Cordless personal communications

The role of digital cordless technology in the transition to personal communication systems (PCSs) is discussed. The evolution of the pan-European digital cordless standards-CT2 and DECT-and industry progress in equipment availability and service implementation are reviewed. The application of cordless access to the domestic market in the United Kingdom and European telepoint, wireless PABXs, and radio drops are described. CT2 product development and availability and cordless data applications are outlined. The migration of microcellular cordless techniques for wider area systems including ETSI's universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) and the future public land mobile telecommunications systems (FPLMTS), now under development by CCIR with assistance from CCITT, are also discussed     

A profile-based location strategy and its performance

Future microcellular personal communications systems (PCSs) will be characterized by high user density and high mobility. It is expected that registrations will incur a large amount of the radio link signaling traffic. A profile-based strategy (PBS) is proposed to reduce the signaling traffic on the radio link by increasing the intelligence within the fixed network. The system maintains a sequential list of the most likely places where each user is located. The list is ranked from the most to the least likely place where a user is found. When a call arrives for a mobile, it is paged sequentially in each location within the list. When a user moves between location areas in this list, no location update is required. The list may be provided by the user or may be based on each user's past calling history. The method for doing this is outside the scope of this work. This work focuses on the potential performance improvements that can result from maintaining such a list. This paper compares the performance of the proposed strategy to the typical geographic-based location-tracking schemes being implemented in evolving digital cellular and cordless standards. Key performance measures for the comparison are radio bandwidth, fixed network SS7 traffic, and call setup delay. We investigate the conditions under which the PBS performs better than the traditional scheme. Results indicate that over a wide range of parameters, it may be possible to reduce both the radio bandwidth and fixed network signaling load for a modest increase in call setup delay     

Simultaneous Dual Band Transmission Over Multimode Fiber-Fed Indoor Wireless Network

Performance measurements of different combinations of digital enhanced cordless telecommunications packet radio service, global system for mobile communications, universal mobile telecommunication service, and 802.11g (54 Mbps) signals in a dual band configuration transmitted over an indoor wireless network fed by a low-cost 850-nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)-300m multimode fiber link are presented. The feasibility of such a system is demonstrated with error vector magnitude measurements which are within the required specifications     

Emerging mobile and personal communication systems

The market demand for wireless communications has been demonstrated by the rapid growth of different second-generation wireless technologies that are optimized for particular applications and environments. Obvious examples include: digital cellular systems like GSM, ADC, PDC,and DCS1800 for widespread vehicular and pedestrian services, and cordless telecommunication systems based on CT2, DECT, and PHS standards for residential, business, and public cordless access applications. Efforts are also underway to consolidate the various radio environments and applications under a single standard for third generation wireless, i.e., FPLMTS. In the area of personal mobility, with the recent availability of “personal” numbers in various countries (e.g., 500 numbers in the United States), many fixed network operators are starting to offer such personal mobility services as “personal number service” and “number portability”. These services represent initial stages of full personal mobility that will be provided by UPT in both wireline as well as wireless environments. The expected heavy demand for PCS in the United States and the underlying market/regulatory forces are driving the standardization and business activity. A number of air interface standards for the 1900 MHZ PCS band are being considered, which are based on TDMA, CDMA, and FDMA technologies singly or in combination. Many are variations of existing digital cellular and cordless telecommunications technologies. PCS networking standards are also being developed; both for standalone systems and for systems that will utilize public switched network capabilities     

Mathematical analysis of dynamic channel selection in indoor mobilewireless communication systems

Dynamic channel selection (DCS) is an algorithm for flexible resource sharing in mobile radio systems. The digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT) standard implements a version of DCS based on time as well as frequency multiplexing. In this paper, mathematical models are developed to evaluate the probabilities of channel availability, desired carrier power, and the carrier-to-interference ratio (CIR) for a constant traffic load. These results can be used to compute the call setup blocking probability. The models reported in this study are based on a decentralized DCS according to the DECT standard specifications. The results show that blocking due to availability of a channel (resource blocking), not interference blocking, generally is the most important factor in overall call blocking. Furthermore, it is seen that resource blocking is sensitive to the implementation of portable sets. Also, with homogeneous static traffic, this type of DCS ran be as good as fixed channel allocation (FCA) with respect to resource blocking     

Overview of the GSM system and protocol architecture

The global system for mobile telecommunications (GSM), which provides terminal mobility, with personal mobility provided through the insertion of a subscriber identity module (SIM) into the GSM network, is discussed. Cellular mobile communications, the cellular network infrastructure, and the specification of network databases and standards are described. The GSMs, numbering plan, radio channel structure, mobility management, call routing and signaling, protocol layering architecture, signaling transport protocols, and paging messaging systems are also described     

Universal Digital Portable Communications: A System Perspective

In our highly mobile society, the provision of voice and data communications to a person away from his/her wireline telephone has become a major communications frontier. The early penetration of this frontier has been based on very limited portable communications approaches, e.g., cordless telephones, mobile radio telephones, and radio paging. Each of these approaches only partially satisfies portable communications needs. This paper describes an approach to providing universal digital portable communications integrated into telephone networks. A system configuration employing time-division multiple-access radio link architecture and frequency reuse is described. Issues affecting radio link transmission rates and radio system coverage are discussed. Characteristics and parameters of a possible system to supplement the wire (or fiber) loop are indicated.     

The equivalent transmission-path model-a tool for analyzing errorfloor characteristics due to intersymbol interference in Nakagami-Ricefading environments

Land mobile radio systems such as car telephones and handy personal terminals used outdoors have enjoyed a remarkable evolution. To design reliable mobile radio systems, however, it is vital to have a good understanding of the impact of wave propagation characteristics on digital transmission quality in a wide variety of mobile radio environments. A very simple but general scheme for calculating irreducible bit error rate (BER) (namely, BER floor) due to intersymbol interference in frequency-selective Nakagami-Rice fading environments has been developed. The scheme, which we call the equivalent transmission-path model, plays a role in connecting wave propagation with digital transmission characteristics in a general manner. Through computer simulations assuming various types of delay profiles, we first identify key parameters of Nakagami-Rice fading dominating principally the occurrence of irreducible errors and we develop a simple method for the calculation of irreducible BER utilizing the nature or the key parameters. Then we examine the accuracy of the scheme for various types of phase-shift keying (PSK) transmission systems. Finally, based on the scheme, we show calculation examples of BER floor characteristics in line-of-sight fading environments     

The development of personal communications

The rapid development and take-up of personal communications services has been effected as much by marketing and regulatory changes as the introduction of second generation, digital technology. The traditional boundaries between fixed and mobile and between consumer and business services have been crossed. Increasingly, customers will be offered all their communication needs from a single supplier. This will lead to composite architectures formed from several networks. In the short term, dual-mode terminals will link networks based on cordless, cellular, satellite and fixed network technologies. As intelligent network techniques are used more fully, least-cost routing and consistent service features will be achieved. Third generation standards will extend the range of services, including those utilising higher speed data. These mobile systems will provide the primary access to the `Information Society'     

Effect of mobile terminal heterogeneity on call blocking/dropping probability in cooperative heterogeneous cellular networks

It is envisaged that next generation wireless networks (NGWN) will be heterogeneous, consisting of multiple radio access technologies (RATs) coexisting in the same geographical area. In these heterogeneous wireless networks, mobile terminals of different capabilities (heterogeneous terminals) will be used by subscribers to access network services. We investigate the effect of using heterogeneous mobile terminals (e.g. single-mode, dual-mode, triple-mode, etc.) on call blocking and call dropping probabilities in cooperative heterogeneous wireless networks. We develop analytical models for heterogeneous mobile terminals and joint radio resource management in heterogeneous wireless networks. Using a two-class three-RAT heterogeneous wireless network as an example, the effect of using heterogeneous terminals in the network is evaluated. Results show the overall call blocking/dropping probability experienced by subscribers in heterogeneous wireless networks depends on the capabilities of mobile terminals used by the subscribers. In the worst case scenario, when all subscribers use single-mode mobile terminals, each subscriber is confined to a single RAT and consequently, joint radio resource management in heterogeneous wireless network has no improvement on new call blocking and handoff call dropping probabilities. However, in the best case scenario, when all subscribers use three-mode terminals, new class-1 call blocking probability decreases from 0.37 (for 100% single-mode terminals) to 0.05, at the arrival rate of 6 calls per minute. New class-2 call blocking probability also decreases from 0.8 to 0.52. Similarly, handoff class-1 call dropping probability decreases from 0.14 to 0.003, and handoff class-2 call dropping probability decreases from 0.44 to 0.09.     

Low-tier wireless local loop radio systems. I. Introduction

The article provides the results of a set of analyses conducted to compare two major radio technologies, DECT/PWT-E and PACS, for their suitability in the local loop in the United States to provide voice and data services. DECT, digital enhanced cordless telecommunications, is a radio interface standard developed in Europe mainly for indoor wireless applications and being promoted lately for wireless local loop applications as well. PWT, personal wireless telecommunications, is a DECT-based standard developed by the TIA in the United States for the unlicensed PCS applications. PWT-E, enhanced, is the version that is suitable for the licensed PCS applications. PACS, personal access communications systems, is a total system standard (i.e. radio interface and associated network infrastructures) developed in the United States for licensed PCS applications. (PACS-UA and PACS-UB are the standards for the unlicensed PCS applications.) For the wireless local loop (WLL), we make an assumption that the radio technologies operating in the licensed PCS spectrum are more suitable to provide a quality of service that is expected traditionally from a local exchange company (LEC). Therefore, this article focuses on the PACS and PWT-E, rather than PACS-UB and PWT. Also note that the article focuses on the North American version, PWT-E, rather than the European version, DECT. It provides an introduction to the PACS and PWT technologies     

Where there's a WILL [wireless in the local loop]

Linking telephone subscribers into the network via wireless in the local loop (WILL) promises to boost telephone usage and enhance the effectiveness of telecommunications liberalisation. There is a wide choice of wireless technology potentially suitable for deployment in WILL applications. Candidates include the various analogue cellular technologies, digital cellular including GSM, and cordless systems including CT2 and DECT. The author discusses the FDMA/TDMA based fixed radio access system of Ionica, and the CDMA based system of Liberty. Both are in competition with BT. The choice of radio technology is discussed as are the problems caused by telecommunications liberalisation     

A simulation study of speech traffic capacity in digital cordlesstelecommunications systems

A computer simulation tool for evaluating the speech traffic handling capability of digital cordless telecommunications systems has been developed. The focus of the paper lies on the teletraffic engineering problems posed by time division multiple access (TDMA) systems operating with time division duplex (TDD) on one radio transceiver in radio environments. The impacts of fixed station separation, fixed station capacity, spatial traffic variability, dynamic channel assignment, microdiversity, and propagation model on the system capacity are investigated. The simulator serves as an invaluable tool for conducting sensitivity studies and its outputs provide useful insights on traffic performance of digital cordless systems     

Toward the personal communication era—A proposal of the “radio access” concept from Japan

This paper presents our insights into so-called personal communication and describes a conceptual proposal of radio access, which connects terminals with network services. Firstly, personal communication services are classified into basic (personal connection) services and advanced (personalized) services. Based on this categorization, features of the Japanese Personal Handy Phone (PHP) system, which offers services in homes, offices, and outdoor environments using a small cordless telephone terminal, are presented. The PHP system is defined here as a combination of three functional elements: a digital cordless terminal, radio access, and intelligent network. Secondly, the PHP system is described in detail including service definition, system design, network configuration, and evolutional scenario. Thirdly, we present standardization activities for the PHP-common air interface (CAI). The results of a three-month series of verification experiments, which have been successfully completed in 1992, are also explained. Based on the results, the specifications of PHP CAI were fixed at the end of 1992 through the cooperation of MPT, industries, and network operators. Technical items, mainly the 1.9-GHz 4-channel TDMA-TDD technology, are presented. Concerning R&D activities, the structure of frame synchronization for improving frequency utilization efficiency is described as one example of the many technical breakthroughs made in developing the PHP system. Finally, general considerations on service aspects of the PHP system are presented. This section includes comparisons between PHP and cellular systems from service viewpoints, such as charging, terminal performance, and service coverage area. The important results demonstrate the possibility of the coexistence of and the prosperity of both systems, due to the spread of the outdoor communication market caused by the introduction of the economical PHP system. In addition, our view on the phased approach for future service integration is given.     

Network issues for wireless communications

This article specifically focuses on wireless personal communications, i.e., wireless access, that provides either terminal or personal mobility. In particular, we discuss some important issues in networking, traffic, and performance. Although within radio and networking aspects there are significant commonalities between traditional cellular mobile communications and wireless personal communications, there exist distinct differences due to radio propagation and fading effects, interference environment, smaller cell sizes, type and pattern of mobility, and call delivery. Indeed, with respect to networking issues, a large set of system choices, characteristics of traffic to be carried, and important parameters have to be considered. These include the problems involved in selecting an appropriate multiaccess technology to efficiently handle the required subscriber service profile across a multiplicity of systems to complete a call. To present a meaningful discussion of these issues, we address in some detail radio resource assignment, mobility management, call control, and traffic aspect, which have significant impact on the network performance     

Improving GSM call completion by call reestablishment

Global system for mobile communications (GSM) call reestablishment service allows a mobile station to resume a call in which the radio link has been temporarily interrupted due to interference or bad signal (which is referred to as an interrupted call). This service increases end user satisfaction and network quality perception. We propose analytic models to study the performance for call reestablishment service. Our study indicates that call reestablishment can significantly reduces dropping for interrupted calls     

Equalization and space diversity techniques in mobile environments

The development of high-quality digital mobile radio systems has become a major goal in the field of digital communications. The possibility of providing speech and data services free of wire constrictions in different environments is a very attractive proposition, supported by means of the personal communications network (PCN) concept. The aim of the present article is to analyze the behavior of different receiver structures for such systems in order to obtain some clues to be used in designing the next generation of mobile systems. These systems have to provide both low- and high-data-rate services (up to 1 Mb/s) and be efficient in environments where a high density of traffic is generated. Moreover, as the carrier frequencies will range between 1 and 4 GHz, and the vehicle speed can be as high as 400 km/hr (e.g., high-speed trains), large Doppler frequency values must be coped with. Under certain conditions, diversity techniques perform better than equalization techniques in typical mobile radio environments