Terminal Transmit Power Control with Link Adaptation

Abstract

Methods for coordinating power usage and link adaptation in wireless communications are described. Terminals and/or access points (APs) may attempt to modify terminals' transmit power in relation to a desired communication data transfer rate. Link adoption may also be used in conjunction with the described methods.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for controlling power comprising the steps of:
 determining whether a change has occurred in antenna parameters of an access point;   determining if a transmit power of a mobile terminal should be modified based on said change in said antenna parameters; and   modifying said transit power of said mobile terminal in accordance with said determining steps.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said antenna parameters are transmitted in a beacon to said mobile terminal and wherein said modifying step is performed for every change in antenna parameters in said beacon. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said antenna parameters are transmitted in a beacon to said mobile terminal and wherein said modifying step is performed once per multiple beacons. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said determining steps are performed in said access point. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said determining steps are performed in said mobile terminal. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 modifying said transit power of said mobile terminal when a change in data rate has occurred.   
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 determining if a network is at or near capacity,   wherein said modifying step is at least partially based on an outcome of said network determining step.   
     
     
         8 . A system for modifying transmit power for a mobile terminal transmitting data to an access point comprising:
 a processor that determines whether antenna parameters of said access point have changed, determines if said transit power from said mobile terminal to said access point should be modified based on the change in said antenna parameters, and adjusts said transit power of said mobile terminal.   
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein said processor is in said mobile terminal. 
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein said processor is in said access point. 
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 8 , further comprising:
 an antenna that transmits said data at an adjusted transit power level.