Low-tier wireless local loop radio systems. I. Introduction

The article provides the results of a set of analyses conducted to compare two major radio technologies, DECT/PWT-E and PACS, for their suitability in the local loop in the United States to provide voice and data services. DECT, digital enhanced cordless telecommunications, is a radio interface standard developed in Europe mainly for indoor wireless applications and being promoted lately for wireless local loop applications as well. PWT, personal wireless telecommunications, is a DECT-based standard developed by the TIA in the United States for the unlicensed PCS applications. PWT-E, enhanced, is the version that is suitable for the licensed PCS applications. PACS, personal access communications systems, is a total system standard (i.e. radio interface and associated network infrastructures) developed in the United States for licensed PCS applications. (PACS-UA and PACS-UB are the standards for the unlicensed PCS applications.) For the wireless local loop (WLL), we make an assumption that the radio technologies operating in the licensed PCS spectrum are more suitable to provide a quality of service that is expected traditionally from a local exchange company (LEC). Therefore, this article focuses on the PACS and PWT-E, rather than PACS-UB and PWT. Also note that the article focuses on the North American version, PWT-E, rather than the European version, DECT. It provides an introduction to the PACS and PWT technologies.