Assignment one(A1) – Solving Problems Problem

1: (UMTS Network Architecture)

a) Briefly describe UMTS network elements

b) Compare the UMTS architecture with GSM architecture and its evolutions from
standardization point of view.

Problem 2: (Spreading, Despreading and Scrambling operation in CDMA systems)

a) Explain the concept of “Spreading and despreading operations in DS-CDMA”. You may
use as reference, e.g., Section 3.3 of [1]. Combinations of verbal and figures for
illustration are appreciated but do not copy and paste from the source. Make your points
clear and simple.
b) Explain briefly the concept of scrambling operation in CDMA systems.
[1] H. Holma, A. Toskala: “WCDMA for UMTS – HSPA Evolution and LTE”, Fourth Edition,
Wiley, 2007.

Problem 3: (Rake reception)

(a) Explain briefly the concept of rake reception.

(b) Assume a WCDMA system that is working in a given mobile environment, where the
location of the different obstacles (between base station and mobile station) are presented
in Fig. 1.
Determine the number of fingers that can be used by a WCDMA rake receiver in
presence of this mobile environment.

Problem 4: (WCDMA Physical Layer Procedures)

Describe the following 3G WCDMA procedures with your own words. Explain the main phases
of the procedures and think what kind of problems may occur when these procedures are used.
You may use as reference, e.g., Section 6.6 of [1].

(a) Random Access procedure

(b) Paging procedure

(c) Cell Search Procedure

[1] H. Holma, A. Toskala: “WCDMA for UMTS – HSPA Evolution and LTE”, Fourth Edition,
Wiley, 2007.

Cellular Network Planning and Optimization (CNPO) I (ECEG6332)

 Obstacle 2
(1.5,1.3)

Obstacle 3
(1.6,0.3)
Mobile Station
(2.0, 0.0)

Obstacle 4
Obstacle 1 (2.05,-0.05)
(0.3,-0.35)
Base Station
(0.0,0.0)

Figure 1. Multipath propagation environment. Coordinates (X,Y) represent

the position of the different elements on a plain earth [in Kilometers].

Problem 5: (WCDMA Handover)

Describe or discuss the following concepts on WCDMA Handovers. You may use as reference,
e.g., Section 3.6, 9.3 of [1]. Do not copy-paste directly from the source. Use your own words to
explain the concept in a simple but clear way.

a) Difference and similarities of Soft and Softer Handover, Why soft handover and softer
handover are used in WCDMA? How P-CPICH is related to handover?
b) Intra-frequency Handover
c) Inter-frequency Handovers
d) Inter-system Handovers between WCDMA and GSM

[1] H. Holma, A. Toskala: “WCDMA for UMTS – HSPA Evolution and LTE”, Fourth Edition,
Wiley, 2007.

Cellular Network Planning and Optimization (CNPO) I (ECEG6332)