Sharing radio resources in hierarchical cell structures utilizing slow frequency hopping

One way to decrease total system cost and improve efficiency in future mobile communication systems is a structure with cells covering the same area. This is often referred to as a hierarchical cell structure, HCS. We investigate the novel option of using slow frequency hopping, SFH, to combat interference between layers in an HCS where the same spectrum is used in all layers to avoid trunking losses and frequency planning between layers. We compare, in terms of capacity, the alternative of splitting the available bandwidth in separate parts. Results show that SFH manages to handle the inter-layer interference of an HCS if adequate admission and power control is used, but splitting the spectrum gives higher capacity.