A distributed access algorithm for cellular radio systems with channel partitioning

Recent results in distributed power control and distributed channel access have demonstrated the possibility of high-capacity cellular radio networks without central control. However, these distributed algorithms may not conv erge completely in practical systems where the rate of channel variation (d ue to mobility, handoff, or interfering users entering or leaving the chann el) approaches the rate at which power levels can be accurately measured an d adjusted. We propose a new channel partitioning technique in which both d ynamically allocated and fixed assignment channels are employed. This techn ique enables rapid distributed access that is inherently fair. Simulation r esults indicate that it is robust in responding to user mobility and handof f while yielding significant capacity gains over traditional fixed assignme nt systems.