HK1126905A - Power control using multiple rate interference indications - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate mitigation of interference in a wireless communication environment. Terminals can utilize interference information provided by neighboring sectors to adjust transmit power and reduce interference. Access points can provide two sets or types of interference information. The first type can be transmitted over a large coverage area, requiring significant overhead and limiting the transmission rate. Access points can also provide a second set or type of interference information directed at smaller coverage area, such as an area proximate to the edge of the supported sector. This second type of interference information can be utilized by terminals that include the access point within their active set. The second set of interference information can be provided at a higher rate than the first set due to decreased overhead requirements.; Terminals can utilize both sets of interference information to adjust transmit power.

Description

Power control using multi-rate interference indication

Cross referencing

The present application claims the benefit OF U.S. provisional application No. 60/756,959 entitled "POWER CONTROL METHOD USING multi-RATE OTHER sector interference indication" (METHOD OF POWER CONTROL USING multi-RATE OTHER sector interference INDICATIONS) "filed on 5.1.2006. The above referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The following description relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to mitigation of interference.

Background

Wireless networking systems have become a popular means for most people around the world to communicate. Wireless communication devices have become smaller and more powerful in order to meet consumer needs and to improve portability and convenience. Consumers have become dependent on wireless communication devices, such as cellular telephones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and the like, requiring reliable service, expanded coverage areas, and increased functionality.

Generally, a wireless multiple-access communication system can simultaneously support communication for multiple wireless terminals or user devices. Each terminal communicates with one or more access points via transmissions on the forward and reverse links. The forward link (or downlink) refers to the communication link from the access points to the terminals, and the reverse link (or uplink) refers to the communication link from the terminals to the access points.

A wireless system may be a multiple-access system capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., bandwidth and transmit power). Examples of such multiple-access systems include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems.

Typically, each access point supports terminals that are positioned within a particular coverage area (referred to as a sector). The sector supporting a particular terminal is referred to as the serving sector. Other access points that do not support the particular terminal are referred to as non-serving sectors. The term "sector" can refer to an access point and/or an area covered by an access point, depending on the context. Terminals within a sector can be assigned specific resources (e.g., time and frequency) to allow simultaneous support for multiple terminals. However, transmissions by terminals in neighboring sectors may not be coordinated. Thus, transmission by a terminal in a neighboring sector may result in interference and degradation of terminal performance.

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 disclosure thereof, various aspects are described in connection with mitigating interference in a wireless system. In general, a sector transmits interfering communications used by terminals in neighboring sectors to adjust transmission power and minimize interference. These interfering communications are referred to herein as Other Sector Interference (OSI) communications. However, OSI communications require significant power and resources in order to penetrate neighboring sectors. Due to overhead requirements, such wide coverage area transmissions typically cannot be transmitted at high periodic rates. Relatively low rate transmissions can be problematic if one or more terminals transmit in short bursts. Such terminals may complete transmissions before each OSI communication is received. To mitigate interference caused by such terminals, OSI communications of the second type can be transmitted at a faster rate and lower power than the first OSI communications. The second OSI communication is referred to herein as a fast OSI communication. The faster transmission rate of fast OSI communications allows a terminal to adjust transmission power and minimize interference caused by the terminal.

In one aspect, a method for controlling interference is disclosed. The method includes an act of transmitting a first interfering communication and an act of transmitting a second interfering communication, wherein the second interfering communication is transmitted at a higher periodic rate and lower power than the first interfering communication.

In another aspect, a method of controlling terminal transmission power in a wireless environment is disclosed. The method comprises an act of receiving a first interfering communication from a neighboring sector and an act of receiving a second interfering communication from the neighboring sector, wherein the second interfering communication is transmitted at a higher periodic rate and lower power than the first interfering communication. In addition, the method includes an act of adjusting a transmission power of a terminal supported by a sector based at least in part on the first interfering communication and/or the second interfering communication.

In yet another aspect, an apparatus that facilitates controlling interference is provided. The apparatus includes a processor that executes instructions for transmitting a first interfering communication on a first channel and a second interfering communication using a second channel, wherein the second channel has a higher periodic rate than the first channel. Moreover, the apparatus includes a memory that stores interference data for a sector, the first and second interference communications based at least in part on the interference data.

Yet another aspect includes an apparatus that facilitates controlling interference. This apparatus includes, in addition to a processor, a memory that stores information associated with a transmission power of a terminal. The processor executes instructions for determining a transmission power based on a first interfering communication from a non-serving sector and a second interfering communication, wherein the second interfering communication is transmitted at a higher periodic rate than the first interfering communication.

Another aspect includes an apparatus that facilitates control of interference. The aspects include means for generating a first interference output, means for generating a second interference output, means for transmitting the first interference output on a first channel, and means for transmitting the second interference output on a second channel, wherein the second channel has a higher periodicity rate than the first channel, and the first interference output and the second interference output are used to manage transmission power for terminals in neighboring sectors.

In another aspect, an apparatus that facilitates mitigating interference is disclosed. The apparatus includes means for obtaining a first interference output and a second interference output from a non-serving sector, and means for managing a transmission power of a terminal as a function of the first interference output and/or the second interference output.

Another aspect discloses a computer-readable medium having instructions for transmitting a first other sector interference output to a terminal and a second other sector interference output to the terminal, wherein the first other sector interference output is transmitted at a lower periodic rate than the second other sector interference output and a transmission power level is adjusted based on the first other sector interference output and the second other sector interference output.

Yet another aspect discloses a computer-readable medium having instructions for obtaining a first other-sector interference output from a non-serving sector, obtaining a second other-sector interference output from the non-serving sector, and managing transmission power for a terminal based at least in part on the first other-sector interference output and the second other-sector interference, wherein the second other-sector interference output is obtained at a higher periodic rate than the first other-sector interference output.

Regarding another aspect, a processor that executes computer-executable instructions that facilitate interference mitigation is disclosed. Here, the instructions include transmitting a first interfering communication based at least in part on an amount of interference observed by a sector, and transmitting a second interfering communication based at least in part on the amount of interference, wherein the first interfering communication is transmitted on a first channel and the second interfering communication is transmitted on a second channel, and the second channel has a higher periodic transmission rate than the first channel, controlling transmission power of terminals supported by a neighboring sector based at least in part on the first interfering communication and the second interfering communication.

In other aspects, a processor that executes computer-executable instructions that facilitate interference mitigation is provided. In these aspects, the instructions include receiving a first interfering communication based at least in part on an amount of interference observed by a neighboring sector, and receiving a second interfering communication based at least in part on the amount of interference. Further, the instructions include performing a first adjustment of a transmission power of a terminal supported by a sector as a function of a first interfering communication and performing a second adjustment of the transmission power of the terminal as a function of a second interfering communication.

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 aspects. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles described herein can be employed and the described equivalents are intended to be included.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system that facilitates controlling transmission power in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

Fig. 2 is an illustration of a wireless communication system in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

Fig. 3 is an illustration of a wireless communication system in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

Fig. 4 illustrates a methodology for transmitting interference information in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

Fig. 5 illustrates a methodology for transmitting interference information in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

Fig. 6 illustrates a methodology for controlling transmission power of a terminal based on interference information, in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

Fig. 7 illustrates a methodology for controlling transmission power of a terminal based on interference information, in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

Fig. 8 illustrates a methodology for controlling transmission power of a terminal based on interference information, in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

Fig. 9 illustrates a system that utilizes interference information to set a transmit power of a terminal in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

Fig. 10 illustrates a system that transmits interference information for a terminal in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

Fig. 11 is an illustration of a wireless communication environment that can be employed in conjunction with the various systems and methods described herein.

Fig. 12 is an illustration of a system that facilitates mitigating interference, in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

Fig. 13 is an illustration of a system that facilitates transmission power control for interference mitigation in accordance with one or more aspects presented herein.

Detailed Description

Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. 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. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more aspects.

As used in this application, the terms "component," "system," and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, 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 illustration, both an application running on a communication device and the device can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. Also, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored 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).

Moreover, various aspects are described herein in connection with a terminal. A terminal can also be called a system, user device, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile device, remote station, access point, base station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or User Equipment (UE). A terminal may be a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a PDA, a handheld device having wireless connection capability, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

Moreover, various aspects or features described herein can be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. For example, computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strip …), optical disks (e.g., Compact Disk (CD), Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) …), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, key drive …).

Typically, in an orthogonal multiple access wireless system, a terminal adjusts its transmit power to minimize or mitigate interference to neighboring non-serving sectors. A sector may broadcast an interfering communication reflecting an interference level within the sector. These interfering communications are referred to herein as Other Sector Interference (OSI) communications. Terminals in neighboring sectors can utilize information within OSI communications and various power control algorithms to adjust transmission power to minimize or mitigate inter-sector interference. The power control algorithm may allow each terminal to transmit at as high a power level as possible while keeping inter-sector interference within an acceptable level.

OSI communications include data indicating interference within a sector. The interference data may be based on observations, calculations, and/or estimates of interference. OSI communications can utilize any format (e.g., single bit, integer, floating point, enumerated types) that reflects the interference.

The terminal may adjust the transmission power based on the received OSI communication. In particular, each terminal may set a transmission power based on interference information, previous transmission power levels utilized by the terminal, and/or measurements of channel strength between the terminal and non-serving sectors. The terminal may also consider the requirements for the dynamic range of the received signal when adjusting power control, in the case where signal distortion caused by the physical channel results in loss of orthogonality and thus intra-sector interference.

OSI communications can occur over a particular channel designated for this purpose (referred to herein as an OSI channel). For example, the proposed IEEE 802.20 protocol providing a standard for Mobile Broadband Wireless Access (MBWA) includes an F-OSICH channel. OSI communications are utilized by access terminals located in sectors adjacent to a transmission sector. Thus, the channel used for OSI communications can cover a larger area to penetrate into neighboring sectors. For example, an OSI channel can have the same coverage area as acquisition pilots broadcast by a transmitting sector. Similar to acquiring pilots, OSI channels may penetrate deeper into neighboring sectors.

The OSI channel can be relatively expensive in terms of required power and time-frequency resources. Due to the larger coverage area necessary to communicate with terminals located deeper within the neighboring sector, the power requirements can be substantial. In addition, OSI channels can be encodable without requiring a receiving terminal to have information about the transmission sector in addition to a sector identifier (e.g., pilot PN) assigned to the sector. The rate at which OSI information is transmitted over an OSI channel is limited due to relatively large overhead requirements. For example, the interference information may be transmitted once per superframe, where a superframe is a set of frames.

The relatively slow periodic rate of OSI communications is sufficient to control interference in many situations. For example, for a fully loaded network (OSI) the OSI communication rate (e.g., once per superframe) is sufficient to control the amount of other sector interference. This results in a relatively tight distribution of the ratio of other sector interference to thermal noise (IoT).

Typical OSI communication rates may be insufficient for some situations. For example, in a partially loaded system, if a single access terminal located near the boundary of two sectors suddenly begins a new transmission after a long period of inactivity, it may cause a significant amount of interference to reverse link transmissions for terminals in neighboring sectors. In the case of using a typical OSI channel, it may take several superframes duration for a neighboring sector to force the terminal to reduce the transmission power to an acceptable level. During this time period, reverse link transmissions in neighboring sectors may be subject to severe interference, potentially resulting in packet errors. It is common for a single terminal or a small group of terminals to cause a large portion of the observed interference to a sector. In particular, a terminal that generates a relatively short burst of transmissions may cause a large amount of interference. Such terminals can come and go back very quickly and can complete transmissions before receiving any interference information provided at relatively low OSI communication rates.

Referring now to the drawings, fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 that mitigates interference. System 100 includes at least one access point 102 and at least one terminal 104 supported by a neighboring sector of access point 102. For simplicity, a single access point and terminal are illustrated. However, system 100 can include multiple access points and terminals. Access point 102 may provide interference information by transmitting OSI communications over a typical OSI channel (e.g., F-OSICH). OSI communications may be independent transmissions on a given channel or may be blocks contained within a transmission. Access point 102 can transmit a second type of OSI communication (referred to herein as fast OSI) at a higher rate and lower power than the OSI communication. Terminal 104 can receive and utilize both the OSI communications and the fast OSI communications.

In various aspects, an access terminal including a transmitting non-serving sector with its active set can receive and decode fast OSI communications. The long-term channel quality on the forward and reverse links is typically highly correlated. Thus, a terminal that causes strong interference at a non-serving sector on the reverse link will likely observe a strong signal (e.g., pilot) from the non-serving sector on the forward link. Thus, a terminal will likely include, within the terminal's active set, non-serving sectors in which the terminal causes interference. If a transmission sector is included in the active set, the terminal will have a Media Access Control Identifier (MAC-ID) and dedicated Control resources assigned by the transmission sector. Thus, the terminal can decode certain limited signals received from non-serving sectors, including fast OSI communications.

The terminal may decode a portion of a resource assignment channel, such as a shared signaling channel (F-SSCH) as defined in the proposed IEEE 802.20 protocol. The resource assignment channel may include forward link control signaling. Resources may be assigned via a resource assignment channel and may be presented in each physical layer (PHY) frame from a transmission sector, including forward and reverse link assignment blocks in the case of handoff. The resource assignment channel can also include power and/or interference information (e.g., fast OSI) that can be decoded by the terminal. Thus, a sector may transmit control information including other sector interference information to terminals including the sector in their active set.

In one or more aspects, in addition to regular OSI communications over OSI channels (e.g., F-OSICH), fast OSI communications can be included in a segment of a resource assignment channel (e.g., F-SSCH), referred to as a fast OSI segment. Interference information within fast OSI communications is intended for a limited set of terminals, i.e., those terminals having a transmission sector within their active set. Thus, the coverage area may be smaller than that used for typical OSI communications. A terminal with a transmission sector within its active set will be able to decode the fast OSI segments. Further, the resource assignment channel may be present in each forward link physical layer frame (FLPHY frame). Thus, fast OSI communications may be transmitted at a rate as fast as once per FLPHY frame. The increased delivery rate of the interference information provides for a fast adjustment of the terminal transmission power and helps to mitigate interference generated by the terminal transmitting the transmission burst. An access point utilizing fast OSI communications can more quickly suppress interference from access terminals in neighboring sectors before a terminal causes packet errors in a transmission sector. An access point may provide both typical OSI communications and fast OSI communications. System 100 can be utilized in a variety of multiple-access systems including, but not limited to, CDMA systems, TDMA systems, FDMA systems, OFDMA systems, Interleaved Frequency Division Multiple Access (IFDMA) systems, and Localized Frequency Division Multiple Access (LFDMA) systems.

Referring now to fig. 2, illustrated is a wireless communication system 200 in accordance with various aspects presented herein. System 200 can comprise one or more access points 202 that receive, transmit, repeat, etc., wireless communication signals to each other and/or to one or more terminals 204. Each access point 202 may include multiple transmitter and receiver chains, e.g., one for each transmit and receive antenna, which in turn may include multiple components associated with signal transmission and reception (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, antennas, etc.). The terminal 204 may be, for example, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a handheld communication device, a handheld computing device, a satellite radio, a global positioning system, a PDA, and/or any other suitable device for communicating over the wireless system 200. In addition, each terminal 204 may include one or more transmitter chains and a receiver chain, e.g., for a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, each transmitter and receiver chain may include a plurality of components associated with signal transmission and reception (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, antennas, etc.).

As illustrated in fig. 2, each access point provides communication coverage for a particular geographic area 206. The term "cell" can refer to an access point and/or its coverage area depending on the context. To improve system capacity, the access point coverage area may be divided into multiple smaller areas (e.g., three smaller areas 208A, 208B, and 208C). Each smaller area is served by a respective Base Transceiver Subsystem (BTS). The term "sector" may refer to a BTS and/or its coverage area, depending on the context. For a sectorized cell, the base transceiver subsystems of all sectors of the cell are typically co-located within the access point of the cell.

Terminals 204 are typically dispersed throughout the system 200. Each terminal 204 may be fixed or mobile. Each terminal 204 may communicate with one or more access points 202 on the forward and reverse links at any given moment.

For a centralized architecture, system controller 210 couples to access points 202 and provides coordination and control for access points 202. For a distributed architecture, access points 202 can communicate with each other as needed. Communication between access points directly or via system controller 210 or the like may be referred to as backhaul signaling.

The techniques described herein may be used for system 200 with sectorized cells as well as systems with non-sectorized cells. For clarity, the following description is for a system with sectorized cells. The term "access point" is used generically for a fixed station that serves a sector as well as a fixed station that serves a cell. The terms "terminal" and "user" are used interchangeably, and the terms "sector" and "access point" are also used interchangeably. A serving access point/sector is an access point/sector with which a terminal communicates. Neighboring access points/sectors are access points/sectors with which the terminal is not communicating.

Referring now to fig. 3, an exemplary multiple access wireless communication system 300 is illustrated in accordance with one or more aspects. A 3-sector access point 302 includes multiple antenna groups, one including antennas 304 and 306, another including antennas 308 and 310, and a third including antennas 312 and 314. According to the figure, only two antennas are shown for each antenna group, however, more or fewer antennas may be utilized for each antenna group. Terminal 316 is in communication with antennas 312 and 314, where antennas 312 and 314 transmit information to terminal 316 over forward link 320 and receive information from terminal 316 over reverse link 318. Terminal 322 is in communication with antennas 304 and 306, where antennas 304 and 306 transmit information to terminal 322 over forward link 326 and receive information from terminal 322 over reverse link 324.

Each group of antennas and/or the area in which they are designated to communicate can be referred to as a sector of access point 302. In one or more aspects, antenna groups each are designed to communicate to terminals in a sector or the area covered by access point 302. Each access point may provide coverage for multiple sectors.

A wireless communication system can include one or more access points 302 that communicate with one or more terminals 316, 322. The coverage areas of the access points may overlap. Thus, a terminal may be located within the coverage area of multiple access points.

In general, when a terminal is located within a coverage area provided by multiple access points, the access point and serving sector are selected based on the signal strength of pilot or signal transmissions from the access points to the terminal. Signal strength can be measured in terms of Radio Frequency (RF) path loss, where path loss is the power loss that occurs when a radio wave moves through space along a particular path. To determine the path loss, all access points within the network may transmit signals at a predetermined power. The terminal may then measure the power of each of the received signals to determine the access point with the strongest signal strength. Alternatively, the signal may be transmitted with no power determined and the transmission power may be encoded in the signal or in another channel. The terminal may then compare the difference between the transmitted power and the received power to determine the access point with the strongest signal strength. The terminal may maintain a list of access points (referred to as active sets) that have signal strengths greater than a predefined threshold.

Referring to fig. 4-8, methodologies for mitigating interference are illustrated. 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 utilized to implement a methodology in accordance with one or more aspects.

Referring now to fig. 4, a methodology 400 for mitigating interference is illustrated. At reference numeral 402, noise or interference data can be obtained, calculated, or estimated. The interference data may include interference levels observed by the access point and/or terminals supported by the access point. The interference data may be analyzed at reference numeral 404. For example, mean and/or average values of interference levels may be calculated during one or more specified time periods. The analysis may include generating interference information indicative of interference associated with the sector.

At reference numeral 406, it can be determined whether to provide interference information to terminals in neighboring sectors. For example, if interference is not present or at an acceptable level, no information need be provided to the terminal. In particular, the interference data may be compared to one or more predetermined thresholds. If no interference information is to be provided, the process continues at reference numeral 402, where additional interference data is obtained.

If interference information is to be provided to terminals in a neighboring sector, the process continues at reference numeral 408, where the interference information can be transmitted using fast OSI communications. In particular, interference information can be transmitted over a segment (e.g., a fast OSI segment) in a resource assignment channel (e.g., a F-SSCH).

In addition to fast OSI communications, interference information may also be provided in OSI communications. At reference numeral 410, a determination is made as to whether it is time to transmit legacy OSI information. If not, the process returns to reference numeral 402, where additional interference data may be obtained. If it is time to transmit OSI information, at reference numeral 412, OSI communication can be provided to the terminal.

Turning now to fig. 5, another method 500 for providing separate OSI and fast OSI communications is illustrated. In the method depicted in fig. 4, the same algorithm is used to generate both OSI communications and fast OSI communications. However, separate and/or different algorithms or analyses may be performed to produce fast OSI communications and OSI communications. Independent analysis may be performed to reflect different statistical characteristics of the interference data. For example, OSI communications may be based on a long-term average of interference levels, and fast OSI communications may be based on short-term interference level measurements. Here, fast OSI communication can be used to adjust terminal transmission power and control the average interference level, while fast OSI information can be used to control the tail of the interference level distribution.

Referring again to fig. 5, at reference numeral 502, noise or interference data can be obtained, calculated, and/or estimated. At reference numeral 504, interference data can be estimated and/or analyzed, particularly with respect to fast OSI communications. For example, the interference data may be estimated during a relatively short time period. At reference numeral 506, it can be determined whether fast OSI communication is to be provided to the terminal. In particular, the interference data may be compared to one or more predetermined thresholds. If so, at reference numeral 508, fast OSI communication can be provided to terminals in the neighbor sectors. If not, then no fast OSI communication is transmitted and the process continues at reference numeral 510.

At reference numeral 510, a determination is made as to whether it is time to transmit an OSI communication. If not, the process returns to reference numeral 502 to obtain additional interference data. If so, a second analysis specific to OSI communications can be performed at reference numeral 512. For example, an average of interference data during an extended period of time may be estimated. At reference numeral 514, it can be determined whether OSI communications are to be provided to one or more terminals. If not, the process may return to reference numeral 502, where additional interference data may be obtained. If so, the OSI communication can be transmitted at reference numeral 516.

Referring now to fig. 6, illustrated is a methodology 600 for controlling terminal transmit power to mitigate interference. At reference numeral 602, a terminal can receive interference information based upon interference data observed at a neighboring sector. The interference information may be received in OSI communications or in fast OSI communications at a higher rate and lower power than OSI communications. Interference information included within OSI or fast OSI communications can be decoded for further analysis. If interference information is provided in the OSI communication, then sufficient information will be provided to allow the terminal to decode the interference information. In addition, if the interference information is obtained via fast OSI communication, the terminal may have information needed to decode the information. In particular, if a transmission sector is within the active set maintained by a terminal, the terminal will have a MAC-ID and dedicated control resources associated with the transmission sector. Thus, the terminal will be able to decode the interference information for fast OSI communications.

At reference numeral 604, the provided interference information can be analyzed and evaluated, and any changes in transmit power can be calculated. The transmission power level of the terminal may be adjusted based on the interference information. Typically, the analysis selects a power level that is as high as possible while keeping the inter-sector interference within acceptable levels. The analysis may include comparison to one or more thresholds. The analysis may determine a new transmission power level or an increment or change from a previous power level. In particular, the transmission power may be adjusted according to a series of steps, and one or more steps may be utilized. The step size may be selected based on interference information.

At reference numeral 606, the terminal can set or adjust a transmission power level based at least in part upon an analysis of the interference information. Interference information obtained from multiple non-serving sectors may be combined to select an appropriate power level. Additionally, the transmission power level may also be determined based on terminal power capability and/or remaining battery power or any other suitable criteria.

Referring now to fig. 7, a methodology 700 for processing fast OSI communications is illustrated. At reference numeral 702, a fast OSI communication containing interference information is received. In particular, fast OSI communications can be included in segments within a resource assignment channel. At reference numeral 704, a determination can be made as to whether a fast OSI communication is received from an access point within an active set of a terminal. If not, the terminal may not have the necessary information to decode the fast OSI communication and the process may terminate.

If so, it may be determined at reference numeral 706 whether the forward link channel strength is greater than a predetermined threshold. To increase reliability, an access terminal may respond to fast OSI communications only from sectors whose forward link channel strength is above a predetermined threshold or within an interval around the forward link channel strength of its serving sector. Such channel strength requirements can ensure reasonable reliability of fast OSI communications received from such transmission sectors. In general, the access terminal is most likely to cause substantial interference to the relatively strong sectors of the forward and reverse links. Thus, the process can terminate if the channel strength is below a predetermined level or outside of a specified interval near the channel strength of the serving sector.

If the channel strength is sufficient, the process may continue with analyzing the received interference information at reference numeral 708. The analysis can include combining information received from multiple non-serving sectors. Additionally, the transmission power level may also be determined based on terminal power capability and/or remaining battery power or any other suitable criteria. At reference numeral 710, a transmission power can be set or adjusted based on the received noise interference information.

The terminal may utilize a number of methods or algorithms for determining the transmission power based on the interference information. In one exemplary power control protocol, during transmission of reverse link data, the Power Spectral Density (PSD) (referred to herein as PSD) of a reverse data channel (R-DCH) may be calculated as follows_DCH)：

PSD_DCH＝PSD_CTRL+ RDCH gain + data Ctrl offset

Here, PSD_CTRLIs in regulating the average output power of the reverse control channelThe reference value used by the access terminal in the process, the data Ctrl offset, is a parameter specified by the Reverse Link Serving Sector (RLSS), and the reverse data channel gain (RDCH gain) can be determined as specified below. The power may also be subject to the transmit power limitations of the access terminal and may remain constant throughout the transmission of each entity (PHY) frame.

As shown in the equation above, power is a function of gain (RDCH gain). The RDCH gain may be updated based on the received fast OSI communications, as described in more detail below. Thus, Power (PSD) may be adjusted based on received fast OSI communications_DCH)。

An access terminal may monitor for fast OSI communications received from a set of neighboring sectors and maintain a list of such sectors (referred to as an OSI monitoring group). If the access terminal monitors fast OSI values on the F-SSCH of any active set member other than the RLSS, then, per FL PHY frame, the access terminal may update the OSI monitoring group with a list of identifiers (e.g., pilot PNs) for sectors in the active set for which the fast OSI values are monitored by the access terminal and the ChanDiff values (as defined below) are less than or equal to a threshold referred to as the fast osihandiff threshold. The fast OSIChanDiff threshold is a configuration attribute of the power control protocol.

At the beginning of each superframe of RLSS, the access terminal may update the OSI monitoring group with a list of identifiers (e.g., pilot PNs) for sectors having a pilot strength greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, referred to as the OSI monitoring threshold. Pilot PN and pilot strength are parameters in the overhead parameter list of the overhead message protocol. The OSI monitor threshold is a configuration attribute of the power control protocol.

The OSI monitoring group can exclude pilot PN of RLSS. Additionally, the maximum number of sectors may be included within the OSI monitoring group. If the size of an OSI monitoring group is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum size, referred to as OSI monitoring group size, then only the strongest identifiers up to the maximum number of OSI monitoring group sizes can be maintained in the list. The OSI monitoring group size is a configuration attribute of the power control protocol.

OSI monitoring is updated each timeWhen set, the RDCH gain may be updated as described above and the transmit power may be calculated. After each OSI monitoring group update, the access terminal can create an OSI vector containing OSI information for sectors included in the OSI monitoring group. For example, the ith element of the vector (e.g., OSI)_i) Corresponding to the most recent interference information (e.g., OSI value) from the sector whose pilot PN is indicated by the ith entry of the OSI monitor group. The recent OSI value can be a value received on the fast OSICH of the sector or on the fast OSI segment of the F-SSCH of the sector.

In addition, the access terminal may create a ChanDiff vector, the ith element of which may be calculated as ChanDiff_i：

Here, Rx Power_RLSSAnd Rx Power_iMay be included in the common data of the active set management protocol and correspond to the average received power of the acquisition channel F-ACQCH (across antennas) of the RLSS and the average received power of the F-ACQCH (across antennas) of the sector for which the pilot PN is indicated by the ith entry of the OSI monitoring group, respectively. Transmission power specified in an overhead parameter list of an overhead message protocol_RLSSAnd transmission power_iThe average transmission power of the F-ACQCH and the average transmission power of the F-ACQCH of the sector for which the pilot PN is indicated by the ith entry of the OSI monitor group, respectively, correspond to RLSS. The above calculations can be performed in a linear unit. Both OSI and ChanDiff vectors are used in the calculation of RDCH gain below.

If no interference information has been received, the RDCH gain may be maximized since there is no reporting of interference. For example, if the OSI monitoring group is empty, the access terminal can set the RDCH gain to a predetermined maximum value (e.g., RDCH gain maximum), set the OSI2 sequence number to 1, and set the pilot PN strongest to a default value (e.g., -1). The RDCH gain maximum is a parameter in the overhead parameter list of the overhead message protocol. The OSI2 sequence is a feature that may allow a terminal to accumulate OSI communications, and is discussed in further detail below.

If interference information has been received, the RDCH gain may be calculated using a set of thresholds referred to as a decision threshold vector. The access terminal may first calculate a decision threshold vector, the ith element of which (i.e., the decision threshold)_iAnd 1 ≦ i ≦ OSIM monitor group size) is given by the following equation:

here, the upper and lower decision threshold minimums are configuration attributes of the power control protocol, and OSI refers to the OSI vector described above. The variables a and b can be determined as follows_i：

And

here, ChanDiff maximum and ChanDiff minimum are configuration attributes of the power control protocol, and all values in the above calculations are on a logarithmic scale (in dB). ChanDiff_iAre elements of the ChanDiff vector described above.

The decision thresholds (from different sectors) may be weighted and combined to generate a decision vector. The access terminal may generate a decision vector with the ith element (i.e., the decision)_i1 ≦ i ≦ OSI monitoring group size) is given by the following equation:

here, 0. ltoreq. x_i1 is a uniform random variable, and the up-decision value and the down-decision value are configuration attributes of the power control protocol.

The access terminal may then calculate a weighted decision D according to the following equation_W：

The access terminal may find the sector in the OSI monitoring group with the lowest ChanDiff and designate that sector as sector k. The access terminal may then designate the variable OSI strongest as the OSI value for sector k, and currently designate the pilot PN as the pilot PN for sector k.

The OSI2 sequence number is a feature that may allow a terminal to accumulate a second type of OSI communications referred to herein as OSI2 commands. OSI2 command may be transmitted to a terminal when a relatively high level of interference is observed. Typically, the terminal may adjust the power by a predetermined step size. When multiple OSI2 commands are received by the terminal, the steps are accumulated, resulting in a faster adjustment of the transmission power level. The access terminal may update OSI2 sequence numbers as follows:

here, the maximum OSI2 sequence number is a configuration attribute of the power control protocol. In addition, the pilot PN strongest may be updated as follows:

if D is_wAbove the RDCH gain adjustment threshold, the access terminal may step up the RDCH gain increase data gain by dB, and if D is greater_wLess than or equal to the RDCH gain adjustment threshold, the access terminal should step the RDCH gain reduction data gain down x OSI2 sequence number dB. Here, the data gain step up, the data gain step down, and the RDCH gain adjustment threshold are configuration attributes of the power control protocol. Further, the RDCH gain may be limited by a minimum RDCH gain value and a maximum RDCH gain value. That is, if the resulting RDCH gain is less than the RDCH gain minimum, the access terminal may set the RDCH gain to the RDCH gain minimum, and if the resulting RDCH gain is greater than the RDCH gain maximum, the access terminal may set the RDCH gain to the RDCH gain maximum.

Referring now to fig. 8, another method 800 for controlling transmission power and mitigating interference is illustrated. In the approach described above, the same power control algorithm is utilized for both OSI and fast OSI communications. However, the behavior of the power control mechanism of the terminal may be controlled separately for OSI communications and fast OSI communications.

At reference numeral 802, interference information is provided in an OST communication or a fast OSI communication. The interference information may be received on two separate channels, where a first channel provides interference information at a relatively higher rate and lower power (e.g., fast OSI communications) and a second channel provides interference information at a relatively lower rate and higher power (e.g., OSI communications).

At reference numeral 804, a determination is made whether the received interference information is provided in a fast OSI communication. If so, the process continues at reference numeral 806, where the fast OSI communication is analyzed and a transmit power is calculated. If not, the process continues at reference numeral 808, where OSI communications are analyzed and transmit power can be calculated. The analysis methods, algorithms, thresholds, and the like may be different for OSI and fast OSI communications. For example, a different set of parameters or thresholds may be utilized. In addition, the transmission power may be adjusted in a series of steps to provide a gradual change in transmission power. The step size for fast OSI communications may be different than the step size for OSI communications.

At reference numeral 810, a transmission power can be set or adjusted based on analyzing the interference information. If the interference is not considered to be substantial, the transmission power may remain at the same power level as the previous transmission.

It will be appreciated that inferences can be made regarding transmission power, format, frequency, etc. 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 collected 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. This 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 data come from one event and data source or from several event and data sources.

According to an example, one or more methods presented above may include making inferences regarding observed interference, analysis of interference information, and power level requirements. Inferences can also be made regarding battery life, channel strength, and the like.

Fig. 9 is an illustration of a terminal or user device 900 that provides interference mitigation in a wireless communication environment, in accordance with one or more aspects set forth herein. Terminal 900 comprises a receiver 902 that receives a signal, performs typical actions on (e.g., filters, amplifies, down converts, etc.) the received signal, and digitizes the conditioned signal to obtain samples. A demodulator 904 can demodulate the samples and provide received pilot symbols to a processor 906.

Processor 906 may be a processor dedicated to analyzing information received by receiver component 902 and/or generating information for transmission by a transmitter 914. Processor 906 can be a processor that controls one or more components of terminal 900, and/or a processor that analyzes information received by receiver 902, generates information for transmission by transmitter 914, and controls one or more components of terminal 900. Processor 906 may utilize any of the methods described herein, including those described with respect to fig. 4-8, to determine the transmission power.

Additionally, terminal 900 can comprise a power control component 908 that analyzes received input (including interference information obtained from non-serving sectors) and determines a transmit power. A power control component 908 may be incorporated in the processor 906. Power control component 908 can utilize interference information provided in OSI communications and/or fast OSI communications. OSI communications from multiple non-serving sectors and fast OSI communications can be used in combination to calculate a transmission power for terminal 900. In addition, power control component 908 can additionally utilize information regarding previous transmission power levels, device information (e.g., battery power), and the like to determine transmission power.

It is to be appreciated that the power control component 908 can include power analysis code that performs utility-based analysis in connection with determining transmission power. The power analysis code may utilize artificial intelligence based methods in conjunction with performing inference and/or probabilistic determinations and/or statistical-based determinations in conjunction with optimizing transmission power. The power analysis code may utilize different analysis procedures depending on the manner in which the interference information is provided. For example, OSI communications can be processed utilizing a first set of parameters, thresholds, and/or steps, and fast OSI communications can be analyzed utilizing a second set of parameters, thresholds, and/or steps.

Terminal 900 can additionally include a memory 910, the memory 910 can be operatively coupled to processor 906, and memory 910 can store information related to transmission power; OSI communications; fast OSI communications; a method for determining a transmission power; a lookup table comprising threshold values, parameters, step sizes and information related thereto; and any other suitable information related to interference analysis and adjustment of transmission power. It will be appreciated that the data store (e.g., memories) components described herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include Read Only Memory (ROM), programmable ROM (prom), electrically programmable ROM (eprom), electrically erasable ROM (eeprom), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include Random Access Memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as Synchronous RAM (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous Link (Synchlink) DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). The memory 910 of the subject systems and methods is intended to comprise, without being limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory. Processor 906 is connected to a symbol modulator 912 and a transmitter 914 that transmits the modulated signal.

Fig. 10 is an illustration of a system 1000 that facilitates transmission power control in a communication environment in accordance with various aspects. System 1000 includes an access point 1002 having a receiver 1010, receiver 1010 that receives signals from one or more terminals 1004 through one or more receive antennas 1006 and transmits signals to one or more terminals 1004 through a plurality of transmit antennas 1008. In one or more aspects, receive antennas 1006 and transmit antennas 1008 can be implemented using a single set of antennas. Receiver 1010 can receive information from receive antennas 1006 and is operatively associated with a demodulator 1012 that demodulates received information. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, receiver 1010 may be, for example, a rake receiver (e.g., a technique that uses multiple baseband correlators to individually process multipath signal components, …), an MMSE-based receiver, or some other suitable receiver for separating the terminals assigned thereto. According to various aspects, multiple receivers may be used (e.g., one receiver per receive antenna), and such receivers may communicate with each other to provide improved estimates of user data. Demodulated symbols are analyzed by a processor 1014, which processor 1014 is similar to that described above with reference to fig. 9, and is coupled to a memory 1016 that stores information related to interference, transmission power levels, and the like. The receiver output for each antenna may be jointly processed by receiver 1010 and/or processor 1014. A modulator 1018 can multiplex the signal for transmission by a transmitter 1020 through transmit antennas 1008 to terminals 1004.

Access point 1002 further includes an interference component 1022 that can be a processor distinct from or integral to processor 1014. Interference component 1022 can estimate observed interference data, estimate interference, and generate OSI communications for one or more terminals supported by a neighboring sector and/or fast OSI communications. It is to be appreciated that interference component 1022 can include interference analysis code that performs a utility-based analysis in connection with determining OSI communications and fast OSI communications. The interference analysis code may utilize artificial intelligence based methods in connection with performing inference and/or probabilistic determinations and/or statistical-based determinations in connection with mitigating interference.

Fig. 11 shows an exemplary wireless communication system 1100. The wireless communication system 1100 depicts one access point and two terminals for sake of brevity. It is to be appreciated, however, that the system can include more than one access point and/or one or more than one terminal, wherein additional access points and/or terminals can be substantially similar or different for the exemplary access point and terminal described below. In addition, it is to be appreciated that the access point and/or the terminal can employ the systems (fig. 1-3, 9, and 10) and/or methods (fig. 4-8) described herein.

Fig. 11 shows a block diagram of an access point 1102 and two terminals 1104x and 1104y in a multiple access multi-carrier communication system 1100. At access point 1102, a Transmit (TX) data processor 1114 receives traffic data (i.e., information bits) from a data source 1112, as well as signaling and other information from a controller 1120 and a scheduler 1130. For example, controller 1120 can provide interference information included in OSI communications and fast OSI communications to adjust transmission power for terminals supported by other sectors. A scheduler 1130 may provide carrier assignments for active supported terminals within a sector of access point 1102. Additionally, memory 1122 can hold information regarding interference data observed within the sector. Various types of data (e.g., interference information and assignment information) may be sent on different transport channels. TX data processor 1114 encodes and modulates the received data using multi-carrier modulation (e.g., OFDM) to provide modulated data (e.g., OFDM symbols). A transmitter unit (TMTR)1116 then processes the modulated data to generate a downlink modulated signal, which is then transmitted from an antenna 1118. The interference information may be transmitted on two different channels. In particular, OSI communications can be transmitted at slower rates and higher power levels, while fast OSI communications can be transmitted at higher rates and lower power levels.

At each of terminals 1104x and 1104y, the transmitted and modulated signal is received by an antenna 1152 and provided to a receiver unit (RCVR) 1154. Receiver unit 1154 processes and digitizes the received signal to provide samples. A Receive (RX) data processor 1156 then demodulates and decodes the samples to provide decoded data, which may include interference information, recovered traffic data, messages, signaling, and so on. Traffic data may be provided to a data sink 1158 and fast and/or slow interference information for the terminal may be provided to a controller 1160.

A controller 1160 directs data transmission on the uplink using the particular carrier that has been assigned to the terminal and indicated in the received carrier assignment. Controller 1160 further adjusts transmit power for uplink transmissions based on the received fast and slow interference information. Memory 1162 may maintain information regarding prior interference information and/or other transmission power related information.

For each active terminal 1104x and 1104y, a TX data processor 1174 receives traffic data from a data source 1172 and signaling and other information from a controller 1160. For example, controller 1160 may provide information indicating a desired transmission power, a maximum transmission power, or a difference between the maximum value and a desired transmission power for the terminal. A TX data processor 1174 encodes and modulates various types of data using the assigned carriers and a transmitter unit 1176 further processes the data to generate an uplink modulated signal for subsequent transmission from antenna 1152.

At access point 1102, the transmitted and modulated signals from the active supported terminals are received by antenna 1118, processed by a receiver unit 1132, and demodulated and decoded by an RX data processor 1134. In addition, interference caused by transmissions for terminals 1104x and 1104y supported by other sectors can be monitored and/or estimated. The decoded signal may be provided to a data sink 1136. Controller 1120 may derive interference information and generate OSI communications and/or fast OSI communications. RX data processor 1134 provides the recovered feedback information (e.g., the required transmit power) for the terminals supported by access point 1102 to controller 1120 and scheduler 1130.

Scheduler 1030 uses the feedback information to perform a number of functions, such as (1) selecting a set of terminals for data transmission on the reverse link, and (2) assigning carriers to the selected terminals. The carrier assignments for the scheduled terminals are then transmitted to the terminals on the forward link.

The techniques described herein may be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processing units of these techniques (e.g., controllers 1120 and 1160, TX processor 1114 and RX processor 1134, etc.) 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.

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 now to fig. 12, illustrated is a system 1200 for adjusting interference. System 1200 can comprise a module 1202 for generating OSI communications and a module 1204 for generating fast OSI communications. Both OSI and fast OST communications can be generated based on interference observed, estimated, or calculated for a sector. Module 1202 for generating OSI communications and module 1204 for generating fast OSI communications can utilize the same program or algorithm to generate interfering communications. Alternatively, each of the modules 1202 and 1204 may utilize separate algorithms, sets of parameters, and/or thresholds in generating the interfering communication.

System 1200 can also include a module 1206 for transmitting OSI communications and a module 1208 for transmitting fast OSI communications. Module 1206 for transmitting OSI communications can utilize a channel designated for interference information (e.g., F-OSICH) intended for a wider coverage area. A module 1208 for transmitting fast OSI communications can utilize a channel that is transmitted at a faster rate and lower power. In particular, module 1208 can utilize an assignment channel (e.g., F-SSCH) to transmit fast OSI communications to terminals in neighboring sectors.

Turning now to fig. 13, illustrated is a system 1300 that facilitates controlling transmission power of a terminal to mitigate interference. System 1300 can include modules for obtaining OSI communications and/or fast OSI communications. OSI communications and/or fast OSI communications can include information regarding an observed or estimated amount of interference for a neighboring sector. OSI communications and/or fast OSI communications can be obtained on separate channels, with OSI communication channels transmitting at a slower periodic rate and higher power than fast OSI communication channels.

System 1300 can further comprise a module 1304 for managing transmission power of the terminal as a function of received OSI communications and/or fast OSI communications. Module 1304 can perform independent analysis of OSI communications and fast OSI communications and independently adjust transmit power of the terminal for different types of interfering communications.

What has been described above includes examples of one or more aspects. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned aspects, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various aspects are possible. Accordingly, the described aspects are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 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.

Claims (48)

1. A method for controlling interference, comprising:

transmitting a first interfering communication; and

transmitting a second interfering communication, the second interfering communication being transmitted at a higher periodic rate and lower power than the first interfering communication.

2. The method of claim 1, the first and second interfering communications are based at least in part on interference data for a sector, and a transmission power of at least one terminal in a neighboring sector is adjusted as a function of the first interfering communication and the second interfering communication.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

generating the first and second interfering communications as a function of interference data for a sector; and

comparing the interference data to a threshold, controlling transmission of the first and second interfering communications based on the comparison.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

generating the first interfering communication as a function of a first analysis of interference data; and

generating the second interfering communication as a function of a second analysis of interference level, the first analysis being different from the second analysis.

5. The method of claim 4, the first interfering communication is a function of a long-term interference level.

6. The method of claim 4, the second interfering communication is a function of a short-term interference level.

7. The method of claim 4, the first analysis utilizes a first threshold to control transmission of the first interfering communication and the second analysis utilizes a second threshold to control transmission of the second interfering communication, the first threshold and the second threshold being different.

8. The method of claim 1, the first interfering communication is transmitted via a designated channel and the second interfering communication is transmitted via a resource assignment channel.

9. A method of controlling terminal transmission power in a wireless environment, comprising:

receiving a first interfering communication from a neighboring sector;

receiving a second interfering communication from the neighboring sector, the second interfering communication transmitted at a higher periodic rate and lower power than the first interfering communication; and

adjusting a transmission power for a terminal supported by a sector based at least in part on the first and/or second interfering communications.

10. The method of claim 9, the second interfering communication is received in a resource assignment channel and the neighboring sector is within a set of active sectors of the terminal.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

performing a first analysis of the first interfering communication; and

performing a second analysis of the second interfering communication, the adjustment of the transmission power being a function of the first analysis and/or the second analysis, the first analysis being different from the second analysis.

12. The method of claim 11, the first analysis utilizing a first set of parameters and the second analysis utilizing a second set of parameters.

13. The method of claim 11, the second analysis performed on the second interfering communication comprising estimating a channel strength.

14. An apparatus that facilitates controlling interference, comprising:

a processor that executes instructions for transmitting a first interfering communication on a first channel and a second interfering communication using a second channel, the second channel having a higher periodic rate than the first channel; and

a memory that stores interference data for a sector, the first and second interfering communications based at least in part on the interference data.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, transmission power levels for terminals supported by neighboring sectors are modified as a function of the first and second interfering communications.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, the processor further executes instructions for: determining the first interfering communication in accordance with a first estimation procedure of the interference data; and

determining the second interfering communication in accordance with a second estimation procedure of the interference data, the first estimation procedure and the second estimation procedure being independent.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, the first evaluation procedure utilizes a first limit to manage transmission of the first interfering communication and the second evaluation procedure utilizes a second limit to manage transmission of the second interfering communication, the first limit and the second limit being independent.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, the processor further executes instructions for:

determining the first interfering communication as a function of a long-term interference level; and

determining the second interfering communication as a function of a short-term interference level.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, the first channel is designated for transmission of interference information, and the second channel is a resource assignment channel.

20. An apparatus that facilitates controlling interference, comprising:

a memory storing information associated with a transmission power of a terminal; and

a processor that executes instructions for determining the transmission power based on a first interfering communication and a second interfering communication from a non-serving sector, the second interfering communication being transmitted at a higher periodic rate than the first interfering communication.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, the non-serving sector is within an active set of the terminal.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, the processor further executes instructions for:

analyzing the first interfering communication using a first estimation procedure; and

analyzing the second interfering communication using a second estimation procedure, the first estimation procedure and the second estimation procedure being separate.

23. The apparatus of claim 20, the memory stores a first set of parameters and a second set of parameters, the first estimation procedure utilizes the first set of parameters, and the second estimation procedure utilizes the second set of parameters.

24. The apparatus of claim 20, the second estimation procedure is based at least in part on a channel strength of the second interfering communication.

25. An apparatus that facilitates control of interference, comprising:

means for generating a first interference output;

means for generating a second interference output;

means for transmitting the first interference output on a first channel; and

means for transmitting the second interference output on a second channel at a higher periodic rate than the first channel, the first interference output and the second interference output for managing transmission power for terminals in neighboring sectors.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising means for utilizing a first calculation in generation of the first interference output and a second calculation in generation of the second interference output, the first calculation and the second calculation being different.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising:

means for comparing the first interference output to a threshold, the transmission of the first interference output being a function of the comparison; and

means for comparing the second interference output to a threshold, the transmission of the second interference output being a function of the comparison.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, the first interference output is a function of a long term interference level and the second interference output is a function of a short term interference level.

29. An apparatus that facilitates mitigating interference, comprising:

means for obtaining a first interference output and a second interference output from a non-serving sector; and

means for managing transmission power of a terminal as a function of the first interference output and/or the second interference output.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, the non-serving sector is within a set of active sectors of the terminal.

31. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising:

means for performing a first analysis of the first interference output; and

means for performing a second analysis of the second interference output, the first analysis being different from the second analysis.

32. A computer-readable medium having instructions for:

transmitting the first other sector interference output to the terminal; and

transmitting a second other-sector interference output to the terminal, transmitting the first other-sector interference output at a lower periodic rate than the second other-sector interference output, and adjusting a transmission power level based on the first other-sector interference output and the second other-sector interference output.

33. The computer-readable medium of claim 32, the instructions further comprising:

generating the first other-sector interference output as a function of a first estimate of an amount of interference observed by a sector; and

generating the second other-sector interference output as a function of a second estimate of the amount of interference observed by the sector, the first estimate being independent of the second estimate.

34. The computer-readable medium of claim 33, the first estimate comprising a comparison of the amount of interference to a first threshold, the second estimate comprising a comparison of the amount of interference to a second threshold, the first threshold independent of the second threshold.

35. The computer-readable medium of claim 32, the first other sector interference output and the second other sector interference output are a function of interference level.

36. The computer-readable medium of claim 32, the second other sector interference output is a segment within a resource assignment channel.

37. A computer-readable medium having instructions for:

obtaining a first other sector interference output from a non-serving sector;

obtaining a second other sector interference output from the non-serving sector; and

managing transmission power for a terminal based at least in part on the first other-sector interference output and the second other-sector interference output, the second other-sector interference output being obtained at a higher periodic rate than the first other-sector interference output.

38. The computer-readable medium of claim 37, the instructions further comprising:

adjusting the transmit power based at least in part on a first analysis of the first other sector interference output; and

adjusting the transmit power based at least in part on a second analysis of the second other sector interference output.

39. The computer-readable medium of claim 38, the first analysis being different from the second analysis.

40. The computer-readable medium of claim 38, the second analysis estimates a channel strength of the second other sector interference output.

41. A processor that executes computer-executable instructions that facilitate mitigation of interference, the instructions comprising:

transmitting a first interfering communication based at least in part on an amount of interference observed by a sector; and

transmitting a second interfering communication based at least in part on the amount of interference, the first interfering communication being transmitted on a first channel and the second interfering communication being transmitted on a second channel, the second channel being at a higher periodic transmission rate than the first channel, the transmission power of terminals supported by neighboring sectors being controlled based at least in part on the first interfering communication and the second interfering communication.

42. The process of claim 41, the instructions further comprising:

generating the first interfering communication according to a first estimation procedure; and

the second interfering communication is generated according to a second estimation procedure.

43. The process of claim 42, said first estimation procedure being independent of said second estimation procedure.

44. The process of claim 42, the first channel is designated for transmission of other sector interference and the second channel is a resource assignment channel.

45. A processor that executes computer-executable instructions that facilitate mitigation of interference, the instructions comprising:

receiving a first interfering communication based at least in part on an amount of interference observed by a neighboring sector;

receiving a second interfering communication based at least in part on the amount of interference; and

performing a first adjustment of the transmission power for terminals supported by a sector as a function of the first interfering communication; and

performing a second adjustment of the transmission power of the terminal as a function of the second interfering communication.

46. The processor of claim 45, the first adjustment being different from the second adjustment.

47. The processor of claim 45, the second interfering communication is received by an access point within an active set of the terminal.

48. The processor of claim 45, the second adjustment comprising estimating the channel strength of the second interfering communication.