Data throughput enhancement in wireless packet systems by improved link adaptation with application to the EDGE system

Wireless broadband networking imposes significant challenges for frequency reuse. This paper introduces methods for improving link adaptation, which is essential for achieving high throughput in TDMA wireless packet communications. We present simulation results based on the EDGE (Enhanced Data-rate for GSM Evolution) system with low reuse factor (1/3) but the techniques are applicable for any packet-based frequency-reuse wireless systems. Our proposed enhancement, termed "mode 0," is a non-transmission mode in addition to the regular transmission modes available in link adaptation. Further enhancement is achieved by using multi-slot assignment with mode 0 as the back off mechanism to control system loading with an acceptable interference level. Simulation results indicate that this simple enhancement, which requires no standard modifications, results in improved throughput even for the disadvantaged users.