Third International Conference on 3G Mobile Communication Technologies

Channel estimation is a key step in the initial synchronisation of a RAKE receiver. In this paper we present an algorithm for multipath channel estimation based on an elegant and efficient new technique for resolving the multipath components. The performance of the algorithm is assessed through simulation as part of a RAKE receiver in a fully compliant UTRA-FDD uplink scenario. Test results are pr... View full abstract»

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) UMTS networks promise to deliver an abundance of advanced, innovative, and feature-rich applications to end-users in a 3rd generation (3G) wireless environment. A core network IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) is being introduced as part of the 3G wireless environment. It aims to enable the convergence of, and access to, voice, video, messaging, data and W... View full abstract»

The objective of the paper is to illustrate the potential impacts on operating costs associated with a variety of different 'UMTS network sharing' scenarios such as sharing site locations, RNS (radio network subsystem) equipment, transmission, core network, national roaming and MVNO (mobile virtual network operators). Comparisons are made between a generic reference network design, obtained using ... View full abstract»

The paper examines the utilisation of downlink shared channel (DSCH) as an efficient way of providing Web services in UMTS. First, it establishes its superiority in terms of delay performance against two alternative dedicated delivery schemes, and then it examines what modifications should be done to one of the dedicated schemes in order to match the DSCH performance. Next, it continues with a det... View full abstract»

The paper gives an overview of the network sharing options open to 3G network operators. The drivers for network sharing are mainly economic and the need to roll out infrastructure quickly. Network sharing may always be the preferred implementation strategy in sparsely populated areas. Some of the technical issues are outlined, particularly in the areas of antenna sharing and network management, w... View full abstract»

SDR technology is expected, eventually, to offer complete programmability and reconfigurability to both multimode and multi-functional communication terminals and network nodes. Any of these reconfigurable nodes will then have, intrinsically, the ability to accommodate innumerable configurations enabling access to both terrestrial and satellite communication networks. These configurations will be ... View full abstract»

In 2001, two 3G networks were launched, first by NTT DoCoMo in Japan and more recently in the UK on the Isle of Man. The press had previously reported delays in several operator's network deployment schedules. The availability of appropriate UMTS test equipment is essential in order to deploy and test a UMTS network before any commercial launch. Vendors want to verify their implementation and tria... View full abstract»

The present need for high data rate communication applications and freedom to communicate from anywhere at any time demands more and more from digital processing hardware. The concept of software defined radio and reconfigurable networks requires many new mechanisms and subsystems to allow the implementation of such networks. The paper presents a solution to the problem of managing the configurati... View full abstract»

This paper outlines the work undertaken in the design and implementation of a 3rd generation mobile telephone network in the Isle of Man. From the very beginning the Manx Telecom 3G project adopted an applications-centric design philosophy. That is, all design and planning decisions were based on consideration of the desired end user experience, considering network quality, service coverage and pe... View full abstract»

We present a unified view of modulation and spreading for both UTRA FDD and UTRA TDD in the digital baseband. Particular aspects such as monocode and multicode transmission, symbol mapping for uplink and downlink as well as spreading and despreading are discussed in detail. Parameterized software radio is employed to realize all necessary layer 1 signal processing blocks. We develop a systematic v... View full abstract»

The introduction of GPRS and UMTS data services for mobile operators greatly increases the complexity of payment solutions since services can no longer be charged on simple duration basis but have to be tailored to the value of service being offered. At the same time, payment schemes need to be affordable and easy to understand for commercial success. The paper describes Nortel Networks' view of t... View full abstract»

The paper develops an abstract architectural view of a distributed mobile terminal for use in third generation mobile systems, including UMTS and the Mobile Internet. The actual physical form of a third generation terminal is still debatable; however, it is possible to derive an architectural prescription for the logical form such a terminal should take. The paper starts by reviewing the current s... View full abstract»

Three-dimensional facial model coding can be employed in various mobile applications to provide an enhanced user experience. The potential for low bitrate and scalability that 3D coding provides, makes it suitable for use in conjunction with various mobile networks from GSM to UMTS. However, what is less clear is the sensitivity to channel errors of 3D coded data. The paper examines this issue in ... View full abstract»

This paper examines the drivers for the deployment of 3G networks and outlines the applications that will utilise broadband access from mobile terminals. The challenges presented within the telecoms industry and developments in the supporting technologies surrounding the delivery of mobile broadband services are described. Finally, an overview of the applications currently being delivered on early... View full abstract»

This paper presents consideration of the security requirements for 3G mobile systems, considering specifically the issue of subscriber authentication. The discussion includes the results of a survey of current mobile subscribers, to determine their attitudes towards existing security measures, leading into architectural considerations and initial experimental results in relation to future techniqu... View full abstract»

Radio Resource Management (RRM) entity is responsible for the utilization of the air interface resources in UTRA-FDD and, consequently, the adoption of efficient RRM algorithms is needed to guarantee QoS as well as to provide high capacity. Among the several RRM functions that will help to achieve such objectives, this paper proposes three different MAC strategies applied at UE (User Equipment) le... View full abstract»

It is essential to enable public key schemes in future mobile systems to solve current problems in authentication and key management for end-to-end security. We propose new procedures for enabling public key schemes in future mobile terminals. The proposed procedures are based on the complex public key computations that can be performed either in the SIM card or in the terminal itself Multiple cry... View full abstract»

Efficient distribution of rich multimedia content requires personalisation of media services to client device and bearer link properties. The customisation of multimedia data delivery is imposed by the vast amount of network heterogeneity and diverse user terminal capabilities. The paper discusses varied personalised communication strategies whilst introducing a proposed scheme. In this scenario, ... View full abstract»

To optimize antenna beam patterns of 3 and 6-sectors configuration in a cdma2000 system is studied. Increasing the number of sectors in a CDMA system has been seen as the useful mean of increasing the capacity of cell sites. However, in a real CDMA networks, 6-sectors deployments have typically failed to obtain the expected gains due to the complex RF environments. Recently, 6-sectors system is de... View full abstract»

Future mobile systems are expected to exploit the flexibility of agent-based software in a variety of ways. This includes agents providing both middleware and application-level functionality. Realising the full benefits of this innovative approach requires that security issues are properly addressed. There are many security issues associated with agent-based systems; some of the most difficult to ... View full abstract»

The paper details the design of an advanced transmitter architecture and supporting software that overcomes the difficulties of multimode and multi-band transmission of GMSK, EDGE and WCDMA standards. A novel approach has negated the need for bulky and expensive multi-chain transmitters. The progression from GSM to 3G requires transmitters to operate in multiple modes and multiple bands. This is n... View full abstract»

Smart antennas promise to provide range extension and capacity enhancements crucial to the successful deployment of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks. The frequency offset between the uplink and downlink in the frequency division duplex (FDD) air interface gives rise to a frequency dependency in the channel responses and potential problems in downlink beamforming. In order... View full abstract»

The speech quality delivered by a 3G network is determined by many factors, including speech and channel coding, the design of the device, and signal processing algorithms and their interactions. This paper examines the key speech quality issues in 3G networks, describes the basics of objective speech quality measurement, and highlights its application in 3G planning, procurement, optimisation and... View full abstract»