HK1066944A - Channel assignment in hybrid tdma/cdma communication system - Google Patents

Description

Assigning physical channels to timeslots using fragmentation parameters in hybrid TDMA/CDMA communication systems

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a hybrid time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system. In particular, the present invention relates to resource management in such systems.

Background

Fig. 1 illustrates a physical configuration of a wireless communication system. The system has a plurality of base stations 20. Each base station 20 communicates with User Equipment (UEs)22 in its operating region or cell. Communications transmitted from base stations 20 to UEs22 are referred to as downlink (downlink) and communications transmitted from UEs22 to base stations 20 are referred to as uplink (uplink).

The architecture of a network of a wireless communication system is shown in fig. 2. Each point B24 within the system wirelessly communicates with the associated UEs22 and users. Each point B24 has a single position controller (SC)34 associated with a single or multiple base stations 20. A cluster B24 is connected to a Radio Network Controller (RNC) 281. For transmission between RNCs 28, an interface between RNCs (IUR)26 is used. Each RNC is connected to a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)30, which in turn is connected to a central network 32.

In a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communication system, multiple communications may be transmitted simultaneously over the same frequency spectrum. This multiple communication is distinguished by its code. In a hybrid Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)/CDMA communication system, such as a hybrid Time Division Duplex (TDD) system using a CDMA (TDD/CDMA) communication system, the spectrum has a multi-slot time divided into repeating blocks, such as 15 slots. In such systems, communications are transmitted using selected codes in selected time slots. A physical channel is defined as a code within a time slot. The use of a single code in a single slot with a spreading factor of 16 is referred to as a resource unit. One or more physical layers may be assigned to support user uplink and downlink communications based on a type of service provided to a user (UE 22) in the system.

Assignment to the user's physical layer in such a system is a complex problem. Each physical layer used in a timeslot generates interference corresponding to other frequency channels used in that timeslot. It is therefore desirable to select time slots to minimize interference.

However, there are some drawbacks to selecting a slot based only on interference. UEs22 that communicate using fewer slots will generally have lower power consumption. By stacking codes within a smaller number of timeslots, additional timeslots can be opened for new users. Thus, some UEs22 may only be able to use some time slots, such as one or two.

Disclosure of Invention

Therefore, it is desirable to have efficient resource management in a hybrid TDMA/CDMA communication system.

A physical channel for user services in a hybrid time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system is provided for assignment to a set of time slots. A measure of interference is measured for each slot of the set of slots. A fragmentation parameter is provided. The fragmentation parameter represents a priority for fragmenting user serving physical channels over the time slot. The user service physical channel is assigned to a slot in the set of slots using the measured interference associated with each slot in the set of slots and the fragmentation parameter.

To further illustrate the above objects, structural features and effects of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a physical configuration of a wireless communication system.

Fig. 2 is a network configuration of a wireless communication system.

Figure 3 is a simplified radio network controller using radio resource management.

Fig. 4 is a simplified B-point using radio frequency resource management.

Fig. 5 is a simplified user equipment employing radio resource management.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart of channel assignment/reassignment using a fragmentation parameter.

Fig. 7 and 7A-D are flow diagrams of channel assignment/reassignment.

Detailed Description

Radio Resource Management (RRM) is a continuous process of allocating physical resources to users (UEs 22) in an acceptable Resource configuration. RRM is used to find an efficient solution in terms of the collective needs of all users in a resource unit.

Fig. 3 is a simplified RNC 28 used in RRM. The RNC 28 has a RRM device 36 and a measurement collection device 38. The measurement collection means 38 collects various measurements from other components of the network, such as at points B24 and UEs 22. The measurements include transmission power levels (both uplink and downlink), path penalty (pathloss) information, and other information. The RRM device 36 uses the measurements in determining efficient resource allocation for other components to be transmitted.

Fig. 4 is a simplified point B24 used in RRM. The antenna 40 receives rf frequency signals from UEs22 over an rf channel. The received signal is passed through an isolator 42 to a receiver 46 and a measurement device 48. A channel assignment device 44 receives the channel assignment from the RNC 28, identifies the physical channel and timeslot to allow the receiver 46 to detect the transmitted data. The receiver 46 may be a multi-user detection device (MUD), a RAKE or a different type of receiver. The receiver 46 also recovers signaling information, such as measurement information, from the UE 22, which is communicated to the RNC 28.

A measurement device 48 takes various measurements, such as the reception of interference levels and power levels, at point B24. These measurements are also transmitted to the RNC 28. A transmitter 50 transmits information such as channel assignments and transmission power levels of the point B transmitter 24 to UEs 22. The channel assignment device 44 determines the transmission power level of the point B transmitter 50. Although the following discussion generally refers to an open loop power control algorithm, other power control algorithms, such as closed loop, outer loop, or a combination thereof, may be used. Channel assignment device 44 controls the gain of amplifier 52 to control the transmission power level. The transmitted signal is passed through isolator 42 and transmitted by antenna 40.

Fig. 5 is a simplified UE 22 used in RRM. The antenna 56 receives radio frequency signals from point B24 on a radio frequency channel. The received signal is passed through an isolator 58 to receiver 66 and a measurement device 68. A channel assignment detection device 64 recovers signaling information regarding UE channel assignment for both the uplink and downlink. The receiver 66 may be a multi-user detection device (MUD), a RAKE or a different type of receiver.

A measurement device 68 takes various measurements at the UE 22, such as the reception of interference levels and power levels. These measurements are also transmitted to the RNC 28 by being transmitted to point B24. A transmitter 70 transmits information of the data and signals, such as measurements, path compensation penalty information and the transmission power level of the UE transmitter 70, to point B24. A Transmit Power Controller (TPC)60 determines the transmit power level at point B24. The TPC 60 determines the gain of the amplifier 62 to control the transmission power level. The transmitted signal is passed through an isolator 58 and transmitted by the antenna 56.

In TDMA/CDMA systems, such as TDD/CDMA, the procedure for assigning resource units uses fast dynamic channel allocation (F-DCA). F-DCA is a procedure that assigns resource units to users. F-DCA is typically performed when a new or modified service requirement, user assignment occurs or a change in interference level occurs. Prior to F-DCA, it is predetermined that the time slot is allowed to be allocated. The allowed time slots may be based on interference measurements, such as by Interference Signal Code Power (ISCP), or other factors.

F-DCA has three main roles. First, the F-DCA is used to determine the resource units to be initially allocated, either for assignment or user resource unit reallocation. Reconfiguration may occur when another user or user service is terminated to allow more efficient resource allocation. Second, F-DCA is a process of detachment for users or user services that experience high interference or fail to meet a desired quality of service (QOS). Third, F-DCA is a tool to maintain UE and system resource usage at reasonable levels at all times. There are two competing benefits in efficient resource unit allocation: minimization of interference and fragmentation. It is desirable to minimize the level of interference seen by the user. The minimum interference increases the system capacity. Driving the interference level down may expand the resource units into a majority of the available time slots, reducing the number of resource units per resource slot.

However, it is also desirable to reduce fragmentation of a user resource unit over multiple timeslots. Using timeslots reduces the power consumption of a UE and thus increases the battery life of the UE. The reduced fragmentation also leaves available time slots for new users. Some UEs22 may only be able to process communications in a limited number of time slots, such as 1 or 2 time slots. Reduced fragmentation is necessary for the UE 22.

Fig. 6 is a flow diagram of channel assignment using a segment parameter. A UE 22 requires resource units changed by the unit to grant, newly serve or reassign (72). The RRM device 36 needs to assign resource units to the UE 22 to support the new service. The assignment of resource units may be limited by the maximum number of timeslots or physical channels associated with the service code composite transport channel (CCTrCH) per timeslot, such as 3 timeslots or 3 physical channels per timeslot. In the assignment of resource units for the cctrch, the RRM device 36 uses the available timeslots and their respective interference measurements. Based on this information, the RRM device 36 has a tendency to fragment the resource units over many timeslots to reduce interference in all timeslots.

To reduce this tendency, a fragmentation parameter Pj is introduced to adjust the resource unit assignment of the RRM device. Although the fragmentation parameter is preferably set so that a low value indicates a preference and a high value indicates a strong preference for assigning channels to the timeslot, other parameter values may be used. Pj represents the penalty (penalty) for assigning a CCTrCH to the j time slot (74). To illustrate, the CCTrCH assigned to a slot has a fragmentation parameter P1. P1 represents a 0 or low penalty. The CCTrCH assigned to a two-slot has a penalty of P2. P2 represents a breaking penalty for using a second slot and can be the same as P1 indicating a non-penalty, slightly higher than an ordinary penalty, or an "unlimited" penalty indicating an unallowable assignment of a second slot. Time slots used by other cctrchs produce a break penalty p3.

The value of the fragmentation parameter is typically set by an operator or a mechanical device. The fragmentation parameter is chosen based on several factors, such as overall interference level and capacity. Tables one and two show an example of a penalty for breaking out the CCTrCH that can support 3 timeslots and 3 channels.

P1＝0 P1＝0

P2＝10 P2＝0

P3＝10 P3＝10

P4 to Pn ═ P4 to Pn ═ infinity

Watch one watch two

A value of 0 represents a non-breaking penalty. A value of 10 indicates a penalty of high, e.g. 10 dB. The value ∞ represents an "infinite' penalty which prevents further fragmentation. This "infinite" penalty is a prohibitive high number. The values in Table one represent a strong preference for using a slot. The values of table two represent a strong preference for using one or two slots. The use of more than three time slots is prohibited.

Another assignment scheme is shown in equation 1.

Equation 1

CUE is the maximum number of allowed time slots of the CCTrCH. P is an increased penalty, such as 3 dB. The resulting fragmentation parameters P1 ═ 0Db, P2 ═ 3Db, P3 ═ 6Db, and P4.. Pn ∞. RRM device 36 uses the fragmentation parameter and the interference measurements to assign time slots (76).

The role of the F-DCA is to determine the resource units for connection setup. Fig. 7 is a flow of assigning new UEs22 or resource units served by new UEs. Physical channels are assigned to a CCTrCH (78). An estimate of the quality of each slot corresponding to interference and fragmentation is determined. The slots are provided with a sequence of reduced quality (80) and a slot quality measure is a valuable calculation as defined by equation 4.

Fi ═ α ·/Δ Ii + β · f (Ci) equation 4

Fi is the calculation of the value of the ith slot. Δ Ii is the difference between the interference level of the time slot at the receiver being measured, e.g., using ISCP, and the minimum measured interference for all time slots. Therefore, Δ Ii of the slot with the least measured interference is 0. f (Ci) is the number of physical channels of the CCTrCH that can be allowed in the ith time slot. Alpha and beta are weighting factors.

To assign physical channels, different sequences of time slots are derived. One method varies the weights given to the interference and fragmentation, such as weights estimated by the variance value. The ranking of the sequence of available slots is determined based on changing the weights in the value estimate and the arrangement of the slots to reduce the value estimate. One architecture is as follows. The K + m +1 sequence was derived by altering α and β as shown in Table three.

Advantageous low breaking point

α ═ 1, β ═ 20 (sequence 1)

α ═ 1, β ═ 21 (sequence 2)

α ═ 1, β ═ 22 (sequence 3)

α ═ 1, β ═ 2k (sequence k)

Advantageous low interference

α ═ 21, β ═ 1 (sequence k +1)

α ═ 22, β ═ 1 (sequence k +2)

α ═ 23, β ═ 1 (sequence k +3)

α ═ 2m, β ═ 1 (sequence k + m +1)

Watch III

k is the number of low fragmentation sequences tried. K is typically an empirical value, such as 4, 5 or 6. M is the number of attempted low interference sequences. M is also generally an empirical value, such as 4, 5 or 6. To reduce the computational requirements, the determined redundant sequences may be removed.

The assigned channels are ranked according to their desired reception quality (78 and 92 in fig. 7A), such as by a signal-to-interference ratio (SIR). To illustrate using SIR, all assigned channels are ranked in descending order of their required SIR. For each sequence, physical channels are assigned based on their order in the sequence. For each of the k + m +1 sequences, starting with the first time slot in the sequence, a first physical channel is temporarily added to that time slot if at least one channel is available for use by the UE 22. If a channel cannot be assigned to that timeslot, the next timeslot is attempted, and so on until the first channel is assigned to a timeslot.

After assigning the first code to a timeslot, the noise is increased and the transmit power level required for the CCTrCH in the timeslot is estimated. Based on the noise rise and the required transmit power, a determination is made whether the channel can be supported in the timeslot. To illustrate, if any transmitter merges over or too close to the transmit power level capacity, or noise merges over a threshold, the channel cannot be added.

If a time slot cannot accept a physical channel, the time slot is removed from future consideration. The sequence of time slots is updated to not include the time slot. An assignment of the channel to the next time slot in the sequence is attempted. If no time slot for that channel is found, the sequence fails and is discarded (86). If the channel meets the user's transmit power requirements, the penalty for UE 22 is used to determine whether to accept the assignment of the channel to the timeslot. For example, a UE 22 can only use 3 slots. If the code assignment will include a fourth time slot (P4 ∞), the assignment is not acceptable and the sequence fails and is discarded (86). If the time slot is acceptable, the process continues with the next frequency channel being added to the same time slot. When no slots remain, potential assignment solutions have been discovered and recorded.

For each potential solution, the highest quality solution, such as all estimated interference measurements adjusted for fragmentation of the physical channel, is determined (90). The weighted interference estimate for the CCTrCH is the sum of the interference for each channel plus the penalty for breaking out all cctrchs. The recorded adjusted interference level with the lowest fragmentation is used to assign a physical channel to the service.

Another role of F-DCA is to reassign physical channels to reduce interference or reduce fragmentation (packet slots), referred to as "background operation". The desire for reassignment may be due to the release of the UE 32 and resources that terminated a sector. It may also result from sub-ideal overall initial assignments or changes due to movement or extraneous factors.

A different approach is used for uplink and downlink timeslots. In other systems, uplink and downlink timeslots may be assigned to the same timeslot. The following discussion is based on separate uplink and downlink timeslots. However, for systems that transmit uplink and downlink transmissions in the same timeslot, a method similar to that described for the downlink is used for all timeslots.

To reassign downlink channels, a quality measure, such as a value estimate, is determined for each downlink physical channel (78 and 94 of fig. 7B). One method of determining a value estimate is shown in equation 6.

Fi ═ τ · Δ Ii — δ · FR equation 6

Fi is the value estimate for the ith channel. Δ Ii is the measured interference, e.g., ISCP, relative to the difference between the measured interference for the ith frequency channel and the frequency channel with the lowest measured interference in its time slot. FR is a measure of fragmentation of a physical channel. The formula for determining FR is shown in equation 7.

The number of physical channels in the CCTrCH/timeslot assigned to the channel equation 7

τ and δ are weighting factors.

The potentially reassigned channels are ordered in the sequence of increasing quality by their quality. Using the value estimates, the channels are sorted according to the added value estimates. One approach to reducing the reassignment complexity only considers the threshold (first in the sequence) of the code with the lowest value estimate. Another way is to use a threshold value. Only physical channels having value estimates below a threshold are considered. Each reassigned physical channel is treated differently. A channel cannot be reassigned if no time slot has an interference measurement that is lower than the current time slot of the channel. Any attempt to reassign the channel will only increase the interference in the higher interference time slots.

After determining the physical channels to reassign (78), the available channels are adjusted based on different weights for interference and fragmentation, e.g., by changing the quality of the weights of the value estimates, ordered in a sequence. The sequence is ordered by decreasing quality, such as by an estimate of decreasing value.

One method of determining a value estimate is as follows. For the uplink, the value of each slot i is estimated as shown in equation 8.

Fi ═ α UL · Δ Ii + β UL · f (Ci) formula 8

α UL and β UL are weights of the downlink. The value of each slot i is estimated as in equation 9.

Fi ═ α DL · Δ Ti + β DL · f (Ci) formula 9

Wherein Δ Ti is defined as Ti-Tmin. Ti is the slot transmission power of the measured point B in slot i. In uplink/downlink, timeslots are examined one after the other with added value estimates.

The K + m +1 sequence was altered by derivation of α and β as shown in Table three. For each sequence, starting with the first time slot of the sequence, a potential reassigned frequency channel is added to that time slot, if there is at least one time slot available for use by the channel UE 22. If the channel cannot be assigned to that timeslot, the next timeslot is tried, and so on until it is assigned to a timeslot (82).

After assigning the channel to a timeslot, noise is increased and the transmit power level of the desired CCTrCH in the timeslot is estimated. Based on the increase in noise and the required transmit power level, a determination is made whether the channel can be supported in the timeslot. To illustrate, if any transmitter merges or is too close to its transmit power capacity or noise rise and merges through a threshold, that channel cannot be added.

If a slot cannot receive the channel, the slot is removed from further consideration. This sequence is updated to not include the time slot. An attempt is made to assign the channel to the next time slot in the sequence. If no available time slot for the channel is found, the sequence fails (86).

If the channel reassignment meets the transmission power requirements, this penalty is used to determine whether the assignment of the channel to the timeslot is acceptable. If the reassignment is not acceptable, the sequence fails (86). If the assignment of this code to this timeslot is acceptable, the next channel in the sequence is attempted to be added to the timeslot and the assignment process continues. If there are no channels remaining (84), an assignment solution is found and recorded (88). This process is repeated for each slot sequence.

For each recorded solution, a weighted interference improvement is determined (90). The weighted interference improvement is the difference between the estimated interference for all timeslots for the proposed reassignment of the fragmentation adjustment and the currently measured interference for the fragmentation adjustment. This reassignment with the greatest improvement is compared to a reassignment amplitude (margin). This reassignment amplitude prevents oscillation between two close-in schemes and prevents unwanted reassignment for only minor population improvements. If most of the reassignments are combined with the magnitudes, the reassignments are reset.

For uplink timeslots, since all physical channels in a timeslot experience the same interference, the reassignment criterion is the fragmentation measurement criterion, FR. High FR indicates high fragmentation and low FR indicates low fragmentation. The reassigned channels are configured from high FR to low FR (78 and 96 of fig. 7C). Although the analysis of reassignments may be performed on all channels, it is preferable to select only the critical number with high FRs. Alternatively, channels whose FR is selected and combined across a threshold are selected. After ranking the candidate channels, a reassignment procedure occurs as in the downlink link of equation 7.

Other uses of the reassignment procedure are to provide a drop-off mechanism for users or user services experiencing high interference. When a user service experiences high interference, the RNC 28 attempts to reassign some or all of the service, the CCTrCH, to reduce the interference. Before attempting reassignments, each potential reassigned timeslot, rather than the measured interference of the CCTrCH, is checked to see if there are any highest measured interference timeslots less than the CCTrCH. If there is no better slot, there is no reason to attempt reassignment.

All physical layers belonging to a "bad" CCTrCH are examined to select which, and possibly all, will be reassigned. Reassignment is attempted in order from high to low interference (98 of fig. 7D). In each slot, the physical channels are reassigned in order of decreasing required SIR (100 of fig. 7D). The number of physical channels to be reassigned is determined as follows. In each reassignment, the interference in the new slot is calculated or estimated as in the background operation. The average interference of all physical channels in the CCTrCH is calculated. When the average interference has dropped to some number of decibels, the reassignment stops, which is a design parameter.

One way to simplify the assignment process is to remove slots with average measured interference that merge thresholds. After determining the interference per timeslot, the interference is compared to the threshold. The threshold may vary for uplink and downlink and for different users. Timeslots merging past the threshold are removed from potential assignments. This threshold is set by an operator or a mechanical device based on interference level and capacity considerations.

Claims (110)

1. A method for assigning a physical channel of a user service to timeslots in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the method comprising:

providing a set of potentially assigned time slots;

determining an interference measurement for each of the set of timeslots;

providing a fragmentation parameter representing a preference for fragmenting user service physical channels over the time slots; and

assigning the user physical channel to a slot of the set of slots using the measured interference and the fragmentation parameter associated with each slot of the set of slots.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the user service is associated with a code composite transport channel having physical channels for time slot assignments.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the interference measurements are measured using interfering signal code power.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the value of the fragmentation parameter varies in response to the number of timeslots used for user services.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein a low value of the fragmentation parameter indicates a preference for the number of timeslots assigned to the fragmentation parameter and a high value indicates a preference for preventing the number of timeslots assigned to the fragmentation parameter.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the fragmentation parameter value is based in part on total interference level and capacity.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the infinite value of the fragmentation parameter indicates a prohibition against the number of timeslots assigned to the fragmentation parameter.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein CUE is a maximum number associated with a user service, assigning a user service channel to j slots has a fragmentation parameter Pj, an increased penalty value p, Pj being determined by:

9. the method of claim 8, wherein p is 3 dB.

10. A radio network controller for use in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the radio network controller assigning a physical channel of a user service to a timeslot of a set of timeslots, the radio network controller comprising:

a radio resource management device having an input for receiving an interference measurement for each of the set of timeslots and assigning the user physical channel to one of the set of timeslots using the interference measurement associated with each of the set of timeslots and a fragmentation parameter representing a preference for fragmenting user service physical channels over the timeslots.

11. The radio frequency network controller according to claim 10, further comprising a measurement collection device for collecting measurements including the interference measurements and outputting the interference measurements to the RRM device.

12. The radio network controller of claim 11 wherein the user service is associated with a code composite transport channel having physical channels for time slot assignments.

13. The radio network controller of claim 11 wherein the interference measurements are measured using interfering signal code power.

14. The radio network controller of claim 11 wherein a value of the fragmentation parameter varies corresponding to a number of timeslots used for user services.

15. The radio network controller of claim 14 wherein a low value of the fragmentation parameter indicates a preference for the number of timeslots assigned to the fragmentation parameter and a high value indicates a preference for preventing the number of timeslots assigned to the fragmentation parameter.

16. The radio network controller of claim 14 wherein the fragmentation parameter value is based in part on total interference level and capacity.

17. The radio network controller of claim 14 wherein an infinite value of the fragmentation parameter indicates a prohibition against the number of timeslots assigned to the fragmentation parameter.

18. The radio network controller of claim 17 wherein CUE assigns a user service channel to j slots with fragmentation parameter Pj associated with a maximum number of users service, an increased penalty value p, Pj being determined by

19. The radio frequency network controller of claim 18, wherein p is 3 dB.

20. A radio network controller for use in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the radio network controller assigning a physical channel of a user service to a timeslot of a set of timeslots, the radio network controller comprising:

means for receiving an interference measurement for each of the set of timeslots;

means for assigning the user physical channel to a time slot of the set of time slots using the interference measurement and a fragmentation parameter associated with each time slot of the set of time slots, the fragmentation parameter representing a preference for fragmenting user service physical channels over time slots.

21. The radio network controller of claim 20 wherein the user service is associated with a code composite transport channel having physical channels for time slot assignments.

22. The radio network controller of claim 20 wherein the interference measurements are measured using interfering signal code power.

23. The radio network controller of claim 20 wherein a value of the fragmentation parameter varies corresponding to a number of timeslots used for user services.

24. The radio network controller of claim 23 wherein a low value of the fragmentation parameter indicates a preference for the number of timeslots assigned to the fragmentation parameter and a high value indicates a preference for preventing the number of timeslots assigned to the fragmentation parameter.

25. The radio network controller of claim 23 wherein the fragmentation parameter values are based in part on total interference level and capacity.

26. The radio network controller of claim 23 wherein an infinite value of the fragmentation parameter indicates a prohibition against the number of timeslots assigned to the fragmentation parameter.

27. The radio network controller of claim 26 wherein CUE is a maximum number associated with a user service, assigning a user service channel to j slots has a fragmentation parameter Pj, an increased penalty value is p, Pj is determined by

28. A method for assigning physical channels to timeslots in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the method comprising:

providing a physical channel for assignment;

providing a set of potentially assigned time slots;

arranging the set of slots in a sequence based on each slot of the set of slots; and

the provided physical channels are assigned to the timeslots in a timeslot order of the sequence.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein the physical channel being provided is a physical channel of a user service.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the provided physical channel is a physical channel of a code composite transport channel.

31. The method of claim 28 wherein the quality of each timeslot is based in part on an interference measurement and the number of offered physical channels allowed to be assigned to the channel.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein the set of timeslots is arranged into a plurality of sequences by varying weights associated with the interference measurements and an allowed number associated with each timeslot of the set of timeslots, and the assigning is performed on each sequence, the method further comprising:

to successfully assign several of these sequences, a highest quality sequence of these successful sequences is determined based in part on interference and fragmentation of all assigned sequences.

33. The method of claim 31 wherein the scheduling of the set of timeslots to the sequences uses a cost value estimate for each timeslot in the set, the cost value estimate including, for each timeslot in the set, an interference measurement difference between the timeslot and a minimum interference timeslot and a number of allowed physical channels of the offered physical channels in the timeslot.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein the set of timeslots is arranged into a plurality of sequences by varying weights associated with the interference measurement differences and the number of allowed physical channels and the assignment is performed on each sequence, the method further comprising:

to successfully assign several of these sequences, a highest quality sequence of these successful sequences is determined based in part on all interference discontinuities with the assigned sequences.

35. The method of claim 28, wherein the quality for each timeslot is based in part on a transmit power of the timeslot and an allowed number of physical channels to be provided to the timeslot.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the set of timeslots is arranged into a plurality of sequences by varying weights associated with the transmission power and an allowed number associated with each timeslot of the set of timeslots, and the assigning is performed on each sequence, the method further comprising:

to successfully assign several of these sequences, a highest quality sequence of these successful sequences is determined based in part on the total interference and fragmentation of the assigned sequences.

37. The method of claim 35 wherein the scheduling of the set of timeslots into the sequence uses a value estimate for each timeslot of the set, each value estimate comprising, for each timeslot of the set, a transmit power difference between the timeslot and a minimum transmit power timeslot and a number of allowed physical channels of the physical channel being served in the timeslot.

38. The method of claim 35 wherein the set of timeslots is arranged into a plurality of sequences by varying weights associated with the transmission power differences and the allowed number, the assigning being performed on each sequence, the method further comprising:

to successfully assign several of these sequences, a highest quality sequence of these successful sequences is determined based in part on the total interference and fragmentation of these sequences.

39. A radio network controller for use in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the radio network controller assigning a set of physical channels to a set of timeslots, the radio network controller comprising:

a radio resource management device for arranging the set of timeslots in a sequence based on a quality of each timeslot of the set of timeslots and assigning the set of physical channels to the timeslots in the timeslot order of the sequence.

40. The RF network controller of claim 39 wherein the set of physical channels are physical channels of a user service.

41. The radio network controller of claim 40 wherein the set of physical channels are physical channels of a coded composite transport channel.

42. The radio network controller of claim 39 wherein the quality of each of the set of timeslots is based in part on an interference measurement and an allowed number of offered physical channels assigned to the channel.

43. The radio network controller of claim 42 wherein the set of timeslots is arranged into a plurality of sequences by varying weights associated with the interference measurements and an allowed number associated with each timeslot of the set of timeslots and the assignment is performed on each sequence, the method further comprising:

to successfully assign several of these sequences, a highest quality sequence of these successful sequences is determined based in part on the total interference and fragmentation of the assigned sequences.

44. The radio network controller of claim 42 wherein the scheduling of the set of timeslots into the sequences uses a cost value estimate for each timeslot of the set, each cost estimate comprising, for each timeslot of the set, an interference measurement difference between the timeslot and a minimum interference timeslot and a number of allowed physical channels of the set of physical channels in the timeslot.

45. The RF network controller of claim 44 wherein the set of timeslots is arranged into a plurality of sequences by varying weight differences associated with the interference measurement differences and the allowed number of physical channels and the assignment is performed on each sequence, the RF network controller more successfully assigning ones of the sequences, a highest quality sequence of the successful sequences being determined based in part on total interference and fragmentation of the assigned sequence.

46. The RF network controller of claim 39, wherein the quality of each timeslot is based in part on a transmit power of the timeslot and an allowed number of offered physical channels to be assigned to the physical channel for use in downlink physical channel assignment.

47. The RF network controller of claim 46, wherein the set of timeslots is arranged into a plurality of sequences by varying weights associated with the transmission power and an allowed number associated with each timeslot of the set of timeslots and the assignment is performed on each sequence, the RF network controller successfully assigning ones of the sequences, a highest quality sequence of the successful sequences being determined based in part on total interference and fragmentation of the assigned sequence.

48. The radio network controller of claim 47 wherein the scheduling of the set of timeslots into the sequences uses a cost value estimate for each timeslot of the set, each cost estimate comprising, for each timeslot of the set, a transmit power difference between the timeslot and a minimum transmit power timeslot and a number of allowed physical channels of the set of physical channels in the timeslot.

49. The RF network controller of claim 48 wherein the set of timeslots is arranged into a plurality of sequences by varying the weights associated with the transmission powers and the allowed number, and the assignment is performed on each sequence, the RF network controller for successfully assigning ones of the sequences determining a highest quality sequence among the successful sequences based in part on total interference and fragmentation of the assigned sequence.

50. A radio network controller for use in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the radio network controller assigning a set of physical channels to a set of timeslots, the radio network controller comprising:

means for arranging the set of timeslots into a sequence based on a quality of each timeslot of the set of timeslots maker; and

means for assigning the set of physical channels to the timeslots in a timeslot order of the sequence.

51. The RF network controller of claim 50 wherein the set of physical channels are physical channels of a user service.

52. The radio network controller of claim 51 wherein the set of physical channels are physical channels of a coded composite transport channel.

53. The radio network controller of claim 50 wherein the quality of each of the set of timeslots is based in part on an interference measurement and an allowed number of offered physical channels assigned to the channel.

54. The RF network controller of claim 52 wherein the set of timeslots is arranged into a plurality of sequences by varying weights associated with the interference measurements and an allowed number associated with each timeslot of the set of timeslots and the assignment is performed on each sequence, the method further comprising:

to successfully assign several of the sequences, a highest quality sequence of the successful sequences is determined based in part on the total interference and fragmentation of the assigned sequences.

55. The RF network controller of claim 52 wherein the scheduling of the set of timeslots into the sequences uses a one-value estimate for each timeslot of the set, each value estimate including, for each timeslot of the set, an interference measurement difference between the timeslot and a minimum interference timeslot and a number of allowed physical channels of the set of physical channels in the timeslot.

56. The RF network controller of claim 55 wherein the set of timeslots is arranged into a plurality of sequences by varying weights associated with the interference measurements and allowed numbers of physical channels and the assignment is performed on each sequence, the RF network controller further comprising:

means for determining a highest quality sequence of the successful sequences based in part on all interference and fragmentation of the assigned sequences in order to successfully assign ones of the sequences.

57. The RF network controller of claim 50, wherein the quality of each timeslot is based in part on a transmit power of the timeslot and an allowed number of offered physical channels to be assigned to the timeslot for use in downlink physical channel assignment.

58. The RF network controller of claim 57 wherein the set of timeslots is arranged into a plurality of sequences by varying weights associated with the transmission power and an allowed number associated with each timeslot of the set of timeslots and the assignment is performed on each sequence, the RF network controller successfully assigning ones of the sequences, a highest quality sequence of the successful sequences being determined based in part on total interference and fragmentation of the assigned sequence.

59. The RF network controller of claim 58 wherein the set of timeslots is arranged into a plurality of sequences by varying weights associated with the transmit power differences and the allowed number, and the assignment is performed on each sequence, the RF network controller further comprising:

to successfully assign several of the sequences, a highest quality sequence of the successful sequences is determined based in part on the total interference and fragmentation of the assigned sequences.

60. A method for assigning a physical channel of a new user service to a set of timeslots in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the method comprising:

providing a sequence of timeslots of the set of timeslots;

ranking the new user service physical channels based on the desired reception quality of each of the new user service physical channels; and

assigning the new user service physical channel to the set of timeslots based on the permutation order and the timeslot sequence.

61. The method of claim 60 wherein the ordering is performed such that the ordering is in accordance with a decreasing desired reception quality.

62. The method of claim 60 wherein the desired reception quality is a desired signal-to-interference ratio.

63. The method of claim 60 wherein the sequence of timeslots is arranged in descending order of quality.

64. The method of claim 60 wherein the new user service physical channel is a physical channel of a coded composite transport channel.

65. A radio network controller for use in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the radio network controller assigning a physical channel of a new user service to a set of timeslots, the radio network controller comprising:

a radio resource management device for providing a timeslot sequence for the set of timeslots, ranking the new user cpch based on a desired reception quality for each of the new user cpch, and assigning the new user cpch to the set of timeslots based on the ranking and the timeslot sequence.

66. The method of claim 65 wherein the ordering is performed such that the ordering is in accordance with a decreasing desired reception quality.

67. The radio network controller of claim 65 wherein the desired reception quality is a desired signal-to-interference ratio.

68. The RF network controller of claim 65 wherein the sequence of timeslots is arranged in order of decreasing quality.

69. The RF network controller of claim 65 wherein the new user service physical channel is a physical channel of a coded composite transport channel.

70. A radio network controller for use in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the radio network controller assigning a physical channel of a new user service to a set of timeslots, the radio network controller comprising:

means for providing a sequence of timeslots of the set of timeslots;

means for ranking the new user cpch based on the desired reception quality of each of the new user cpch; and

means for assigning the new user service physical channel to the set of timeslots based on the permutation sequence and the timeslot sequence.

71. The method of claim 70 wherein the ordering is performed such that the ordering is in accordance with a decreasing desired reception quality.

72. The radio network controller of claim 70 wherein the desired reception quality is a desired signal-to-interference ratio.

73. The RF network controller of claim 70 wherein the sequence of timeslots is arranged in order of decreasing quality.

74. The RF network controller of claim 70 wherein the new user service physical channel is a physical channel of a coded composite transport channel.

75. A method for selecting an order of physical channel reassignment in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system that is currently using physical channels for communication, the method comprising:

determining a fragmentation measurement criteria for each of a set of physical channels; wherein for each of the physical channels, the fragmentation measurement criteria represents a fragmentation in the time slot of the physical channel corresponding to other physical channels served by a user of the physical channel; and

a sequence of the set of physical channels is selected from a lowest to highest quality based in part on a fragmentation measurement criteria for each channel.

76. The method of claim 75, further comprising assigning said set of physical channels based in part on said selected order.

77. The method of claim 75 wherein the assigning assigns only physical channels of the set of physical channels having a quality below a threshold.

78. The method of claim 75 wherein the user service is associated with a code composite transport channel.

79. The method of claim 76, wherein the fragmentation measurement criteria, FR, for each physical channel in the set of physical channels is determined as follows:

FR is the total number of timeslots of the cctrch assigned to the physical channel// the number of physical channels in the timeslots of the cctrch.

80. The method of claim 75, wherein the set of physical channels is uplink channels and the sequential selection of the set of physical channels is based only on the fragmentation measurement criteria for each channel of the set of physical channels.

81. The method of claim 75 wherein the set of physical channels are downlink channels and the order selection of the set of physical channels is based in part on an interference measurement and the fragmentation measurement criteria for the set of physical channels for each channel.

82. The method of claim 80 wherein the set of physical channels are all associated with a timeslot.

83. The method of claim 81 wherein the set of physical channels are all associated with a timeslot.

84. A radio network controller for use in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the radio network controller currently allocating physical channels for communication, the radio network controller comprising:

a radio resource management device for determining a fragmentation measurement criteria for each of a set of physical channels; for each of the physical channels, the fragmentation measurement criteria represents a fragmentation over the time slots of the physical channel corresponding to other physical channels of a user service of the physical channel; and selecting a reassignment order for the set of physical channels from a lowest to highest quality based in part on the fragmentation measurement criteria for each channel.

85. The radio network controller of claim 84 wherein the RRM apparatus further comprises assigning the set of physical channels based in part on the selected order.

86. The radio network controller of claim 85 wherein the assignment assigns only physical channels of the set of physical channels having a quality below a threshold.

87. The radio network controller of claim 84 wherein the user service relates to a coded composite transport channel.

88. The RF network controller of claim 84 wherein the fragmentation measurement criteria, FR, for each physical channel in the set of physical channels is determined as follows:

FR is the total number of timeslots of the code composite transport channel assigned to the physical channel/number of physical channels in the timeslots of the code composite transport channel of the physical channel

89. The radio network controller of claim 84 wherein the set of physical channels are uplink channels and the sequential selection of the set of physical channels is based only on the fragmentation measurement criteria for each channel of the set of physical channels.

90. The radio network controller of claim 84 wherein the set of physical channels are downlink channels and the sequential selection of the set of physical channels is based in part on each of the set of physical channels, an interference measurement and the fragmentation measurement criteria for the physical channels.

91. The RF network controller of claim 80 wherein the set of physical channels are all associated with a timeslot.

92. The radio network controller of claim 81 wherein the set of physical channels are all associated with a timeslot.

93. A radio frequency network controller for use in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the radio frequency network controller currently using a physical channel for communication, the radio frequency network controller comprising:

means for determining a fragmentation measurement metric for each of a set of physical channels, the fragmentation measurement metric representing a fragmentation over time slots of the physical channel corresponding to other physical channels of a user service for the physical channel; and

means for selecting a reassignment order for the set of physical channels from a lowest to highest quality based in part on a fragmentation measurement criteria for each channel.

94. The radio network controller of claim 93 further comprising means for assigning the set of physical channels based in part on the selected order.

95. The radio network controller of claim 94 wherein the assignment assigns only physical channels of the set of physical channels having a quality below a threshold.

96. The radio network controller of claim 93 wherein the user service relates to a code composite transport channel.

97. The RF network controller of claim 94 wherein the fragmentation measurement criteria, FR, for each physical channel in the set of physical channels is determined as follows:

FR is the total number of timeslots of the cctrch assigned to the physical channel/the number of physical channels in the timeslots of the cctrch.

98. The radio network controller of claim 93 wherein the set of physical channels are uplink channels and the sequential selection of the set of physical channels is based only on the fragmentation measurement criteria for each channel of the set of physical channels.

99. The radio network controller of claim 93 wherein the set of physical channels are downlink channels and the sequential selection of the set of physical channels is based in part on each of the set of physical channels, an interference measurement and the fragmentation measurement criteria for the physical channels.

100. The radio network controller of claim 98 wherein the set of physical channels are all associated with a timeslot.

101. The radio network controller of claim 99 wherein the set of physical channels are all associated with a timeslot.

102. A method for reassigning a user service experiencing high interference levels in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the method comprising:

ordering the timeslots served by the user in descending order of measured interference; and

the physical channels of user service in each time slot are sequentially estimated and reassigned in the order of time slots in a descending order of a desired reception quality of each physical channel of user service.

103. The method of claim 102 wherein the sequentially estimating and reassigning are performed until an average interference of all user serving physical channels is improved by a parameter.

104. The method of claim 102 wherein the desired reception quality is a target signal-to-interference ratio for each physical channel.

105. A radio frequency network controller for use in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the radio frequency network controller comprising:

a radio resource management device for serving a user experiencing high interference levels arranges the order of the user services in descending order of measured interference and sequentially estimates and reassigns user service physical channels in each time slot in the time slot order of a descending order of a desired reception quality for each physical channel of the user services.

106. The radio network controller of claim 105 wherein the sequentially estimating and reassigning are performed until an average interference of all user serving physical channels is improved by a parameter.

107. The radio network controller of claim 105 wherein the desired reception quality is a target signal-to-interference ratio for each physical channel.

108. A radio frequency network controller for use in a hybrid wireless time division multiple access/code division multiple access communication system, the radio frequency network controller comprising:

means for ranking the order of timeslots served by the user in descending order of measured interference for a user experiencing a high interference level; and

means for sequentially estimating and reassigning user service physical channels in each timeslot in the timeslot order of a descending order of a desired reception quality for each physical channel of the user service.

109. The radio network controller of claim 108 wherein the sequentially estimating and reassigning are performed until an average interference of all user serving physical channels is improved by a parameter.

110. The radio network controller of claim 108 wherein the desired reception quality is a target signal-to-interference ratio for each physical channel.