Patent ID: 6819936
Filing Date: 2004-11-16
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
A method for adjusting a radio-frequency (RF) power level in a cellular communications network, the network including a first plurality of signal-transmission-elements adapted to receive communication signals as a first variable-gain repeater coupled to a second plurality of signal-transmission-elements adapted to transmit the communication signals as a second variable-gain repeater, the method comprising:de-activating at least some of the first plurality of signal-transmission-elements so that the communication signals are not received in the first plurality; de-activating at least some of the second plurality of signal-transmission-elements so that the communication signals are not transmitted from the second plurality; injecting a reference signal having a predetermined injected power level at the first plurality of signal-transmission-elements; receiving the reference signal at the second plurality of signal-transmission-elements; measuring a received power level of the reference signal at the second plurality of signal-transmission-elements; comparing the injected and received power levels; responsive to the comparison, setting a gain of at least one of the signal-transmission-elements comprised in the first and second pluralities; activating the at least some of the first plurality of signal-transmission-elements; receiving at the first plurality of signal-transmission-elements the communication signals from a first region; activating the at least some of the second plurality of signal-transmission-elements; and transmitting the communication signals to a second region from the second plurality of signal-transmission-elements; wherein injecting the reference signal comprises measuring the predetermined injected power level with a first detector, wherein measuring the received power level comprises measuring the received power level with a second detector, and wherein activating the at least some of the second plurality of signal-transmission-elements comprises activating a power amplifier and setting a power level output of the power amplifier responsive to a power-amplifier output measured by a third detector and the predetermined injected power level measured by the first detector and the received power level measured by the second detector.