Lucent WCDMA Guide

Making W-CDMA simple
A guide to UMTS networks
into W-CDMA but discovered youre

allergic to jargon? Our expert guide feeds
you the facts and skips the migraine.
Making Communications Simple

UMTS represents an incredible
opportunity for the wireless industry.
However we cant pretend that the
simultaneous introduction of a new
service environment and unfamiliar
technologies represents anything
other than an enormous challenge
for the operator community.
Dealing with the market

implications of a new and complex
service environment must be the
GSM operators first priority. They
should not be worrying about the
technical issues associated with
deploying a spread spectrum
technology for the first time. Their
concern should be how best to use
the in-depth understanding they
now have of their customers to
educate the consumer market about
the value of new packet services.
They should be developing
strategies to convince the enterprise
market that mobile operators merit
a significant share of business IT
budgets.
In addition, to leverage maximum

value from data service portfolios
operators need to be able to exploit
GSMs roaming advantage; they
should be focusing on negotiating
interworking agreements with their
main roaming partners and urging
terminal vendors to adopt
minimum option standards that
facilitate interoperability.
Meanwhile their infrastructure
vendor should be taking care of
deployment challenges.
Making 3G simple
The problem with trusting
infrastructure vendors with the
technical burden is that few have
field experience of this type of
access technology. Common
features of CDMA and W-CDMA
like cell breathing and pilot
pollution simply do not appear in
TDMA systems like GSM.
>>
1
Understanding these aspects of

W-CDMA is critical for efficient and
timely deployment. In addition, its
not enough simply to deliver
W-CDMA systems. The new
networks also need to be optimized
and cost effective.
In fact there are over 200
parameters that impact
performance in spread spectrum
technology. Knowing how to vary
those parameters is key to getting
good performance out of spread
spectrum networks. This is where
Lucent has an advantage over all
other infrastructure vendors.
Lucent wrote the book on spread
spectrum deployment and has built
more spread spectrum networks
than any other vendor. And all the
lessons learned from CDMA are
now being applied to UMTS.
Developing next generation
wireless solutions is a challenge for
the entire industry. But the
solution is to ensure 3G
development is a genuine
partnership between the operator
and the right vendor. Operators
need to be able to concentrate on
building new markets and securing
the market share critical for success
in the new service environment.
For this they need a vendor with
field experience of spread spectrum
technology thats able and willing
to shoulder the full deployment
burden.
2
In short, its up to the vendor to

make the new technology easy for
operators so the latter can get on
with the serious business of
educating the market about new
services, satisfying the needs of
customers and generating new
revenue fast.
We hope Making W-CDMA Simple
will play a small part in bringing
the 3G vision into focus. Our
objective is to provide the
non-technicians amongst our
customers, journalists, analysts and
the financial community with a
concise and accessible overview of
this important new technology.
The intention is not just to present
the technical detail but also to
make it clear W-CDMA has the
potential to transform the world to
the same degree second generation
wireless technology revolutionized
the way the world communicates.
No one should underestimate the
challenges that lie ahead. But
Lucent Technologies has the
resources, skill sets and experience
to turn vision into reality and
ensure its customers succeed in the
3G marketplace.
Coming to terms with 3G

Like every technical industry the
wireless business is littered with
confusing abbreviations and
acronyms. In this guide wed like to
be able to do away with them
altogether but its just not possible.
Instead well avoid them when we
can and try to make sense of them
wherever they occur.
Any attempt to explain W-CDMA
must first tackle a question that
bothers people whether theyre part
of the wireless industry or not. Is
W-CDMA the same as 3G and do
either or both terms mean the same
as UMTS?
Unfortunately the answer
to this very reasonable
query is slightly longwinded but important for
understanding what
follows.
First a bit of history.
Throughout the 1980s the
worlds wireless operators
used second generation (2G) mobile

technologies to build the
foundations of todays mobile
networks. All these technologies
have been defined by standards
with complex specifications that in
most cases must be applied right
across the network. This period of
wireless development was
innovative and exciting but it soon
became clear to operators, vendors
and standards bodies that 2G
technology had its limitations.
The astonishing growth of the

global wireless market was one of
the most significant
technological and
commercial developments
of the previous century.
What is the ITU?
The International Telecommunications
This is why the
Union is a United Nations
International
organization responsible for coTelecommunication
ordinating global telecommunications
Union (ITU) launched an
activities, particularly in the areas of
International Mobile
standards setting, radio spectrum
Telecommunications
allocation and regulation.
(IMT) initiative known as
IMT-2000. The idea was >>
3
to ensure a clearly defined but

flexible approach to future wireless
technology development that would
prepare the ground for more
advanced mobile services.
This was a far-sighted move on the
part of the ITU as it pre-empted the
growing importance of mobile data
services to every operators
business.
Definition What
is IMT-2000?
IMT-2000 is a
general term for
technologies
planned to be
included in the
ITUs world
standards for
third generation
(3G) mobile
communication.
Today mobile technology is no

longer just about voice. Literally
billions of short messages (texts) are
sent and received every month and
sophisticated services like email
on-the-move and picture messaging
are beginning to find a market.
After a couple of false starts the
mobile internet era is finally upon
us, but once mobile data moves
beyond the transmission of simple
text messages, the speed and
capacity of mobile networks
become critical issues.
IMT-2000 was its vision of the kind

of advanced networks needed to
handle enhanced mobile services.
According to the ITU, the defining
characteristics of IMT-2000 would
be:
high quality networks, services
and terminals;
a high degree of commonality in
design;
global roaming capabilities;
compatibility of services within
IMT-2000 and fixed networks;
multimedia and advanced
data-service capabilities.
At the World Administrative Radio
Conference (1992) it was decided to
allocate radio spectrum globally in
the 2GHz frequency band for what
would become the IMT-2000 family
of technologies. And because these
technologies would supersede
second generation or 2G
technologies they have become
known as third generation or 3G
technologies.
IMT-2000
Back in the early 1990s the ITU
anticipated such developments and
4
So the IMT-2000 vision could also

be described as a 3G vision but
what were the actual technologies
Today, the
commercial
success of early
mobile services
can be difficult
to understand
Coming to terms with 3G
An early version
of the mobile
vision, courtesy
of Bell Labs
that would turn this vision into

reality?
Fact At last count

W-CDMA had
been selected by
80 per cent of
the worlds
operators that
intend building
next generation
networks.
This is where the acronyms really

start to get out of hand. The
European Telecommunications
Standards Institute (ETSI)
developed a set of standards that
addressed the IMT-2000 concept. It
called the result the Universal
Mobile Telephone Service
(UMTS) and later concluded that
Fact In the interests of completeness

its worth mentioning that the
GSM Association believes that because
W-CDMA is the 3G technology of
choice of the worlds GSM operators, it
would make sense for W-CDMA to be
known as 3GSM. It remains to be seen
whether the rest of the industry
adopts this approach.
the air interface or access

technology best suited to delivering
the UMTS standard would be
wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA).
The ITU accepted UMTS as an
official standard for the realization
of its 3G vision and also agreed two
other main standards CDMA2000
and Chinas TD-SCDMA.
So there you have it. 3G is the
generic term for next generation
mobile networks and services;
UMTS is ETSIs 3G standard
developed within the ITUs
IMT-2000 framework; and
W-CDMA is the most widely
selected technology designed to
turn next generation networks from
vision to reality.
It may not be pretty but it makes a
kind of sense.
Fact Air interface

or access
technology is the
part of wireless
network
architecture that
provides the link
between a users
phone (or other
mobile device)
and the core
network.
>
5
How cellular networks work

When thinking about how mobile
technologies work, its important to
keep in mind that wireless
spectrum is a very scarce
commodity. And in todays world
scarce means expensive. To put this
in perspective, in the UK and
Germany operators paid an average
in excess of US$7billion
(e5.7 billion) just for the privilege
of using a chunk of the radio
frequency set aside for 3G
networks. This was before theyd
spent a penny actually building the
networks.
So the conservation and efficient

use of spectrum is a major
preoccupation of wireless operators
and the engineers that design
networks. Inefficient use of
spectrum means networks carry less
traffic; less traffic means fewer
customers and a poor return on
investment.
Network capacity is becoming a
serious problem for many
6
operators, especially in Europe. In

fact according to a recent report by
analysts Stearns International,
while wireless operators can
continue to build capacity by
adding carriers and other features,
ultimately there are limits to how
much capacity can be added. The
benefits are also likely to be
short-lived. 2G simply won't be
able to keep up with growing voice
and data demands of new mobile
phones on the market.
One of the main reasons W-CDMA
has been selected by so many
operators for 3G networks is that it
will very significantly increase an
operators capacity and help make
the most of the scarce spectrum
theyve been allocated.
To understand the characteristics of
W-CDMA we first need to think
about how cellular networks got
their name.
Rather than using a few extremely
powerful radio transmitters that

could provide mobile services to a
very limited number of customers
over a large area, cellular
communications divide areas into a
large number of cells served by less
powerful transmitters and
controllers called base stations.
This cellular arrangement enables
operators to reuse their expensive
frequency allocation according to
the number of cells they create on
their networks. The manner of that
reuse is one of the factors that
differentiate the various type of
cellular technology.
The key takeaway here is that a
cellular approach to network design
enables operators to provide more
mobile services to more people.
different way. The technologies are

called:
frequency division multiple access
(FDMA);
time division multiple access
(TDMA); and
code division multiple access
(CDMA).
What is FDMA access

technology?
In FDMA (Frequency Division
Multiple Access), each user is
assigned a slice (channel) of the
available radio spectrum for the
duration of the call. Conventional
FDMA is used for the first
generation of mobile wireless
services. Without additional
features, it is not an efficient means
of sharing radio spectrum, and it is
easy to see why.
Access technologies
Operators want network
technology to maximize capacity
and guarantee the best possible
standards of call quality. To a large
measure, both of these factors
depend on the amount of spectrum
that has been allocated, the amount
of traffic expected on the network
and the way the access or air
interface technology handles calls
or data transmissions.
There are three main cellular access
technologies and each uses radio
frequency in a significantly
Conventional FDMA splits the radio

spectrum into 30kHz channels. In
Fact Analogue
calls are
significantly less
efficient than
digital calls.
Analogue signals
are very
susceptible to
distortion, which
is why analogue
phones need
much more
power to achieve
acceptable call
quality than
digital phones.
What is analogue? Analogue is a transmission method for

voice, video and data using signals (such as electricity or
sound waves) that are continuously variable rather than
discrete units as in digital transmissions. Analogue refers to
signals that can represent an infinite range of numbers (as
opposed to digital signals that can only represent distinct
whole numbers). In the context of wireless communications,
analogue refers to transmission networks built in the 1980s
and that use analogue technology rather than digital.
>>
7
order to avoid radio interference

between subscribers, each cell is
allowed only a handful of widely
spaced 30KHz channels that cannot
be re-used by neighboring cells.
Since each user requires one 30KHz
channel for the full duration of the
call, this strategy means that the
number of calls that can be handled
by each cell is severely limited.
In other words, conventional
FDMA commits the cardinal sin of
wasting valuable spectrum. It is the
least efficient of todays access
technologies.
Because of its rather basic approach
to handling calls, as an access
technology FDMA has really had its
day. However understanding how it
works makes it easier to grasp the
value of subsequent developments.
f7
f6
f2
f1
f5
f3
f4
Power
f1
f2
f3
f4
f5
f6
f7
Frequency
In FDMA systems, only one traffic channel can be on a

given frequency in a geographic area. In TDMA systems,
a frequency is split into timeslots and shared among
multiple users. In both cases, if the frequency is also being
used by the next cell, the interference will ruin the call.
8
What is TDMA access

technology?
As we have seen, in FDMA systems
only one traffic channel can be
present on a given frequency in a
given geographic area. This is also
true of TDMA systems, but because
TDMA has been designed to use
digital rather than analogue
transmissions it can be significantly
more efficient than FDMA.
The advantage of TDMA technology
is that it takes a frequency channel
and breaks it up into timeslots so
that multiple users can share that
frequency. In other words, TDMA
assigns each call a certain portion of
time on a particular frequency
which is why its called Time
Technical stuff
TDMA requires
strict signalling
and timeslot
synchronization.
A digital control
channel provides
synchronization
functionality as
well as adding
voice mail and
message
notification.
What is digital? In a digital network, voice is converted to a

series of closely spaced samples that are used to reconstruct
the original speech (the original analogue signal) at the
receiver. The samples are encoded in a way that makes them
resistant to transmission errors such as signal distortion; for
example, each value can be represented by a series of zeroes
and ones. These two possibilities are sufficiently simple and
sufficiently different to make it unlikely that fluctuations
incurred in transmission will change the way the information
is interpreted when received; in other words, even a badly
distorted one can still be recognized as a one and
distinguished from a zero. Correct interpretation of all the
zeroes and ones allows a full, high-fidelity reconstruction of
speech. Data (text messages, files, etc) can be transmitted
similarly.
Division Multiple Access. Handsets

and devices using a TDMA network
send bursts of data that are
reassembled at the receiving end.
By comparison with FDMA
systems, TDMA technology means
more calls, more users on the
network and better call quality.
However there is a limit to the
number of people that can use the
frequency, depending on the way
the air interface is structured and
that is of course dictated by the
standards. Like FDMA systems, a
TDMA system cannot employ the
What is GSM? The global system for mobile

communications (GSM) is a TDMA-based technology with an
elaborated standards platform originally developed for the
European market. The GSM implementation of TDMA is now
used by more than one in ten of the worlds population.
GSM is used to describe the entire communication system
rather than just the access technology. GSM has evolved to
include a range of communications platforms that consists of
circuit switched GSM, general packet radio service (GPRS),
enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) and 3G GSM
that employs W-CDMA technology (referred to as 3GSM by
the GSM Association).
same frequency in an adjacent cell

to one that is already being used.
The global system for mobile
communications (GSM) used by
over 1 billion people worldwide is
based on an elaborated version of
TDMA technology.
What is CDMA access

technology?
This brings us to CDMA, which
shares many of the characteristics of
W-CDMA and works in a completely
different way to FDMA and TDMA.
After digitizing data, CDMA uses a
technique called direct sequence
spread spectrum. CDMA takes
data and spreads it across a
wideband CDMA radio channel.
This channel is much wider than we
find in FDMA or TDMA systems;
however, a large number of users
simultaneously occupy this same
wideband channel. Within the
channel, each user is distinguished
by a unique code.
The wideband signals are resistant
to interference, yielding excellent
Technical stuff
What is direct
sequence spread
spectrum
technology?
This is a spread
spectrum
technique used
by W-CDMA that
spreads its signal
continuously
over a wide
frequency band.
The idea is that a
data signal at the
sending station is
mapped into a
higher data rate
bit sequence
using something
known as a
chipping code.
The chipping
code introduces
protection that
allows data
recovery if
certain bit errors
occur during
transmission.
>>
9
Technical stuff
Bandwidth
should not be
confused with
the term band
eg, a Samsung
phone that
operates on the
900MHz band.
Bandwidth is
about the space
it occupies on
that band. The
relative
importance of
bandwidth in
wireless
communications
is that the size,
or bandwidth,
of a channel
will impact
transmission
speed. In other
words, a great
deal of data
flowing through
a narrow channel
takes longer than
the same amount
through a
broader channel.
10
call quality in spite of the large

number of users that
simultaneously occupy the channel.
The ability to share the channel
among many users makes CDMA
far more spectrally efficient than
conventional FDMA or TDMA ie.
CDMA can accommodate far more
users per chunk of radio spectrum.
Another benefit of CDMA is that by
using a very wide radio frequency
channel, CDMA technology
provides a larger pipe for carrying
data. The result of this is that the
maximum achievable data rate over
a wideband CDMA frequency
channel is much greater than can
be found on any of the widely
deployed TDMA systems currently
in use.
From the points of view of both
operators and their customers,
CDMA clearly has a great deal
going for it. Nevertheless even this
quick overview should show that,
in spite of its advantages, the
CDMA approach to handling data
and frequencies is considerably
more complex than either of the
other systems outlined.
A bit later well look at the main
advantages and problems associated
with W-CDMA as an access
technology. For the moment, suffice
it to say that if CDMA is complex,
then W-CDMA significantly adds to
that complexity.
How is a 3G network organized?

We will be looking more closely at
the benefits and complexities of
CDMA technology when we talk
about the access layer of the 3G
network. For the moment, lets
move on and run through the basic
structure of a mobile network so
we can understand where the
access layer sits in relation to the
rest of the network.
As you can see from the diagram,
right, a 3G network is made up of
three main layers.
The access layer is made up of
base stations (or Node Bs as they
are known in a UMTS network
Lucents 3G solution is known as
the Flexent OneBTS) and
various radio network controllers
that analyse and control radio
traffic.
The core network has two main
roles. The first deals with directing
or routing where voice and data are
sent. This essentially means using
switching systems to route
information through a number of
different servers around the
network. The second part of the
core is known as the backbone and
deals with such critical functions as
handling access to other packet data
networks, providing an interface to
the internet and sorting out billing
information and security.
Services and
applications
Applications
Services
Control
Bearer
SGSN
MSC
GGSN
HLR
PSTN
PDN
IP/ATM
2G/3G
core network
BSC
RNC
BTS
RNC
Node B
Node B
GERAN
UTRAN
Access network
You might remember we explained

that previous generations of
wireless technologies established
standards right across the network.
This time around, the
standardization process splits the
radio access network and the core
network.
The 3G network comprises three main layers
Finally, the service layer controls

user preferences and profiles and
basically enables access to the
enhanced service portfolios that
make 3G such an exciting
proposition.
Before we move on to look at the
characteristics of each of these three
layers, a quick word about one of
the ways in which 3G networks
differ from 2G networks.
The point here is that IMT-2000 has

been conceived as a global vision
and the idea is that different radio
technologies should all be able to
access a common core network.
The implication of this radical
stance on standardization is that
although different technologies (ie,
CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA and
W-CDMA) are prevalent in different
parts of the world, this approach
enables operators to choose their
own migration path to 3G.
Fact CDMA
signals are
encoded using a
pseudo-random
sequence each
of which
corresponds to a
different
communication
channel that
the receiver also
knows and can
use to decode
the received
signal.
>
11
Packet evolution
There are two main reasons why
GSM operators need to upgrade to
W-CDMA.
need networks that can deliver data

speeds that are considerably faster
than todays GSM systems can offer.
First while mobile data services

are crucial to an operators business
model, they also consume significant
amounts of network resources. This
coupled with escalating demand for
voice services means operators need
to use a more efficient technology
that helps them make best use of
available capacity.
Even a sophisticated, enhanced

time division technology like GSM
cant offer the kind of performance
todays users are starting to demand.
However basic GSM can be made
more efficient with the introduction
Second many of the customers

that operators expect to use their
new data services are familiar with
similar applications over the fixed
line internet. This important target
market expects mobile technology
to deliver the high data speeds they
have experienced on their desktop
PCs. And they certainly wont pay
more for less. For example, research
shows business users expect
minimum speeds of 100Kbps before
theyll commit to using mobile data
on a regular basis. So operators
12
What is WAP? Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is the

technology that deals with how data content is viewed on a
mobile device. WAP uses a micro-browser based on a new
language called wireless mark-up language (WML) that is a
derivative of HTML, the language of the internet. WML
consumes little in the way of ROM, RAM and CPU resources,
which means that even low-end terminals can make use of
WAP.
The advantage of browser technology is that it enables the
terminal to decide how to display the information provided
by the server. In practice, WAP tailors the information
accessed from the internet to suit the narrowband bearer
technology and limited display capabilities inherent in
wireless communications.
of packet technology. Its important

to understand the significance of this
approach to network design because
it involves a first crucial step on the
path to 3G networks.
periods of idle activity. For example,

if data has been downloaded from a
host computer to a user eg, while
surfing the internet the user often
interacts with that downloaded data
before responding with other data.
Until the arrival of general packet

radio service (GPRS) technology
The period between the user
GSM networks had been
receiving and sending data
built exclusively with what
is idle network time that
is known as circuitWhat is GPRS? The general packet
could be used for other
radio service (GPRS) is the packet data
switched technology.
network traffic.
upgrade for a circuit-switched GSM
network. GPRS is known as 2.5G GSM
and works by concatenating or joining
together multiple speech channels to
provide higher bandwidth data
connections for GPRS data users. In
other words, although the radio
bandwidth remains the same, it is
shared between the voice users and
the data users. The network operator
has the choice of prioritizing one or
the other. The arrival of GPRS also
means that for the first time GSM can
support IP and X.25 capability and
access a wide range of public and
private data networks.
The circuit-switched
approach means that when
a call is set up a dedicated
circuit is established
between caller and called.
The drawback with this
technique is that most of
the network resources
associated with that circuit
path are unavailable to
anyone else for the
duration of the call. This is
fine for voice-centric
activity as there are not
many silent (unused)
periods in the course of a
conversation. However,
circuit-switched technology is
unacceptably inefficient for handling
mobile data applications.
Although during a voice call there
are obviously a few quiet periods, if
the call is being used for data traffic
the typically bursty nature of such
traffic and the manner in which it is
used mean there will be considerable
By contrast, packetswitching technology

operates by splitting traffic
be it voice or data into
a set of containers called
packets. These packets are
then transmitted with other
users packets over a
common circuit before being
separated and re-assembled
at their destinations.
This sharing of resources,

along with the ability to
use common network
protocols and
infrastructure, leads to a
more cost-effective transmission
system and improved user experience.
Packet technology offers users a
better experience because it allows
the kind of always-on connection
people are used to with desktop
internet usage. Once a connection is
initiated, users have a permanent
virtual link into the network,
Technical stuff
A 2G circuitswitched GSM
radio access
network is
typically
connected to the
mobile switching
centre (MSC), and
then on to the
public switched
telephone
network (PSTN).
The radio access
network consists
of a number of
base transceiver
stations (BTS)
and base station
controllers (BSC).
Adding GPRS
requires software
upgrades to the
base stations and
BSCs, and the
addition of a
packet data
network.
From a users
perspective,
customers need
GPRS-capable
terminals and
PC-interface
cards.
>>
13
Application layer
Application layer
Gateway mobile
location centre
Voicemail
Gateway mobile
location centre
Voicemail
Intelligent
networking
Short messaging
service platform
Intelligent
networking
Short messaging
service platform
PDN
GGSN
PSTN
PSTN
MSC
BSC
BSC
BTS
BTS
BTS
SGSN
BTS
BTS
BTS
BSS
Access layer
IP backbone
network
MSC
BSS
Access layer
A basic 2G GSM network (left) and a 2.5G GSM/GPRS network
which therefore responds quickly

when there is data to be sent.
Remember
Circuit-switched
network: A
communication
network that
uses a type of
connection that
establishes a
continuous link
between calling
and called users
for their
exclusive use
until the
connection is
released.
14
Because it uses more efficient

packet-switched techniques GPRS
offers faster data speeds than those
available over circuit-switched
networks which is just as well,
because basic GSM can only
manage data speeds of 9.6Kbps. In
practical terms, GSM operators with
GPRS networks can now deliver
data rates of around 20 to 35Kbps
with some speed bursts depending
on network activity and other
factors. This is useful as an interim
solution but way short of the 200400Kbps that users will experience
using W-CDMA networks.
Like GPRS, W-CDMA uses packet
data techniques that provide an
always-on connection to the
network but in other respects this
code division system is a

considerably more sophisticated
technology.
Its worth mentioning a challenge
facing operators that attempt to run
services over a combination of
W-CDMA and GPRS networks.
Many companies are planning to
concentrate W-CDMA in highly
populated areas in the first instance
before developing more
comprehensive 3G coverage. The
problem arises when a customer
using services over a high-speed
W-CDMA connection moves into a
much slower GPRS zone.
This hand back issue will often
mean a significant deterioration of
service quality and customers
expectations will need to be carefully
managed until comprehensive 3G
coverage becomes available.
Remember
Packet-switched
network: A
communications
network that
uses shared
facilities to route
data packets
from and to
different users.
Unlike a
circuit-switched
network, a
packet-switched
network does
not set up
dedicated circuits
for each session.
The access network

Having seen how the introduction
of always-on packet data
technology has evolved GSM
networks, lets move on and
describe each layer (see diagram,
page 16) of a fully evolved UMTS
3G network. Well start with the
radio access network, which in
UMTS networks is also called the
UMTS terrestrial radio access
network (UTRAN).
The access network is the part of

the 3G network that includes
customer access devices like
phones, base stations (known as
Node Bs in UMTS networks) and
radio network controllers (RNCs).
To understand how all this fits
together, think back on how
cellular systems work. Predictably
enough the basic geographic unit of
a cellular system is known as a
cell. Coverage areas are divided
into small cells, each of which
contains a radio ransmitter/receiver
or base station. The cells can vary in
size depending on terrain and other

factors like population density and
user demand.
By controlling the transmission
power and the frequencies assigned
from one cell to another, network
technology transfers (or hands off)
calls to other cells and radio
frequencies as users move around.
Base stations are usually the most
conspicuous parts of a mobile
network. Youll see them on poles,
fixed to high buildings, anywhere
with a good elevation above the
area to be covered. A base station is
simply a transmission and reception
station that handles network traffic.
Its a collection of software and
hardware that usually includes one
or more receive/transmit antenna,
microwave dish, and electronic
circuitry.
As the name implies, radio network
controllers (RNCs) control the radio
elements in a network. This means
Fact If the access

technology or air
interface is
regarded as the
pipe that
connects mobile
devices to
networks, it is
the width of
this pipe that
determines how
much data can be
sent and received
at any given
moment. For
example, a
W-CDMA pipe
is considerably
wider than
a GSM or
cdmaOne pipe. >>
15
Services and
applications
Applications
Services
Control
Bearer
SGSN
MSC
GGSN
The air interface
HLR
PSTN
PDN
IP/ATM
2G/3G
core network
BSC
RNC
RNC
BTS
Node B
Node B
GERAN
UTRAN
the RNC has the overall control of

the logical resources of its Node Bs
and it is also responsible for the
handover decisions (from one cell
to another) that require signalling
to the users handset or device.
By now it should be clear that

spread spectrum W-CDMA access
technology is significantly more
complex than that employed in 2G
systems. This complexity translates
into increased network costs and its
worth noting that the radio access
layer of a network will often
amount to around 70 per cent of an
operators total capital expenditure
on network infrastructure.
These elements are all critical parts

of network architecture. However,
its the air interface used in UMTS
networks that radically impacts
their design and performance.
To keep costs to a minimum its

clearly important to get the
planning and set up of the new
networks right first time, but the
inherent complexities of W-CDMA
Access network
The access layer in the 3G network
16
As we have seen, the W-CDMA air

interface is the technology that
connects the user device to base
stations. More precisely, the air
interface specifies the characteristics
of the radio transmission between a
base station and mobile device. It
defines the frequencies or the
bandwidth of the radio channels,
and the encoding methods used
in this case W-CDMAs code division
scheme.
Fact What is
the GERAN? The
3GPP release 5
specified the
second
generation GSM/
EDGE radio
access network
(GERAN) that can
connect through
a 3G core
network through
a Iu interface.
The access network
Interference on time division

networks Time division technologies
like GSM divide the available spectrum
into narrowband channels that are
time-shared among users. In order to
limit co-channel interference between
adjacent cells, each cell is restricted to
the use of selected channels. Other
cells can only reuse these channels if
there is a significant distance between
the cells in question. Such restrictions
limit each cell to the use of a small
subset of the available radio spectrum.
The major disadvantage of this
technique is therefore a decrease in
radio spectrum efficiency. In addition,
handoffs between cells have to be
hard, since the mobile device must
drop one distinct radio channel before
switching to another (see page 21).
technology dont make it that easy.

Previous experience of spread
spectrum technology is certainly a
powerful advantage.
fixed, limited number of channels.

In fact even W-CDMA users on
adjacent cells can all use the same
wideband frequency channel.
But if using W-CDMA makes it so

difficult to plan and roll out
networks, why not use a different
system? The answer comes down to
a combination of the technologys
efficiencies, the high data speeds on
offer and the advantages and
economies of scale that kick in
when a particular approach is
adopted by 80 per cent of the
market.
Because each channel is encoded

using a different spreading code it
can co-exist with many others yet
still be separated when required.
In addition, the choice of codes for
each channel is set up in such a
way that minimizes the co-channel
interference between users,
allowing easier recovery of the
individual channels.
As we have seen, other

technologies do not allow the use of
a given block of radio frequencies
as efficiently as CDMA-based
systems. Code division schemes
have been selected for 3G because
they will allow operators to offer
the most capacity from scarce and
expensive radio spectrum.
On the plus side

Before dealing with the challenges
presented by W-CDMA, lets first
consider the very considerable
advantages of the spread spectrum
approach.
The highly efficient re-use of radio
spectrum possible with CDMAbased networks removes the
restriction that each cell uses a
The disadvantage of such a

complex scheme is that cell
capacity is not as easily quantified
as in time division multiplexed
systems like GSM. On a W-CDMA
network, determining cell capacity
is a calculation dependent on the
number of concurrent users and
the average level of interference
between users. This characteristic
makes the planning and
optimization of W-CDMA
networks extremely demanding.
The spread spectrum concept used
within W-CDMA has certainly
proved its worth in earlier CDMA
(ANSI-95) deployments around
the world. The technology has
created very cost-effective
networks with high capacities,
while at the same time
maintaining a high standard of
voice quality.
>>
17
What is cell breathing?

Cell breathing is one of the best-known
characteristics of spread spectrum
technology. Understanding its
implications offers a good insight into
why W-CDMA networks
are so tough to plan
and optimize.
Lets consider the
uplink, which is the
signal that moves from
the mobile device to the base station.
And lets say you are making a call and
two other people join you in your cell
and start using their mobile devices.
Because of the way CDMA works, the
additional traffic generated by the other
users causes increased interference. This
means that to maintain your call quality
it is necessary for your mobile device to
increase its power level. And if you
increase your power level, the other pair
of users in your cell will also experience
additional interference. So they can then
up their power levels and Youre right
this seems to be moving towards

some kind of infinite loop.
In fact there is a stable range in which
interference is handled. Certainly at
lower levels of cell loading the
situation is quite
manageable with the
power control
algorithms that have
been created for CDMA.
However, as cell loading becomes
greater, the difference in the power level
for all of the users must increase. In
other words, as you approach the
greatest possible cell loading, a situation
arises in which mobile devices must
transmit infinite power in order to
achieve what is called the pole capacity.
Of course, this is impossible because
mobile devices can never transmit
infinite power. Instead, it is necessary to
back off the capacity for a given radio
channel until it reaches a manageable
level. Calculating that level and
W-CDMA takes the technology a

stage further and employs very
similar core principles to
cdmaOne (ANSI-95), but also
includes major coding
improvements as well as using a
wideband carrier. In this way, the
W-CDMA standard provides even
more capacity in a given slice of
radio spectrum than the current
CDMA standard.
18
identifying the operating range in which

you have stability for your power control
algorithms is paramount to operating a
CDMA system in an efficient manner.
This is where cell breathing comes in to
the story. Lets return to the scenario in
which multiple users are making calls in
a cell and that your mobile device must
increase its power to maintain
performance. Suppose before the other
callers arrived your mobile device was
transmitting at maximum power level.
Since it is impossible for your mobile to
increase its power level, the only
solution is to get closer to the base
station which of course is impossible
in real time.
So the coverage experienced by mobile
users can vary as other users access and
drop off the system. Which is why
CDMA cells are said to breathe.
Addressing this effect via design and
customized software is an important
part of W-CDMA planning.
The challenges
So what are the extra complexities
of a W-CDMA solution? Well, these
fall into three main areas:
universal re-use of the same
wideband channel increases
capacity in a given bandwidth,
but requires that co-channel
interference be properly
managed;
The access network
the gain in usability inherent in

soft handover (see page 21)
increases the effective cell
coverage area and decreases the
required cell count when traffic is
low, but can only be realised if
handover thresholds are correctly
established;
W-CDMA performance is
described as interference-limited
due to the presence of many
encoded but simultaneous
transmissions on the same carrier.
Optimum performance demands
tight control of transmit power
levels to minimize interference
(just enough is the correct
level!), which therefore requires
the use of advanced algorithms
for fast power control. Variablerate speech compression is
another feature used to guarantee
a high level of voice quality under
these varying conditions.
To understand how all this affects

the planning and implementation
of W-CDMA networks, lets
consider these complexities in a
little more detail.
Fact Spread
spectrum
techniques are
also used in the
global positioning
system (GPS) that
has revolutionized
navigation over
land, sea and air.
W-CDMA cell capacity varies with

a number of factors. These include
the average level of interference
generated by surrounding cells,
along with the location, speed of
travel, signal fading and speech
patterns of users. For example, a
central cell in a network can
achieve higher-than-average loads
when the surrounding cells are
lightly loaded. This is because such
a situation lowers the average
interference background that users
in the central cell must combat.
In addition, capacity can be higher
for a universe of users with certain
characteristics for example, zero
motion, or groupings that are
generously distributed deep within
the cell interior (and therefore
closer to the base station). This
brings about a condition in which
the lower transmitted power
needed per user allows more traffic
to be packed within the CDMA
wideband channel.
Capacity planning
On the other hand, capacity can be

lower under a variety of other
conditions for example, a
situation in which users tend to
cluster at cell edges or where
surrounding cells are highly loaded.
The use of a constant number of

narrowband channels in 2G GSM
dictates a fixed cell capacity. Things
are much less certain in the
W-CDMA world.
The bottom line here is that effective

W-CDMA capacity planning requires
a comprehensive understanding of
the nature and impact of these
factors on the access network.
Definition What
is an algorithm?
An algorithm is
just a formal and
rigorous set of
instructions or
procedures for
solving a
problem.
>>
19
Soft handover capabilities

W-CDMA call handling is more
complex than GSM because of a
characteristic known as soft handoff
or soft handover capability (see
opposite). This is another feature
that, although it makes W-CDMA
networks more reliable, also makes
them much more difficult to build.
Soft handover allows a single
mobile to be supported
simultaneously by multiple cells.
The result of this is that the links
between users and network are less
susceptible to fading, which in turn
enlarges the effective cell coverage
area. In essence, the technique
means that the total number of cells
required is reduced because each
cell is used more efficiently.
The use of soft handover also
makes the transfer of traffic from
one cell to the next more reliable,
because the mobile device enters
into communication with the new
(target) cell well before the old
(host) cell is dropped.
The benefits of soft handover are
clear. But making sure soft
handover makes good use of
network resources is critically
dependent on setting handoff
thresholds correctly. If thresholds
are too low, soft handover links
that are not really needed for call
support will be added. This leads to
20
increased co-channel interference

and excessive call processing loads.
If thresholds are set too high, on
the other hand, mobiles that do
require soft handover links to
maintain voice quality will be
compromised.
For cost-effective and efficient
W-CDMA network deployment,
field experience with soft handover
is essential in the selection of
thresholds that are optimal to
network topology, subscriber
distributions and the radio
frequency (RF) environment.
Co-channel interference
With W-CDMA systems, all users
make use of the same wideband
channel and the result is that
everyone interferes with everyone
elses signals. Co-channel
interference is simply the term that
describes the interference between
mobile terminals on the same or
adjacent frequencies.
A key design factor in planning a
cellular system is to avoid or
minimize co-channel interference.
With 2G GSM networks co-channel
interference is not a major issue
because frequency channels are
only re-used within distant cells. In
W-CDMA, on the other hand,
Fact Soft
handover often
takes place if a
mobile device is
roughly midway
between cells or
on the dividing
line between
sectors. The
feature permits
calls to continue
even through
regions where
the signal from
any one cell
would not be
strong enough to
keep the call up.
The access network
Hard and soft handover

Lets consider the most challenging problem tackled by any
cellular technology a handover of a live call where the
signals are weakest ie, at the boundary between one cell
and another.
On an FDMA or TDMA network, adjacent cells transmit on
different frequencies. As a mobile user in the vicinity of the
base station at cell-1 moves away, towards cell-2, the signal
at the mobile device becomes steadily weaker. (The same is
true at the base station of course, where the users signal is
received.) As the mobile reaches the cells operational edge,
the signal strength from cell-1 has dropped to the point
where it becomes possible to measure comparable signal
strengths from cell-2. It is in this region that the system
attempts to conduct what is known as a hard handover of
the call from one cell to another. (And statistically, this
Freq 1
is where the largest number of calls are dropped!)
Fortunately, CDMA technology has many advantages
Cell 1
that make the handover process considerably more
effective. Since CDMA can use the same radio
frequency in adjacent cells simultaneously, it is possible for a
mobile device to communicate with multiple cells at the
same time this enables a much more controlled process
known as a soft handover. This makes it far more likely that
the mobile will get at least one good signal at any
given time, thereby greatly increasing the reliability of
the call as it moves through the handover region.
co-channel interference from all

surrounding cells is an intrinsic
characteristic of the system.
Although its part of an approach
that helps to maximize spectrum
efficiency and enables soft handover,
it must be controlled and minimized.
Freq 2
Cell 2
Hard handover
region
Freq 1
Freq 1
Soft handover is unique to CDMA networks because

they utilize two key elements not found in alternative
technologies allowed use of the same frequency within
adjacent cells, and rake receivers (a radio reception
technology building block). The combination of these
elements allows the mobile device to listen to two signals at
the same time, even if they are on the same frequency, and
take the most appropriate action.
Soft handover
region
Although successful strategies for

managing such interference can be
complex, co-channel effects can be
reduced by a variety of
optimization measures. Many
such techniques have been
successfully employed in the
context of CDMA networks and
they include antenna orientation,
cell power adjustments and the
creation of cell-specific information
downloaded to mobiles.
Field experience of such techniques
will be essential in the planning and
deployment of efficient W-CDMA
networks.
Now that weve looked at how
transmissions are handled to and
from a users handset or device,
were going to move on to see how
3G networks hook up with other
networks and services.
>
21
The W-CDMA core network

The core network is the
intelligence of the mobile system.
As youll see from the 3G network
diagram, right, this part of the
network provides the technology
that manages communications with
other networks ie, to public
switched telephone networks
(PSTNs) and public data networks
(PDNs) and helps organize access
to services and applications. Well
look at how voice and data are
actually transported a little later.
First well see how the core
network is set up.
RNC
UTRAN
Node B
Node B
Node B
PSTN
lu
Core
HLR
3G
SGSN
ps
3G
MSC
3G
GGSN
cs
IP Core
ATM Core
IP
The work of the core network can

be split into two main areas the
switching and backbone functions.
PDN
ATM or IP
Network Backbone
Switching functions
The switching element of the core
network is essential for routing or
directing voice and data traffic to
other parts of the network and
beyond. As we have seen, there are
22
ATM or IP
Other UMTS
UMSCs
3G network overview
circuit before being separated and

re-assembled at their destinations.
This sharing of resources results in
a more cost-effective transmission
system. This in turn means lower
installation and operating costs. For
more detail, see pages 12-14.
MSC Feature Server
Control plane
Bearer plane
Wireless
Access
Gateway
IP
switch
Media
Server
Trunk
Access
Gateway
UTRAN
PSTN
Switching functions in the core

network are handled by the mobile
switching centre (MSC), which
co-ordinates the routing of calls
and connects base stations and
mobile devices to other networks.
Logical architecture of MSC solution
two different types of switching

used within the mobile world
circuit-switched and packetswitched.
Until the arrival of the GPRS data
overlay, GSM voice networks were
constructed exclusively with
circuit-switched technology ie,
when a call is set up, a dedicated
circuit is established for the relevant
parties. With the growing
importance of data services for
mobile operators, it was soon clear
the circuit-switched approach was
no longer an efficient use of
network resources.
Packet-switching technology
operates by splitting data into a set
of containers called packets. These
packets are then transmitted with
other users packets over a common
Within the switching part of a

network, the ability to offer
value-added, operator specific,
differentiated products and
services is made possible by the
use of technology called
application programmable
interfaces (APIs).
APIs allow operators to program
switches so they perform a
variety of functions that can be
tailored to the operators target
market or existing customer base.
This will be of great advantage as
the next generation W-CDMA
based mobile networks are rolled
out and greater bandwidth to
customers will allow feature-rich,
multimedia applications to be
served (see pages 31-39).
Lucent Flexent
MSC
Another key element of the core

network is the home location
register (HLR). HLRs are databases
>>
23
to which subscriber identity is

assigned for record and billing
purposes. It includes subscriber
information such as directory
number, electronic serial number of
the subscribers equipment, and the
services/features the subscriber is
assigned.
Backbone functions
Because todays networks now need
to handle a cocktail of voice, mobile
data and multimedia applications,
the backbone of the mobile
infrastructure needs to keep pace
with demands from other parts of
the network. The move to packet
technology has already had a
significant impact on network
architecture.
Some of the main network
elements affected by the packet
revolution are the GPRS support
nodes (GSNs). Although as its name
implies the GSN was invented for
2.5G networks, it will also be
implemented in next generation
networks. In the move to 3G,
however, this part of infrastructure
technology will undergo significant
upgrades.
There are two types of GSN within
the core network a gateway GSN
(GGSN) and a serving GSN (SGSN).
The GGSN looks after connections
to other networks; the SGSN is
24
responsible for what is known as

mobility management.
The main function of a GGSN is to
provide the interface between the
mobile network and other external
packet data networks for
example, the internet, corporate
intranets and other wireless
network domains. The GGSN also
manages the routing of data packets
to the appropriate SGSN and
collates billing information for the
charging gateway.
The GGSN works by converting the
GPRS packets coming from the
SGSN into the appropriate packet
data protocol (PDP) format (for
example, internet protocol or X.25)
and sends them out on the
corresponding packet data network.
In the other direction, PDP
addresses of incoming data packets
are converted to the GSM address
of the destination user. The
re-addressed packets are sent to the
responsible SGSN. For this purpose,
the GGSN stores the current SGSN
address of the user and his or her
profile in its location register.
One (or more) GGSN may be
provided to support multiple
SGSNs.
The SGSN can be viewed as a
packet-switched mobile switching
centre. The main role of the SGSN
is to provide mobility management.
This is an essential core network
Technical stuff
What is X.25?
X.25 is an early
standard protocol
for packetswitched data
networks that
specifies the
interfaces
between data
terminal
equipment and
the packetswitched
network, and
how data is
assembled into
packets.
Lucent Flexent
OneBTS
Macrocell
(indoor variant)
function because it ensures

that the mobile user is able to
use the wireless network
wherever they are located. The
first thing that happens when
a mobile user turns on his or
her mobile device is that its
registered to the nearest or
strongest base transceiver station
(BTS). This will happen regardless
of which operator owns the
network from which the user is
calling. The BTS then
communicates with the operators
network via the SGSN. The SGSN
ensures the network recognizes the
user, updates their location or
routing table so the network will
know how to contact that user
and provides the user with updated
information about the services that
are available.
SGSN functionality is essential for
the operation of the wireless
network. However, it is also critical
for people who want to use services
and applications that depend on the
network knowing where that user
is located. For example, location
based services (LBS) is a general

name given to a range of
applications and services that offer
location-specific services to a mobile
user.
An inherent functionality of the
cellular network is that it always
knows the location of every
terminal within its coverage. Until
recently, this capability had not
been fully exploited but now there
is growing interest in using such
information to develop location
based services. These could be as
simple as knowing the location of
the nearest hotel or restaurant, or
more critically knowing where the
user is located in case of emergency.
There are a number of technologies
such as GPS that can locate a
particular handset with an accuracy
of a few metres. However, the
Cell ID technology which is
already part of the GSM network
will locate a user in a city centre for
example, with an accuracy of a few
hundred metres, sufficient for all
but the most demanding
>>
25
Fact Enhanced
observed time
difference E-OTD
is an alternative
location
technology that
works by
comparing time
differences
between signals
received at the
users handset
and a fixed
measuring point
known as the
location
measurement
unit.
26
The first wave of location based

services might include services that
help businesses keep track of field
workers and find a friend type
offerings where users can see if any
personal friends or work colleagues
are within their immediate
geographical area. Other
applications could offer Yellow Pages
type information predicated on the
users location. Theres no doubt
location based services offer
tremendous potential for
innovation and the prospect of new
revenue streams for operators. In
fact, a recent report by In-Stat/MDR
predicts that by 2006 the total
addressable market for LBS will top
1.3 billion subscribers.
Finally, the SGSN also controls
what is known as session
management. Like LBS, this is
another general term that
encompasses many essential aspects
of the operation of a mobile
network and one of the most
important of these concerns is
security. Security is a critical
consideration for operators and
users alike and the SGSN is
important in this context because it
helps control access to network

resources. Those who do not have
access rights to the network as a
whole or to specific applications
and services are identified as part
of SGSN operations. The SGSN
performs authentication and cipher
setting procedures based on the
same algorithms, keys, and criteria
as in existing GSM. GPRS uses a
ciphering algorithm optimized for
packet data transmission.
Transport technology in
W-CDMA networks
The move to 3G means faster data
rates and increasingly sophisticated
services and applications for
RNC
IP
HLR
ATM
SDH
DWDM
DNS,
DHCP and
Firewall
SGSN
Core network protocol
MSC
GGSN
Network management via IP
application. All phones are able to

work with Cell ID whereas with
other location technologies there
would be a need to build up a
population of suitably enabled
phones before services could be
launched.
customers. But this comes at the

price of additional capacity required
in the core network and greater
complexity in the transport
solutions. Lets see what this means
in practice.
There are many diverse elements
that make up the transport element
of next generation wireless
networks. However, for the purpose
of this overview we will consider
just three distinct types IP, ATM,
optical and microwave.
Strictly speaking these distinctions
are not technically accurate. For a
start, IP and ATM are both
protocols, while optical and
microwave provide generic
communications links. However,
this simplified approach makes their
role in the transport story much
easier to explain.
It should be clear that the
introduction of W-CDMA based
networks means a big change in
both architecture and elements.
Many network elements will either
be introduced into the
infrastructure or evolved to provide
compatibility for the next
generation networks, applications
and services.
The arrival of packet technology
(see pages 12-14), heralds the
introduction of:
packet-switching and
internet protocol (IP) into the

network operational layer.
Packet-switching technology has
been adopted by the entire
telecommunications industry as the
future of voice and data
communications. As we have seen,
unlike circuit-switching solutions
packet switching means that voice
and data traffic is bundled into
standard IP packets and distributed
across a standard, harmonized
infrastructure.
Internet protocol
Using an industry-standard protocol
like IP means that the infrastructure
that supports the wireless network
is cost-effective to build. This is
because a network that uses this
standard only needs one type of
>>
What is IP? Internet protocols were first developed in the

mid-1970s when the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA) started looking for ways to establish a
packet-switched network to facilitate communication
between dissimilar computer systems.
The Internet Protocol (IP) is a network layer protocol that
contains addressing information and some control
information so that packets can be routed. There are two
distinct parts to IP. Input extracts the data payload from a
datagram, processes header information and takes the
appropriate action. Output encapsulates transport layer
segments, multiplexes higher level input streams and
compiles header information based on payload.
27
router, switch and firewall ie, one

that supports IP.
Another major benefit of using IP is
that the development community
has already adopted IP as its
standard protocol. IP is the protocol
on which the internet has been
built and it is IP that makes
different sorts of databases, billing
engines and bespoke applications
compatible with one another.
Defininition An
IP address is a
unique 32-bit
number specified
as four 8-bit
numbers
(represented as
integers), called
octets. The
numbers must
be in the range
0-255. Users are
assigned an IP
address when
they access the
internet and it
serves to identify
the computer or
device on a
TCP/IP network.
An example of
a IP address is
1.163.10.220.
It is the convergence of wireless

and the internet where the
standardization of IP has had most
benefit. When the internet was
conceived and developed, it
required specific types of IP-based
servers and services to ensure it
worked correctly. Now with the
arrival of the mobile internet these
same products can be adapted with
little or no redevelopment. Products
that are common to both worlds
include domain name servers,
dynamic host configuration
protocol servers, caching servers,
firewalls and internet routers.
All these products were developed
to be used in IP-based networks
before the emergence of the mobile
internet and are now ready for the
next generation wireless networks.
Such familiarity speeds up
development timelines and saves
money.
Other IP-based network elements
28
include the GGSN, SGSN (see pages

24-25), and network management
services that are IP-based right
across the network.
Asynchronous transfer mode

Another existing
technology that
has been
adopted by the
What is ATM? Asynchronous transfer
mode (ATM) is a cell-oriented
wireless
switching and multiplexing technology
community is
that employs fixed length packets to
asynchronous
carry different types of data traffic for
transfer mode
local-area and wide-area networks.
(ATM). Like IP,
Call data is broken up into 53-byte
ATM technology
cells in order to multiplex it with other
has been used
calls; this increases overall link
in the wider
efficiency. As a result, ATM facilitates
communications
flexible allocation of available
environment for
bandwidth for data, voice, images and
many years.
video. The technologys scalable
However, it has
architecture means it is easy to
only recently
upgrade; it allows a virtually unlimited
been associated
number of users to have dedicated,
with wireless
high-speed connections with high
networks and is
performance network servers.
included in the
3G standard
specifications as
the preferred method of
connectivity between various
network elements.
ATM has been proposed for use on
the lu interface, which is used to
connect the radio access network
with the core network. It also may
be used on the Gn interface which
What are virtual private networks?

As well as the core functions we have
identified there are specific applications
that are closely associated with, and
work alongside, core network
functionality. One such application is the
ability to offer virtual private networks
(VPNs).
provides connection to other

GGSNs and SSGNs for wide area
networking. ATM is also important
because it can offer virtual private
networks to 3G enterprise
end-users, providing secure
tunnelling of wireless traffic
between two or more points. In this
context, ATM can be used for either
voice or data VPNs.
There are many key network
elements within W-CDMA
networks that rely on ATM for
connectivity. They include the
home location register, the mobile
switching centre, the radio network
controller and the base station
transceiver. As with IP, ATM
products are standard networking
elements and require little or no
re-development to be used in a
wireless environment.
The use of VPNs is not new within the

wider network arena. However, the use
of wireless VPNs within the mobile
sector has been brought about by the
increase of bandwidth that will be
available to the end-user with the
introduction of W-CDMA based
networks. Extra bandwidth means the
arrival of mobile office applications and
wireless VPNs have the ability to extend
the reach of corporate networks beyond
the constraints of fixed networks.
Just as wireline enterprises have been
able to leverage the value proposition of
a VPN for voice communications

ie, enabling remote users to link to
voicemail and forwarded messages
wireless VPNs facilitate database access,
messaging and provide least-cost
routing across wireless and traditional
wireline transport infrastructures.
Today, increasingly, mobile workforces
and the growth in the use of laptops
and handheld devices are driving the
use of wireless VPNs. Within most
corporate environments, wireless data
has been positioned as an isolated
technology, independent of existing
networked systems.
However, increased bandwidth coupled
with the standardization of internet
protocol (IP) as a transport mechanism
throughout the internet, data and
mobile industries, wireless VPNs start
to become a reality for both voice, by
using Voice over IP (VoIP) and data.
Optical and microwave

The sort of technology crossover
weve seen with IP and ATM also
relates to optical and microwave
products. These traditionally highspeed, high-bandwidth technologies
have long been used in specialist
environments and applications but
now they are appearing as bearer
services for the next generation
wireless networks.
>>
29
Fact The 3rd

Generation
Partnership
Project (3GPP) is
a co-operation
of standards
organizations
(ARIB, CWTS,
ETSI, T1, TTA and
TTC) throughout
the world that is
developing the
technical
specifications
for IMT-2000.
What is Voice over IP? VoIP is voice that is transported

applying the same techniques that are used in the
transportation of data traffic. What this means in practice is
that voice traffic, which traditionally used circuit-switching
technology from source to destination, is transported in IP
data packets, and sent to a recipient using the same
networks and infrastructure as data traffic. As with non-voice
data, the data packets containing voice are re-assembled and
played to the recipient.
By using VoIP, savings can be made by utilizing the same IP
infrastructure as used by data traffic, thus presenting a
scalable cost-efficient network scenario for an operator. VoIP
has been specified by the 3GPP working group for use in
W-CDMA networks.
If next generation wireless

customers are to reap the full
benefits of the 384Kbps bandwidth
delivered to their mobile devices
as opposed to currently 9.6Kbps
available with 2G then operators
need to offer customers new, higher
levels of service quality. This is
where optical and microwave
technologies come into their own.
Although its possible to simulate
speed gains through cached data
and with greater use of
compression technologies,
ultimately it is the delivery
mechanism that makes a significant
difference. In this context optical
and microwave products are used
because they are reliable, fast and
very efficient ways of delivering
high bandwidth connectivity.
30
Another important advantage of

these technologies is their ability to
offer bandwidth-on-demand.
This is important, for example,
when the network needs to provide
additional resources to a cell that
may be temporarily overloaded due
to a sudden increase in traffic. Once
the load on the cell decreases and it
reverts to its normal load
conditions, the additional
bandwidth that served that cell can
be utilized elsewhere.
Having looked at the intelligence of
the 3G network, were now going
to consider the applications and
services that will create new
revenues for W-CDMA operators.
W-CDMA applications and services

The third layer of the 3G network
diagram represents the enhanced
service and application portfolios
from which operators will generate
new revenues in the months and
years ahead.
The big question now facing

W-CDMA operators is what services
to offer to maximize revenue
from their new networks. Its worth
remembering only greenfield
operators will move straight to a
W-CDMA network. Incumbent
operators will have migrated to 3G
from basic 2G and 2.5G GPRS
networks. This means that by the
time they begin to roll out their
W-CDMA networks, many GSM
operators will have already offered
a limited range of data services,
some over packet networks.
So the question about what services
might be depicted in the
applications layer is really more
about the evolution of a
comprehensive service strategy.
After the usual device challenges

and technical delays that have held
up much W-CDMA rollout to date,
a number of commentators have
started to question whether 3G
deferment is really such a problem.
Since the first
wave of
enhanced data
No other standard comes
services is
already up and
close to the speeds and
running, they
argue, does the
capacity offered by 3GSM
wireless industry
really need 3G
underpinned by W-CDMA.
W-CDMA right
now?
Rob Conway, CEO, GSM Association
UMTS drivers
The answer is an unqualified Yes!
And to see why we should forget
about operators licence rollout
commitments for the moment and
focus on the commercial
imperatives that drive the 3G
business case.
>>
31
We need to get people used to using data applications. We are

going down the path of promoting applications that are exciting
and which work better if theres more bandwidth.
Nikesh Arora, T-Mobile
Services and
applications
Applications
Services
Control
Bearer
SGSN
MSC
GGSN
HLR
PSTN
This means going back to basics.

What were the original drivers for
UMTS development? Those with
long memories will recall that from
the start IMT-2000 was always as
much about network capacity as
any specific service proposition.
This particular detail seems to have
been lost in the pursuit of killer
applications. In fact for a while it
even became fashionable to argue
that few 2.5G services come close to
threatening the capacity of existing
networks.
PDN
This is not actually true.

IP/ATM
2G/3G
core network
BSC
RNC
BTS
RNC
Node B
Node B
GERAN
UTRAN
Access network
The applications and services layer in the 3G network

32
Even relatively simple data services

like picture messaging or any form
of MMS require network overlays
that consume a significant amount
of network resources. Remember:
many GSM operators are betting on
these services to rescue average
revenue per user (APRU) decline in
consumer markets, so mass market
take-up is imperative. This is why
the GSM Association, most analysts
and growing numbers of network
engineers now agree that as more
people start using these services,
While 2003 saw MMS terminals become a mass-market phenomenon in some markets, low
penetration of terminals with integrated cameras prevented person-to-person MMS from becoming
a mass-market service. MMS is fuelled by content and this needs to be generated either by users
Analysts Northstream
themselves with camera phones, or by operators or other third-party players.
the strain on 2G network capacity

will very soon become acute for
many GSM operators.
Under these circumstances the
crunch question for operators
becomes: Do I put in more 2G
radios to extend GPRS services or
do I actually switch these services
on to a W-CDMA network?
Rather than running to stand still
with GPRS, it makes more sense
to move forward with UMTS.
And as we have seen, one of the
main reasons W-CDMA was
selected by the ITU for 3G
networks is that this spread
spectrum technology will
significantly increase an operators
capacity and help make the most
of the valuable spectrum theyve
been allocated.
So dull, unglamorous but
essential capacity will be one of
the main drivers for UMTS.
Another will be the commercial
need to enhance user experience
for consumer services.
Operators are developing simple

mobile data services over GPRS at
the same time as cable and
broadband take-up is finally
escalating in many key markets.
GPRS simply cant deliver the
performance that the target market
for mobile data has already started
to demand. Mobile service offerings
have to match what consumers will
increasingly come to consider the
norm for consumer applications.
Offering these services or enhanced
versions of them over W-CDMA
will be about improving the user
experience and continuing to drive
take-up by matching desktop
experience over mobile.
However, the need to resolve issues
that include market education,
interworking and device
interoperability means that GSM
operators cant rely on the
consumer market to drive new
revenues at the speed the
investment community is likely to
demand. So the question is how do
we take current market conditions
and develop a business model that
Definition
What is MMS?
Multimedia
messaging
service is similar
to short message
service (SMS),
but in addition to
text content
MMS can contain
images, graphics,
voice, and audio
clips. MMS
standards are
defined by 3GPP
and the open
mobile alliance
(OMA).
>>
33
integrates voice and data and

enables operators to diversify their
existing revenue base? What will
drive UMTS revenues right now?
The enterprise market

Lucents research makes it clear that
mobile professionals represent a
huge untapped market
opportunity for GSM operators
but as well see, its an opportunity
that can only be addressed via 3G
networks.
The arguments for such an
approach are
quite
straightforward.
Fact Wireless telematics are
First, theres real
applications that involve a wireless
demonstrable
exchange of data between people,
pent-up
systems and devices. The introduction
demand.
of packet data moves cellular
Second, there is
communications away from being
an actual endexclusively person-to-person. Packet
user pool that
data enables machine to machine and
doesnt need
man to machine communications
educating.
using just a few bits of packet data.
Business people
Some potential applications currently
know they need
being developed include vending
high-speed data
machine communications, vehicle
on the move
telematics and remote appliance
and they know
control.
how to use the
applications.
Why? Because
the applications in question are no
different from the ones they use
today on their laptops.
34
By focusing on the enterprise space

UMTS operators can launch 3G
with a huge advantage: they dont
need to convince users about the
value of the product. Mobile
professionals know they need
remote access to corporate data
with high levels of security. And
their companies dont take too long
to recognize that theres very
significant productivity gains from
addressing the access requirements
of a mobile workforce.
But from an operators perspective,
the value of winning market share
in the enterprise space is well
established. While today 20 per
cent of an operators subscribers
come from the enterprise sector, in
many cases somewhere between 40
and 60 per cent of actual profit
comes from this segment.
Furthermore, enterprises are loyal
churn is lower with business
customers.
Finally, launching high-speed data
to enterprises gets around the
problems relating to handset
availability. The target market
already has laptops and PDAs
they just need PCMCIA cards to
turn them into 3G devices.
But why take a chance? Why not
sit back and see how the 2.5G
market pans out? Well, Lucent
believe theres real first-mover
advantage for operators that get
Visiongain believes that superior content will be one of the main reasons that
subscribers will switch to 3G networks. In time it will be one of the reasons that
subscribers switch between 3G operators. Once 3G markets mature, the retention
of subscribers in 3G networks will be determined by the quality and range of
Analysts Visiongain
content and services provided by the operator.
into the enterprise space ahead of
the crowd.
market demands as a prerequisite

for adoption.
And, if you want to attract

significant numbers of enterprise
customers 2.5G data speeds just
arent good enough. Theres
sufficient independent research out
there to show that businesses are
demanding 100Kbps in Europe and
64Kbps in North America as a
Lets be clear about the kind of

sectors were talking about. In the
studies Lucent has carried out, there
has been very significant interest
from groups like real estate agents,
financial services people, insurance
agents, the health care industry and
all types of road warriors pretty
much any place where mobility is
critical to the business model. These
are very valuable, lucrative markets
that provide access to new revenue
streams.
In the report Top Five Mobile and Wireless Technologies for

Business, Deloitte Consulting identified PDAs as one of the
technologies that corporations need to deploy to enhance
productivity and return on investment in the years ahead.
The authors maintain that the mobile-enabled PDA has
recently emerged as an elegant, efficient, integrated device
that will be a major conduit for mobile data applications.
They note that a significant benefit of PDAs is that they make
mobile data applications easier to use than on a standard
mobile phone interface. This in turn enhances the
productivity and effectiveness of the mobile workforce.
minimum throughput speed.

Anything less is not a serious
option. Were not talking about
peak 3G speeds here just the
minimum speeds that the enterprise
To date, most operators havent

managed to access corporate IT
budgets. So these are customers
theyll want to capture and keep.
But be warned its important to be
first or second into this market or
risk losing market share for the
foreseeable future.
Accessing the enterprise market
with UMTS is all about choosing
the right partner. So another key
driver for UMTS success will be for
operators to partner the right
>>
35
I find it impossible to believe a service like m-commerce wont be successful. Just think about micropayments the ability to pay parking costs, taxi fares, theatre tickets and small change transactions
via a mobile device. Once this service begins to be adopted and universally available I think it will
be one of these things that well ask ourselves how we did without it. In terms of investment and
development, it does take a leap of faith and I think this is why its taken so long to get there.
Bill Best, CTO, GSM Association
vendors and integrators that can

facilitate access to large enterprises
and the accompanying new
revenue streams.
The need to increase network speed
and capacity for data services plus
untapped potential in the enterprise
space are two key drivers for UMTS
operators. But how can operators
access the mass consumer markets
that will ultimately determine the
long term success of 3G? Beyond
variants on messaging applications,
what are the services that will drive
significant consumer usage?
The consumer market

The problem here is that theres no
such thing as a single consumer
market but a diversity of market
segments that are often tough to
reach and predict. Initially the
answer might once again lie in
leveraging success in the enterprise
space.
Penetrating the enterprise market
in the first instance allows operators
36
to engage mobile professionals who

are also target consumer users.
Lucents recent consumer research
shows that a significant proportion
are attracted by a remote access
service, allowing them to access
their companys network. Those
most interested are a segment called
characterized as convenience
seekers.
Convenience seekers have
developed purchasing patterns
driven by the desire to make their
lives simpler, often with the help of
technology theyve become familiar
with at work. These consumers
seek security, speed and control. As
this segment is driven more by
needs than by wants, it is likely that
such people will be early adopters
of 3G provided it provides highspeed internet/intranet access from
a variety of locations. The initial
revenue potential from this group is
significant as they are willing to pay
the price for remote access,
although they are less likely to
move on and adopt a wide range of
additional mobile services.
So convenience seekers could
UMTS capabilities offer significant benefits to

todays so-called road warriors business people
on the move who want access to office files and
UMTS Forum
databases anytime, anywhere.
represent the first trickle-down

from enterprise to consumer
market. But how should operators
develop mass-market service
strategies from a core business of
enterprise customers?
Lucents extensive two year
research programme paints a
picture of the consumer market for
the main ten UMTS services. These
service concepts were developed
using consumer inputs from focus
groups:
Finding places on the move

Voice control
Mobile phone replaces fixed line
Personal organizer
Video-clip messaging
News, sports, leisure clips on
demand
Video-clip alerts for news, sports,
leisure
Remote access to company
network
Gaming
Gambling
Control, privacy and reliability were

the essential prerequisites
consumers identified before they

would consider a 3G solution.
By conducting follow-on
quantitative research in ten
countries Lucent has produced a
full mass-market segmentation,
with a detailed understanding of
needs and demographics.
After convenience seekers, the next
important consumer target could be
described as internet lovers. These
consumers are less involved with
accessing intranets and tend to use
the internet more for general
information gathering and
entertainment.
This is a group that places a high
value on facilitation. Internet lovers
will be attracted to the possibilities
of improved time management and
products and services that can do
more to help them organize their
lives. While members of this
segment are not completely need
driven, they do express many
characteristics that make them an
attractive target for 3G. This group
is technology savvy and will find
Fact A 2003
survey* found
that 32 per cent
of wireless users
and 38 per cent
of wireless
internet users
were willing to
pay a monthly
fee for location
based services.
The majority of
those willing to
pay would spend
up to US$5 to
US$10 per month
to receive such
services, on top
of normal
monthly service
changes.
>>
*In-Stat/MDR
37
Ideally people will buy just one device that will

provide total seamless mobile access to the office.
Chris Friel, GSM Association
services such as finding places and

personal organizer appealing.
Given the high levels of
web-browsing usage, there is
strong revenue potential from the
internet lover segment as their 3G
activity levels are likely to be high.
In addition, they show strong
interest in the value-added services
that replicate the services currently
available today via a fixed internet
connection finding places on the
move, video-clip messaging and
video-clip alerts/on demand.
The communicators segment
should be considered next as
maintaining and developing voice
revenues is an important strand of
the 3G business case. The ability to
offer low-cost voice means that
fixed line revenues can be attacked
both domestic and PBX
originated.
Communicators are a group that
uses the internet frequently, but
these consumers are more limited
in their internet locations, relying
primarily on home access for
38
internet usage. However,

communicators travel away from
their home/office frequently and
show a need to stay in touch,
taking their PDAs with them when
on the road.
Like convenience seekers,
communicators believe new
features and technologies will help
simplify their lives. This is a
segment of users that appear
almost desperate in their search for
better communications solutions
and thus have very high interest in
features that appear to meet their
needs. In particular, 95 per cent
would like to see their mobile
phone completely replace the
existing fixed line. They also have
very high interest in finding
places, voice control, and
personal organizer.
Our final segment can be
characterised as fun lovers. This is
the group that will in the first
instance be avid picture-message
users and who will go on to be
attracted to products and services
that are exciting, flashy and
innovative. They can be tempted

by a wide variety of entertainment
and fun services such as video-clips
and gambling. However for the
most part take-up will be
predicated on low cost. Since the
segment is also a small one, in the
short term the revenue potential
from this group is not significant,
but they can be targeted to provide
incremental revenue, once the
network is well established and
new revenue streams are required.
The take away here is that to win
over the consumer market,
operators should start with
convenience applications and
follow up with fun applications.
Needs not wants will drive the
adoption of 3G technology in this
sector.
Making it happen
It should be clear that to kick-start
the new revenues required to
make 3G a success, operators need
to focus on secure mobile data
solutions for the enterprise. This is
an easier sell than attempting to

address fragmented consumer
segments. Data cards can be used
to launch the technology. Roll out
will be more concentrated, starting
with a small number of large
enterprises with large mobile
workforces. These organizations
have a high willingness to pay for
products that enhance workforce
productivity, generate revenue and
increase customer satisfaction.
The enterprise market is awaiting a
solution UMTS can deliver today.
In the past, the wireless industry
has tended to create technology in
the hope that someone,
somewhere might want it. This
time around the demand for highspeed data has built up in the
market mostly as a result of
changes in the internet world and
in social and working practices
while the industry has busied itself
with interim solutions.
Key drivers are already in place for
UMTS success. Now its up to the
wireless industry to deliver.
>
39
Experience pays dividends

The adoption into the UMTS
standard of W-CDMA radio access
technology has created a solution
that promises operators enormous
scope for the development of new,
high bandwidth applications and
services, not to mention huge
efficiencies.
In order fully to realize those

benefits, however, a
comprehensive understanding
of CDMA technology is crucial. As
we have seen, experience in this
field goes back to the early days of
CDMA, with the deployment and
optimization of IS95, the second
generation of CDMA systems. For
Lucent this laid the foundations
for the companys understanding
of the characteristics of spread
spectrum technology. The
company installed and tested IS95
more widely than any other
vendor in the world, and was
responsible for a very large
proportion of the entire global
deployment of the technology.
40
Today that experience is being

further extended. Lucent has
rolled out spread spectrum
networks in Europe, Asia, and the
Americas, including 90,000
CDMA base stations (more
than one third of the global
deployed base), more than half of
which have the 3G features
activated. Almost thirty customers
are already using, or have
contracted to deploy, Lucents
CDMA2000-1X systems.
These are more than just
interesting statistics, however.
This experience is feeding
through into Lucents W-CDMA
activities, impacting its range of
products for the W-CDMA
market, influencing the way the
company deploys UMTS, and
enhancing the optimization tools
it uses in the process.
Lucent after all, has 340 trained
spread spectrum engineers,
many with UMTS experience.
Optimizing networks
The common features of CDMA
and W-CDMA, which include
characteristics of behavior in spread
spectrum networks such as cell
breathing and pilot pollution, do
not appear in technologies such as
GSM. Understanding these aspects
of the technology is critical for
efficient cost-effective
deployment.
Lucents suite of CDMA
optimization tools has been
modified and enhanced for
W-CDMA networks. This suite can
be used throughout the design and
optimization process for
pre-optimization of the RF network;
initial optimization for installing
and integrating sites; and for
ongoing analysis of network data,
identifying trends and trouble
shooting to maintain network
quality and customer satisfaction.
It includes products such as the
Ocelot predictive cell optimization
tool, which can configure cell sites
for optimum coverage and/or

capacity, matching coverage and
capacity to the traffic distribution.
Ocelot has been used successfully
in over 100 cities worldwide,
typically increasing network
coverage five per cent, and network
capacity by 20 per cent.
At the early optimization stage,
issues such as pilot pollution can be
identified and pre-empted. This
occurs when many sectors overlap
so that the active set on the mobile
is full, meaning that any additional
sectors will act as interference. It
leads to a reduction in both
coverage and capacity, with an
increase in call setup failures and
dropped calls, and a reduction in
the users data throughput.
Common trouble spots are upper
floors of buildings, elevated
highways, street intersections,
bridges, and large bodies of water.
An incorrect diagnosis here can
result in unnecessary parameter
changes and repeated drive-testing,
leading to increased operating
expense.
>>
41
By applying its experience of spread spectrum

technology from product design, through network
deployment, to testing and optimization, Lucent
has won the approval of its operator customers.
Cell breathing can also be
tackled as part of the optimization
process. This occurs when the cell
shrinks as the loading on the
network increases, and can only
effectively be managed when the
network is operating under
loaded conditions. Lucents
software tools provide the
necessary simulation capabilities
to recreate this problem and to
find a satisfactory resolution.
By applying its experience of
spread spectrum technology from
product design, through network
deployment, to testing and
optimization, Lucent has won the
approval of its operator
customers. Asked to vote on the
best networks in terms of
42
performance and reliability, local

service providers in one large
Asian market where Lucent has
50 per cent of the CDMA
installed base gave the company
eight out of the top 11 places.
No one said migration to 3G
over UMTS would be easy the
fundamentally complex nature
of the system coupled with
issues like interoperability and
3G to 2G handover mean that
there are numerous challenges
to be addressed. But Lucent is
delivering on its 3G promises
and will continue to leverage its
spread spectrum advantage to
bring operators UMTS revenue
streams ahead of their
competitors.
Acronyms
D
E
2G 2nd Generation
3G 3rd Generation
3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project
ANSI American National Standards Institute
API Application Programmable Interface
ARIB Association of Radio Industries and
Businesses
ARPU Average Revenue Per User
ATM Asynchronous Transfer Mode
bps Bits Per Second
BSC Base Station Controller
BSS Base Station Subsystem
BTS Base Transceiver Station
CAMEL Customized Applications for Mobile
Enhanced Logic
CAPEX Capital Expenditure
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
CN Core Network
CODEC Coder/Decoder
CPU Central Processing Unit
CWTS China Wireless Telecommunication
Standard group
DSC Digital Switching Centre
EDGE Enhanced Data rates for Global
Evolution
ETSI European Telecommunications
Standards Institute
FDD Frequency Division Duplex
FDM Frequency Division Multiplex

FDMA Frequency Division Multiple Access
G Gb Link between SGSN and BSS-PCU
in GPRS network
GBN GPRS Backbone Network
GBS GPRS Backbone System
GERAN GSM/GPRS EDGE Radio
Access Network
GGSN Gateway GPRS Support Node
Ghz GigaHertz
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
GPRS-SSF GPRS Service Switching Function
GPS Global Positioning System
GRX GPRS Roaming Exchange
GSM Global System for Mobile
Communications
GSMA GSM Association
GSN GPRS Support Node
GSS GSN Support System
GTP GPRS Tunnelling Protocol
H HLR Home Location Register
HSCSD High-Speed Circuit-Switched Data
HSPSD High-Speed Packet-Switched Data
Hz Hertz
I IMT International Mobile Telcommunications
IMT-2000 International Mobile
Telecommunications 2000 (ITU
3rd generation mobile standard)
>>
43
K
L
M
IN Intelligent Networks
IP Internet Protocol
IS-95 Interim Standard-95 (CDMA standard)
ITU International Telecommunication Union
Iub Interface between Node B and RNC
IUN International UMTS Number
Iur Interface between RNCs
kbps or kb/s kilobits per second
kHz kiloHertz
LAN Local Area Network
LBS Location Based Services
MIN Mobile Identification Number
MM Multimedia Message
MMS Multimedia Messaging Service
MS Mobile Station
MSC Mobile Switching Centre
MVNO Mobile Virtual Network Operator
MVPN Mobile Virtual Private Network
NN Network Node
NNI Network Node Interface (ATM)
Node B 3G base station
O&M Operations and Maintenance
OA&M Operations, Administration
and Maintenance
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer
OMA Open Mobile Alliance
OPEX Operating Expenditure
OS Operating System
OSI Open or Operating Systems
Interconnection
OSS Operation Support Systems
PBX Public Branch or Business Exchange
PCI Peripheral Connect Interface
PCIA Personal Communications Industry
Association
PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory
Card International Association
44
Q
R
PCU Packet Control Unit

PDA Personal Digital Assistant
PDC Personal Digital Cellular
(Japanese system)
PDCH Packet Data Channel
PDN Packet Data Network
PDP Packet Data Protocol
PSDN Packet Switched Data Network
PSPDN Public Switched Packet or Public
Data Network
PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
QoS Quality of Service
RAN Radio Access Network
RANC Radio Access Network Controller
RF Radio Frequency
RNC Radio Network Controller
RNS Radio Network Subsystem
ROI Return on Investment
SAR Segmentation and Reassembly (ATM)
SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node
SMS Short Message Service
SMSC Short Message Service Centre
SMS-GMSC Gateway MSC for Short
Message Service
SMSS Short Message Service Support
SNI Subscriber Network Interface
SNR Signal to Noise Ratio
SS7 Signalling System 7
SSS Switching Subsystem
TAG Trunk Access Gateway
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/
Internet Protocol
TD-CDMA Time Division Code Division
Multiple Access
TDD Time Division Duplex
TDM Time Division Multiplex
TDMA Time Division Multiple Access
TD-SCDMA Time Division-Synchronous

Code Division Multiple Access
TTA Telecommunications Technology
Association
TTC Telecommunication Technology Commitee
TX Transmission or Transmit or Transmitter
UD User Device
UI User Interface
UIM User Identity Module
UMSC Universal Mobile Switch Core
UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications
System
UTRAN UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access
Network
VAS Value Added Services
VBR Variable Bit Rate (ATM)
VLR Visitor Location Register
VoIP Voice over IP
VoP Voice over Packet
VPN Virtual Private Network
WAG Wireless Access Gateway
WAN Wide Area Network
WAP Wireless Access Protocol
WATM Wireless ATM
W-CDMA Wideband-Code Division
Multiple Access
WML Wireless Mark-up Language
WLL Wireless Local Loop
X.25 A protocol specification
covering OSI layers 1, 2 and 3
xGSN SGSN and GGSN together
ZC Zone Code
ZCS Zero Code Suppression
When considering market advantage its worth keeping in mind

that UMTS is a CDMA-based technology. This means that
operators and vendors with CDMA experience have a clear
advantage over those that do not. And all the lessons learned
from CDMA are now being applied to UMTS.
Arthur D Little, Analysts
Lucent is a world-class supplier of mobility solutions.

Innovation is at the heart of our business. Our Centers of
Excellence and the global facilities of Bell Labs, are shaping
the way our world communicates. We offer unchallenged
market leadership in CDMA radio access, the underlying
technology for UMTS, ATM backbone networking
technology, circuit and packet switching as well as the
expertise to integrate and deploy complex networks.
Response Centres:
EMEA
Tel: +44 (0) 7000 582 368
Fax: +44 (0) 1344 488 045
Email: mobility@lucent.com
Asia Pacific
Email: wirelessap@lucent.com
Call Lucent for complete end-to-end mobility solutions.

Visit our website at www.lucent.com
Lucent Technologies
Global Mobility Marketing
Lucent Technologies
The Quadrant
Stonehill Green
Westlea
Swindon
Wiltshire SN5 7DJ
UK
Brochure number: WCDMA HB 02.2004.

Copyright 2004 Lucent Technologies
NAR/CALA
Tel: +1 888 426 2252
Fax: +1 314 317 6480
This document is for planning purposes only and is not
intended to modify or supplement any specifications or
warranties or tariffs relating to these products. Any
technical specifications contained herein are approximate
and subject to change without notice.

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Making W-CDMA simple

A guide to UMTS networks

into W-CDMA but discovered youre

Making W-CDMA simple

Making Communications Simple

Dealing with the market

In addition, to leverage maximum

Making W-CDMA simple

Understanding these aspects of

In short, its up to the vendor to

Making W-CDMA simple

Coming to terms with 3G

used second generation (2G) mobile

The astonishing growth of the

Making W-CDMA simple

to ensure a clearly defined but

Today mobile technology is no

IMT-2000 was its vision of the kind

So the IMT-2000 vision could also

Coming to terms with 3G

Making W-CDMA simple

that would turn this vision into

Fact At last count

This is where the acronyms really

Fact In the interests of completeness

the air interface or access

Fact Air interface

Making W-CDMA simple

How cellular networks work

So the conservation and efficient

operators, especially in Europe. In

Making W-CDMA simple

powerful radio transmitters that

different way. The technologies are

What is FDMA access

Conventional FDMA splits the radio

What is analogue? Analogue is a transmission method for

Making W-CDMA simple

order to avoid radio interference

In FDMA systems, only one traffic channel can be on a

What is TDMA access

What is digital? In a digital network, voice is converted to a

How cellular networks work

Division Multiple Access. Handsets

What is GSM? The global system for mobile

Making W-CDMA simple

same frequency in an adjacent cell

What is CDMA access

Making W-CDMA simple

call quality in spite of the large

How is a 3G network organized?

How cellular networks work

Making W-CDMA simple

You might remember we explained

The 3G network comprises three main layers

Finally, the service layer controls

The point here is that IMT-2000 has

Making W-CDMA simple

need networks that can deliver data

First while mobile data services

Even a sophisticated, enhanced

Second many of the customers

What is WAP? Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is the

Making W-CDMA simple