TRENDS IN WIRELESS AND MOBILE COMMUNICATION

Last few years have seen rapid development of wireless technologies. The stage is set for third generation technology (3G) and R&D is already aiming at fourth generation (4G) technology.(see fig 1 and 2)

Fig 1: PCN evolution/migration

The 2G technology for mobile communication revolved around GSM mainly for voice communication. It was focused on voice services with circuit switching, whereas the current 2.5G technology is focused on circuit switched voice service and packet switched data service.

The 2G technology offered quite satisfactory voice communication services, but with growing data traffic, the 3G technology has mainly targeted data services, particularly the Internet traffic. Thus the main service component of the 3G technology is quality and reliable Internet data traffic. The migration from 2G to 3G was started for providing new reliable services with minimal investment. To offer quality service and advanced traffic management, the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology is being explored with the IMT 2000 core network node system





The 3G technology still evolves around GSM- based IMT 2000 or universal mobile telecommunication system(UTMS), although alternatives like freedom of mobile multimedia access(FOMA) of Japan and GSM-evolved core network (CN) exist. Comprehensive, broadband, integrated mobile communication will step forward into all-mobile 4G services and communication, The 4G technology will be a migration from the other generation of mobile services to overcome the limitation of boundary and achieve total integration.

The evolutionary approach towards a wireless information age is shown in fig 1. the 4G systems will be developed to provide high-speed transmission, next-generation Internet support (IPv6, VoIP and mobile IP), high-capacity, seamless integrated services and coverage, utilization of higher frequency, lower system cost, seamless personal mobility, mobile multimedia(standard), efficient spectrum use, quality of service(QoS), reconfiguration network and end-to-end IP systems.