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.