A system framework for third generation mobiles

A top-down process for the design, deployment, and evaluation of an example universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) is described. The process is based on iteration of system design detail and deployment strategies, revealing and providing focus on key system level tradeoffs. A top-down approach has proven to be an essential complement to bottom-up research in separate technical fields. As a preliminary conclusion, a UMTS design to meet the user requirements is technically feasible, and microcells should play a dominant role. Furthermore, the overall cost, and thus the economic feasibility of the system, will strongly depend on the cost of the microcell infrastructure. Minimizing this cost must therefore be of paramount importance for the third-generation mobile system.<>