Architecture and performance analysis of packet-based mobile switching center-to-base station traffic communications for TDMA

Lucent Technologies is defining the next generation base station and mobile switching center (MSC) product architectures to meet anticipated market needs for 1998 and beyond. The goal of the effort is to create an infrastructure that can support narrowband and wideband voice, data, and imaging services; multiple radio access technologies; and rapid delivery of low-cost, customizable open-industry products. Achieving these objectives will require particular attention to both software and transport technologies within the network. This paper focuses on a key transport issue, the cost of T-1 or other backhaul transmission facilities between the base station and the MSC in the time division multiple access (TDMA) environment.