Packet transmission and switching in advanced wireless information networks

The author looks ahead to third-generation wireless networking. The vision is a single set of standards that can meet a wide range of wireless access applications. Third-generation systems, in harmony with broadband integrated services digital networks, will use shared resources to convey many information types. A single network architecture will serve its users efficiently in many environments, including moving vehicles, indoor and outdoor public areas, residences, offices, and factories. A switching architecture referred to as a cellular packet switch, and a packet transmission technique referred to as packet reservation multiple access, are being studied. The author describes both techniques and shows how they can work together to meet the demands of third-generation wireless networking.<>