A VLSI solution for fast multi-algorithm adaptive channel allocation in cellular networks

In cellular networks with a high traffic load and frequent handoffs (due to the small size of the cells such are in personal communications systems (PCS), it is very important to provide fast channel allocation during call originations and handoffs. If channel allocation is not fast enough it manifests as an annoying "clicking" during the conversation. A hardware device called an adaptive channel allocator (ACA) is proposed for fast dynamic channel allocation in cellular networks. The ACA provides the desired performance according to the current traffic requirements and/or interference conditions. The main advantage of the ACA is its high efficiency in allocation of available radio channels (order of nanoseconds). Several channel allocation algorithms can be incorporated within an ACA at a time. The ACA selects and activates the algorithm which provides a desired performance according to the current traffic and/or interference conditions in the network. The ACA resides in the mobile switching center (MSC).