On optimizing FER target for cdma2000 downlink

The cdma2000 /sup TM/ standard provides to each user an optional supplemental channel (SCH) in addition to the fundamental channel (FCH). The FCH, which carries signaling and control messages, is typically operated at 1% frame error rate (FER). The SCH carries user data which is typically more delay/error tolerant, and thus on the downlink, the base station has the option of operating the SCH at a higher FER. Transmitting to a user at a higher FER lowers the power requirement for that user and enables the base station to support more users. However, having high physical layer FER results in a low TCP layer throughput. It is not clear what value of target FER has to be used for the downlink SCH to obtain the maximum sector throughput. This paper studies this issue in more detail.