UMTS/IMT-2000 based on wideband CDMA

The UMTS terrestrial radio access is based on wideband 4.096 Mchip/s DS-CDMA technology. UTRA will be connected to an evolved GSM core network for both circuit and packet services. A merger between ETSI/Europe and ARIB/Japan based on W-CDMA, a GSM core network, and a common frequency allocation according to the ITU Recommendation of 2 GHz makes a global IMT-2000 standard feasible. UTRA based on W-CDMA fully supports the UMTS/IMT-2000 requirements (e.g., support of 384 kb/s for wide-area coverage and 2 Mb/s for local coverage). Furthermore, the air interface has flexible support of mixed services, variable-rate services, and an efficient packet mode. Key W-CDMA features also include improved basic capacity/coverage performance compared to second-generation systems, full support of adaptive antenna arrays, support of hierarchical cell structures with interfrequency handover, and support of asynchronous inter-base-station operation. There have been no constraints due to the strong requirements for backward compatibility with second-generation systems. This has facilitated a high degree of flexibility and a future-proof air interface. Extensive evaluations by means of simulations and field trials have been carried out by a number of companies, and full system tests are ongoing. Consequently, W-CDMA technology can now be regarded as a mature technology, ready to provide the basis for UMTS/IMT-2000     

Wide-band CDMA for the UMTS/IMT-2000 satellite component

This paper describes the main aspects relevant to the development of a third-generation radio transmission technology (RTT) concept identified as satellite wide-band CDMA (SW-CDMA), which has been accepted by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as one of the possible RTTs for the satellite component of International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000). The main outcomes of the extensive system engineering effort that has led to the above ITU RTT are described. In particular, we address propagation channel characteristics, satellite diversity, power control, pilot channel, code acquisition, digital modulation and spreading format, interference mitigation, and resource allocation. Due to its similarity with respect to the terrestrial W-CDMA proposal from which it is derived, the SW-CDMA open air interface solution is described briefly, with emphasis only on the major adaptation required to best cope with the satellite environment. Quantitative results concerning the physical-layer performance over realistic channel conditions, for both forward and reverse link, are reported. A system capacity study case for a low-Earth-orbit constellation is also provided     

The potential demand for the satellite component of the UniversalMobile Telecommunication System

The definition of the `third generation' Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) is currently in progress. The UMTS will consist of both terrestrial and space components. The satellite component is expected to operate alongside that of the terrestrial component and provide a complementary rather than a competitive service. First, the role of the satellite component of the UMTS is established, from which potential different satellite-UMTS user groups are identified. The number of users for each user group is then derived, taking into account the gross potential market, the penetration rate of the identified services and the profitability of providing such services via satellite     

Mobile next-generation networks

Mobile next-generation networks (NGNs) are a necessary element in reaching the goal of truly ubiquitous computing. The Universal Mobile Telecommunication System, the third-generation mobile service concept, is a technology step to mobile NGNs. We can view NGNs as a merger of the Internet and intranets with mobile networks and with media and broadcast technologies. The Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) is-from a radio perspective-a third-generation cellular technology, which is defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in its IMT-2000 framework (2001). From a conceptual point of view, it represents a technology step to mobile NGNs' facilitating ubiquitous computing. Researchers conceived UMTS to combine Internet protocol (IP) and mobile technologies to offer personal communication and personalized content everywhere. Its goal is to apply Internet protocols for mobile services control and end-to-end applications. By analyzing the trends of key technologies, we can see how they drive the evolution of the Internet and mobile communications toward mobile NGNs. In this article, I describe the IP-based approach of UMTS for the provision of mobile multimedia services. The integration of WLAN into the UMTS architecture could indicate that the field is moving toward separating mobile and fixed Internet.     

Cell phones answer Internet's call

Cellular service providers, handset manufacturers, and system integrators are captivated by the promise of the wireless Internet using third generation cellular telephony. The leading contender to be the global standard for third-generation cellular telephony is the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). This is a wideband CDMA system designed to be smoothly backward-compatible with GSM, and also the leading member of the IMT-2000 family of third-generation systems sponsored by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The developments of this technology and its impact on the telecommunications industry worldwide are discussed     

Experiments on IMT-2000 Using Unmanned Solar Powered Aircraft at an Altitude of 20 km

Several countries are keenly interested in the research and development of novel wireless communication systems using high altitude platform stations (HAPS) because of their great potential benefits. In June and July 2002, we carried out the world's first experiment on International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) by radio relay via transponders onboard an unmanned solar powered aircraft at an altitude of 20 km. This experiment demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of applying the IMT-2000 system using a HAPS and a compact cellular phone designed for terrestrial cellular systems. Two experiments were carried out over Kauai Island in Hawaii, USA. In the first experiment, we were unable to establish an IMT-2000 link connection via the aircraft at 20 km because the onboard transponder for the reverse link received unexpected signals from a terrestrial cellular system in commercial use 200 km away on Oahu Island. However, we managed to establish the link by connecting a high gain external antenna to the cellular phone. After the first flight experiment, we developed an onboard receiving antenna with a low sidelobe level to suppress interference signals. In the second experiment, we successfully achieved IMT-2000 video communication with a cellular phone. This paper presents the experimental results and analysis of these IMT-2000 communication experiments.     

UMTS overview

The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) as specified by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) was formally adopted by the ITU as a member of its family of IMT-2000 Third Generation Mobile Communication standards in November 1999. This paper provides some background to the UMTS standard and an overview of the system architecture. Some information about the current status of technology trials is provided as well as predictions for the services that future UMTS networks are likely to deliver to the end user     

UMTS architecture for integrating terrestrial and satellite systems

This architecture proposal for the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System harmonizes several approaches to the evolving European Union mobile-systems standard. The architecture accommodates both satellite and terrestrial networks and allows a smooth transition from existing systems to UMTS     

UMTS universal mobile telecommunications system: development ofstandards for the third generation

The standards for the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) are being developed by the European Telecommunications Standardization Institute (ETSI), UMTS is a set of standards aimed at the global market. It will be a real third-generation global system for mobile communications, adding new features and introducing relevant technological innovations while evolving from both a global system for mobile communications (GSM) and integrated services digital networks (ISDNs), UMTS standardization is a market-driven process, and UMT standards are based on the carefully selected market requirements developed in close cooperation with the UMTS Forum and GSM Memorandum of Understanding Association (MoU), UMTS belongs to the IMT-2000 family and, while supporting existing services, will be capable of offering new and revolutionary services including multimedia and access to the Internet, offering a speed of 2 Mb/s for a single user at a radio-access network. This paper attempts to give an objective view of the UMTS standardization in Europe     

Network and common channel signalling aspects of dynamic satellite constellations

This paper discusses networking issues associated with the provision of L/S-band personal satellite communications. Both the UMTS and IMT-2000 third generation mobile communication concepts have identified the need for a satellite component as part of their overall structure. The work is mostly based on the ESA-developed medium altitude global satellite system (MAGSS-14).¹ It is, therefore, mainly relevant to MEO (medium earth orbit) constellations but most ideas can also be extended to LEO (low earth orbit) constellations. After examining user and service requirements the specific networking issues associated with personal satellite communications are reviewed. A network architecture is then proposed which takes these restrictions into account. Based on this network architecture, network signalling requirements, more specifically those relevant to network common control channels, are estimated.     

An overview of CDMA evolution toward wideband CDMA

Third-generation mobile radio networks, often dubbed as 3G, have been under intense research and discussion recently and will emerge around the year 2000. In the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), third generation networks are called International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000), and in Europe, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). IMT-2000 will provide a multitude of services, especially multimedia and high-bit-rate packet data. Wideband code division multiple access (CDMA) has emerged as the mainstream air interface solution for the third-generation networks. In Europe, Japan, Korea, and the United States, wideband CDMA systems are currently being standarized. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to wideband CDMA. It also provides a review of the wideband CDMA air interface proposals including WCDMA in Europe and Japan, cdma2000 in the United States, and wideband CDMA in Korea.     

The Future of Radio Access in 3G

In the last two years, UMTS has progressed from the drawing board to prototypes and pre-release trials. Through the concentrated efforts of manufacturers and operators in the standards bodies, the 3GPP specifications for UMTS, including W-CDMA, TD/CDMA and TD/SCDMA, are currently being developed into deployable equipment for the first UMTS networks. However, human nature dictates that there is always room for improvement, with a constant drive for better performance and higher efficiency. UMTS is by no means the ultimate mobile radio access network, and, even before the first equipment rolls off the production lines, the work of the standards bodies is already looking at enhancements to the system. This paper considers some of these improvements, the evolution of W-CDMA, and the role of TDD in the ongoing developments of third generation mobile radio access.     

Satellite systems for personal communication networks

The paper addresses some issues related to Satellite Personal Communication Networks (S‐PCNs). The role of satellite communications in that scenario is discussed, and some characteristics of S‐PCNs are identified. In addition, the problem of the integration of S‐PCNs with the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) is considered. In this respect an original methodology for accomplishing such integration is proposed; such methodology aims at avoiding complex protocol conversions at the interfaces between the terrestrial and the satellite segment. The paper is partly based upon the work performed by the authors in the framework of the European Community INSURED Project “INtegrated Satellite UMTS Real Environment Demonstrator”. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

An overview of air interface multiple access for IMT-2000/UMTS

The basis for any air interface design is how the common transmission medium is shared between users (i.e., multiple access scheme). The underlying multiple access method for all mobile radio systems is FDMA. The performance of TDMA and CDMA has been subject to vigorous debate, without any definitive conclusions. This article gives an overview of worldwide research and standardization activities related to the multiple access schemes for third-generation mobile communications systems IMT-2000 and UMTS     

Europe's future mobile telephony system

Building on the huge success of its homegrown cellular system, Europe is planning a next-generation wireless system to handle data as well as voice, and-it is hoped-lay the foundation for universal roaming. The system being developed in the framework of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) is called UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System). In parallel, the International Telecommunication Union, based in Geneva, is formulating IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) 2000, which is to be a family of systems that will let users roam worldwide with the same handset, and which will include UMTS as a subset     

Harmonization of global third generation mobile systems

The International Telecommunication Union launched the third-generation project in 1986 with the aim to provide global personal communication using an inexpensive mobile terminal that can truly facilitate communication "anywhere, anytime". In previous years, standardization activities toward IMT-2000 have accelerated toward concrete specifications. By June 1998, a total of 15 proposals from around the world had been submitted to the ITU as radio transmission technology candidates. Since then, the 3G standardization landscape has seen many changes-a steady progression of the convergence process. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the worldwide harmonization efforts on the standardization of third-generation terrestrial mobile communication systems. The status, as of October 1999 when this article was written, of the technical specifications within 3G partnership projects are also summarized.     

Mixed traffic in UMTS downlink

The traffic being transferred within 3G mobile networks will be composed by different information flows with various constraints on the required QoS (bit rate, delays, etc.). In this scenario, flexibility will be a key point for the success of 3G systems. UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) offers both circuit switched and packet switched transfer mode, and within each transfer mode, different QoS can be achieved by properly setting physical parameters such as the spreading factor of the physical channels, the power control scheme, the rate of the FEC protecting code, etc. In this letter, we give an evaluation of the downlink performance of W-CDMA UMTS radio interface when providing access to multimedia services. In particular, we analyze through simulations a typical scenario where voice calls and Web-browsing sessions share the same frequency carrier, the former using the dedicated channels (DCH), the latter being transferred on the downlink shared channel (DSCH).     

A Non-Linear Multiuser Detector for UMTS

The family of international standards for mobile communications IMT-2000 includes amongst others the UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) proposal, which consists of two modes: Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD). Both are wideband CDMA systems. CDMA systems are Multiple Access Interference (MAI) limited. Conventional detectors like the RAKE receiver do not decrease the MAI, this leads to a limited Bit Error Rate (BER) performance. For further improvement of system capacity Multiuser Detectors (MUD) should be applied. In this paper a non-linear approach employing Radial Basis Functions (RBF) is shown. The adaption of this algorithm to UTRA, its complexity and the BER-performance is discussed.     

Performance of CDMA/PRMA as an Access Technique for Integrated Services in a UMTS High Altitude Platform System

High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) have gained a great interest in recent years. HAP systems will be global in nature but national in service provision. They will deliver IMT-2000 mobile and fixed wireless access using the proposed IMT-2000 terrestrial component radio transmission technologies and protocols. Under the above consideration, in this paper the performance of a MAC protocol based on the combination of the well-known Packet Reservation Multiple Access (PRMA) scheme with Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technologies in a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) mode is studied, for a HAP operating at the 2 GHz frequency band at an altitude of 22 km. The impact of acknowledgement delay has been examined through computer simulations, along with the selection of suitable channel access functions (CAFs) to control the access of mobile users. Moreover the protocol performance is investigated in a cellular HAP environment and compared to that of a ground-based system. Finally, different traffic scenarios have been considered in order to investigate the access delay for non-real time traffic and the packet dropping performance for real time traffic.Nikolaos Batsios received his diploma degree in electrical & computer engineering (Telecommunication Division) from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) in 2000. At the end of his studies, his diploma thesis was awarded from ERICSSON Hellas. He was also one of the six finalists of the IEEE Region 8 Student Paper Contest. He has worked as a Research Engineer in Space Engineering S.p.A. (Rome, Italy) and he was involved in ATB, ROBMOD and VIRTUOUS projects. Currently he is working in Intracom S.A. as Telecom Engineer. His research interests are in the field of satellite and terrestrial communication systems including physical layer design, medium access control layer architectures and protocols.Fotini-Niovi Pavlidou received the PhD degree in electrical engineering from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, in 1988 and the diploma in mechanical-electrical engineering in 1979 from the same institution. She is currently an associate professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Aristotle University engaged in teaching for the under- and post-graduate program in the areas of mobile communications and telecommunications networks. Her research interests are in the field of mobile and personal communications, satellite and HAP communications, multiple access systems, routing and traffic flow in networks and QoS studies for multimedia applications over the Internet. She is involved in many national and international projects in these areas and she has chaired the European COST262 Action on Spread Spectrum Techniques. She has served as a member of the TPC of many IEEE/IEE conferences. She is a permanent reviewer for many international journals. She has published about 80 papers in refereed journals and conferences. She is a senior member of IEEE, currently chairing the joint IEEE VTS & AESS Chapter in Greece.     

An Advanced Satellite UMTS Testbed for Laboratory and Over-the-Air Experiments of Third-Generation Mobile Services—Part II: Experimental Results

This paper complements its companion paper by reporting the key experimental results obtained both in the laboratory and via satellite, using the Satellite Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems (S-UMTS) Advanced TestBed (ATB) - a comprehensive facility developed under a European Space Agency contract whose intention was to demonstrate a set of technical solutions for the efficient provision of the so-called S-UMTS services, i.e., third-generation (3G) point-to-point (i.e., interactive) and point-to-multipoint (i.e., multicasting/broadcasting) mobile services based on wideband code-division multiple access (W-CDMA). After addressing the architecture of the overall via satellite ATB demonstrator, the main test results obtained in the laboratory, as well as over the air, are summarized. Then, bit error rate and frame error rate measurement results that were taken from the forward and return links are shown for both the additive white Gaussian noise and the Ricean channels, with different orders of space diversity and different coding schemes, which were classified as either convolutional or turbo 3G partnership project coding. Finally, key results of via satellite L-band measurements are reported for both unicast and reliable multicast applications. Because of the extensive test campaign presented in this paper, the viability of adapting W-CDMA to support point-to-point (packet) and point-to-multipoint multicast services in the satellite environment, as standardized by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, has been widely validated and experimentally confirmed. Reliable multicast techniques, exploiting a forward error correction that operates at the upper layer, were shown to be a powerful way of counteracting satellite channel impairments, thus allowing the multicast of multimedia contents in quasi-real time with good quality of service.