In this paper, we propose an inter-cell interference management technique, called dynamic resource allocation with interference avoidance (DRA-IA), for fixed broadband wireless systems with narrow sectors or equipped with fixed or adaptive array antennas. The basic idea of DRA-IA is for every base to periodically "turn-off" each of its beams (sectors) for a certain amount of time. This periodic turn-off introduces a predictable non-uniformity in a terminal's performance, and therefore permits each terminal to identify a preferred time period for transmission. DRA-IA requires and that each user sense the interference over time, select the preferred transmission periods, and report these to the base. The resource allocation algorithm at the base can then use this information for obtaining the appropriate "beam-turn-off" sequence and for scheduling transmissions. We demonstrate that DRA-IA provides a marked improvement in the packet error rate performance of "disadvantaged" terminals. This improvement translates directly to improved coverage and throughput, and also reduces the burden on higher layer protocols to ensure fairness and quality of service.
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