Performance comparison of cdma2000 forward power control modes

Forward power control (FPC) is a key factor influencing the forward link capacity of a CDMA system. The main goal of FPC is to dynamically adjust the allocated power for each user in a manner that meets the required quality of service (e.g. FER) of these users, and as a consequence maximizes system capacity. A fundamental aspect of FPC is the rate and delay at which the mobile station provides the power control feedback to the base station that the latter uses to adjust the forward link power. The cdma2000 Release A standard [TIA/EIA/IS-2000.2-A] defines seven different modes of closed-loop forward power control algorithms. In this paper, we present lab measurements comparing the performance of these modes. Results show that FPC modes with faster feedback rates show significant performance improvements over the slower modes in slow and medium fading conditions, while slower modes perform better in AWGN and fast fading conditions.