Patent ID: 6351654
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
A base station providing coverage to an inner communication coverage area and an outer communication coverage area, comprising:a plurality of antenna elements, the plurality of antenna elements are operable to obtain an antenna pattern that covers the entire inner and the entire outer communication coverage areas; a first antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements, the first antenna element having an antenna pattern that covers a first sector of the outer communication coverage area and at least a first portion of the inner communication coverage area, the first antenna element being operable to transmit a first signal directed to a first mobile terminal in the first sector of the outer communication coverage area; a second antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements, the second antenna element having an antenna pattern that covers a second sector of the outer communication coverage area and at least a second portion of the inner communication coverage area, the second antenna element being operable to transmit a second signal directed to a second mobile terminal in the second sector of the outer communication coverage area; responsive to the base station communicating with a mobile unit located in the inner communication coverage area, the plurality of antennas being operable to transmit using each of the plurality of antenna elements concurrently a third signal directed to a third mobile terminal in the inner communication coverage area; wherein the furthest point of the inner communication coverage area from the first and second antennas is closer to the first and second antennas than the furthest point of the outer communication coverage area from the first and second antennas; and wherein the inner and outer communication coverage areas are in a hybrid inner/outer sectored cell.