Efficient Location and Paging Area Planning in Future Cellular Systems

Efficient resource utilisation in future cellular systems is partly related to the location update and paging operations, which rely on proper planning of location and paging areas, and the application of efficient paging schemes. Important is the design of low complexity planning algorithms that may enable the system to dynamically adapt to new traffic and mobility conditions. In this paper we define and solve versions of the location and paging area planning problems focusing also on algorithms that are applicable in real-time. Thus, they can be used to adapt location and paging areas to traffic and mobility conditions. Starting from a formal definition and an optimal formulation, we solve efficiently by means of a low complexity heuristic, a general version of the location area planning problem. Regarding paging area planning, we provide a low complexity algorithm, under the assumption that the scheme applied falls within the last interaction based paging (LIBP) category. The results presented, and the low cost and complexity induced by the proposed schemes, indicates that the real-time application of the schemes is feasible.     

Formulation and Computationally Efficient Algorithms for an Interference-Oriented Version of the Frequency Assignment Problem

The frequency assignment problem will maintain its importance for several years, since future versions of legacy cellular systems, e.g., those of GSM, will continue to exist. This paper elaborates on an interference-oriented version of the frequency assignment problem. The objective function is associated with the interference levels that are imposed by the frequency allocation, while the constraints are related to the allocation of the frequencies required in each cell and the prevention of some unacceptable interference situations. The problem is formally stated, mathematically formulated and solved by means of computationally efficient heuristics. Finally, results are obtained and concluding remarks are made.     

Power allocation in the context of dimensioning the air‐interface of third generation W‐CDMA‐based cellular systems

The adoption of W‐CDMA as an essential component of the air‐interface of third‐generation cellular systems brings to the foreground the need for new planning methodologies and software tools. In this perspective, this paper addresses planning problems that are important to the dimensioning of W‐CDMA‐based cellular networks. The problems aim at finding the optimal feasible allocation of transmission power to the sets of uplink and downlink connections that should be supported by the system, so as to cope with a corresponding traffic load scenario. The problems are concisely defined, mathematically formulated and solved by means of two computationally efficient, novel algorithms. The solutions of the problems may be seen as operating points at which the system performance should be driven. Finally, numerical results are presented and concluding remarks are drawn. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Design of the Access Network Segment of Future Mobile Communications Systems

An important component of future mobile communications systems is their access network segment that enables interworking between the mobile unit and the fixed network. In this paper we define and solve two important problems, related to the design of this segment. First, the efficient utilisation of the available radio spectrum. In this context we present a scheme that may be used for reconfiguring the frequency allocation, therefore, improving the spectrum utilisation. The second problem that we address is that of deploying Cell Site Switches (CSSs), and Local Exchanges (LEs). Our aim in this paper is the following. First, to formally define and optimally formulate these problems. Second, to solve them resorting also to computationally efficient heuristic algorithms. Finally, to provide results and draw subsequent conclusions.     

Design of the intelligent network segment of future mobile communication systems

Future mobile communcation systems will have to provide sophisticated services at quality levels comparable with those provided by fixed systems. An additional requirement is that these systems should be deployed by minimally impacting the existing infrastructures. In this respect an important component of future mobile communication systems is their intelligent network segment, which contains the logic of the services provided and the relevant data required for providing these services. In the context of this paper we study the problem of designing this segment. Our reference system is UMTS, but the practices presented herein may be applied to other systems as well. We identify two major problems, the first at the Mobility and Services Control Point (MSCP) level and the second at the Mobility and Services Data Point (MSDP) level. Our aim in this paper is the following. First, the overall design process is decomposed into a sequence of well-defined problems. Second, the problems are formally stated and theoretically formulated. Third, owing to the computational complexity associated with the theoretical formulations, we take the first steps towards the design of approximate (heuristic) algorithms. Finally we provide results and draw subsequent conclusions. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

QoS Management by Means of Application Control

The complexity and sophistication of integratedbroadband networks call for a broad repertoire ofmanagement methods. Foreseen intensive competition ofthe communications market, and the upgrade ofend-customer's satisfaction as the focal point of anymanagement policy, raise a very important problem: howto utilize efficiently the resources of the networkwhile maintaining the Quality of Service (QoS) provided to end-users within a pre-negotiated range. Inthis paper, a QoS management architecture for multimediaapplications based on an application control scheme isproposed. Adhering to the Total Quality Management (TQM) paradigm, we let management span over theentire communication stack, the entire network(end-to-end) and the entire call duration. Applicationcontrol scheme aims to meet pre-specified QoS goals by adjusting the traffic produced by theend-user applications. The adjustment technique is basedon the notion that each multimedia session is allowed tooperate on a set of discrete application quality levels. A method for monitoring and assessingthe end-user perceived quality is presented. Themathematical problem of optimal resources allocation andan associated heuristic are specified. Finally, a specific instantiation of the introduced QoSmanagement architecture on a real testbed is describedand experimentation results are presented andevaluated.