WO2013166692A1

WO2013166692A1 - Method and apparatus for inter access point configuration

Info

Publication number: WO2013166692A1
Application number: PCT/CN2012/075318
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wei Hong; Lili Zhang; Haiming Wang; Tero Heikki Matti Henttonen
Original assignee: Renesas Mobile Corporation
Priority date: 2012-05-10
Filing date: 2012-05-10
Publication date: 2013-11-14

Abstract

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for inter access point coordinate on the control channel. In this regard, a method is provided that includes determining that an extension carrier is to be configured. The method of this embodiment may also include causing a message to be transmitted to an access point, the message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes based on the extension carrier to be configured. The method of this embodiment may also include receiving an indication of a modified almost blank subframe pattern, the modified almost blank subframe pattern based at least in part on the message.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTER ACCESS POINT CONFIGURATION

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to communications technology and, more particularly, to example inter access point configuration.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In example heterogeneous network (hetnet) deployments, combined usage of enhanced inter-cell interference coordination (elCIC) and cell range expansion (CRE) may be effective, for example, in improving system and cell-edge throughput. With elCIC, a macro cell may utilize almost blank subframes (ABS) with zero transmission power mainly in Packet Data Control Channel (PDCCH)/ Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) to mitigate interference to communication devices such as, but not limited to, pico user equipment (UE) with CRE. Furthermore, a resource status mechanism may enable a pico access point, for example, to provide information in order to aid a macro access point in designating an ABS pattern. In turn the macro access point may be configured to evaluate the need for modification of the ABS pattern. For example, a macro access point may determine an ABS pattern adjustment based on downlink ABS status information. Moreover, low power ABS (LP-ABS) (also known as reduced power ABS or non-zero power ABS) may be used, for example, to tradeoff the performance loss of an aggressor cell that is incurred in an instance in which ABS (i.e., zero power ABS (ZP-ABS)) is employed. By using LP-ABS, for example, subframes in a previous ABS pattern may be allowed to transmit data with a low transmission power in

PDCCH/PDSCH or the like, to serve an aggressor cell center UE with the acceptable performance while causing less interference to victim cell UEs.

[0003] In other examples, a hetnet deployment may also include a macro cell and a plurality of local area (LA) (e.g. pico, femto, relay or remote radio head) cells. Such a deployment may consist of small cell areas to facilitate inter-cell interference

coordination (ICIC) between the macro-cell and local area cells by applying "complete" blank subframes even without transmitting a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) and the PDCCH. Such a blank subframe or radio resource features without CRS and PDCCH transmissions are also beneficial, for example, in reducing inter-cell interference in dense local area deployments with fractional traffic loads and in achieving energy efficient operation in small cells.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] In some example embodiments, a method is provided that comprises determining that an extension carrier is to be configured. The method of this embodiment may also include causing a message to be transmitted to an access point, the message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes based on the extension carrier to be configured. The method of this embodiment may also include receiving an indication of a modified ABS pattern, the modified ABS pattern based at least in part on the message.

[0005] In some example embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code with the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least determine that an extension carrier is to be configured. The at least one memoiy and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause a message to be transmitted to an access point, the message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes based on the extension carrier to be configured. The at least one memory and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive an indication of a modified ABS pattern, the modified ABS pattern based at least in part on the message.

[0006] In further example embodiments, a computer program product may be provided that includes at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions stored therein with the computer-readable program instructions including program instructions configured to determine that an extension carrier is to be configured. The computer-readable program instructions may also include program instructions configured to cause a message to be transmitted to an access point, the message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes based on the extension carrier to be configured. The computer-readable program instructions may also include program instructions configured to receive an indication of a modified ABS pattern, the modified ABS pattern based at least in part on the message.

[0007] In yet further example embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes means for determining that an extension carrier is to be configured. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means for causing a message to be transmitted to an access point, the message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes based on the extension carrier to be configured. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means for receiving an indication of a modified ABS pattern, the modified ABS pattern based at least in part on the message.

[0008] In some example embodiments, a method is provided that comprises receiving a message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes for coordination with an extension carrier. The method of this embodiment may also include determining a modified ABS pattern, the modified ABS pattern based at least in part on the received message. The method of this embodiment may also include causing an indication of the modified ABS pattern to be transmitted.

[0009] In some example embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code with the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least receive a message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes for coordination with an extension carrier. The at least one memory and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to determine a modified ABS pattern, the modified ABS pattern based at least in part on the received message. The at least one memory and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause an indication of the modified ABS pattern to be transmitted.

[0010] In further example embodiments, a computer program product may be provided that includes at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions stored therein with the computer-readable program instructions including program instructions configured to receive a message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes for coordination with an extension carrier. The computer-readable program instructions may also include program instructions configured to determine a modified ABS pattern, the modified ABS pattern based at least in part on the received message. The computer-readable program instructions may also include program instructions configured to cause an indication of the modified ABS pattern to be transmitted.

[0011] In yet further example embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes means for receiving a message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes for coordination with an extension carrier. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means for determining a modified ABS pattern, the modified ABS pattern based at least in part on the received message. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means for causing an indication of the modified ABS pattern to be transmitted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Having thus described the example embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a system having, for example, at least two access points that may benefit from some example embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus that may be embodied by an access point in accordance with some example embodiments of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by an example access point, such as for example a pico access point, in accordance with some example embodiments of the present invention; and

[0016] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating example operations performed by an example access point, such as for example a macro access point, in accordance with some example embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal

requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0018] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" refers to all of the

following: (a)hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) to combinations of circuits and

software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of

processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require

software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not

physically present.

[0019] This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or application specific integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other network device.

[0020] Although the method, apparatus and computer program product as described herein may be implemented in a variety of different systems, one example of such a system is shown in Figure 1, which includes a first access point 12, such as a base station, a macro cell, a Node B, an enhanced Node B (eNB), a macro eNB, a coordination unit, a macro base station or other access point, and a second access point 14, such as a base station, a pico/femto cell, a secondary cell, a pico/femto eNB, a home eNB, an RRH, a LA cell, a closed subscriber group (CSG), a coordination unit, a micro base station, a mobile terminal, user equipment or other access point. The first access point 12 and the second access point 14, in some example embodiments, form at least a portion of a multilayer heterogeneous network. A communications device 10 may be configured to connect to a network 16 via the first access point 12 or the second access point 1 .

[0021] When referred to herein, a serving cell includes, but is not limited to a primary serving cell (PCell) and other serving cells such as secondary serving cells (SCell) that may be operating on an access point, such as the first access point 12 or the second access point 14. A PCell, which may be embodied by an access point, generally includes, but is not limited to, a cell that is configured to perform initial establishment procedures, security procedures, system information (SI) acquisition and change monitoring procedures on the broadcast channel (BCCH) or data channel (PDCCH), and paging. The SCell, which may be embodied by a remote radio head (RRH) and is configured to provide additional radio resources to the PCell.

[0022] While the network 16 may be configured in accordance with long term evolution (LTE™^ or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A™), other networks may support the method, apparatus and computer program product of embodiments of the present invention including those configured in accordance with wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA™), CDMA2000, global system for mobile communications (GSM™), general packet radio service (GPRS™), IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless fidelity (WiFi ), wireless local access network (WLAN ) Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX™) protocols, and/or the like.

[0023] The network 16 may include a collection of various different nodes, devices or functions that may be in communication with each other via corresponding wired and/or wireless interfaces. For example, the network may include one or more cells, including the first access point 12 which may serve a respective coverage area and a second access point 14 that may serve a subset of the first access points respective coverage area. The second access point 14 may be further configured to serve an area outside of the coverage area of the first access point. The first access point 12 could be, for example, part of one or more cellular or mobile networks or public land mobile networks (PLMNs). The second access point 14 may be configured to configure and/or operate extension carriers. As used herein, extension carriers are carriers which can be configured as part of a SCell and may operate in conjunction with a backward compatible PCell, In turn, other devices such as processing devices (e.g. , personal computers, server computers or the like) may be coupled to the communication device 10 and/or other communication devices via the network.

[0024] A communication device, such as the communication device 10 (also known as user equipment (UE), a mobile terminal or the like), may be in communication with other communication devices or other devices via the first access point 12 and/or the second access point 14, in turn, the network 16. In some cases, the communication device 10 may include an antenna for transmitting signals to and for receiving signals from the first access point 12 and or the second access point 14.

[0025] In some example embodiments, the communication device 10 may be a mobile communication device such as, for example, a mobile telephone, portable digital assistant (PDA), pager, laptop computer, STA, or any of numerous other hand held or portable communication devices, computation devices, content generation devices, content consumption devices, or combinations thereof.

[0026] In one embodiment, for example, the first access point 12 and/or the second access point 14 may be embodied as or otherwise include an apparatus 20 as generically represented by the block diagram of Figure 2. While the apparatus 20 may be employed, for example, by a communication device 10, a first access point 12 and/or the second access point 14, it should be noted that the components, devices or elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. Additionally, some embodiments may include further or different components, devices or elements beyond those shown and described herein.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 20 may include or otherwise be in communication with processing circuitry 22 that is configurable to perform actions in accordance with example embodiments described herein. The processing circuitry may be configured to perform data processing, application execution, extension carrier configuration, ABS pattern configuration, and/or other processing and management services according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the apparatus or the processing circuitry may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus or the processing circuitry may comprise one or more physical packages {e.g., chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly {e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus or the processing circuitry may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single "system on a chip." As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein. Alternatively or additionally, a processing system may be embodied by or have similar functionality to the processing circuitry 22.

[0028] In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 22 may include a processor 24 and memory 26 that may be in communication with or otherwise control a communication interface 30 and, in some cases, a user interface 28. As such, the processing circuitry may be embodied as a circuit chip {e.g., an integrated circuit chip) configured {e.g., with hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software) to perform operations described herein. However, in some embodiments taken in the context of the communication device 10, the processing circuitry may be embodied as a portion of a mobile computing device or other mobile terminal.

[0029] The user interface 28 (if implemented) may be in communication with the processing circuitry 22 to receive an indication of a user input at the user interface and/or to provide an audible, visual, mechanical or other output to the user. As such, the user interface may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a display, a touch screen, a microphone, a speaker, and/or other input/output mechanisms. The apparatus 20 need not always include a user interface.

[0030] The communication interface 30 may include one or more interface mechanisms for enabling communication with other devices and/or networks. In some cases, the communication interface may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware, or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to a network 16 and/or any other device or module in communication with the processing circuitry 22, such as between the first access point 12 and the second access point 14. In this regard, the communication interface 30 may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network and/or a communication modem or other hardware/software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet or other methods.

[0031] In an example embodiment, the memory 26 may include one or more non- transitory memory devices such as, for example, volatile and/or non- volatile memory that may be either fixed or removable. The memory may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions or the like for enabling the apparatus 20 to carry out various functions in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention. For example, the memory may be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor 24. Additionally or alternatively, the memory could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor. As yet another alternative, the memory may include one of a plurality of databases that may store a variety of files, contents or data sets. Among the contents of the memory, applications may be stored for execution by the processor in order to carry out the functionality associated with each respective application. In some cases, the memory may be in communication with the processor 24 via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus.

[0032] The processor 24 may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor 24 may be embodied as various processing means such as one or more of a microprocessor or other processing element, a coprocessor, a controller or various other computing or processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or the like. In an example embodiment, the processor may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 26 or otherwise accessible to the processor. As such, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, the processor may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry - in the form of processing circuitry 22) capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the operations described herein.

[0033] In some example embodiments, inter access point coordination (e.g.

coordination between the first access point 12 and the second access point 14) may include coordination on a control channel to include the coordination of physical discovery channel (PDCH), a primary synchronization sequence (PSS) and/or a secondary synchronization sequence (SCC). For example and in some example embodiments a pico cell, such as the second access point 14 may configure an extension carrier or may alter or modify an extension carrier. The pico cell, such as by using the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communications interface 30 or the like, may then be configured to negotiate with a macro cell, such as the first access point 12, with regard to the timing of one or more subframes that include scheduling subframes for PDCH, PSS and/or SSS. The timing for the one or more subframes may be caused to be requested, such as via the communications interface 30, by the pico cell in order to, for example, to reduce or eliminate inter cell or inter access point interference. Alternatively or additionally, the pico cell may be configured to cause a request for an alternative or modified ABS pattern to be transmitted to a macro cell.

[0034] In some example embodiments, a macro cell, such as the first access point 12, may determine and/or modify, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like, an ABS pattern by taking into account the received timing information from the pico cells. By determining or modifying an ABS pattern, the macro cell may, for example, reduce and/or eliminate co-channel interference. The ABS pattern may be modified, for example, according to at least the time and/or frequency location of the PDCH, PSS and/or the SSS, Alternatively or additionally, in some example embodiments, the macro cell may cause an ABS or LP- ABS to be transmitted in the position of the determined PDCH, PSS and/or SSS.

[0035] By way of a further example, for different time division duplex (TDD) time configuration modes, there may be corresponding ABS pattern periods defined by the macro cell. The periods of PDCH in the TDD mode may, for example, be covered by an ABS. The macro cell may then inform the pico cell, such as via the communications interface 30, of the corresponding changes to the ABS pattern.

[0036] In some example embodiments, the negotiation between an example pico cell and an example macro cell may include one or more information elements (IE) that are exchanged via the X2 interface. However, it is appreciated that other methods of negotiation between the cells may be used to transfer information related to PDCH, PSS or SSS such as via SI or Over The Air Communication (OTAC) in alternate

embodiments.

[0037] In some example embodiments, additional information elements (IE) may be added to defined information elements that are transmitted via the X2 interface. For example, an IE PDCH Status Periodic may be added in an IE RESOURCE STATUS REQUEST, a IE PDCH status may be added to IE RESOURCE STATUS UPDATE, a IE PDCH availability may be added in the IE ABS Status, a PDCH status may be added in a IE ABS Status, a IE Synchronization information may be added in IE RESOURCE STATUS REQUEST, a IE Synchronization status may be added in IE RESOURCE STATUS UPDATE, a IE Synchronization information may be added in the IE ABS Status, and/or a IE Synchronization status may to be added in the IE ABS Status.

Alternatively or additionally other information elements may be defined or added to defined information elements to indicate PDCH, PSS and/or SSS information to a macro cell, such as the first access point 12.

[0038] In some example embodiments, the macro cell, such as the first access point 12, may cause, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the

communication interface 30 or the like, an IE PDCH Status Periodic to be updated in an IE RESOURCE STATUS REQUEST. The pico cell, such as the second access point 14, may also cause, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the

communications interface 30 or the like, an IE PDCH status to be updated in an ΓΕ RESOURCE STATUS UPDATE. The IE PDCH Status Periodic and the IE PDCH status may be further configured to indicate PDCH information such as, but not limited to its period, length, frequency location and/or the like. [0039] By way of example, an example access point, such as a macro cell, may request a PDCH status periodic from a neighboring example access point, such as a cell. Such a request may include, but is not limited to:

[0040] In some example embodiments, the neighboring example access point may respond with the requested measurements, which may include, but are not limited to

[0041] In some example embodiments, the PDCH status IE may then be used by a macro cell, such as an example first access point 12, to evaluate whether to modify an ABS pattern according the PDCH information provided by the pico cell. An example table demonstrating a PDCH status includes, but is not limited to:

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, in some example embodiments, the pico cell, such as the second access point 14, may cause, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communications interface 30 or the like, an IE PDCH availability to updated in the IE ABS Status. In an instance in which IE PDCH availability is updated, then a macro cell may be configured to interpret the IE ABS status as the PDCH information for the pico cell. In instances in which the IE PDCH availability is not updated, then the macro cell may interpret the ABS information based on a process defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) release 10, that is, the macro cell decides whether the number of configured ABSs might need to be increased based on the IE downlink (DL) ABS status and IE Usable ABS Pattern Info in IE ABS Status

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, in some example embodiments, the pico cell, such as the second access point 14, may cause, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communications interface 30 or the like, an IE PDCH availability to be updated in the IE ABS Status to enable a pico cell to cause ABS and PDCH information to be transmitted to a macro cell.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, in some example embodiments, the macro cell, such as the access point 12, may cause, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communications interface 30 or the like, IE synchronization information to be updated in an IE RESOURCE STATUS REQUEST. The pico cell, such as the second access point 14, may also cause, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communications interface 30 or the like, an IE synchronization status to be updated in an IE RESOURCE STATUS UPDATE. The IE synchronization information and the IE synchronization information status may be further configured to indicate PSS and/or SSS information such as, but not limited to PSS or SSS period, length, frequency location and/or the like.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, in some example embodiments, the pico cell, such as the second access point 14, may cause, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communications interface 30 or the like, IE Synchronization information to updated in the IE ABS Status. In an instance in which IE Synchronization information is updated, then a macro cell may be configured to interpret the IE ABS status as the PSS and/or SSS information for the pico cell. In instances in which the IE Synchronization information is not updated, then the macro cell may interpret the ABS information as indicated by 3GPP release 10, that is, the macro cell decides whether the number of configured ABSs might need to be increased based on the IE DL ABS status and IE Usable ABS Pattern Info in IE ABS Status

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, in some example embodiments, the pico cell, such as the second access point 14, may cause, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communications interface 30 or the like, IE Synchronization information to updated in the IE ABS Status to enable a pico cell to cause ABS and PSS and/or SSS information to be transmitted to a macro cell.

[0047] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate example operations performed by a method, apparatus and computer program product, such as apparatus 20 of Figure 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry and/or other device associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory 26 of an apparatus employing an embodiment of the present invention and executed by a processor 24 in the apparatus. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus {e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus provides for implementation of the functions specified in the flowcharts' block(s). These computer program instructions may also be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage memory produce an article of manufacture, the execution of which implements the function specified in the flowcharts' block(s). The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowcharts' block(s). As such, the operations of Figures 3 and 4, when executed, convert a computer or processing circuitry into a particular machine configured to perform an example embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, the operations of Figures 3 and 4 define an algorithm for configuring a computer or processing circuitry 22, e.g., processor, to perform an example embodiment. In some cases, a general purpose computer may be provided with an instance of the processor which performs the algorithm of Figures 3 and 4 to transform the general purpose computer into a particular machine configured to perform an example embodiment.

[0048] Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or

combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0049] In some embodiments, certain ones of the operations above may be modified or further amplified as described below. Moreover, in some embodiments additional optional operations may also be included. It should be appreciated that each of the modifications, optional additions or amplifications below may be included with the operations above either alone or in combination with any others among the features described herein.

[0050] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by a pico cell, such as the second access point 14, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 30 or the like, in accordance with some example embodiments of the present invention. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by a pico cell such as the second access point 14, is configured to cause an ADS pattern to be negotiated with a macro cell, such as the first access point 12. At operation 302, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by a pico cell such as the second access point 14, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, or the like, for determining that an extension carrier is to be configured. Alternatively or additionally, a macro cell, such as the first access point 12, may e configured to determine that an extension carrier is to be configured. In such instances, the pico cell, such as the second access point 14 may be configured to receive, such as via the communication interface 30, an indication that an extension carrier is to be configured from the macro cell.

[0051] At operation 304, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by a pico cell such as the second access point 14, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 30 or the like, for causing a message to be transmitted to an access point, the message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes based on the extension carrier to be configured. At operation 306, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by a pico cell such as the second access point 14, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the

communication interface 30, or the like, for receiving an indication of a modified almost blank subframe pattern, the modified almost blank subframe pattern based at least in part on the message.

[0052] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed by an example macro cell, such as the first access point 12, , such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 30 or the like, in accordance with some example embodiments of the present invention. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by a macro cell such as the second access point 14, may be configured to determine an ADS pattern based on received PDCH, PSS and SSS information from one or more pico cells. At operation 402, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by an example macro cell, such as the first access point 12, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 30 or the like, for receiving a message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes for coordination with an extension carrier.

[0053] At operation 404, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by an example macro cell, such as the first access point 12, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like, for determining a modified almost blank subframe pattern, the modified almost blank subframe pattern based at least in part on the received message. At operation 406, the apparatus 20 embodied, for example, by an example macro cell, such as the first access point 12, may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 30, or the like, for causing an indication of the modified almost blank subframe pattern to be transmitted.

[0054] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method comprising:

determining that an extension carrier is to be configured;

causing a message to be transmitted to an access point, the message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes based on the extension carrier to be configured; and

receiving an indication of a new or modified almost blank subframe pattern, the new or the modified almost blank subframe pattern based at least in part on the message.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the message transmitted to an access point comprises at least one of a status request information element, a status update information element or an almost blank subframe status information element.

3. A method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:

receiving an information element related to a physical discovery channel periodic status in a status request information element;

causing another information element related to a physical discovery channel status to be updated in a status update information element, such that the another information element indicates information related to a physical discovery channel,

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:

causing an information element related to a physical discovery channel availability to be updated in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein in an instance in which the information element related to a physical discovery channel availability is added, the almost blank subframe status information element is configured to be interpreted as physical discovery channel information.

A method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:

causing an information element related to a physical discovery channel status to be updated in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate at least one of almost blank subframe information or physical discovery channel information.

A method according to Claim 5, further comprising:

receiving an information element related to synchronization information in a status request information element; and

causing another information element related to a synchronization status to be updated in a status update information element, such that the another information element indicates information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

A method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:

causing an information element related to synchronization information to be updated in an almost blank subframe information element, wherein in an instance in which the information element related to synchronization information is added, the almost blank subframe status information element is configured to be interpreted as at least one of primary synchronization sequence information or secondary synchronization sequence information.

A method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising: causing an information element related to synchronization information to be updated in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

9. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more signals positioned in the designated subframes include at least one of a physical discovery channel, a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

10. An apparatus comprising:

a processing system arranged to cause the apparatus to at least:

determine that an extension carrier is to be configured; cause a message to be transmitted to an access point, the message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes based on the extension carrier to be configured; and

receive an indication of a new or modified almost blank subframe pattern, the new or the modified almost blank subframe pattern based at least in part on the message.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the message transmitted to an access point comprises at least one of a status request information element, a status update information element or an almost blank subframe status information element.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to:

receive an information element related to a physical discovery channel periodic status in a status request information element; cause another information element related to a physical discovery channel status to be updated in a status update information element, such that the another information element indicates information related to a physical discovery channel.

13. An apparatus according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to:

cause an information element related to a physical discovery channel availability to be updated in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein in an instance in which the information element related to a physical discovery channel availability is added, the almost blank subframe status information element is configured to be interpreted as physical discovery channel information.

14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to:

cause an information element related to a physical discovery channel status to be updated in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate at least one of almost blank subframe information or physical discovery channel information.

15. An apparatus according to Claim 14, wherein the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to:

receive an information element related to synchronization information in a status request information element; and

cause another information element related to a synchronization status to be updated in a status update information element, such that the another information element indicates information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

16. An apparatus according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to:

cause an information element related to synchronization information to be updated in an almost blank subframe information element, wherein in an instance in which the information element related to synchronization information is added, the almost blank subframe status information element is configured to be interpreted as at least one of primary synchronization sequence information or secondary synchronization sequence information.

17. An apparatus according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to:

cause an information element related to synchronization information to be updated in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

18. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 10 to 17, wherein the one or more signals positioned in the designated subframes include at least one of a physical discovery channel, a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

19. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 10 to 18, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of an access point, user equipment or a communications device.

20. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 10 to 19, wherein the apparatus is configured for use in at least one of a wideband code division multiple access, time division synchronous code division multiple access, a long term evolution or long term evolution advanced system.

21. A computer readable medium comprising a set of instructions, which, when executed on an apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the steps of:

determining that an extension carrier is to be configured;

22. A computer readable medium according to claim 21, wherein the message transmitted to an access point comprises at least one of a status request information element, a status update information element or an almost blank subframe status information element.

23. A computer readable medium according to any one of claims 21 or 22, further comprising instructions, which, when executed on the apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the additional steps of:

causing another information element related to a physical discovery channel status to be updated in a status update information element, such that the another information element indicates information related to a physical discovery channel.

24. A computer readable medium according to any one of claims 21 or 22, further comprising instructions, which, when executed on the apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the additional step of:

25. A computer readable medium according to any one of claims 21 or 22, further comprising instructions, which, when executed on the apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the additional step of:

26. A computer readable medium according to Claim 25, further comprising instructions, which, when executed on the apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the additional steps of:

receiving an information element related to synchronization information in a status request information element; and causing another information element related to a synchronization status to be updated in a status update information element, such that the another information element indicates information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

27. A computer readable medium according to any one of claims 21 or 22, further comprising instructions, which, when executed on the apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the additional step of:

28. A computer readable medium according to any one of claims 21 or 22, further comprising instructions, which, when executed on the apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the additional step of:

causing an information element related to synchronization information to be updated in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

29. A computer readable medium according to any one of Claims 21 to 28, wherein the one or more signals positioned in the designated subframes include at least one of a physical discovery channel, a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

30. An apparatus comprising:

means for determining that an extension carrier is to be configured; means for causing a message to be transmitted to an access point, the message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes based on the extension carrier to be configured; and

means for receiving an indication of a new or modified almost blank subframe pattern, the new or the modified almost blank subf ame pattern based at least in part on the message.

31. An apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the message transmitted to an access point comprises at least one of a status request information element, a status update information element or an almost blank subframe status information element.

32. An apparatus according to any one of claims 30 or 31, further comprising:

means for receiving an information element related to a physical discovery channel periodic status in a status request information element;

means for causing another information element related to a physical discovery channel status to be updated in a status update information element, such that the another information element indicates information related to a physical discovery channel.

33. An apparatus according to any one of claims 30 or 31, further comprising:

means for causing an information element related to a physical discovery channel availability to be updated in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein in an instance in which the information element related to a physical discovery channel availability is added, the almost blank subframe status information element is configured to be interpreted as physical discovery channel information.

34. An apparatus according to any one of claims 30 or 31, further comprising: means for causing an information element related to a physical discovery channel status to be updated in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate at least one of almost blank subframe information or physical discovery channel information.

35. An apparatus according to Claim 34, further comprising:

means for receiving an information element related to synchronization information in a status request information element; and

means for causing another information element related to a synchronization status to be updated in a status update information element, such that the another information element indicates information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

36. An apparatus according to any one of claims 30 or 31, further comprising:

means for causing an information element related to synchronization information to be updated in an almost blank subframe information element, wherein in an instance in which the information element related to synchronization information is added, the almost blank subframe status information element is configured to be interpreted as at least one of primary synchronization sequence information or secondary synchronization sequence information.

37. An apparatus according to any one of claims 30 or 31, further comprising: means for causing an information element related to synchronization information to be updated in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

38. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 30 to 37, wherein the one or more signals positioned in the designated subframes include at least one of a physical discovery channel, a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

39. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 30 to 38, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of an access point, user equipment or a communications device.

40. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 30 to 39, wherein the apparatus is configured for use in at least one of a wideband code division multiple access, time division synchronous code division multiple access, a long term evolution or long term evolution advanced system.

41. A method comprising:

receiving a message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes for coordination with an extension carrier;

determining a modified almost blank subframe pattern, the modified almost blank subframe pattern based at least in part on the received message; and causing an indication of the modified almost blank subframe pattern to be transmitted.

42. A method according to claim 41, wherein the received message comprises at least one of a status request information element, a status update information element or an almost blank subframe status information element.

43. A method according to any one of claims 41 or 42, further comprising:

causing an information element related to a physical discovery channel periodic status to be updated in a status request information element; and detecting an another information element related to a physical discovery channel status in a status update information element,

wherein that at least one of the information element or the another information element indicates information related to a physical discovery channel.

44. A method according to any one of claims 41 or 42, further comprising:

detecting an information element related to a physical discovery channel availability in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein in an instance in which the information element related to a physical discovery channel availability is detected, the almost blank subframe status information element is configured to be interpreted as physical discovery channel information.

45. A method according to any one of claims 41 or 42, further comprising:

detecting an information element related to a physical discovery channel status in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate at least one of almost blank subframe information or physical discovery channel information.

46. A method according to Claim 45, further comprising:

causing an information element related to synchronization information to be updated in a status request information element; and

detecting an another information element related to a synchronization status in a status update information element, wherein that at least one of the information element or the another information element indicates information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

47. A method according to any one of claims 41 or 42, further comprising:

detecting an information element related to synchronization information in an almost blank subframe information element, wherein in an instance in which the information element related to synchronization information is detected, the almost blank subframe status information element is configured to be interpreted as at least one of primary synchronization sequence information or secondary synchronization sequence information.

48. A method according to any one of claims 41 or 42, further comprising:

detecting an information element related to synchronization information in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

49. A method according to any one of Claims 41 to 48, wherein the one or more signals include at least one of a physical discovery channel, a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

50. An apparatus comprising:

a processing system arranged to cause the apparatus to at least:

receive a message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes for coordination with an extension carrier; determine a modified almost blank subframe pattern, the modified almost blank subframe pattern based at least in part on the received message; and

cause an indication of the modified almost blank subframe pattern to be transmitted.

51. An apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the received message comprises at least one of a status request information element, a status update information element or an almost blank subframe status information element.

52. An apparatus according to any one of claims 50 or 51, wherein the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to:

cause an information element related to a physical discovery channel periodic status to be updated in a status request information element; and detect an another information element related to a physical discovery channel status in a status update information element,

53. An apparatus according to any one of claims 50 or 51, wherein the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to:

detect an information element related to a physical discovery channel availability in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein in an instance in which the information element related to a physical discovery channel availability is detected, the almost blank subframe status information element is configured to be interpreted as physical discovery channel information.

54. An apparatus according to any one of claims 50 or 51, wherein the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to:

detect an information element related to a physical discovery channel status in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate at least one of almost blank subframe information or physical discovery channel information.

55. An apparatus according to Claim 54, wherein the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to:

cause an information element related to synchronization information to be updated in a status request information element; and

detect an another information element related to a synchronization status in a status update information element,

wherein that at least one of the information element or the another information element indicates information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

56. An apparatus according to any one of claims 50 or 51, wherein the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to:

detect an information element related to synchronization information in an almost blank subframe information element, wherein in an instance in which the information element related to synchronization information is detected, the almost blank subframe status information element is configured to be interpreted as at least one of primary synchronization sequence information or secondary synchronization sequence information.

57. An apparatus according to any one of claims 50 or 51, wherein the processing system is arranged to cause the apparatus to: detect an information element related to synchronization information in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

58. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 50 to 58, wherein the one or more signals include at least one of a physical discovery channel, a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

59. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 50 to 58, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of an access point, user equipment or a communications device.

60. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 50 to 59, wherein the apparatus is configured for use in at least one of a wideband code division multiple access, time division synchronous code division multiple access, a long term evolution or long term evolution advanced system.

61. A computer readable medium comprising a set of instructions, which, when executed on an apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the steps of:

62. A computer readable medium according to claim 61, wherein the received message comprises at least one of a status request information element, a status update information element or an almost blank subframe status information element.

63. A computer readable medium according to any one of claims 61 or 62, further comprising instructions, which, when executed on the apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the additional steps of:

64. A computer readable medium according to any one of claims 61 or 62, further comprising instructions, which, when executed on the apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the additional step of:

65. A computer readable medium according to any one of claims 61 or 62, further comprising instructions, which, when executed on the apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the additional step of: detecting an information element related to a physical discovery channel status in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate at least one of almost blank subframe information or physical discovery channel information.

66. A computer readable medium according to Claim 65, further comprising instructions, which, when executed on the apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the additional steps of:

detecting an another information element related to a synchronization status in a status update information element,

67. A computer readable medium according to any one of claims 61 or 62, further comprising instructions, which, when executed on the apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the additional step of:

68. A computer readable medium according to any one of claims 61 or 62, further comprising instructions, which, when executed on the apparatus causes the apparatus to perform the additional step of:

69. A computer readable medium according to any one of Claims 61 to 68, wherein the one or more signals include at least one of a physical discovery channel, a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

70. An apparatus comprising:

means for receiving a message indicating one or more signals positioned in designated subframes for coordination with an extension carrier;

means for determining a modified almost blank subframe pattern, the modified almost blank subframe pattern based at least in part on the received message; and

means for causing an indication of the modified almost blank subframe pattern to be transmitted.

71. An apparatus according to claim 70, wherein the received message comprises at least one of a status request information element, a status update information element or an almost blank subframe status information element.

72. An apparatus according to any one of claims 70 or 71, further comprising: means for causing an mformation element related to a physical discovery channel periodic status to be updated in a status request information element; and

means for detecting an another information element related to a physical discovery channel status in a status update information element, wherein that at least one of the information element or the another information element indicates information related to a physical discovery channel.

73. An apparatus according to any one of claims 70 or 71 , further comprising:

means for detecting an information element related to a physical discovery channel availability in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein in an instance in which the information element related to a physical discovery channel availability is detected, the almost blank subframe status information element is configured to be interpreted as physical discovery channel information.

74. An apparatus according to any one of claims 70 or 71 , further comprising:

means for detecting an information element related to a physical discovery channel status in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate at least one of almost blank subframe information or physical discovery channel information.

75. An apparatus according to Claim 74, further comprising:

means for causing an information element related to synchronization information to be updated in a status request information element; and means for detecting an another information element related to a synchronization status in a status update information element, wherein that at least one of the information element or the another information element indicates information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

76. An apparatus according to any one of claims 70 or 71 , further comprising:

means for detecting an information element related to synchronization information in an almost blank subframe information element, wherein in an instance in which the information element related to synchronization information is detected, the almost blank subframe status information element is configured to be interpreted as at least one of primary synchronization sequence information or secondary synchronization sequence information.

77. An apparatus according to any one of claims 70 or 71 , further comprising:

means for detecting an information element related to synchronization information in an almost blank subframe status information element, wherein the information element is configured to indicate information related to at least one of a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence,

78. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 70 to 77, wherein the one or more signals include at least one of a physical discovery channel, a primary synchronization sequence or a secondary synchronization sequence.

79. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 70 to 78, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of an access point, user equipment or a communications device.

80. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 70 to 79, wherein the apparatus is configured for use in at least one of a wideband code division multiple access, time division synchronous code division multiple access, a long term evolution or long term evolution advanced system.