Patent ID: 8325648
Filing Date: 2012-12-04
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method, performed by a radio access network (RAN), wherein the RAN controls assignments of wireless communication devices (WCDs) to a first carrier frequency and a second carrier frequency, wherein the RAN radiates on the first carrier frequency to define a first wireless coverage area, wherein the RAN radiates on the second carrier frequency to define a second wireless coverage area, the method comprising: receiving in the RAN a probe message from a given WCD, wherein the probe message indicates that the given WCD is seeking to engage in a given call; determining an initial forward-link power for the given WCD based at least in part on information associated with the probe message; assigning the given WCD to engage in the given call using the first carrier frequency, wherein the assignment is based on at least (1) the determined initial forward-link power for the WCD, (2) a first forward-link power associated with the first carrier frequency, and (3) a second forward-link power associated with the second carrier frequency; and during the given call, communicating with the given WCD on the first carrier frequency.