Chapter 1.

Introduction to Cellular System

1. Typical Configuration

Next Figure explains the term of cellular system and systems name which configures
cellular network. The area covered by each base Station is referred to as a cell. In 2nd
Generation (Digital) cellular systems, excluding CDMA One, each cell, or sector, used
different frequencies. In order that the number of subscribers served may be maximized,
or to best suit the topography, each cell is divided into several (example three) sectors
which are covered by different antennas. Located in the center of the cell is the Base
Station. MSC (Mobile Switching Center) and the Base Station are connected by means of
optical or microwave radio transmission links. The connection link is called Approach link.
The home system is connected with systems owned by other operators by way of MSC.
MSC controls the traffic, and billing data are transferred from MSC to the Billing Center.
The IWF (Inter working system) can be used to support mobile originated and terminated
calls for asynchronous data and fax. The role of IWF is to synchronize events between the
circuit-based network and the packet data network. The IWF is not required for packet
based networks such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). A home location register
(HLR) maintains all the permanent information on the subscribers that it is responsible
for regardless of their physical location. In wireless system, the HLR coordinates all
subscriber identification activities when the mobile unit roams between systems or
between MSCs within the system and provides all the necessary identification information
to not only ensure that the subscriber is a valid subscriber but also to provide information
on how his or her calls are to be treated and the associated privileges that he or she is
allowed.
2. Feature of Cellular System As a mobile unit travels over a distance and go out of the area
served by a Base Station, their Base Station connections is switched from one to another,
which is referred to as Handover. Ordinarily, the switching is performed instantly but, at
times, the connections may be momentarily interrupted. In a CDMA system, telephone
terminals (mobile unit) are served simultaneously by a plural number of adjoining Base
Stations on the same frequency, and this prevents interruption-free handovers which is
called the Soft (or softer) Handover. Within one system, however, the system simply sees
the subscriber (mobile unit) travel from
one sector to another adjoining sector, with smooth relevant data smoothly processed, thus
termed “Softer.” To subscribers, a “Softer” Handover is identical with the Soft Handover.
3. Frequency Reuse In FDMA and TDMA systems, each cell (or each sector if sectorized) uses
different frequencies. In this approach, care must be taken to ensure different frequency
assignment to each of adjoining base stations, in order to avoid co-frequency interference.
In addition, when such practical conditions as the topography are taken in consideration,
channel plans are bound to be complex even in the initial network design stages. In CDMA
systems, each cell (or sector) is recognized or identified by the network (MSC) by
codes and timing. Thus, the entire system can be operated with only one radio frequency,
which makes channel design much easier.