Wireless Crash Course | Crash Course

Wireless Crash Course

Authors: Paul Bedell

Published: May 2005

eISBN: 9780071589024 0071589023 | ISBN: 9780071452809

Contents

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Preface

Chapter 1 Cellular Radio History and Development

1.1 Definition of Cellular Radio: The Cellular Concept

1.2 Cellular System Objectives

1.3 AMPS: The American Cellular Standard

1.4 AMPS Technical Specifications

1.5 The Cellular Market Structure: MSAs and RSAs

1.6 The "A" Carrier and "B" Carrier Designations

1.7 Initial Cellular Licensing

Test Questions

Chapter 2 Basic Wireless Network Design and Operation

2.1 Frequency Reuse and Planning

2.2 Distance-to-Reuse Ratio

2.3 Call-Handoff

2.4 Maps Used in Wireless System Design

2.5 The Hexagon Grid

2.6 Fundamental Wireless System Components

2.6.1 The Mobile Phone

2.6.2 The Cell Base Station

2.6.3 The Backhaul Network

2.6.4 The Mobile Switching Center (MSC)

2.6.5 Interconnection to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the Internet

2.7 POP Counts

Test Questions

Chapter 3 The Cell Base Station

3.1 Overview

3.2 Criteria and Methods for Cell Placement

3.3 Selecting Cell Base Station Locations

3.4 Cell Base Station Deployment

3.5 Base Station Shelters

3.6 Cells on Wheels (COWs)

3.7 Enhancers

3.8 Microcells

3.9 Picocells and Nanocells

Test Questions

Chapter 4 Radio Frequency Operation and Technologies

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Signal Fading and Degradation

4.2.1 Ducting

4.2.2 Absorption

4.2.3 Free-Space Loss

4.2.4 Multipath (Rayleigh) Fading

4.3 Wireless Frequency Bands

4.4 In-Building Coverage

4.5 Frequency Coordination

4.6 System Interference

4.6.1 Cochannel Interference

4.6.2 Adjacent-Channel Interference

4.6.3 Intermodulation Interference (IM)

4.7 Radio Frequency Channelization

4.7.1 Paired Channels

4.7.2 Channel Spacing

4.7.3 Control Channels

4.8 Bluetooth

4.9 Ultra-Wideband Wireless (UWB)

4.9.1 UWB Drivers

4.10 Software-Defined Radio (SDR)

4.11 Cognitive Radio

Test Questions

Chapter 5 Antennas, Power, and Sectorization

5.1 Overview

5.2 Omnidirectional Antennas and Gain

5.3 Collinear Array Antennas

5.4 Directional Antennas

5.5 Downtilt Antennas

5.6 Criteria Used to Select Base Station Antennas

5.7 Radio Frequency (RF) Power

5.7.1 Effective Radiated Power (ERP)

5.7.2 Carrier-to-Interference (CI) Ratio

5.7.3 Allowable Power Levels

5.8 Sectorization

5.8.1 The Grid Angle

5.8.2 Tower Mounting of Directional Antennas

5.8.3 Front-to-Back Ratio

5.9 Smart Antenna Systems

5.9.1 Switched-Beam Smart Antenna Systems

5.9.2 Adaptive-Array Smart Antenna Systems

5.9.3 Summary of Smart Antenna Systems

5.10 Gas Plasma Antennas

Test Questions

Chapter 6 Digital Wireless Technologies

6.1 Digital-Wireless Systems Versus Analog Wireless Systems

6.2 Vocoders

6.3 Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) Technology

6.3.1 History

6.3.2 TDMA Operations and Deployment

6.4 Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Technology

6.4.1 Spread-Spectrum Technology

6.4.2 CDMA Basics

6.4.3 CDMAOne and CDMA 2000

6.4.4 CDMA Architecture

6.4.5 The Benefits of CDMA Technology

6.5 Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) Technology

6.5.1 GSM Architecture and Subsystems

6.5.2 GSM Adjunct Systems

6.6 GSM Versus CDMA

Test Questions

Chapter 7 3G: Third- Generation Wireless

7.1 3G Systems and IMT 2000

7.2 Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)

7.2.1 UMTS Network Architecture

7.2.2 The UMTS Core Network

7.2.3 UMTS Radio Access

7.2.4 UMTS Mobile Terminals

7.2.5 The History of UMTS/3G Deployments

7.3 CDMA2000

7.4 Wideband Code-Division Multiple Access (WCDMA)

7.5 U.S. 3G Deployments

7.6 Vendors

7.7 3G Applications

7.8 High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSPDA)

7.8.1 Benefits of HSDPA

7.9 4G Wireless

7.10 Conclusion

Test Questions

Chapter 8 Personal Communication Services

8.1 Overview

8.2 PCS Types

8.2.1 Narrowband PCS

8.2.2 Broadband PCS

8.3 PCS Markets

8.3.1 Metropolitan Trading Areas (MTAs)

8.3.2 Basic Trading Areas (BTAs)

8.4 Licensing Mechanisms and the Spectrum Auctions

8.5 PCS Market Buildouts and Evolution of the Marketplace

8.6 FCC License Restrictions for PCS Markets

8.7 RF Propagation and Cell Density

8.8 Digital Wireless Technology Selection

8.9 The Microwave Relocation Requirement

Test Questions

Chapter 9 Towers

9.1 Overview

9.2 Site Surveys

9.3 Monopole Towers

9.3.1 Stealth Towers

9.4 Free-Standing Towers

9.4.1 Free-Standing Tower Anchoring Options

9.5 Guyed Towers

9.6 Structural Design Options for Free-Standing and Guyed Towers

9.6.1 Solid-Leg Design

9.6.2 Tubular-Leg Design

9.6.3 Angular-Leg Design

9.7 Tower Loading

9.8 FAA Regulations

9.8.1 The 7460 Forms

9.8.2 Tower Lighting and Marking

9.9 Co-Siting and Tower Collocation

9.10 Tower Maintenance

9.10.1 Weather, Corrosion, and Loading

9.10.2 Preventive Maintenance

Test Questions

Chapter 10 Base Station Equipment and Radio Frequency (RF) Signal Flow

10.1 Omnidirectional Antennas and Space Diversity

10.2 Base Station Equipment Configurations

10.2.1 Transceivers

10.2.2 RF Signal Flow Through a Cell Site: The Downlink (Forward Channel)

10.2.3 RF Signal Flow Through a Cell Site: The Uplink (Reverse Channel)

Test Questions

Chapter 11 Capacity Management, Propagation Models, and Drive Testing

11.1 Cell Splitting

11.2 Overlay/Underlay

11.3 Directed Retry

11.4 Propagation Modeling Tools

11.4.1 The Hata-Okumura Propagation Model

11.4.2 The Cost-231 Walfisch/Ikegami Propagation Model

11.5 Drive Tests

Test Questions

Chapter 12 The Mobile Switching Center, the Network Operations Center, and the Backhaul Network

12.1 Overview

12.2 The Base Station Controller (BSC)

12.3 MSC High-Level Functions

12.4 MSC Adjunct Processes and Network Peripherals

12.5 The Network Operations Center (NOC)

12.6 The Backhaul Network: Cell-to-MSC Connections

12.7 The Packet Transport Option in the Backhaul Network

12.8 Transmission Media

12.9 Network Configuration Options

12.9.1 Star Configuration

12.9.2 Ring Configuration

12.9.3 Daisy-Chain Configuration

Test Questions

Chapter 13 Microwave Radio Systems

13.1 Overview

13.2 Microwave System Development and Design

13.2.1 Network Documentation

13.2.2 Network Design

13.2.3 Site Selection

13.2.4 Path Studies

13.2.5 Frequency Management

13.2.6 Diversity and Protection Schemes

13.2.7 Microwave System Capacity Options

13.2.8 Microwave System Reliability: Index of Refractivity

13.3 Unlicensed Microwave Systems

13.3.1 The Basics

13.3.2 Specifications

13.4 Coax and Waveguide

13.5 Microwave Radio Antennas

13.5.1 Parabolic Reflectors

13.5.2 Horn Reflectors

13.6 Microwave Radio System Software Modeling Tools

Test Questions

Chapter 14 Interconnection to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the Internet

14.1 Overview

14.2 The Structure of the PSTN

14.2.1 Local Access and Transport Areas

14.3 Elements of Interconnection

14.3.1 The Circuit

14.3.2 The Trunk and Bandwidth

14.3.3 Telephone Numbers (For Resale)

14.4 Interconnection Operations

14.5 Types of Interconnection

14.5.1 Type 2A Interconnection

14.5.2 Type 2T Interconnection

14.5.3 Type 1 Interconnection

14.5.4 Type 2B Interconnection

14.5.5 Dedicated Interconnection to an IXC

14.5.6 Intramarket Wireless Carrier-to-Carrier Interconnection

14.5.7 Point-to-Point Circuits

14.6 Cost Structures and Rate Elements

14.7 Cost-per-Minute Charges

14.7.1 Rating Structures

14.8 Special Construction Charges

14.9 Interconnection Agreements

14.9.1 Tariffs

14.9.2 Custom Contracts

14.10 Least-Cost Routing

14.11 Internet Connections

14.12 Wireless Local Number Portability (WLNP)

14.13 Reciprocal Compensation

14.14 Enhanced 911 Service (E-911) and Locator Technology

14.14.1 Locator Technologies

Test Questions

Chapter 15 Roaming and Intercarrier Networking

15.1 Overview

15.2 The Early Days of Roaming

15.2.1 Roaming Agreements

15.3 Modern Roaming Systems

15.3.1 Roaming and Digital Interoperability

15.3.2 Signaling System 7 (SS7) Overview

15.3.3 Signal Transfer Points (STPs)

15.3.4 The Home Location Register (HLR)

15.3.5 The Visitor Location Register (VLR)

15.3.6 Third-Party SS7 Roaming Networks

15.4 The ANSI-41 Signaling Standard

15.5 Automatic Call Delivery (ACD)

15.5.1 The ACD Process

15.5.2 SS7 Interconnection (ACD) Between Wireless Carriers and Third-Party SS7 Networks

15.5.3 SS7 Interconnection (ACD) Between Different (Competing) Wireless Carriers

15.5.4 Intracarrier SS7 Interconnection (ACD)

15.6 Intersystem Handoff (IHO)

15.7 International Roaming

15.8 Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN)

15.8.1 The Current Status of WIN Standards

15.8.2 WIN Functions

15.8.3 WIN Applications

Test Questions

Chapter 16 Wireless Data Technologies

16.1 Use Paradigms

16.2 Signal Quality

16.3 Short Message Services

16.3.1 Overview

16.3.2 Network Elements and Architecture

16.3.3 Service Elements

16.3.4 Subscriber Services

16.3.5 SMS Applications

16.3.6 Benefits of SMS

16.4 Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD)

16.5 Cellemetry

16.5.1 Overview

16.5.2 System Description

16.5.3 Modes of Operation

16.5.4 Applications

16.6 General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)

16.6.1 GPRS Architecture

16.6.2 GPRS Data Communication

16.6.3 GPRS Terminals

16.6.4 Network Attributes of GPRS

16.6.5 Limitations of GPRS

16.6.6 Applications Supported by GPRS

16.6.7 Benefits of GPRS

16.7 EDGE: Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution

16.7.1 GPRS and EDGE: The Technical Differences

16.7.2 EDGE Technology

16.7.3 EDGE Impact on GSM/GPRS Networks

16.7.4 Benefits of EDGE

16.7.5 Skepticism About EDGE

16.8 The Mobile IP Standard

16.9 Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

16.9.1 WAP Subprotocols

Test Questions

Chapter 17 The New Age of Cell Phones

17.1 Introduction

17.2 The All-in-One Cell Phone

17.2.1 Cutting-Edge Mobile Innovations—The Future of the Cell Phone

17.2.2 The Camera Phone Revolution

17.3 Ringtones

17.4 Cell Phone Viruses

17.5 Is All This Really Necessary?

Test Questions

Chapter 18 The Business Side and Wireless Applications

18.1 The CTIA

18.2 Cultural Impact and Hot Buttons

18.3 The Wireless Explosion: The Growth of the Most Popular Consumer Technology in History

18.4 Key Industry Drivers

18.5 The Commoditization of Wireless

18.6 Landline Replacement

18.7 The Death of Long- Distance and Roaming Charges

18.8 Mergers, Acquisitions, and the Rule of Three

18.9 Cost per Gross Add and ARPU

18.10 Price per Minute Rates

18.11 Churn

18.12 Agents and Resellers

18.13 Prepayment Offerings

18.14 Wireless Market Ownership

18.15 Wireless Applications

18.15.1 E-Mail and Internet Access

18.15.2 Intranet Access

18.15.3 Unified Messaging

18.15.4 Value-Added Services

18.15.5 Video Streaming

18.15.6 Location-Based Services and Telematics

18.15.7 Vertical Applications for Business

18.15.8 Advertising

Test Questions

Chapter 19 ESMR and Nextel

19.1 SMR Overview

19.2 Migration to Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio (ESMR): Nextel Corporation

19.3 iDEN Technology

19.3.1 Assessment of iDEN Technology

19.4 Sprint Buys Nextel

Test Questions

Chapter 20 Wi-Fi (802.11 Wireless Fidelity)

20.1 Overview

20.2 Wi-Fi Operations and Hot Spots

20.2.1 Operation Modes

20.2.2 Association, Cellular Architectures, and Roaming

20.3 Standards and Tech Specs

20.3.1 Wi-Fi Security

20.3.2 Auxiliary Wi-Fi Standards

20.4 Wi-Fi Integration with Other Wireless Technologies and Macrocellular Networks

20.5 Hype into Reality

20.6 Wi-Fi Benefits and the Competitive Advantage of Wireless

Test Questions

Chapter 21 802.16 WiMAX

21.1 WiMAX: The Wireless MAN Solution

21.2 WiMAX Network Architecture

21.3 WiMAX Standards and Development

21.3.1 802.16a

21.3.2 802.16e

21.4 WiMAX Application Options

21.4.1 Wireless Carrier Backhaul Network

21.4.2 Broadband on Demand

21.4.3 Supplementing Gaps in Cable and DSL Coverage

21.4.4 Areas Underserved by Broadband

21.4.5 Extendable Wireless Access

21.5 Licensing

21.6 Proceeding with Caution

Test Questions

Chapter 22 Home Networking

22.1 Introduction

22.2 Home Network Basics

22.2.1 Computers

22.2.2 Network Interface Cards, Hubs, and Routing

22.3 Why Home Networking?

22.3.1 Home Network Applications

22.4 Home Network Architecture

22.5 Home Network Operations

22.6 Technology Options for Home Networks

22.6.1 Ethernet (IEEE 802.3): 10/100 Mbps

22.6.2 Wireless (Wi-Fi): 11 Mbps to 54 Mbps

22.6.3 Ultra-Wideband Wireless

22.6.4 Phone Line (HomePNA[sup()] 2.0): 10 Mbps

22.6.5 Powerline Networking: 10 to 14 Mbps

22.6.6 Universal Serial Bus (USB)

22.7 Selecting the Right Infrastructure Technology

Test Questions

Appendix A: Test Question Answers

Appendix B: References

Index

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