Multiple access scheme for mobile radio system, using tracking antennas whilst mobile stations are sufficiently spatially separated, and switching to TDMA when beams overlap to maintain operation on single channel

摘要

Information from a tracking command unit (105) is used to determine if the angular separation of mobile stations falls below a threshold value, such that co-channel operation is no longer possible by means of SDMA. If this condition occurs, an access switching unit (107) commands the base and affected mobile stations to change to a TDMA scheme, communication being maintained on the same frequency as before. The access switch preferably stores the angular locations of mobiles and regroups those for which TDMA becomes necessary. An Independent claim is included for a method of communication used with a mobile radio system of the invention.