Course Description

Wireless communications is a booming technology that has exceeded all penetration and growth expectations in the last ten years, and is expected to continue to expand with the advent of several new enhancements in wireless data and 3G systems.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles surrounding all major existing cellular/PCS technologies, proposed 3G systems, as well as full one-day field workshop including an on-site tour of a live operating cellular network serving over 1 Million customers. Course emphasis is placed on understanding wireless principles, the application of wireless to a developing country, and technology evolution options.

As a foundation, the course starts with a review of electromagnetic principles including DC and AC theory, switching, amplification and spectrum properties. This is followed by the fundamentals of mobile radio theory including the principles of modulation, transmitters, receivers, antenna systems and propagation theory.

Basic cellular theory of analog systems is covered entailing a discussion of network architecture, traffic theory, frequency reuse and spectrum management from the operators’ and government’s perspective, network planning for both new and existing systems, and important system performance and quality measures.

A key element to system planners is how to evolve their system cost effectively while also providing added value to their customers. To address this concept, the course includes a thorough discussion of basic digital radio principles and their application to the evolution of analog radio systems. The historical and political development of the competing digital air interfaces is discussed, as well as a description of the key aspects of the major existing digital standards TDMA (IS-136), CDMA (IS-95), and GSM.

A highlight of the course is to provide a hands-on view of the practical issues surrounding the operation of a major wireless network. The class will visit a commercial network including a live switch, cell sites, and operations center. During the course of the tour, the practical aspects of planning, optimizing and maintaining for these network components will be discussed.

The final aspect of the course provides details of the issues surrounding the evolution to third generation, including the intermediate steps of providing circuit switched and packet data (e.g. GPRS). Finally, all of the major 3G technologies are examined and compared including EDGE UWC-136, cdma2000, and WCDMA- UTRA.

To understand the basic principles behind wireless communication, as well as how to specify, design, plan and cost effectively construct or evolve a state-of-the-art wireless network. Participants will understand basic radio theory, basic cellular theory, the aspects of an analog wireless system, and they key design and technology aspects of IS-136 TDMA, IS-95 CDMA, and GSM. Participants will have a hands-on view with an on-site tour of the actual equipment, practical limitations, operational issues, and evolution challenges surrounding the operation of a wireless digital network. Attendees will also understand wireless data technologies including circuit switched, WAP, and packet data. Finally, participants will understand 3G technologies including EDGE- UWC-136, cdma2000, WCDMA and the ability of these technologies to cost effectively meet current and future marketplace demands for voice and high-speed data.

Technical Management, Government Regulators

June 15-16, 2000

June19-23, 2000

Atlanta, Georgia

K2-127, K2-134, K2-140