coding, and modulation for each data stream may be determined by instructions performed or provided by processor 1130.

The modulation symbols for the data streams can be provided to a TX MIMO processor 1120, which TX MIMO processor 1120 can further process the modulation symbols (e.g., for OFDM). TX MIMO processor 1120 then forwards to N_TN are provided by transmitters (TMTR)1122a through 1122t_TA stream of modulation symbols. In various aspects, TX MIMO processor 1120 applies beamforming weights to the symbols of the data streams and to the antenna from which the symbol is being transmitted.

Each transmitter 1122 receives and processes a respective symbol stream to provide one or more analog signals, and further conditions (e.g., amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog signals to provide a modulated signal suitable for transmission over the MIMO channel. In addition, from N respectively_TN transmitted by antennas 1124a through 1124t from transmitters 1122a through 1122t_TA modulated signal.

At mobile device 1150, N_RThe antennas 1152a through 1152r receive the transmitted modulated signals and provide the received signals from each antenna 1152 to a respective receiver (RCVR)1154a through 1154 r. Each transceiver 1154 conditions (e.g., filters, amplifies, and downconverts) a respective signal, digitizes the conditioned signal to provide samples, and further processes the samples to provide a corresponding "received" symbol stream。

RX data processor 1160 from N_RN is received by a receiver 1154_RA symbol stream and process N according to a particular receiver processing technique_RA received symbol stream to provide N_TA "detected" symbol stream. The RX data processor 1160 demodulates, deinterleaves, and decodes each detected symbol stream to recover the traffic data for the data stream. The processing by RX data processor 1160 is complementary to that performed by TX MIMO processor 1120 and TX data processor 1114 at base station 1110.

A processor 1170 periodically determines which precoding matrix to use as discussed above. Further, processor 1170 formulates a reverse link message comprising a matrix index portion and a rank value portion.

The reverse link message may comprise various types of information regarding the communication link and/or the received data stream. The reverse link message can be processed by a TX data processor 1138, modulated by a modulator 1180, conditioned by transmitters 1154a through 1154r, and transmitted back to base station 1110, wherein TX data processor 1138 also receives traffic data for a number of data streams from a data source 1136.

At base station 1110, the modulated signals from mobile device 1150 are received by antennas 1124, conditioned by receivers 1122, demodulated by a demodulator 1140, and processed by a RX data processor 1142 to extract the reverse link message transmitted by mobile device 1150. Further, processor 1130 can process the extracted message to determine which precoding matrix to use for determining the beamforming weights.

Processors 1130 and 1170 can direct (e.g., control, coordinate, manage, etc.) operation at base station 1110 and mobile device 1150, respectively. Processors 1130 and 1170 can be associated with memory 1132 and 1172, respectively, that store program codes and data. Processors 1130 and 1170 can also perform computations to derive frequency and impulse response estimates for the uplink and downlink, respectively.

It is to be understood that the aspects described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or any combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processing units may be implemented within one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof.

When the aspects are implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, program code or code segments, they can be stored in a machine-readable medium, such as a storage component. A code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

For a software implementation, the techniques described herein may be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The software codes may be stored in memory units and executed by processors. The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor, in which case it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means as is known in the art.

Referring to fig. 12, a system 1200 that facilitates requesting PCI in a wireless network is depicted. For example, system 1200 can reside at least partially within a base station, mobile device, and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that system 1200 is represented as including functional blocks, which can be functional blocks that represent functions implemented by a processor, software, or combination thereof (e.g., firmware). System 1200 includes a logical grouping 1202 of electrical components that can act in conjunction. For example, logical grouping 1202 may include: an electrical component 1204 for obtaining one or more RF parameters from one or more neighboring access points. For example, as described above, the RF parameters may be received by receiving and evaluating signals from neighboring access points, receiving signal information from one or more UEs communicating with the neighboring access points, and so on. Moreover, logical grouping 1202 may also include: an electrical component for transmitting a request for PCI with the one or more RF parameters 1206.

Moreover, logical grouping 1202 may also include: an electrical component for receiving 1208 one or more PCIs from a network component to which electrical component for transmitting 1206 sends a request. To this end, the received PCI may be based on the provided parameters. Moreover, logical grouping 1202 may also include: an electrical component 1210 for sending a request for PCI with one or more local parameters. Thus, as described above, the received PCI is also based on these local parameters. Additionally, system 1200 can include a memory 1212 that retains instructions for executing functions associated with electrical components 1204, 1206, 1208, and 1210. While electrical components 1204, 1206, 1208, and 1210 are illustrated as being external to memory 1212, it is to be understood that one or more of electrical components 1204, 1206, 1208, and 1210 can exist within memory 1212.

Referring to fig. 13, illustrated is a system 1300 that selects a PCI for an access point as a function of neighbor RF parameters. For example, system 1300 can reside at least partially within a base station, mobile device, etc. It is to be appreciated that system 1300 is represented as including functional blocks, which can be functional blocks that represent functions implemented by a processor, software, or combination thereof (e.g., firmware). System 1300 includes a logical grouping 1302 of electrical components that can act in conjunction. For example, logical grouping 1302 may include: an electrical component 1304 for receiving one or more RF parameters related to at least one neighboring access point from an access point. As described above, these RF parameters may be related to received signal strength, identification, PCI, etc. of neighboring access points. Moreover, logical grouping 1302 may also include: an electrical component 1306 for selecting a PCI for the access point based at least in part on the one or more RF parameters.

Thus, as described above, when the parameters indicate that an access point has a signal strength below a threshold, the PCI of the associated access point may be selected for the access point. Moreover, as described above, the electrical component for receiving 1304 may additionally receive local parameters from the access point, and the electrical component for selecting 1306 may further select the PCI based on the local parameters as described above. Moreover, as described above, electrical component for selecting 1306 may further select the PCI based on local parameters received from neighboring access points during a previous PCI request. Moreover, logical grouping 1302 may also include: an electrical component for sending the PCI to the access point 1308. Additionally, system 1300 can include a memory 1310 that retains instructions for executing functions associated with electrical components 1304, 1306, and 1308. While shown as being external to memory 1310, it is to be understood that one or more of electrical components 1304, 1306 and 1308 can exist within memory 1310.

Referring to FIG. 14, a system 1400 that facilitates receiving a list of PCIs and selecting a PCI from the list is depicted. For example, system 1400 can reside at least partially within a base station, mobile device, and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that system 1400 is represented as including functional blocks, which can be functional blocks that represent functions implemented by a processor, software, or combination thereof (e.g., firmware). System 1400 includes a logical grouping 1402 of electrical components that can act in conjunction. For example, logical grouping 1402 can include: an electrical component 1404 for receiving the PCI list from the network component. As described in one example, the list can be prioritized according to the desires of the network components. Moreover, logical grouping 1402 can also include: an electrical component 1406 for selecting a PCI in the list of PCIs for communication in the wireless network based on parameters of the PCIs specified in the list of PCIs. These parameters may be the priority of the PCI in the list, the probability that one or more access points will select the PCI, and so on.

Moreover, logical grouping 1402 can also include: an electrical component 1408 for receiving one or more RF parameters related to one or more neighboring access points. Accordingly, the electrical component for selecting a PCI 1406 can additionally select a PCI in the list based upon the RF parameters. For example, as described above, if the highest ranked PCI in the list has undesired RF parameters from an access point using that PCI, then electrical component 1406 can select the next highest ranked PCI. Moreover, logical grouping 1402 can also include: an electrical component 1410 for sending a PCI request including one or more local parameters to a network component. Thus, for example, the received list may also be prioritized according to these local parameters. Additionally, system 1400 can include a memory 1412 that retains instructions for executing functions associated with electrical components 1404, 1406, 1408, and 1410. While electrical components 1404, 1406, 1408, and 1410 are illustrated as being external to memory 1412, it is to be understood that one or more of electrical components 1404, 1406, 1408, and 1410 can exist within memory 1412.

Referring to fig. 15, a system 1500 that provides a prioritized list of PCIs to an access point is depicted. For example, system 1500 can reside at least partially within a base station, mobile device, and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that system 1500 is represented as including functional blocks, which can be functional blocks that represent functions implemented by a processor, software, or combination thereof (e.g., firmware). System 1500 includes a logical grouping 1502 of electrical components that can act in conjunction. For example, logical grouping 1502 may include: an electrical component 1504 for receiving a PCI request from an access point that includes one or more parameters related to the access point. As described above, these parameters may relate to location, altitude, transmit power, one or more neighbor parameters, and so on. Moreover, logical grouping 1502 may also include: an electrical component 1506 for generating a list of PCIs for the access point at least in part by comparing the one or more parameters to one or more disparate parameters received from one or more disparate access points, wherein the list of PCIs has list parameters for each PCI. For example, the parameters may relate to the priority of a given PCI in a list, the probability of one or more access points selecting that PCI in the list, and so on.

Thus, as described above, the list may be generated to avoid PCI collisions with different access points in the vicinity of the access point. As described above, this information can be learned from the parameters received from the access point and the different access points in the previous PCI request. Further, the electrical component 1506 can provide a permutation of the previous list. For instance, as described above, when the electrical component 1506 generates a list for the access point, the electrical component 1506 can generate a different list for different neighboring access points that is a re-prioritized list of the list from the generated list for the access point. Moreover, logical grouping 1502 may also include: an electrical component 1508 for sending the list of PCIs to the access point. Additionally, system 1500 can include a memory 1510 that retains instructions for executing functions associated with electrical components 1504, 1506, and 1508. While electrical components 1504, 1506, and 1508 are illustrated as being external to memory 1510, it is to be understood that one or more of electrical components 1504, 1506, and 1508 can exist within memory 1510.

The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Further, at least one processor includes one or more modules operable to perform one or more of the steps and/or actions described above.

Further, the steps and/or actions of a method or algorithm described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. In addition, in some aspects, the processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may reside in a user terminal. Of course, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal. Further, in some aspects, the steps and/or actions of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a machine readable medium and/or computer readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

In one or more aspects, the functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Further, any connection may be termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes Compact Disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

While the foregoing invention discusses illustrative aspects and/or embodiments, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the embodiments and/or described aspects as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Moreover, all or a portion of any aspect and/or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and/or embodiment, unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects and/or some aspects may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Moreover, all or a portion of any aspect and/or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and/or embodiment, unless stated otherwise.

Claims (122)

1. A method, comprising:

measuring one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters associated with one or more neighboring access points;

transmitting the one or more RF parameters to a network component to receive a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) assignment.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving the PCI allocation from the network component, wherein the PCI allocation comprises one or more PCIs.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

using at least one of the one or more PCIs for communicating in a wireless network.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sending one or more local parameters to the network component to receive the PCI allocation.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein measuring the one or more RF parameters comprises: measuring signal strengths of the one or more neighboring access points.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein measuring the one or more RF parameters comprises: evaluating signals received from the one or more neighboring access points.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein measuring the one or more RF parameters comprises: receiving the RF parameters from a device in communication with the one or more neighboring access points.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein measuring the one or more RF parameters comprises: receiving the RF parameters from the one or more neighboring access points over a backhaul link.

9. A wireless communications apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor configured to:

receiving one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters related to one or more surrounding access points;

sending a request for a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) including the one or more RF parameters to a network component;

a memory coupled with the at least one processor.

10. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

receiving a PCI from the network component in accordance with the one or more RF parameters.

11. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor transmits the request for PCI with one or more local parameters.

12. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or more RF parameters include a measured signal strength of at least one of the one or more surrounding access points.

13. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor receives the one or more RF parameters at least in part over a backhaul link with the one or more surrounding access points.

14. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor receives the one or more RF parameters from one or more mobile devices in communication with the one or more surrounding access points.

15. An apparatus, comprising:

means for obtaining one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters from one or more neighboring access points;

means for transmitting a request for a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) with the one or more RF parameters.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

means for receiving one or more PCIs from a network component, wherein the means for transmitting transmits the request to the network component.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus uses the one or more PCIs in subsequent communications over a wireless network.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

means for transmitting the request for PCI with one or more local parameters.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the means for obtaining one or more RF parameters measures a strength of a signal received from the one or more neighboring access points, the strength being the RF parameter sent with the request for PCI.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the means for obtaining one or more RF parameters receives the one or more RF parameters over a backhaul link with the one or more neighboring access points.

21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the means for obtaining one or more RF parameters receives the one or more RF parameters from a UE in communication with the one or more neighboring access points.

22. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer-readable medium comprising:

code for causing at least one computer to measure one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters related to one or more neighboring access points;

code for causing the at least one computer to transmit the one or more RF parameters to a network component to receive a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) assignment.

23. The computer program product of claim 22, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

code for causing the at least one computer to receive the PCI allocation from the network component, wherein the PCI allocation comprises one or more PCIs.

24. The computer program product of claim 22, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

code for causing the at least one computer to send one or more local parameters to the network component to receive the PCI allocation.

25. The computer program product of claim 22, wherein the code for causing at least one computer to measure the one or more RF parameters measures signal strength of the one or more neighboring access points.

26. The computer program product of claim 22, wherein the code for causing at least one computer to measure the one or more RF parameters evaluates signals received from the one or more neighboring access points.

27. An apparatus, comprising:

a neighbor measurement component to receive one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters from one or more neighboring access points;

a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) request component to transmit a request for a PCI with the one or more RF parameters.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising:

a PCI receiving component to obtain one or more PCIs from a network component, wherein the PCI requesting component sends the request to the network component.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the apparatus uses the one or more PCIs in subsequent communications over a wireless network.

30. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising:

a local parameters component that includes one or more local parameters and the request for PCI.

31. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the neighbor measurement component measures a strength of a signal received from the one or more neighboring access points, the strength being an RF parameter transmitted with the request for PCI.

32. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the neighbor measurement component receives the one or more RF parameters over a backhaul link with the one or more neighboring access points.

33. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the neighbor measurement component receives the one or more RF parameters from a UE in communication with the one or more neighboring access points.

34. A method, comprising:

receiving a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters related to one or more neighboring access points;

selecting a PCI for the access point based at least in part on the one or more RF parameters;

sending the PCI to the access point.

35. The method of claim 34, further comprising:

receiving one or more local parameters associated with the access point in the PCI request.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein receiving the PCI request from the access point comprises: receiving the PCI request comprising the one or more RF parameters from the access point, wherein the one or more RF parameters comprise a strength at the access point of a signal received from at least one of the one or more neighboring access points.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein selecting the PCI comprises: evaluating whether the strength of the signal is below or above a threshold strength.

38. The method of claim 34, wherein selecting the PCI is further based at least in part on: evaluating one or more local parameters received from at least one of the one or more neighboring access points.

39. A wireless communications apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor configured to:

receiving a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters related to surrounding access points;

determining a PCI for the access point at least in part by comparing the one or more RF parameters to available PCIs;

sending the PCI to the access point;

a memory coupled with the at least one processor.

40. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 39,

the at least one processor is further configured to receive one or more local parameters from the access point,

the at least one processor also determines the PCI based on the one or more local parameters.

41. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 39, wherein the one or more RF parameters include a signal strength of at least one of the surrounding access points received by the access point.

42. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 41, wherein the at least one processor determines the PCI by:

comparing the signal strength to other signal strengths in the RF parameters,

the PCIs of different access points having signal strengths below a threshold level are selected.

43. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 41, wherein the at least one processor determines the PCI further based at least in part on one or more local parameters received from at least one of the surrounding access points in a PCI request from the at least one of the surrounding access points.

44. An apparatus, comprising:

means for receiving one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters from an access point related to at least one neighboring access point;

means for selecting a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) for the access point based at least in part on the one or more RF parameters;

means for transmitting the PCI to the access point.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the means for receiving one or more RF parameters further receives one or more local parameters related to the access point, and the means for selecting the PCI further selects the PCI based on the one or more local parameters.

46. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the one or more RF parameters is a signal strength associated with the at least one neighboring access point.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the means for selecting the PCI selects the PCI of at least one neighboring access point for which the signal strength is below a threshold level.

48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the means for selecting the PCI selects the PCI of the at least one neighboring access point that has the signal strength lower than substantially all signal strengths received in the one or more RF parameters.

49. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the means for selecting the PCI further selects the PCI based at least in part on one or more local parameters received from the at least one neighboring access point in a previous PCI request.

50. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer-readable medium comprising:

code for causing at least one computer to receive a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters related to one or more neighboring access points;

code for causing the at least one computer to select a PCI for the access point based at least in part on the one or more RF parameters;

code for causing the at least one computer to transmit the PCI to the access point.

51. The computer program product of claim 50, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

code for causing the at least one computer to receive one or more local parameters related to the access point in the PCI request.

52. The computer program product of claim 51, wherein the code for causing the at least one computer to select the PCI further evaluates one or more disparate local parameters received from at least one of the one or more neighboring access points.

53. An apparatus, comprising:

a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) parameter receiving component to obtain one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters from an access point related to at least one neighboring access point;

a PCI selecting component for selecting a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) for the access point based at least in part on the one or more RF parameters;

a PCI transmitting component for providing the PCI to the access point.

54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the PCI parameter receiving component further obtains one or more local parameters related to the access point, and the PCI selecting component further selects the PCI based on the one or more local parameters.

55. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the one or more RF parameters is a signal strength associated with the at least one neighboring access point.

56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the PCI selecting component selects a PCI of at least one neighboring access point for which the signal strength is below a threshold level.

57. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the PCI selecting component further selects the PCI based at least in part on one or more local parameters received from the at least one neighboring access point in a previous PCI request.

58. A method, comprising:

receiving a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) list from a network component;

selecting the PCI from the list of PCI's based at least in part on parameters related to the PCI indicated in the list of PCI's.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein selecting the PCI comprises: selecting the PCI from the list of PCI's based at least in part on the priority of the PCI in the list of PCI's.

60. The method of claim 58, wherein selecting the PCI comprises: selecting the PCI from the list of PCIs based at least in part on a probability that a different access point selects the PCI.

61. The method of claim 58, further comprising:

receiving one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters related to one or more neighboring access points, wherein selecting the PCI further comprises evaluating the one or more RF parameters of each access point when using the PCI.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein receiving the one or more RF parameters comprises: receiving the one or more RF parameters at least in part by measuring signals transmitted by the one or more neighboring access points.

63. The method of claim 61, wherein receiving the one or more RF parameters comprises: receiving the one or more RF parameters from one or more UEs in communication with the one or more neighboring access points.

64. The method of claim 61, wherein receiving the one or more RF parameters comprises: receiving the one or more RF parameters over a backhaul link for the one or more neighboring access points.

65. The method of claim 58, further comprising:

sending a PCI request including one or more local parameters to the network component, wherein the PCI list is received in response to the PCI request.

66. A wireless communications apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor configured to:

receiving a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) list from a network component;

selecting a PCI from the list to facilitate communication in a wireless network according to the relevant parameters in the PCI list;

a memory coupled with the at least one processor.

67. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 66, wherein the related parameter is a priority of a PCI in the list.

68. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 66, wherein the related parameter is a probability of one or more access points selecting the PCI.

69. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 66,

the at least one processor is further configured to receive one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters from surrounding access points,

the at least one processor further selects the PCI based on the one or more RF parameters.

70. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 69, wherein the at least one processor receives the one or more RF parameters from a UE in communication with the surrounding access points.

71. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 66,

the at least one processor is further configured to send a PCI request including one or more local parameters to the network component,

the at least one processor receives the list of PCIs in response to the PCI request.

72. An apparatus, comprising:

means for receiving a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) list from a network component;

means for selecting the PCI in the PCI list for communication in a wireless network according to parameters of the PCI specified in the PCI list.

73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the parameter is a priority of the PCI in the list of PCI.

74. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the parameter is a probability that one or more different access points will select the PCI.

75. The apparatus of claim 72, further comprising:

means for receiving one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters related to one or more neighboring access points, wherein the means for selecting the PCI in the list of PCIs evaluates the one or more RF parameters of each access point when using the PCI when selecting the PCI.

76. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the means for receiving one or more RF parameters measures signals transmitted by the one or more neighboring access points to obtain the RF parameters.

77. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the means for receiving one or more RF parameters receives the one or more RF parameters from one or more UEs in communication with the one or more neighboring access points.

78. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the means for receiving one or more RF parameters receives the one or more RF parameters over a backhaul link with the one or more neighboring access points.

79. The apparatus of claim 72, further comprising:

means for sending a PCI request including one or more local parameters to the network component, wherein the means for receiving a PCI list receives the list in response to the PCI request.

80. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the apparatus uses the selected PCI in subsequent communications over the wireless network.

81. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer-readable medium comprising:

code for causing at least one computer to receive a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) list from a network component;

code for causing the at least one computer to select the PCI from the list of PCI's based at least in part on parameters of the PCI indicated in the list of PCI's.

82. The computer program product of claim 81, wherein the parameter is a priority of the PCI in the list of PCI.

83. The computer-program product of claim 81, wherein the parameter is a probability that a different access point selects the PCI.

84. The computer program product of claim 81, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

code for causing the at least one computer to receive one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters related to one or more neighboring access points,

wherein selecting the PCI further comprises evaluating the one or more RF parameters for each access point when using the PCI.

85. The computer program product of claim 84, wherein the code for causing the computer to receive one or more RF parameters receives the one or more RF parameters at least in part by measuring signals transmitted by the one or more neighboring access points.

86. The computer program product of claim 81, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

code for causing the at least one computer to send a PCI request including one or more local parameters to the network component, wherein the PCI list is received in response to the PCI request.

87. An apparatus, comprising:

a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) receiving component for obtaining a PCI list from a network component;

a PCI selecting component for selecting the PCI in the PCI list for communication in a wireless network according to parameters of the PCI specified in the PCI list.

88. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the parameter is a priority of the PCI in the list of PCI.

89. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the parameter is a probability that one or more different access points will select the PCI.

90. The apparatus of claim 87, further comprising:

a neighbor measurement component to receive one or more Radio Frequency (RF) parameters related to one or more neighboring access points,

wherein the PCI selection component, when selecting the PCI, evaluates the one or more RF parameters of each access point when using the PCI.

91. The apparatus of claim 90, wherein the neighbor measurement component analyzes signals transmitted by the one or more neighboring access points to obtain the RF parameters.

92. The apparatus of claim 87, further comprising:

a PCI request component to send a PCI request including one or more local parameters to the network component,

wherein the PCI receiving component obtains the list of PCI responsive to the PCI request.

93. A method, comprising:

receiving a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more parameters related to the access point;

evaluating one or more different parameters received from a plurality of different access points;

generating a list of PCIs for the access point at least in part by comparing the one or more parameters to the one or more different parameters, wherein the list of PCIs indicates at least one list parameter for each PCI.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein indicating the at least one list parameter comprises specifying a priority of PCIs in the list of PCIs.

95. The method of claim 93, wherein indicating the at least one list parameter comprises indicating a probability of one or more different access points selecting the PCI.

96. The method of claim 93, wherein generating the list comprises: prioritizing the list by comparing one or more access point parameters of the access point to one or more different access point parameters of at least one of the plurality of different access points.

97. The method of claim 96, wherein the one or more access point parameters and the one or more disparate access point parameters comprise: a transmit power, a location, a configuration, a number of associated users, or a cell type associated with the access point and at least one different access point of the plurality of different access points, respectively.

98. The method of claim 93, further comprising:

sending the PCI list to the access point.

99. The method of claim 93, further comprising:

receiving a second PCI request including a second set of parameters from a second access point;

generating a permutation of the PCI list for the second access point at least in part by analyzing the second set of parameters;

sending a permutation of the PCI list to the second access point.

100. A wireless communications apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor configured to:

obtaining a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more parameters related to the access point;

analyzing one or more different parameters received from a plurality of different access points;

establishing a list of PCIs for the access point at least in part by comparing the one or more parameters to the one or more different parameters, wherein the list of PCIs has a list parameter for each PCI; a memory coupled with the at least one processor.

101. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 100, wherein the list parameter relates to a priority of each PCI in the list of PCIs.

102. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 100, wherein the list parameters relate to a probability of one or more access points selecting each PCI in the list of PCIs.

103. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 100, wherein the at least one processor prioritizes the PCI list by comparing the received access point parameters for the access point with received disparate access point parameters for at least one disparate access point from the plurality of disparate access points.

104. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 100, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to transmit the PCI list to the access point.

105. An apparatus, comprising:

means for receiving a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more parameters related to the access point;

means for generating a list of PCIs for one or more different access points at least in part by comparing the one or more parameters to one or more different parameters received from the one or more different access points, wherein the list of PCIs has a list parameter for each PCI.

106. The apparatus of claim 105, wherein the list parameter is a priority of a PCI in the list of PCIs.

107. The apparatus of claim 105, wherein the list parameter is a probability of one or more different access points selecting the PCI.

108. The apparatus of claim 105, wherein the means for generating the list prioritizes the list by comparing access parameters of the access point to disparate access point parameters of at least one of the one or more disparate access points.

109. The apparatus of claim 108, wherein the one or more access point parameters and the one or more disparate access point parameters comprise: a transmit power, a location, a configuration, a number of related users, or a cell type associated with the access point and at least one of the one or more different access points, respectively.

110. The apparatus of claim 105, further comprising:

means for sending the PCI list to the access point.

111. The apparatus of claim 105, wherein:

the means for receiving a PCI request receives a second PCI request from a second access point;

the means for generating the PCI list generates a permutation of the PCI list for the second access point at least in part by evaluating a second set of parameters in the second PCI request.

112. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer-readable medium comprising:

code for causing at least one computer to receive a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more parameters related to the access point;

code for causing the at least one computer to evaluate one or more disparate parameters received from a plurality of disparate access points;

code for causing the at least one computer to generate a list of PCIs for the access point at least in part by comparing the one or more parameters to the one or more different parameters, wherein the list of PCIs have list parameters.

113. The computer program product of claim 112, wherein the list parameter relates to a priority of PCIs in the list.

114. The computer program product of claim 112, wherein the list parameter relates to a probability of one or more disparate access points selecting the PCI.

115. The computer program product of claim 112, wherein the code for causing the at least one computer to generate the list prioritizes the list by comparing access point parameters for the access point to one or more disparate parameters for at least one of the plurality of disparate access points.

116. The computer program product of claim 112, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises: code for causing the at least one computer to transmit the list of PCIs to the access point.

117. An apparatus, comprising:

a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) parameter receiving component to obtain a PCI request from an access point, wherein the PCI request includes one or more parameters related to the access point;

a PCI list component to establish a PCI list for the access point at least in part by comparing the one or more parameters to one or more disparate parameters received from one or more disparate access points, wherein the PCI list has list parameters for each PCI.

118. The apparatus of claim 117, wherein the list parameter relates to a priority of a PCI in the list of PCIs.

119. The apparatus of claim 117, wherein the list parameter relates to a probability of one or more disparate access points selecting a PCI in the list of PCIs.

120. The apparatus of claim 117, wherein the PCI list component prioritizes the list by comparing an access point parameter of the access point to a disparate access point parameter of at least one of the one or more disparate access points.

121. The apparatus of claim 117, further comprising:

a PCI transmitting component for providing the PCI list to the access point.

122. The apparatus of claim 117, wherein:

the PCI parameter receiving component receives a second PCI request from a second access point;

the PCI list component generates a permutation of the PCI list for the second access point at least in part by evaluating a second set of parameters in the second PCI request.