(3G) UMTS Introduction

Basic understaing about wireless evolution.

Mobile communication has evolved in three stages:
1. First generation - analog. (Speech only).
2. Second generation - digital. (Speech and low-speed data).
3. Third generation - integration of all wireless services (fixed, cellular, cordless, satellite, etc.) into one universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS). (Speech and high-speed data.)

Third generation (3G) systems come under the umbrella term of International Mobile Telecommunications 2000 (IMT-2000). They will provide a globally integrated system for delivering wideband information and services to mobile users over fixed, wireless and
satellite networks.

3G standards are being developed in Europe, Asia, and the United States, overseen by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The IMT-2000 specification is an overall guideline for all 3G systems, and will ensure worldwide compatibility between systems.

UMTS will provide wideband radio access with flexible bandwidth on demand (from just a few hundred bits per second up to 2 Mbits/s).

Why we need UMTS?
UMTS is driven by ever increasing worldwide demand for high-speed mobile data services.
For ex:
1) Internet access
2) Commercial and entertainment applications
3) Mobile multimedia (audio, video and data)
4) Integrated office services (fax, messaging, email)
5) File transfer


Existing GSM (2G) systems are based on narrowband technology and cannot provide the necessary bandwidth to support these services:

High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) => 115.2 kbits/s
General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) => 171.2 kbits/s
Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) => 384 kbits/s

Users expect seamless and global access to telecommunications services across fixed and mobile networks. UMTS will combine high speeds with integrated fixed, wireless and satellite network access. It will also support the increasing convergence between telecoms and IT applications.

UMTS uses wideband technology, providing variable bandwidth on demand and data rates of up to 2 Mbits/s.
UMTS supports the following data rates:
1) Up to 144 kbits/s for fast moving users (cars, planes)
2) Up to 384 kbits/s for slow moving users (pedestrian)
3) Up to 2 Mbits/s for indoor / stationary users.

UMTS Objective:
The following objectives were set for UMTS:
1) High-speed data
2) New services
3) Worldwide roaming
4) High speech and service quality
5) Multi-environment support
6) Circuit switching and packet switching support
7) Low cost.

Hope you have enjoyed this basic introduction. stay tuned for UMTS Architectue :-)