HIGH DATA RATE 1XEV: 1X EVOLUTION IS-856 TIA/EIA STANDARD OVERVIEW

HDR

1xEV technology (also known as, High Data Rate "HDR") is a high-performance and cost-effective Internet solution for consumers and business professionals. It offers high­speed, high-capacity wireless Internet technology, compatible with CDMA networks and optimized for packet data services. 1xEV offers a combination of high-performance and economic benefits that is unprecedented in systems capable of portable, mobile, and fixed services, while achieving the performance with minimal network and spectrum resources.

The phenomenal growth of Information Technology and the Internet, and the general population's desire for timely information services, create a need for a high-performance wireless Internet technology. Trends, such as PC-on-a-Chip, wireless-capable Personal Digital Assistants, Smart Phones and Auto PCs, point to the availability of a large number of new data-capable devices that enable each of us to communicate wirelessly anytime, anywhere. 1xEV is the ideal technology for providing such wireless Internet services and is founded on a proven wireless technology and a sound economic basis. 1xEV is built on mainstream IP backbones using off-the-shelf IP network elements without any modifications

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1xEV technology (also known as, High Data Rate "HDR") is a high-performance and cost-effective Internet solution for consumers and business professionals. It offers high­speed, high-capacity wireless Internet technology, compatible with CDMA networks and optimized for packet data services. 1xEV offers a combination of high-performance and economic benefits that is unprecedented in systems capable of portable, mobile, and fixed services, while achieving the performance with minimal network and spectrum resources.

The 1xEV working group was established in 3GPP2, TSG-C in March 2000. The 1xEV name, which stands for "Evolution," was coined in the standards process. The standard was balloted and adopted by 3GPP2, as C.S0024, and by TIA/EIA, as IS-856, in October 2000. The recommended capabilities of the cdma2000 standard includes two interoperable modes: an integrated 1x mode optimized for voice and medium data speeds, and a 1xEV mode, optimized for high-capacity/high-speed data and Internet access. The following represent a few of the infrastructure manufacturers that publicly have announced support for 1xEV, Lucent, Hitachi, LGIC, Samsung, Nortel and Motorola. The manufacturer support should further ensure that the evolution path from cdmaOne through cdma2000.

The phenomenal growth of Information Technology and the Internet, and the general population's desire for timely information services, create a need for a high-performance wireless Internet technology. Trends, such as PC-on-a-Chip, wireless-capable Personal Digital Assistants, Smart Phones and Auto PCs, point to the availability of a large

number of new data-capable devices that enable each of us to communicate wirelessly anytime, anywhere. 1xEV is the ideal technology for providing such wireless Internet services and is founded on a proven wireless technology and a sound economic basis. 1xEV is built on mainstream IP backbones using off-the-shelf IP network elements without any modifications.

1xEV systems are designed to be highly interoperable with CDMA systems. Leveraging the same RF characteristics as IS-95/1x CDMA, dual-mode IS-95/1x and 1xEV Access Terminals can be offered in a compact and cost-effective manner. Within a given network, dual-mode IS-95/1x and 1xEV devices allow users to access voice services via the IS-95/1x frequency carrier, while receiving data services through the 1xEV frequency carrier.

CHAPTER 2: 1xEV AIRLINK DESIGN

The 1xEV airlink is designed for packet data optimization. It is spectrally efficient and provides 7.4 Mbps/cell (3 sectors) aggregate forward peak throughput with a single CDMA frequency carrier (1.25 MHz).

One of the key premises of 1xEV is that voice and data have very different requirements and there will be inefficiencies anytime the two services are combined. With that in mind, the 1xEV design requires a separate CDMA carrier. It is important, however, to note that the 1xEV waveform retains 100% compatibility with IS-95/1x from the RF standpoint. The 1xEV waveform uses the same 1.228 Mcps chip rate, link budgets, network plans and RF designs on both Access Terminals and infrastructure. Furthermore, optimizing voice and data on different carriers is advantageous for both services: it simplifies system software development and avoids difficult load-balancing tasks.

1x/1xEV systems proven technologies are a low-risk alternative. 1xEV systems are currently being field trialed in various parts of the world. 1xEV over-the-air system, available since September 1998, demonstrates features and data rates that are proven from real field data experience.

1xEV's forward link uses power efficiently. The access terminal continually updates the Access Network with the data rate it can receive. With this information, the system can service a single user at any instant. This rate control feature enables the 1xEV Access Point to always transmit at full power achieving very high peak rates for users that are in good coverage area.

The Access Terminal and the Access Point jointly determine each user's forward-link data. The Access Terminal measures the pilot strength, and continuously requests an appropriate data rate based on the channel conditions. The Access Point encodes the forward link at exactly the highest rate that the subscriber's wireless channel can support at any instant.

CHAPTER 3: AVERAGE DATA THROUGHPUT

The majority of data applications receive larger amounts of data from the wireless network's infrastructure than they transmit in the reverse direction. Therefore, 1xEV provides asymmetric data rates on the forward and reverse links.

1xEV's peak data rate is: Forward link = 2.457 Mbps/sector Reverse link = 153.6 kbps/sector

The 1xEV airlink uses the network resources very efficiently by providing high performance average data throughput with only 1.25 MHz of spectrum. Given a loaded 1xEV sector, with a number of users distributed uniformly across the coverage area, the average forward link throughput in a 3-sector cell is:

Forward link: Pedestrian Environment

= 3.9 Mbps/cell (Single Receive Antenna) = 4.8 Mbps/cell (Dual Receive Antenna) Mobile Environment = 1.4 Mbps/cell (Single Receive Antenna) = 2.7 Mbps/cell (Dual Receive Antenna) Reverse link = 660 kbps/cell

The above throughput numbers do not assume transmit diversity at the cell site.

Access Terminals with dual receive antennas and receive diversity reception have the benefit of more accurately decoding the received information. Overall, this decreases retransmissions and improves system efficiency.

CHAPTER 4: TURBO CODES

1xEV takes advantage of parallel codes and turbo decoding techniques. Hence, 1xEV uses frame sizes that are larger than IS-95/1x frames. Code rates (R= 1/4 and 1/2) are used on the reverse channels, and code rates (R= 1/5 and 1/3) are used on the forward channels.

Diagram 1 - 1xEV Channel Structure

CHAPTER 5: 1xEV FORWARD LINK

Shared Forward Link Channel

The 1xEV design employs a shared forward link and can serve a user at any instant. When being served, an Access Terminal receives the full power of the cell transmitter (Diagram 2). The Access Terminal calculates its C/I and tells the Access Point the highest data rate at which it can receive information. This allows the Access Point transmitter to operate at full power and transmit data at the highest data rate each Access Terminal requests.

Diagram 2 - 1xEV maximizes data throughput via efficient use of the AP output power

There are additional benefits of a shared forward link. The scheduling algorithm takes advantage of multiple users and optimizes the data transmission on the forward link. As more subscribers access the 1xEV system, the scheduler dynamically assists in improving the traffic flow by fairly scheduling data to each subscriber (see Chapter 7). The improved efficiency actually increases the subscriber's average throughput.

A maximum of 60 simultaneous users in the "connected" state, i.e. actively requesting and receiving packets, can be served by a 1xEV sector at any given time. Note that this number represents active connected users (not in dormant state). For example, if the users in a sector are using applications with 10% activity factor, then in effect 600 users in a sector can be served during the busy hour.

1xEV supports both high-speed and high-capacity applications. In the case of high-speed applications, having tens of active users per sector, at any given time, ensures the users achieve high throughputs. In the case of low data rate applications, where the users are receiving small amounts of information (e.g., stock quotes, telemetry, etc.), the users will not use the channel for a long period of time. The users will receive their short burst of information and then will release the Forward Link channel. In this case, a much larger number of users (in order of 100's of users) can take turns being one of the 60 active users at a given instant.

The 60 active users in a sector are power controlled by the reverse power control bits (RPC). Each power controlled access terminal is assigned a Walsh cover that is used to cover each user's forward link packets. W64 are being used and hence 64 possible Walsh covers are available to be assigned to users. Four out of these 64 are used for other purposes, which leaves 60 reverse-power control bits that can be assigned to users.

A larger number of users are served by the system at any given time, leveraging the bursty nature of the traffic. When users are not actively using a link, the airlink goes dormant. When the link is in use again, the airlink automatically will come up without any special intervention on the part of the user.

Forward Link Channel Structure

Diagram 3 - 1xEV Forward Channel Structure

The 1xEV forward link is structured to maximize the overall data throughput of a given sector. Hence, the Access Points are always transmitting at full power serving one user at a time. There are no predetermined time slots; the time the user is on the forward traffic channel depends on the channel condition (C/I).

The 1xEV Forward Channel consists of the following time-multiplexed channels: the Pilot Channel, the Forward Medium Access Control (MAC) Channel, and the Forward Traffic Channel or the Control Channel. The Traffic Channel carries user data packets. The Control Channel carries control messages, and it may also carry user traffic.

The forward link is defined in terms of frames of length 26.67 ms, aligned to the PN rolls of the zero offset PN sequences. Within a frame, there are 16 slots, each of length of 2048 chips or 1.67 ms duration. Each frame is composed of two, half-frame units with eight slots. Each slot is further divided into two, half-slots, each of which contains a pilot burst. Each pilot burst has a duration of 96 chips and is centered at the midpoint of the half slot. Within each slot, the Pilot, MAC and Traffic or Control Channels are time multiplexed (TM). All time-division multiplexed channels are transmitted at the maximum power of the sector. Note that no predetermined time slots are allocated to users. Frames, slots, etc are used as units of time.

The MAC Channel consists of two subchannels: the Reverse Power Control (RPC) Channel and the Reverse Activity (RA) Channel. The RA Channel transmits a reverse link activity bit (RAB) stream.

The Control Channel is transmitted at a data rate of 38.4 kbps or 76.8 kbps. The modulation characteristics for the Control Channel transmitted at 38.4 kbps are the same as those of the Forward Traffic Channel transmitted at 38.4 kbps. The modulation characteristics for the Control Channel transmitted at 76.8 kbps are the same as those of the Control Channel transmitted at 38.4 kbps, except that the packet is transmitted in eight slots.

Burst Pilot

1xEV uses a burst pilot, which is optimal for bursty packet data services. The burst pilot is not transmitted on a separate code channel as in IS-95/1x, but is punctured into the forward link waveform at pre-determined intervals. The 1xEV burst pilot is transmitted at the maximum power that the cell is able to transmit. Using the cell's full power for the

pilot provides the highest possible pilot Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) so that an accurate estimate can be obtained quickly, even during dynamic channel conditions.

Diagram 4 - 1xEV Forward Link Burst Pilot

The burst pilot is received only in the presence of pilots from other Access Points and is not affected by other transmissions of data. Since the pilot is transmitted at the full power of the Access Point, the Access Terminal recognizes the burst as strictly the pilot signal. The Access Terminal does not need to subtract the effect of data transmissions that may be occurring at the same time as the pilot. This results in a high Signal-to-Noise ratio for the pilot signal, which aids in rapid C/I estimation.

Forward Link Adaptive Modulation

The 1xEV forward link offers a range of different data rates. The data rates match the range of channel conditions experienced in a typical cellular/PCS networks.

QPSK modulation is used to achieve 38.4 kbps through 1,228.8 kbps data rates (with the exception of 921.6 kbps), 8-PSK for 921.6 kbps and 1,843.2 kbps, and 16-QAM for 1,228.8 kbps and 2,457.6 kbps.

Table 1: 1xEV Forward Link

The 1xEV forward link supports dynamic data rates. The Access Terminal constantly measures the channel C/I, then requests the appropriate data rate for the channel conditions every 1.67 ms. The Access Point receives the Access Terminal's request for a particular data rate, and it encodes the forward link data at exactly the highest rate that the wireless channel can support at the requested instant. Just enough margin is included to allow the Access Terminal to decode the data with a low erasure rate. In this manner, as the subscriber's application needs and channel conditions vary, the optimum data rate is determined and served to the user dynamically. In summary the following steps are performed:(a) Accurate and rapid measurement of the received C/I from the set of best-serving sectors(b) Selection of the best serving sector(c) Request of transmission at the highest possible data rate that can be received with high reliability given the measured C/I(d) Transmission from the selected sector, and only from the selected sector, at the requested data rate.

Diagram 5 - Dynamic Data Rates Served Based on Real-Time C/I Measurement

The Access Terminal continuously updates the Access Point on the DRC channel, indicating a specified data rate to be used on the forward link. The DRC is sent with a Walsh Cover, which in turn indicates which Sector should transmit.

1xEV combines the functions of the IS-95/1x Sync and Paging overhead channels into a single Control Channel. The Control Channel is time set aside on the forward link at a known data rate. The control channel is transmitted once every 413.17 ms for duration of 13.33 ms.

Forward Traffic Channel and Control Channel can be transmitted in a span of one to 16 slots. When more than one slot is used, the transmit slots use a four-slot interlacing technique to further enhance forward-link efficiency (refer to diagram 3). For example, data sent at 153.6 kbps is sent in four slots and each slot of data is sent twice to increase the probability of receiving the data. By "interlacing" the data every fourth slot, the Access Terminal can notify the Access Point of each slot of data it receives. If the Access Terminal is able to decode the data on the first attempt, then it transmits an ACK to the Access Point. The Access Point cancels the second slot if the ACK is received prior to its transmission. The system has now increased the throughput to the user and may now use the additional slots to serve other users.

The combination of these features -- and the ability to transmit 2 bits per hertz in a 1.25 MHz band -- increases the users' experience and the overall system capacity.

CHAPTER 6: FIELD TESTING

Extensive testing is ongoing on Qualcomm's San Diego based over-the-air system. These tests include physical layer, application layer, capacity, diversity and performance tests. Testing also includes the use of ITU's industry capacity models. Data is collected and analyzed to reveal how the system performs in various RF conditions.

These extensive tests have proven that the sector throughput increases as the number of users increase in that sector. This increase in throughput is related to the scheduler's ability to adapt to the "multi-user diversity" (refer to Chapter 7).

Receive antenna diversity at the Access Terminal significantly improves throughput gains and increases the probability of accurately decoding information over the airlink. Each antenna RAKE receiver combines the signal from different paths into a single signal. Then, the combining of maximal ratio diversity is used between the two single signals. The utilization of receive diversity significantly has improved average throughput rates.

Physical layer average throughputs using the ITU capacity models are:

Model 1-antenna 2-antenna Pedestrian 1,284 kbps/sector 1,587kbps/sector Vehicular 479 kbps/sector 902 kbps/sector

CHAPTER 7: SCHEDULING ALGORITHM

1xEV is optimized for packet data services in which all users do not generally demand equal service. Some applications require higher data rates, while others have much lower data rate requirements.

The user's channel condition (C/I) is a primary factor in determining the data rate that a given subscriber can attain. The 1xEV system takes advantage of the wireless channel variability, which results in variations of the requested rate over a period of time. The scheduler resides at the Base Station and takes into account the data rates requested by different Access Terminals. The scheduling algorithm decides which Access Terminal is served with the requested data rate at any given instant. The scheduler will serve users that are near their peaks in terms of the requested rates. Occasionally, the users may not be served for periods of milliseconds when their requested rates are lower. By the scheduler selecting the optimal time to transmit data to a user, the user's overall moving average is higher then if they were served on a 'first in first out' basis. Please note that the priority in the scheduler is based on a combination of the following: the C/I as well as the duration of time since the user had last been served.

Proportional Fairness Scheduling

This algorithm uses a different notion of fairness known as proportional fairness. The Proportional Fairness Scheduler maximizes the user's moving average throughput. The algorithm used by the Proportional Fairness Scheduler takes advantage of data's variable bit rate and the 1.67ms that 1xEV is able to deliver data. The algorithm maintains a history of each user's RF conditions and delivers information to each user at the rate of their average C/I. For example, a particular user has RF conditions that support an average of 614.4 Kbps. The changing RF environment surrounding the user causes the RF conditions to oscillate between low- and high-data rates, the average is 614.4 Kbps. The scheduler's histogram of each user calculates the moving average and serves data when the DRC is equal to or greater than 614.4 Kbps, not at the lower short-term rates. The end result is the user's overall moving average is improved.

The following diagrams illustrate the scheduling of packet transmissions to take advantage of a user's channel diversity.

Diagram 6 - User 1 Channel Diversity

The red data-set (Diagram 6) represents the instantaneous DRC Requests submitted by Access Terminal 1. As user 1 channel condition varies, the requested data rate will fluctuate as well. The blue data-set is the Moving Average (MA) of the instantaneous DRC Requests of a given Access Terminal filtered over the last 100 slots.

Diagram 7 - User 1 Good Scheduling Times

In Diagram 7, only the DRC Requests above the filtered average are plotted (red data­set). This represents good scheduling times for Access Terminal 1 since the channel conditions are more favorable than the recent average (blue data-set).

Diagram 8 - Served Rate and Requested Rate (100 slot MA)

The Proportional Fairness Scheduler served Access Terminal 1 at data rates above the user's average rate (diagram 8); hence, maximizing the overall data throughput. Diagram 9 shows two data sets, blue with random scheduling (data rates selected randomly depending on the C/I condition without the scheduler input) and red with proportional fairness scheduling. This illustrates that the distribution of the data rates is tightened and moved towards higher speeds with proportional fairness scheduling.

Diagram 9 - User 1 Rate Distribution: Random vs. Proportional Fairness Scheduling

Diagram 10 - User 1 and User 2 Good Scheduling Times

Significant leverage from multi-user diversity will increase the system capacity, as more users are available to be served. In diagram 10, only the DRC Requests above the filtered average for User 1 (red data-set) and User 2 (dark green data-set) are optimal serving times. This represents Access Terminal 1 and 2 good scheduling times since the channel conditions are more favorable than the recent average (blue and light green data-set respectively). Each user's overall experience and moving average data rates are improved significantly.

In summary, the Proportional Fairness Scheduler takes advantage of the channel variation over the short term to increase throughput and maintain the grade of service fairness over longer periods of time.

CHAPTER 8: 1xEV REVERSE LINK

The 1xEV reverse link structure consists of fixed size physical layer packets (16 slots, 26.67 ms duration). Each slot is just a unit of time. The Reverse Link is different from the forward link physical layer that has variable modulation schemes in 1.67 ms units of time.

1xEV uses a pilot-aided, coherently demodulated reverse link. Traditional IS-95/1x power control mechanisms and soft handoffs are supported on the reverse link. A 1xEV Access Terminal may transmit at rates from 9.6 kbps to 153.6 kbps on the reverse link.

The 1xEV Reverse Channel consists of the Access Channel and the Traffic Channel, and the Access channel consists of a Pilot channel and a Data Channel. The Traffic Channel consists of a Pilot Channel, a Medium Access Control (MAC) Channel, an Acknowledgement (ACK) Channel, and a Data Channel. The Traffic MAC Channel

contains a Reverse Rate Indicator (RRI) Channel and a Data Rate Control (DRC) Channel.

The Access Channel is used by the Access Terminal to initiate communications with the Access Network or to respond to an Access Terminal directed message. The Access Channel consists of a Pilot Channel and a Data Channel. An access probe consists of a preamble followed by an Access Channel data packet. During the preamble transmission, only the Pilot Channel is transmitted. During the Access Channel data packet transmission, both the Pilot Channel and the Data Channel are transmitted.

The reverse link Traffic channel is used by the Access Terminal to transmit user-specific traffic or signaling information to the Access Network. The reverse link Traffic Channel consists of a Pilot Channel, a MAC Channel, an ACK Channel, and a Data Channel. The MAC Channel contains a DRC Channel and an RRI Channel. The ACK Channel is used by the Access Terminal to inform the Access Network whether the data packet transmitted on the Forward Traffic Channel has been received successfully or not.

The reverse link's total capacity is 220 kbps/sector (2.2 times that of IS-95A). This increased capacity is achieved by taking advantage of turbo coding, gaining diversity from the longer packet size (26.67 ms), and the Pilot channel.

Diagram 11 -1xEV Reverse Channel Structure

The reverse link provides a Reverse Rate Indicator (RRI) that aids the Access Point in determining the rate at which the reverse link is sending data. The RRI is included as the preamble for reverse-link frames, indicating the rate at which the data was sent.

Reverse Link Modulation

The 1xEV reverse link supports several data rates.

Table 3: 1xEV Reverse Link

CHAPTER 9: 1xEV SIGNALLING

The 1xEV layered architecture enables a modular design that allows partial updates to protocols, software, and independent protocol negotiation.

The following are the 1xEV protocol stack layers:

1. Physical Layer: The Physical Layer provides the channel structure, frequency, power output, modulation, and encoding specifications for the Forward and Reverse link channels. 2. MAC Layer: The Medium Access Control layer defines the procedures used to receive and transmit over the Physical Layer. 3. Security Layer: The Security Layer provides authentication and encryption services. 4. Connection Layer: The Connection Layer provides airlink connection establishment and maintenance services. 5. Session Layer: The Session Layer provides protocol negotiation, protocol configuration, and session state maintenance services. 6. Stream Layer: The Stream Layer provides multiplexing of distinct application streams.

7. Application Layer: The Application Layer provides the Default Signaling Application for transporting 1xEV protocol messages and the Default Packet Application for transporting user data.

Diagram 19 - 1xEV Default Protocols

Physical Layer

Please refer to the previous sections (Chapter 5 - 8).

MAC Layer

The MAC Layer is a key component to optimizing the airlink's efficiency and allowing network access. It is comprised of four protocols, each of which play a part in transmitting data and system information over the airlink.

MAC layer default protocols:

The Control Channel MAC Protocol governs the Access Network's transmission and subsequent Access Terminal reception of information on the Control Channel. The Control Channel packets are constructed from the Security Layer packets and contain information controlling the Access Network transmission and packet scheduling, the Access Terminal acquisition, and Access Terminal packet reception on the Control Channel. This protocol also adds the Access Terminal address to transmitted packets. The rules for Control Channel supervision are part of this protocol as well.

The Access Channel MAC Protocol specifies the rules for sending messages on the Access Channel by the Access Terminal. This includes the timing as well as power requirements for the transmission. The Access Terminal communicates with the Access Network via the Access Channel prior to setting up a traffic connection.

The Forward Traffic Channel MAC Protocol enables the system to send user's data packets at optimal efficiency by using variable and fixed transmission rates and ARQ interlacing. The ARQ interlacing coupled with the Data Rate Control (DRC) and Ack Channel provides the handshake to increase the Access Terminal's data throughput performance, resulting in increased capacity of the system. The FTC MAC Protocol also provides the rules the Access Network uses to interpret the Data Rate Control Channel and the rules the Access Terminal uses for DRC supervision.

The Reverse Traffic Channel MAC Protocol is very similar to the traditional CDMA 1x MAC layer. The protocol transports the information sent by the Access Terminal to enable the Access Network to acquire the Reverse Traffic Channel; and the Reverse Traffic Channel data rate selection.

Security Layer

The Security Layer ensures security of the connection between the Access Terminal and the Access Network. It utilizes Diffie-Helman key exchange to ensure the intended device is authenticated on the Access Network and that the connection is not hijacked. It is not intended to encrypt the user's data. For complete security of the user's data it is best to use an end-to-end method, i.e. IPSEC. The majority of today's VPN services utilize IPSEC to encrypt and protect information end-to-end.

The Security Layer provides the following functions:

Key Exchange: provides the procedures followed by the Access Network and the Access Terminal to exchange security keys for authentication and encryption. The system uses the Diffie-Helman Key Exchange method.

Authentication: provides the procedures followed by the Access Network and the Access Terminal for authenticating traffic.

Encryption: provides the procedures followed by the Access Network and the Access Terminal for encrypting traffic.

Connection Layer

The Connection Layer is comprised of a group of protocols that are optimized for packet data. Combined, they efficiently manage the 1xEV airlink and reserve resources as well as prioritize each user's traffic. They are designed to enhance the user's experience to provide efficiencies to the carrier network.

The Connection Layer performs its functions through the following protocols:

Air Link Management Protocol: This protocol activates one of the following three State Protocols based on the Access Terminal state:

1. Initialization State Protocol (Access Terminal has yet to acquire the network), performs the actions associated with acquiring a 1xEV network. This includes network determination, pilot acquisition and system synchronization.

2. Idle State Protocol (Access Terminal has acquired the network, but is not sending or receiving any data), monitors the terminal's location via the Route Update Protocol, provides procedures for the opening of a connection, and supports Access Terminal power conservation.

'Suspend Mode' is a new addition to the Idle State Protocol. Suspend Mode expedites the connection setup process. In the suspend mode period, the Access Terminal advertises to the network that it will be monitoring the Control Channel before going into slotted mode for a certain period of time. This enables the Access Network to quickly assign a traffic channel to the Access Terminal, if needed, rather than going through the usual paging and assignment procedure.

3. Connected State Protocol (Access Terminal has an open connection with the network): This protocol performs the actions of managing the radio link between the Access Terminal and the Access Network (handoffs controlled by the Route Update Protocol), and the procedures leading to the close of the connection.

Route Update Protocol plays a key part in enabling soft and softer handoffs. The Access Terminal's Route Update "RU" protocol constantly reports to the Access Network which Access Point and sector it is using as well as potential neighboring sectors. This information is used by the Access Network in maintaining a stable and good quality radio link as the Access Terminal moves throughout the network

Overhead Messages Protocol is unique due to the fact that it is used by multiple protocols. It broadcasts essential parameters pertaining to the operation of other protocols over the Control Channel. It also specifies rules for supervision of these messages over the Control Channel.

Packet Consolidation Protocol is a key element to providing effective Quality of Service to the user. It is responsible for consolidating packets and properly prioritizing them according to their assigned quality of service for the forward link, and de-multiplexing them on the reverse link. The priority tagging is done at the Stream Layer. It is capable of prioritizing for multiple streams to a single user and multiple streams to many users.

Session Layer

The Session Layer protocols provide a support system for the lower layers in the protocol stack. They enable the assignment of the UATI to the Access Terminal and configuration information that supports the lower layers. The negotiation of a set of protocols and their configurations for communication between the Access Terminal and the Access Network are controlled by this protocol.

The Session Layer contains the following protocols:

Session Management Protocol provides a means by which to control the ordered activation of the other Session Layer protocols. In addition, this protocol ensures the session is still valid and manages closing the session, which resultes in efficient use of spectrum.

Address Management Protocol: This protocol specifies procedures for the initial UATI assignment and maintains the Access Terminal addresses.

Session Configuration Protocol: This protocol provides the means by which to negotiate and provision the protocols used during the session, and it negotiates the configuration parameters for these protocols.

Stream Layer

The Stream Layer tags all the information transmitted over the air link. This includes user traffic as well as signaling traffic. Lower in the stack, these values are read by the Connection Layer's Packet Consolidation Protocol. Together the two protocols provide effective prioritization of signaling and user traffic.

The Stream layer maps the various applications to the appropriate stream and multiplexes the streams for one Access Terminal. Stream 0 is always assigned to the Signaling Application. The other streams can be assigned to applications with different QoS (Quality of Service) requirements or other applications.

Application Layer

The Application Layer is a suite of protocols that ensure reliability and low erasure rate over the airlink. The underlining principle of this layer is to increase the robustness of the 1xEV protocol stack. The Application layer has two sub-layers that are the Default Signaling Application, which provide the best effort and reliable transmission of signaling messages. The Default Packet Application provides reliable and efficient transmission of the user's data.

The Default Signaling Application Protocol has two sub-layers:

Signaling Network Protocol (SNP). This protocol provides a message transmission service for signaling messages. These messages are initiated by other protocols, which indicate the appropriate message to be transmitted for a specific function.

Signaling Link Protocol (SLP). This protocol is the transport for the SNP messages. SLP provides a fragmentation mechanism for signaling messages, along with reliable and best effort delivery services. The fragmentation mechanism increases the efficiency of sending signaling messages that may be larger than a single frame.

Default Packet Application, this suite of protocols provides reliable and efficient delivery of the user's data at a low packet error rate, suitable for higher layers (e.g., TCP, UDP), along with mobility management that allows the Access Network to know the location of a mobile at any instance.

Default Packet Application is comprised of three protocols:

Radio Link Protocol (RLP): Data applications are not as delay sensitive as voice applications, therefore wireless Internet systems provide various mechanisms for error detection and data retransmission. The RLP layer delivers a frame error rate in the order of 10-4. The combination of RLP and TCP layers deliver an extremely low frame error rate that is comparable with most land-line data systems today.

The RLP protocol uses a NAK-based scheme, thereby reducing the amount of signaling. In addition, the 1xEV enhanced RLP provides a more efficient retransmission mechanism due to sequencing of octets, rather than sequencing of frames. This approach eliminates complex segmentation and reassembly issues in the case where a retransmitted frame cannot fit into the payload available at the time of retransmission.

Location Update Protocol. This protocol is used to provide mobility management, which enables the Access Network to know the location of a mobile at any instance. This service is critical in providing seamless packet transport service to the user through PDSN selection and handover.

The Default Packet Application protocols use the following structure as follows:

CHAPTER 10: POINT-TO-POINT PROTOCOL

The Point-to-Point protocol is not part of the 1xEV specification, however, it's a key protocol that 3G technologies leverage to provide end-to-end connectivity between the PDSN and each Access Terminal. Therefore, it is worth mentioning its role in the 1xEV system.

The Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) is a robust tunneling protocol, which sets up a tunnel between the PDSN and Access Terminal. The PDSN will maintain state of each Access Terminal's PPP tunnel and forward the user's traffic through its assigned tunnel. The mobile terminal may move in and out of coverage and the PDSN will maintain the PPP state, thus providing a reliable tunnel and an 'always on' experience. For more information on PPP visit the IETF's website at www.ietf.org and search for RFC 1661.

CHAPTER 11

The 1xEV Access Terminal receives data from no more than one Access Point at any given time. Instead of combining transmit energy from multiple Access Points, the Access Terminal is able to rapidly switch from communicating with one Access Point to another.

The Access Terminal measures the channel C/I and requests service from the Access Point with the strongest signal. This follows the best server rule, where the Access Terminal communicates with the requested Access Point at any given time. The forward link pilot allows the Access Terminal to obtain a rapid and accurate C/I estimate.

The 1xEV reverse link makes use of soft hand-off mechanisms. The Access Terminal's transmissions may be received by more than one Access Point, and frame selection is hence made.

The Location Update Message enables the Access Network to connect to the PDSN, maintaining the PPP state to the Access Terminal. Thus it can re-route traffic to the Access Terminal immediately upon receiving the Access Terminal's Location Update Message. This method allows the Access Terminal to maintain it's same IP address and same PPP connection; therefore allowing a seamless handoff.

Handoffs to IS-95/1x Systems

The following are some of the handoff scenarios that are possible between 1xEV and 1x systems:

Scenario 1: AT establishes a data session in 1xEV Radio Access Network (RAN). While the AT is dormant, it performs idle handoff from one 1xEV RAN to another 1xEV RAN.

Scenario 2: While the AT is exchanging data in a 1xEV system, it receives a page for an incoming voice service instance from the 1x system. Since the AT is monitoring the 1x Forward Common Channel periodically, it is able to receive the page for the voice service instance. In this scenario, the AT can be configured to,

1) continue the data call on the 1x system,

2) to abandon the 1xEV data service instance, handoff to the 1x system, and continue with voice only.

Scenario 3: AT is able to receive an SMS while it is exchanging data in the 1xEV system:

SMS is received during the AT's assigned paging slot or during a broadcast slot.

Scenario 4: While the AT is exchanging data in a 1xEV system, it decides to initiate a voice call in the 1x system. In this scenario, the AT can be configured to;

1) continue the data call on the 1x system,

2) to abandon the 1xEV data service instance, handoff to the 1x system, and continue with voice only.

Scenario 5: AT moves away from the coverage area of the 1xEV system into the coverage area of a 1x system. AT performs an Access Network Change from 1xEV system to 1x system.

CONCLUSION

1xEV provides significant performance and economic benefits to the wireless operators. The technology enables operators to offer advanced data services, make best use of their spectrum and network resources, and leads the wireless Internet market by offering high performance packet data services significantly earlier than alternative technologies. The CDMA2000 suite of technologies exceeds the ITU 3G requirements.

1xEV leverages existing hardware and software designs, thus providing significant benefits to the equipment manufacturers. The technology offers short development cycles by supporting a quick production turn-around

1xEV unleashes the Internet for the end-users by simplifying the use and implementation of mobile wireless devices and enabling a variety of mainstream Access Terminals for mobile, portable, and fixed applications. Wireless Web lifestyles, the next Internet revolution, will have a lasting positive effect on 1xEV users by increasing their productivity and improving their quality of life. 1xEV provides an evolution with industry support by using a standardization path under the CDMA2000 umbrella.

GLOSSARY

1xEVName for a CDMA system that supports wireless data.

1xEV-DOCDMA 1x Evolution - Data Only.

3GThird Generation Mobile System. The generic term for the next generation of wireless mobile communications networks.

3G Third Generation WirelessThe next step in the development of wireless communications. The first generation was analog and the second was digital (CDMA, TDMA and GSM). Third generations systems are expected to provide broadband, high-speed data applications - both fixed and mobile.

3GPPThird Generation Partnership Project. ARIB, ETSI, T1, TTA & TTC (the "Organizational Partners") have agreed to co-operate for the production of Technical Specifications for a 3rd Generation Mobile System based on the evolved GSM core networks and the radio.

802.11Set of Standards for LAN (Local Area Network) and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network).

802.11bSet of Standards for LAN (Local Area Network) and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network).

802.11aSet of Standards for LAN (Local Area Network) and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network).

802.11bStandard for LAN/WAN management, approved in 1992.

802.1xSet of Standards for LAN (Local Area Network) and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network).

Access Network

Several wholesale carriers define access network as the fiber connection and associated electronic equipment that link a core network to Points of Presence (POPs) and on to Points of Interconnect (POIs) switch locations.

Access PointA device that transports data between a wireless network and a wired network (infrastructure).

Access ServerCommunications processor that connects asynchronous devices to a LAN or WAN through network and terminal emulation software. Performs both synchronous and asynchronous routing of supported protocols.

Access TerminalsTerminal to access a system, handset, PDA or other device.

ACKAcknowledgement signal.

AcknowledgmentThe transmission of a short packet from the receiving device to the sending device to indicate that the data sent has been received error-free.

AIN (Advanced Intelligent Networks)Refers to networks that route calls based on database information that can affect the inbound and outbound flow of the call.

Air TimeActual time spent talking on the wireless telephone. Most carriers bill customers based on how many minutes of air time they use each month. The more minutes of time spent talking on the phone, the higher the bill.

AlphanumericA message or other type of readout containing both letters (“alphas”) and numbers (“numerics”). Regarding wireless, “alphanumeric memory dial” is a special type of dial­from-memory option that displays both the name of the individual and that individual’s.

AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service)The term used by AT&T’s Bell Laboratories (prior to the break-up of the Bell System in 1984) to refer to its cellular technology. The AMPS standard has been the foundation for the industry in the United States, although it has been slightly modified in recent years. “AMPS-compatible” means equipment designed to work with most cellular telephones.

AnalogThe traditional method of modulating radio signals so that they can carry information. AM (amplitude modulation) and FM (frequency modulation) are the two most common

methods of analog modulation. Though most U.S. cellular systems today carry phone conversations using analog, some have begun offering digital transmission. See also Digital Modulation.

ANSI (The American National Standards Institute)A non-profit, privately funded membership organization that coordinates the development of U.S. voluntary national standards and is the U.S. representative to non­treaty international standards-setting entities including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission.

AntennaA device for transmitting and/or receiving signals. The size and shape of antennas are determined, in large part, by the frequency of the signal they are receiving. Antennas are needed on both the wireless handset and the base station.

APIApplication Programming Interface software used by an application program to request and carry out lower-level services performed by a computer’s or telephone system’s operating system.

Application LayerThe 7th and highest layer of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) data communications model of the International Standards Organization (ISO). It supplies functions to applications or nodes allowing them to communicate with other applications or nodes.

ARDIS (Advanced Radio Data Information System)A nationwide, public two-way wireless packet data network, originally developed by IBM, now owned and operated by Motient.

ARPUAverage Revenue Per Customer.

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)A standard code used by computer and data communication systems for translating characters, numbers, and punctuation into digital form. ASCII characters can be recognized by computer and communications devices using a variety of applications.

ASPApplication Service Provider.

ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)A very high-speed transmission technology. ATM is a high bandwidth, low-delay, connection-oriented switching and multiplexing technique. There are efforts underway to develop wireless ATM networks.

AuthenticationA process used by the wireless carriers to verify the identity of a mobile station.

AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location)The ability to pinpoint the location of a vehicle within a given range.

BandwidthA relative range of frequencies that can carry a signal without distortion on a transmission medium.

Base StationThe fixed device a mobile radio transceiver talks to, to talk to a person or to get to the landline phone network, public or private.

bitsBit is a contraction of the term Blnary digiiT. It is the smallest unit of information (data) a computer can process.

BluetoothA technology specification for small form factor, low-cost, short range radio links between mobile PCs, mobile phones, and other portable devices. It is expected to enable users to connect a wide range of computing and telecommunications devices without the need to connect cables.

BPS (Bits Per Second):The unit of measurement for the rate at which data is transmitted.

BRANBroadband Radio Access Networks.

BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless)A thin, efficient applications execution environment designed specifically for wireless devices.

BrowserSoftware which moves documents on the World Wide Web to your computer, PDA, or phone. See HDML, HTML, HTTP and WML.

BTA (Basic Trading Area)A service area designed by Rand McNally and adopted by the FCC to promote the rapid deployment and ubiquitous coverage of Personal Communications Services (PCS). Built from county boundaries, BTAs generally cover a city and its surrounding environs. BTAs are component parts of Major Trading Areas (MTAs). There are 493 BTAs in the United States. See also MTA.

Burst

In data communication, a sequence of signals, noise, or interface counted as a unit in accordance with some specific criterion or measure.

CAI (Common Air Interface)A standard for the interface between a radio network and equipment. A CAI allows multiple vendors to develop equipment which will interoperate.

CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)A spread-spectrum approach to digital transmission. With CDMA, each conversation is digitized and then tagged with a code. The mobile phone is then instructed to decipher only a particular code to pluck the right conversation off the air. The process can be compared in some ways to an English-speaking person picking out in a crowded room of French speakers .the only other person who is speaking English. See also Digital Modulation.

CDMA2000Trade name for CDMA air interface standards aimed at 3G requirements, including IS­2000.

CDMAONETrade name for first generations of CDMA air interface standards, including TIA/EIA­95. Operates in pairs of 1.25 MHz channels.

CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data)Technology that allows data files to be broken into a number of “packets” and sent along idle channels of existing cellular voice networks.

CellThe basic geographic unit of a wireless system. Also, the basis for the generic industry term “cellular.” A city or county is divided into smaller “cells,” each of which is equipped with a low-powered radio transmitter/receiver. The cells can vary in size.

Cell SiteThe location at which communications equipment is located for each cell. A cell site includes antennas, a support structure for those antennas, and communications equipment to connect the site to the rest of the wireless system. This equipment is normally.

ChannelA path along which a communications signal is transmitted.

ChipAn integrated circuit. The physical structure upon which integrated circuits are fabricated as components of telephone systems, computers, memory systems, etc.

cHTMLCompact HTML, the markup language used in iMode.

CIGSM Cell Identity. A 16 bit number identifying a cell within an LAI.

Circuit SwitchedA switching technique that establishes a dedicated and uninterrupted connection between the sender and the receiver.

CLECsCompetitive Local Exchange Carrier or Certified Local Exchange Carrier.

Client-ServerA computer network system in which programs and information reside on the server and clients connect to the server for network access.

CMRS (Commercial Mobile Radio Service)The regulatory classification that the FCC uses to govern all commercial wireless service providers, including Personal Communications Services, cellular, and Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio.

Co-LocationThe siting of two or more separate companies’ wireless antennas on the same support structure. See also Cell Site.

CompressionReducing the size of data to be stored or transmitted in order to save transmission time, capacity, or storage space.

Control ChannelA cellular or PCS channel that broadcasts information about a cell to mobiles that are not currently in a call.

CRMCustomer Relationship Management.

CUG (Closed User Group)Selected user groups that communicate freely within the group, but have restricted incoming, and often outgoing, communications.

D-AMPS (Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service)A North American term for digital cellular radio.

DafaultIs a factory-set hardware of software setting or configuration.

DBS (Direct Broadcast Satellite)

A high-powered satellite, or satellite service, which sends signals to relatively small dishes installed at homes and office buildings.

DECT (Digital European Cordless Telephone)A cordless telephone standard, based on Time Division Multiple Access, developed in Europe for applications in wireless PBXs, residential, and public limited-range wireless services.

DES (Data Encryption Standard)A 56-bit, private key, symmetric cryptographic algorithm for the protection of unclassified computer data developed by IBM in 1977.

Dial-UpThe use of a standard telephone to create a telephone or data call.

Diffie-Helman keyDiffie-Hellman Key Exchange. A method of securely exchange encryption keys over an insecure interface.

Digital ModulationA method of encoding information for transmission. Information (in most cases a voice conversation) is turned into a series of digital bits - the 0s and 1s of computer binary language. At the receiving end, the information is reconverted to its original form. Digital transmission offers a cleaner signal and is less immune to the problems of analog modulation such as fading and static. (To appreciate the difference, compare the fidelity of a standard LP record with that of a digital compact disk). Digital transmission has been embraced by the wireless industry because it offers major gains in capacity compared to analog. See also CDMA, TDMA, and GSM.

DSL, T1, CableDSL (Digital Subsriber Line), T1, cable, etc. refer to a number of different types of wires or groups of wires capable of carrying voice or data transmissions.

DSP (Digital Signal Processor)A specialized computer chip that performs calculations on digitized signals that were originally analog and then sends the results.

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)It resists interference by mixing in a series of pseudo-random bits with the actual data. The receiver, using the same pseudo-random algorithms, strips out the extra bits.

E-mail (Electronic Mail)Messages sent across communications networks-both wireless and landline.

E-911

Enhanced 911 service. 911 service becomes enhanced 911 emergency reporting service when there is a minimum of two special features added to it. E-911 provides ANI (Automatic Number Identification) and ALI (Automatic Location Information) to the 911 operator.

EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)The ability of equipment or systems to be used in their intended environment within designed efficiency levels without causing or receiving degradation due to unintentional electromagnetic interference. Proper shielding of devices reduces interference.

EncryptionThe transformation of data, for the purpose of privacy, into an unreadable format until reformatted with a decryption key. “Public key” encryption utilizes the RSA (which stands for its developers, Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman) encryption key. PGP, or Pretty Good Privacy, is a cryptography program for computer data, e-mail, and voice conversation.

ESMR (Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio)Digital mobile telephone services offered to the public over channels previously used for two-way analog dispatch services. See also SMR.

ESN (Electronic Serial Number):The unique number assigned to a wireless phone by the manufacturer. According to the Federal Communications Commission, the ESN is to be fixed and unchangeable - a sort of unique fingerprint for each phone. See also MIN.

ETACS (Extended Total Access Communications Systems)The conventional wireless technology used in the United Kingdom and other countries. It was developed from the U.S. AMPS technology.

EthernetA local area network used for connecting computers, printers, workstations, terminals, etc, within the same building or campus.

ETSIEuropean Telecommunications Standards Institute.

ExtranetAn Intranet-like network which a company extends to conduct business with its customers and/or its suppliers. Extranets generally have secure areas to provide information to customers and external partners.

FCC (Federal Communications Commission)The government agency responsible for regulating telecommunications in the United States.

FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access)Method of radio transmission that allows multiple users to access a group of radio frequency bands without interference.

FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum)A technique used in spread spectrum radio transmission systems, such as wireless LANs and some PCS cellular systems, that involves the conversion of a datastream into a stream of packets.

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)It resists interference by jumping rapidly from frequency to frequency in a pseudo­random way. The receiving system has the same pseudo-random algorithm as the sender and jumps simultaneously.

FrequencyA measure of the energy, as one or more waves per second, in an electrical or light-wave information signal. A signal’s frequency is stated in either cycles-per-second or Hertz (Hz). See also Hertz.

Frequency Re-UseThe ability to use the same frequencies repeatedly within a single system, made possible by the basic design approach for wireless. Since each cell is designed to use radio frequencies only within its boundaries, the same frequencies can be re-used in other cells not far away with little potential for interference. The concept is akin to an FM radio station in Chicago using the same frequency as one in Denver without interference. The re-use of frequencies is what allows a wireless system to handle a huge number of calls with a limited number of channels.

GHz (GigaHertz Billions of Hertz)Personal Communications Services operate in the 1.9 GHz band of the electromagnetic spectrum. See also Hertz, KHz, MHz.

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)An extension to the GSM standard to include packet data services. It is expected to be launched in 2000.

GPS (Global Positioning System)A satellite system using 24 satellites orbiting the earth at 10,900 miles that enables users to pinpoint precise locations using the satellites as reference points.

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)A world standard for digital wireless transmissions. GSM is the most widely used standard in the world today with more than 150 million users worldwide. See also TDMA.

GSO (Geosynchronous Satellite Orbit)

A satellite in orbit 23,000 miles over the equator with an orbit time of 24 hours. Also known as geostationary.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)A name for any computer interface that substitutes graphics for characters.

GuyedA type of wireless transmission tower that is supported by thin guy wires. See also Monopole.

Hand-OffThe process by which the Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO) passes a wireless phone conversation from one radio frequency in one cell to another radio frequency in another cell. It is performed quickly enough that callers don’t notice. See also MAHO.

HandoffThe process by which the Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO) passes a wireless phone conversation from one radio frequency in one cell to another radio frequency in another cell. It is performed quickly enough that callers don’t notice. See also MAHO.

Hands-FreeA feature that permits a driver to use a wireless car phone without lifting or holding the handset. An important safety feature.

HDML (Handheld Device Markup Language)A modification of standard HTML, developed by Phone.com for use on small screens of mobile phones, PDAs, and pagers. HDML is a text-based markup language which uses HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and is compatible with Web servers.

High Data Rate (HDR)A high-performance and cost-effective Internet solution offering high-speed, high­capacity wireless Internet technology, compatible with CDMA networks and optimized for packet data services.

HertzA measurement of electromagnetic energy, equivalent to one “wave” or cycle per second. See also KHz, MHz, GHz.

HiperLAN/2High Performance Radio LAN.

HistogramA display plotting the density of the various colors and/or values in an image.

HomeRFHome Radio Frequency.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language)An authoring software language used on the Web. HTML is used to create Web pages and hyperlinks.

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)The protocol used by the Web server and the client browser to communicate and move documents around the Internet.

I-modeThe wireless internet solution developed and deployed in Japan by NTT DocoMo.

iDEN (Integrated Dispatch Enhanced Network)A wireless technology developed by Motorola that works in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, and 1.5 GHz radio bands. The technology supports, on one handset, voice-both dispatch radio and using PSTN connection-numeric paging, Short Message Service (SMS), data and fax transmission.

IEEE 802.XA set of specifications for Local Area Networks (LAN) from The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Most wired networks conform to 802.3, the specification for CSMA/CD based Ethernet networks. The 802.11 committee completed a standard for 1 and 2 Mbps wireless LANs in 1997 that has a single MAC layer for the following physical-layer technologies: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum, and Infrared. IEEE 802.11 HR, an 11 Mbps version of the standard is expected to be completed by the end of 1999.

IMSI (International Mobile Station Identifier)A number assigned to a mobile station by the wireless carrier uniquely identifying the mobile station nationally and internationally. See also MIN, TMSI.

IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications-2000)The standard for third-generation mobile communications systems. In Europe, it is called UMTS and in Japan it is called J-FPLMTS.

Indepentent NetworkA network that provides (usually temporarily) peer-to-peer connectivity without relying on a complete network infrastructure.

InfraredA band of the electromagnetic spectrum used for airwave communications and some fiber-optic transmission systems. Infrared is commonly used for short-range (up to 20 feet) through-the-air data transmission. Many PC devices have infrared ports, called Infrared Serial Data Link (IRDA), to synchronize with other devices. IRDA supports speeds up to 1.5 Mbps.

Infrastructure NetworkA wireless network centered about an access point. In this environment, the access point not only provides communication with the wired network but also mediates wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood.

InterconnectionThe routing of telecommunications traffic between the networks of different communications companies.

InternetA global network of linked computer networks made user-friendly, thus popularized, by a graphical interface called the World Wide Web.

IntranetAn internal network, which is private or employs a firewall to secure it from outside access, that supports Internet technology. The intranet is used for inter-company communications and can be accessed only by authorized users.

IP (Internet Protocol)See TCP/IP.

IPSECIP Security. Compare with SSL (for TCP). A collection of IP security measures that comprise an optional tunneling protocol for IPv6.

IS-95cdmaOne CDMA air interface standard.

ISMIndustrial Scientific Medical. A term describing several frequency bands in the radio spectrum.

ISM Band (Industrial Scientific Medical Band)Frequency bands in the radio spectrum that are unlicensed, meaning they can be used for a variety of applications without the requirement for FCC permission. The bands are used traditionally for in-building and system applications such as bar code scanner.

ISPsInternet Service Provider.

ITUInternational Telecommunications Union.

IXC (Interexchange Carrier)A long-distance phone company.

J-FPLMTS (Japanese Future Public Land Mobile Telecommunications Services):The Japanese equivalent of the IMT-2000 third-generation technology standard.

JavaA programming language from Sun Microsystems which abstracts data on bytecodes so that the same code runs on any operating system. Java software is generally posted on the Web and downloadable over the Internet to a PC. HotJava is installed on a Web browser and enables Java programs to be delivered over the Web and run on a PC.

JiniA technology from Sun Microsystems that is expected to enable devices to link together to form an ad hoc community, without installation or human intervention.

KBpsKBps is kilobytes per second.

KHz (KiloHertz Thousands of Hertz)Each wireless phone call occupies only a few KiloHertz. See also Hertz, MHz, GHz.

LAN (Local Area Network)A data communications network, typically within a building or campus, to link computers and peripheral devices under some form of standard control.

LCDLiquid Crystal Display. An alphanumeric display using liquid crystal sealed between two pieces of glass.

LEC (Local Exchange Company)The traditional, local, wired monopoly phone company.

LEO (Low Earth Orbit)An orbital plane a few hundred miles above the earth. A new generation of communications satellites are being launched in this orbit. LEO satellites are generally divided into two groups: big and little LEOs, with each group assigned specific radio frequencies. Big LEOs support both voice and data communications while little LEOs support only data communications.

LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution System)A system developed by Bellcore for Wireless Local Loop (WLL) applications. In the U.S., the FCC set aside a total LMDS bandwidth of 1.15 GHz in the 28-GHz, 30-GHz and 31-GHz frequency bands. LMDS supports voice and high-speed interactive data, with the potential to provide bandwidth of as much as 500 Mbps.

Load-balancingThe practice of splitting communication into two (or more) routes. By balancing the traffic on each route, communication is made faster and more reliable. In telephone

systems, you can change phone and trunk terminations in order to even out traffic on the network.

M-commerceMobile commerce.

MAAbbreviation for Milliamp or Milliamperes, unit of electric current.

MACMoves, Adds, and Changes.

MACMoves, Adds, and Changes.

MAC LayerThat layer of a distributed communications system concerned with the control of access to a medium that is shared b/t two or more entities.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)A network covering a larger area than a Local Area Network (LAN) and less than a Wide Area Network (WAN). Typically, a MAN connects two or more LANs. In addition todata, a MAN may also carry voice, video, image and multimedia.

MbpsMega (millions of) bits per second (bps).

Message AlertA light or other indicator on a wireless phone that notifies a user that a call has come in. A useful feature especially if the wireless subscriber has voice mail. Also called a “call­in-absence” indicator.

MHz (MegaHertz)Millions of Hertz Cellular and ESMR systems operate in the 800 and 900 MHz bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. See also Hertz, KHz, GHz.

MicrocellA bounded physical space in which a number of wireless devices can communicate. Because it is possible to have overlapping cells as well as isolated cells, the boundaries of the cell are established by some rule or convention.

MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions)The standard format, developed and adopted by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), for including non-text information in Internet mail, thus supporting the transmission of mixed-media messages across TCP/IP networks. In addition to covering

binary, audio, and video data, MIME is the standard for transmitting foreign language text which cannot be represented in ASCII code.

MIN (Mobile Identification Number)A number assigned by the wireless carrier to a customer’s phone. The MIN is meant to bechangeable, since the phone could change hands or a customer could move to another city. See also ESN, IMSI, TMSI.

MMDS (Microwave Multi-point Distribution System or Multipoint Multichannel Distribution Service):A method of distributing cable television signals through microwave from a single transmission point to multiple receiving points.

MobitexA cellular land radio-based packet switched data communications system used by BellSouth’s two-way packet data network and developed by Ericsson.

Modem (MOdulator/DEModulator)A hardware device which converts digital data into analog and vice versa to enable digital signals from computers to be transmitted over analog telephone lines.

MonopoleA slender self-supporting tower on which wireless antennas can be placed. See also Guyed.

MSMobile Station (wireless phone).

MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)An MSA denotes one of the 306 largest urban population markets as designated by the U.S. government. Two cellular operators are licensed in each MSA. See also CGSA, RSA.

MSOsMultiple System Operator.

MSS (Mobile Satellite Service)Communications transmission service provided by satellites. A single satellite can provide coverage to the entire United States.

MTA (Major Trading Area)A service area designed by Rand McNally and adopted by the FCC to promote the rapid deployment and ubiquitous coverage of Personal Communications Services (PCS). Built from Basic Trading Areas (BTAs), MTAs are centered on a major city and generally cover an area the size of a state. There are 51 MTAs in the United States. See also BTA.

MTSO (Mobile Telephone Switching Office)The central computer that connects a wireless phone call to the public telephone network. The MTSO controls the entire system’s operations, including call monitoring, billing, and hand-offs.

MultipathThe signal variation caused when radio signals take multiple paths from transmitter to receiver.

NAM (Number Assignment Module)The NAM is the electronic memory in the wireless phone that stores the telephone number and electronic serial number.

Network ComputerAn inexpensive (approximately $500) personal computer that does not have a hard disk, but can be used to browse the Internet and run applications on a server on the Internet or corporate intranet. The concept of the network computer, an inexpensive easy-to-use tool for the masses, is promoted by Oracle.

Non-Wireline Cellular CompanyThe Block “A” carrier. The “A” originally stood for “alternate,” i.e., the non-Bell or “B” carrier in a market. The FCC, in setting up the licensing and regulatory rules for cellular, decided to license two cellular systems in each market. It reserved one for the local telephone company and opened a second system - the Block A system - to other interested applicants. The distinction between Block A and Block B was meaningful only during the licensing phase at the FCC. Once a system is constructed, it can be sold to anyone. Thus in some markets today, both the A and B systems are owned by telephone companies - one happens to be the local phone company for the area and the other is a phone company that decided to buy a cellular system outside its home territory. See also Wireline Cellular Company.

Nondirectional AntennaAn antenna that transmits and receives equally well in all directions, usually on one plane; also called an omnidirectional antenna.

Nonionizing EmissionsRadio waves, infrared rays, and visible light rays, none of which can affect an atom’s electrical balance.

OEM (Origianl Equipment Manufacturer)A manufacturer of original equipment, typically from close to scratch.

OFDMOptical Frequency Division Multiplexing.

Operating System

A software program which manages the basic operations of a computer system. These operations include memory apportionment, the order and method of handling tasks, flow of information into and out of the main processor and to peripherals, etc. Companies involved in wireless data operating systems include Microsoft and Symbian.

PacketA bundle of data organized in a specific way for transmission. The three principal elements of a packet include the header, the text, and the trailer (error detection and correction bits).

Packet RadioThe transmission of data over radio using a version of the X.25 data communications protocol. The data is broken into packets and transmitted wirelessly.

Packet SwitchingSending data in packets through a network to a remote location. The data sent is assembled by the PAD (see definition), often called a “modem,” into individual packets of data.

PAD (Packet Assembler/ Disassembler):A device that assembles characters into packets that are transmitted by a packet switching network. A PAD also receives packets and disassembles them into a format that can be handled by the terminal or host.

PagerSmall portable receivers that are generally inexpensive, reliable, and have nationwide coverage. Pagers began as one-way devices, but two-way paging capabilities are available over some networks, notably packet data and narrowband PCS networks.

Parrallel codesClassically, parallel means extending in the same direction, equidistant at all points, and never converging or diverging.

PCPersonal Computer. PC Cards are a new name for PCMCIA cards. (Personal Computer Memory Card).

PC CardThe new name for PCMCIA cards (see definition). A small, credit-card sized device, compatible with the PCMCIA PC Card Standard, that packages for memory and input/output.

PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association):A standards body that sets the standards for PC cards.

PCS (Personal Communications Services)

FCC terminology describing two-way, personal, digital wireless communications systems. Several traditional cellular companies now offer PCS services.

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)Portable computing devices capable of transmitting data. These devices make possible services such as paging, data messaging, electronic mail, stock quotations, handwriting recognition, personal computing, facsimile, date book, and other information-handling capabilities.

Physical LayerThe OSI model defines Layer 1 as the Physical Layer and as including all electrical and mechanical aspects relating to the connection of a device to a transmission medium, such as the connection of a workstation to a LAN.

PicocellA wireless base station with extremely low output power designed to cover an extremely small area, such as one floor of an office building.

PIM (Personal Information Manager)Also known as a “contact manager,” is a form of software that logs personal and business information, such as contacts, appointments, lists, notes, occasions, etc.

Plug-and-PlayThis explanation comes from an Intel Technology Primer: Since add-in cards first appeared over a decade ago, they've given users a lot of different ways to improve their PCs and given them a lot of installation headaches. Intel has spent years developing Plug­and-Play technology to make add-in cards both easier to use and install.

POPShort for population. One “POP” equals one person. For example, a carrier whose market serves 1 million people is said to offer service to 1 million POPs. In the wireless industry, systems are valued financially based on the population of the market served.

PortablePortable phones are small, handheld units which can fit in a pocket, briefcase, or purse. Using an attachment, many can be plugged into an automobile cigarette lighter to save battery power. As a smaller, lighter phone, a portable operates at power levels of up to 6/10ths of a watt. Furthermore, digital phones are almost always portable phones. See also Mobile, Transportable.

POS (Point-of-Sale Terminal)A type of computer terminal used to collect and store retail sales data. Wireless POS terminals are often used for remote and temporary locations.

ProtocolA specific set of rules for organizing the transmission of data in a network.

QPSKQuadrature PSK used in CDMA. Phase can be in one of four states.

Radio Frequency (RF) Terms: GHz, MHz, HzThe international unit for measuring frequency is Hertz (Hz), which is equivalent to the older unit of cycles per second. One Mega-Hertz (MHz) is one million Hertz. One Giga-Hertz (GHz) is one billion Hertz. For reference: the standard US electrical power frequency is 60 Hz, the AM broadcast radio frequency band is 0.55 -1.6 MHz, the FM broadcast radio frequency band is 88-108 MHz, and microwave ovens typically operate at 2.45 GHz.

RAKEA receiver technique which uses several baseband correlators to individually process several signal multipath components. The correlator outputs are combined to achieve improved communications reliability and performance.

RAM (Random Access Memory)A read/write nonsequential-access memory used for the storage of instructions and data.

RBOCsRegional Bell Operating Company.

RF (Radio Frequency)A frequency well above the range of human hearing.

RoamingThe ability to use a wireless phone to make and receive calls in places outside one’s home calling area.

RoamingThe ability to use a wireless phone to make and receive calls in places outside one’s home calling area.

RSA (Rural Service Area)One of the 428 FCC-designated rural markets across the United States. There are two cellular carriers licensed in each RSA. See also MSA, CGSA.

SDStarting delimiter.

SDKSoftware Development Kit.

Sector

A pie-shaped portion of a hard disk. A disk is divided into tracks and sectors. Tracks are complete circuits and are divided into sectors. Under MS-DOS a sector is 512 bytes.

Service ChargeThe amount paid each month to receive wireless service. This amount is fixed and is to be paid regardless of how much or how little the wireless phone is used.

Signal-to-Noise RatioThe ratio of the usable signal being transmitted to the noise or undesired signal. Usually expressed in decibels. This ratio is a measure of the quality of a transmission.

SIM (Subscriber Identity Module)A computer chip set in a handset that contains information needed to identify the subscriber when connecting to the network, especially for billing purposes.

Smart CardA credit card-sized card with a microprocessor and memory.

Smart PhoneA phone with a microprocessor, memory, screen and a built-in modem. The smart phone combines the some of the capabilities of a PC on a handset.

Smart PhonesA generic term for a phone with PC-like intelligence and perhaps a slightly larger screen which could display stock price information, band balances, etc.

SMR (Specialized Mobile Radio)Private business service using mobile radiotelephones and base stations similar to other wireless services. It is usually used in dispatch applications, such as delivery companies or taxicab organizations. Specialized Mobile Radio is the forerunner of ESM.

SMS (Short Message Service)A service to send short alphanumeric messages between devices.

SpoofingAn access method that supports a very fast dial-up routine in a switched network that mimics the functionality of a packet switched data network.

Spread SpectrumA modulation technique, also known as frequency hopping, used in wireless systems. The data is packetized and spread over a range of bandwidth.

Standby TimeThe amount of time a fully charged wireless portable or transportable phone can be on before the phone’s battery will lose power. See also Talk Time.

Store-and-ForwardThe ability to transmit a message to an intermediate relay point and store it temporarily when the receiving device is unavailable.

Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP)A specification from the Home RF Working Group intended to enable interoperability of electronic devices from a large number of manufacturers, while providing the flexability and mobility of a wireless solution.

SynchronizationAlso known as “replication,” it is the process of uploading and downloading information from two or more databases, so that each is identical.

Talk TimeThe length of time one can talk on a portable or transportable wireless phone without recharging the battery. The battery capacity of a phone is usually expressed in terms of “minutes of talk time” or “hours of standby time.” When one is talking, the phone drawsmore power from the battery. See also Standby Time.

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)he standard set of protocols used by the Internet for transferring information between computers, handsets, and other devices.

TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)A method of digital wireless communications transmission allowing a large number of users to access (in sequence) a single radio frequency channel without interference by allocating unique time slots to each user within each channel. See also Digital Modulation.

Telecommunications Act of 1996Signed into law by President Clinton on February 8, 1996, it establishes a pro­competitive, deregulatory framework for telecommunications in the United States.

TelemetryA wireless or landline system for the transmission of data (either digital or analog) for remote monitoring.

Third GenerationSee 3G.

TIA (EIA)Telecommunications Industry Association. TIA represents the telecommunication industry in association with EIA (Electronics Industry Association). TIA represents companies which provide communications materials, products, systems, distribution services and professional services in the U.S. and around the world. Activities include

government relations, market support activities such as trade shows and trade missions, and standards development.

Time multiplexedTDMA, method of dividing spectrum to send digital data streams.

TMTrouble Management. Tracks all problems, groups them together (if possible), and relays trouble tickets for problem resolution.

TMSI (Temporary Mobile Station Identifier)A mobile station identifier (MSID) sent over the air interface and is assigned dynamically by the network to the mobile station. See also MIN, IMSI.

Traffic ChannelA portion of a radio channel used to transmit one direction of a digital voice conversation. Compare with Voice Channel.

Transportable PhoneTransportable phones, or “bag phones” are essentially car phones with the handset, antenna, and battery packaged together in a carrying case. They can be plugged into a car’s cigarette lighter or can operate off of a portable battery pack for use anywhere.

Turbo CodingA complex data encoding/decoding technique first introduced in 1993 by Messrs. It can dramatically improve the BER (Bit Error Rate) of data transmission through an iterative coding/decoding technique, combined with the interleaving/deinterleaving of data blocks.

UIUser interface.

UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Services)The European term for wireless systems based on the IMT-2000 standard.

Unlicensed National Information InfrastructureUser Network Interface.

VM (Virtual Machine)Software that mimics the performance of a hardware device.

VocoderA device used to convert speech into digital signals. See also Digital Modulation.

Voice-Activated DialingA feature that permits one to dial a phone number by speaking to a wireless phone instead of using a keypad. The feature contributes to convenience as well as driving safety.

Voice MailA computerized answering service that answers a call, plays a greeting, and records a message. Depending on the sophistication of the service, it also can notify the subscriber, via pager, that he or she has received a call. Also called voice messaging.

VPNVirtual Private Network. A private communications network that uses a private network (other than PSTN) as its WAN backbone.

WAN (Wide Area Network)A network that uses local telephone company lines to connect geographically dispersed sites. See LAN and MAN.

WAP (Wireless Applications Protocol)A proposed protocol for wireless applications. The protocol is designed to simplify how wireless users access electronic and voice mail, send and receive faxes, make stock trades, conduct banking transactions and view miniature Web pages on a small screen.

WaveformThe characteristic shape of a signal usually shown as a plot of amplitude over a period of time.

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)This encrypts the data between the mobile device and the access point, which in turn unencrypts it and sends it through wired network.

Wireless NodeA user computer with a wireless network interface card (adapter).

WirelessDescribing radio-based systems that allow transmission of telephone and/or data signals through the air without a physical connection, such as a metal wire or fiber optic cable.

Wireless LANSThe conventional local loop area network (LAN) uses wires or opitcal fiber as a common carrier medium.

Wireless PC CardsWireless PC Cards or wireless modems.

Wireline Cellular CarrierThe Block “B” carrier. Under the FCC’s initial cellular licensing procedures, the Block B carrier is the local telephone company’s licensee. The FCC reserved one of the two systems in every cellular market for the local telephone (or “wireline”) company.

WLANAWireless LAN Alliance.

WLL (Wireless Local Loop)A local wireless communications network that bypasses the local exchange carrier and provides high-speed, fixed data transmission.

WML (Wireless Markup Language)A compact version of the Handheld Device Markup Language. See HDML.

WRC (World Radio Conference)Formerly known as WARC, or World Administrative Radio Conference, it is an international conference that sets international frequencies.

X.25A communication protocol for packet switched public data network.