Improving the reverse link capacity of CDMA systems using macrodiversity

Modern cellular systems employ a diversity technique known as macroscopic antenna diversity (macrodiversity) to improve link quality. However, macrodiversity techniques based on combining have not been targeted for reducing interference in these systems. In CDMA, the use of macrodiversity combining on the uplink could significantly reduce multiple access interference and improve system capacity. A novel technique based on combining is presented in this paper. Simulations of the technique show that it can provide significant capacity improvements on the reverse link in simulation. The capacity increase offered by this system, in conjunction with its cost-effectiveness, make the system an attractive upgrade option to cellular service providers.