Wireless communications technology and network architecture for the new millennium

Wireless data applications have just begun to gain popularity in the marketplace. The rollout of 3rd generation (3G) wireless networks is anticipated in the next few years. We examine wireless data networks that are complementary to the 3G wireless networks, their technologies and the challenges. In particular, we present some of the industry initiatives in the millimeter wave frequency bands for broadband and satellite delivered fixed wireless data network. Furthermore, we offer our perspectives on how these different networks will evolve and inter-work together to provide a seamless experience for the end users. Fixed data networks need to be competitive with wire-line services, this requires us to push advanced signal processing technologies further. We present the latest advances that we have made in channel coding and signal processing technologies to approach that goal.