The design policy for a GSM-based IMT-2000 network

The third-generation mobile network has been a topic of considerable interest worldwide and has begun to be commercialized throughout the world. The 3G mobile network has evolved from two types of 2G networks; one type has evolved from GSM and another from ANSI-41. We operate the Personal Digital Cellular network as a 2G network and have designed a GSM-based IMT-2000 network as a 3G network. This article gives our design policy for the GSM-based IMT-2000 network and the technology that enabled us to develop the network based on this policy (e.g., ATM switching in the core network). Furthermore, the foundations for 2G/3G dual network operation (e.g., number portability and succession of 2G services in a 3G network) and efficient transition from a 2G network to a 3G network are also considered.