Impact of data requirements on digital cellular systems across the globe: Cellular data services architecture and signaling

Abstract

0th land and cellular teleDhone networks were originally designed to provide voice communication. However, among land networks in the United States, the demand for data is growing at a rapid annual rate of 20 percent, while demand for voice has slowed to less than 5 percent. Currently, the demand for voice is fueling the expansion to digital techniques in cellular. Since even conservative estimates indicate several million portable computers and fax units will be in use within the next few years, demand for mobile data is certain to grow. Once again, we are faced with the challenge of incorporating data into networks designed for voice. Analog cellular solutions cater to data but only within the constraints of channels established for voice communication. Digital cellular systems, however, are planned to exist as integrated services networks, and data must be given adequate consideration in the early definition of these networks. This requirement will have a significant impact on the architecture and signaling in digital cellular systems across the globe.