Wireless Technology Upgrade Essay Example for Free

Wireless Technology Upgrade Essay Introduction: Since the introduction of the first mobile phone in 1924, there has been a steady climb in developing and enhancing, the mobile phone and its supporting technologies. The cellular network infrastructures as well as service providers have been hard at work; in making sure they are providing the best service as well as devices. The infrastructure alone has gone through several life cycles. Which is required in order providers to keep up with growth and technology changes. Wireless cellular providers, at one point offered services that ran off analog frequencies. Today the wireless networks are built off of an all-digital network, which is considered to be in its 3rd generation. 3rd generation technologies include GSM, GPRS, UMTS and CDMA. In this project you will be introduced to an up and coming wireless service provider, GoFone Cellular Communications. GoFone is currently interested in making your nation our new home. GoFone has the ability to offer services that will allow its subscribers the ability to communicate faster and more efficiently. At the present the citizens within the 16 cities nation, only has one cellular provider that is offering subpar service. GoFone’s network is built off of Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service, (UMTS), technology which, promises to be a better choice for the Nation. GoFone Cellular Communications has been a wireless cellular provider of over 10 years. By staying ahead of the curve and keeping up with industry trends, GoFone has been a proven leader. GoFone’s current position in the cellular market indicates that GoFone, has loyal customers that will continue to growth with the providers efforts. The company strives to deliver top-notch service over its 3rd generation UMTS network, which is being accepted globally as an industry standard. UMTS also provides enhanced voice and data features that are not compatible with other technologies. Strategic Business Assessment: Currently the nation already has an established wireless cellular provider. However, the citizens are growing tired of the high charges and sub-par service they are receiving. The existing cellular infrastructure is built off TDMA technology, using the 800MHz frequency range. The company is taking advantage of its subscribers, as they are aware of the fact that they are the only providers servicing the nation. Their coverage is limited in areas due to coverage blocking. The provider does not offer away for its customers to use to both data and voice simultaneously. In conjunction with previously said issues, the provider is charging higher than usual rates. As the nation and states continue to evolve, so are their citizens. Due to the changes and natural evolution, the citizens want more out of its service and devices. The citizens want phones that will give them the capability to browse the Internet, email, text and enhanced voice service. Essential wanting to stay connected all the time. Regardless, of the customer’s wants and possible needs, it appears the provider is not interested in upgrading its current network or product offerings. The provider’s current network is built off the Timed Division Multiple Access (TDMA), which is considered 2nd generation cellular technology. TDMA operates at the 800MHz frequency band. TDMA takes the channel/signal and splits them into multiple timed slots; this means that data is traveling in a round-robin fashion. TDMA was designed to only handle voice services and the segmentation that is done allows for the network to remain stable, and voice quality is not affected. However due to its limitations of not being able to browse the internet or fully user wireless data and the service provider not willing to upgrade, due to the signal coverage, the nation will not be able to grow and technology will not fully evolve. Technology: GoFone Cellular Communications is a leader in delivering innovative wireless cellular services. The need for innovation and providing top-notch service has led GoFone into being an industry leader. GoFone has been able stay ahead of the class, by keeping up with industry trends, and consumer satisfaction. The services offered allow users to stay connected to the world. Subscribers are able to talk and browse the Internet at the same time. GoFone also offers a variety of cellular phones with several options. GoFone’s service is currently being offered on 3rd generation technology, that promises scalability. Having the ability to offer different services, with different pricing points consumers will be able to pick a choice on what type of service or package they want. GoFone promises to provide cellular wireless services, with the ability to stay connected and have minimal to no impact. GoFone’s network is operating off Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), which is 3rd generation wireless cellular technology. GoFone will deploy its UMTS network on the 900MHz frequency. UMTS technology is mainly based off of Wide Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) affords; GoFone the opportunity to offer features such as mobile wireless Internet, email and other services. The use of UMTS allows for exponential amount of scalable operations. GoFone also offers an array of cellular phones that are visually and cosmetically appealing. The devices would have large color screen displays. The devices being offered can be compared to devices like BlackBerry, Apple iPhone, and several other devices. GoFone’s wireless network is one of the largest and most reliable networks in its originating country covering several thousand people. Design A Wireless System: GoFone Cellular Communications network will be deployed using UMTS on the 900MHz frequency range; (UMTS900). GoFone’s idea of building a solid and reliable network with less makes UMTS900 the perfect solution. UMTS900 provides increased mobility options, as well as greater cellular coverage. Being that the network will be prorogated with fewer cell sites, UMTS900 will provide better hand-overs; which will reduce brief loss of connection or drops calls. The deployment of the new wireless network will prove to be beneficial to the Nation as the build out will create new jobs for its citizens. The development of a new network will create competition between providers, which in turn will create new business practices. As previously mentioned UMTS is a 3rd generation technology, which offers more robust network with enhanced capabilities. UMTS is a concept that takes advantage of convergence of fixed and mobile networks and services, enabling a host of new applications. For example, a laptop with an integrated UMTS communications module becomes a general-purpose communications and computing device for broadband Internet access, voice, video telephony, and conferencing for either mobile, office, or residential use (Fletcher, 1999). UMTS can offer capabilities such as having real-time wireless connectivity, multi-cast distribution, and person location services. UMTS also supports both packet and circuit transmissions and provides data speeds up to 2Mbps. Using the 900MHz frequency range UMTS900 requires fewer cell sites, which will reduce costs for infrastructure build out and reduce on-going maintenance costs. The infrastructure build out for UMTS900 network, is cheaper compared to other networks. In order for deployment to begin, GoFone will have to consider what type of antennas and feeders to use. They will also have to look into acquisition or rental cost for cell sites. GoFone is also responsible for construction and labor cost. Typical build-out cost for Greenfield environment such as the Nation will roughly cost about $2B over 5 years; which will cover the cost to build base stations, acquiring build sites, materials, and marketing/promotional costs. Another part of network planning is the Link Budget. Link Budget helps with determining the dimensions for coverage, quality of service and calculating maximum cell size. Some keys things to keep in mind with performing the Link Budget: †¢Type of service (data type and speed) †¢Type of environment (terrain, building penetration) †¢Behavior and type of mobile (speed, max power level) †¢System configuration (BTS antennas, BTS power, cable losses, handover gain) †¢Required coverage probability †¢Financial and economical factors (use of more expensive and better quality equipment or not the cheapest installation method) GoFone’s UMTS900 network would be the ideal system to deploy in the Nation. UMTS900 provides wide coverage area. Providing a wide coverage area will greatly reduce coverage costs. Being that UMTS900 uses a low frequency, it provides better in-building reception/service; which will reduce coverage blocks and improve user experience. UMTS900 provides lower power consumption, due to an improved RF amplifier. UMTS900 has proven to be an excellent option for both rural and urban areas. This is partly due to the base stations being deployed; the base stations provide stronger and broader coverage. The coverage area for a typical cell site is up to 9 miles. So initially there will be an estimate of a 190 cell sites, which will roughly cover 1,733 miles. Which will cover roughly about 90% of the nation and its citizens. GoFone Cellular Communications will increase coverage to the remaining areas, once the customer base shows steady rise in subscribed lines. Compatibility Plan: GoFone Cellular Communications UMTS900 network will offer a several significant capabilities that would be ideal for the average consumer or business applications. Consumers would have the ability to enjoy multimedia-enabled services, such as video conferencing and simultaneous voice and data operation. UMTS900 supports applications such as email, VPN, and WAP-based applications. As more and more businesses demands more flexibility for automation and customization manufacturers and providers will continue to provide enterprise applications and access. The technology also supports business enterprise application such as sales force automation tools. UMTS900 offers higher data speeds than GSM, GPRS and CDMA. Typically user can expect to see about 200kbps download and 64kbps upload speeds. UMTS900 also offers lower latency. In comparison to GSM and GPRS networks, latency is expected to be around 200ms instead of about 600ms. Outside of UMTS’ data capabilities, the technology also performs normal voice transmission, and operates the same as if on a landline. However, the technology provides the ability to perform simultaneous voice and data transmissions. An example of said service would be for instance, as user will be able to make a call and except and email at the same time. Another example would be a user downloading a file via Bluetooth while on a call. There are minimal limitations when it comes to UMTS. The main limitation would be some subscribers not being able to reach high data speeds. The network degradation is caused by antenna propagation or network congestion. Another issue would be coverage in overlapping areas, where UMTS signal is not accessible. To compensate UMTS compatible devices will have to be enabled with roaming. Standardization is another key factor in deploying a UMTS network. UMTS specification standards are governed by 3GPP; who governs all GSM, WCDMA, LTE and UTRAN, UTMS and FOMA. However success of UMTS is dependent upon flexibility and technological development of providers. Planned Competitive Improvements: Once GoFone’s UMTS900 is deployed, continuing improvements will be made throughout, that will enhance network and service capabilities. The next improvement will be the addition of High Speed Packet Acces (HSPA); which includes High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) or Enhanced Uplink (EUL) High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). An uplink enhancement will improve overall performance, with an increase in capacity and increased data rates. The integration of EUL improves Quality of Service, Improving the downlink will increase downlink speeds of up to 15Mbs. The integration of HSPA will introduce new applications that will use various amounts of bandwidth. Ultimately making GoFone Cellular Communications 4th generation compliant. Another improvement would be the multimedia capabilities of adding IP-based Multimedia Service (IMS). IMS is a protocol that delivers multimedia services using IP protocol. IMS will provide GoFone the ability to provide enhanced multimedia across the network. IMS will improve the circuit switch and packet switch capabilities. The major benefit to deploying IMS will be the improvement on simultaneous voice and data operations. Instead of having multiple sessions for concurrent use, the user will be able to use a single session to use concurrent operations. Enabling support for WLAN access will be a needed improvement. Enabling WLAN access will allow a device to be simultaneously connected to the cellular network as well as a WiFi network. GoFone Cellular Communications plans on enabling its UMTS network for wireless access. With the high data speeds, enabling wireless access will allow applications such as streaming audio and video, and multiplayer gaming. Having a wireless service will not only enhance the mobile phone, but also will allow other platforms the ability to connect or access the cellular network. UMTS will also improve applications and delivery rich web content as well as client/server support for enterprise use. Thus, allowing enterprise users the ability of connecting to their companies network and provides mobile means of being able to work on the go. Other Competitive Technological Solutions: There are several other technological solutions that would compete with the offerings of GoFone. However, when compared GoFone’s UMTS900 network proves to be the better solution. Other technological solutions would include deploying CDMA2000, GPRS, or GSM. CDMA2000 is 3rd generation solution that evolved from CDMA. CDMA2000, like UMTS support switched packets. However CDMA2000 comes in different variations. The different variations are 1x EV-DO and 1x EV-DV. EV-DO variation offers improvements to Data, which increases the speeds up to 3Mbps down and 1.8Mbps up. EV-DV is the second edition to CDMA2000 and provides enhancements for both data and voice services. CDMA2000 provides similar performance to UMTS. However is not globally accepted. GPRS is a 2.5-generation technology that is packet switched based. GPRS provides speeds of 30-40Kbps, and is not used for voice or text messaging services. GPRS supports a variety of data applications, which includes, mobile Internet, multimedia messaging, and other applications that use the Internet. GPRS also offers the ability to use concurrent data and voice operations. GPRS provides a direct enhancement to GSM networks, as it provides improved voice and data connections. However, when compared to UMTS, which is a 3rd generation technology, UMTS would prove GPRS to be inferior. GSM is the mostly widely accepted wireless cellular technology. Although GSM is widely accepted, it is also 2nd generation mobile technology. GSM is considered the â€Å"grand-father† of mobile as it predates CDMA. GSM is widely used in Europe, however does have a presence stateside as the major carriers integrates some form of GSM technology within their network. The major benefit of GSM is the user of the SIM card, which is used to identify the carrier’s network and access privileges. The major difference besides the generation is, UMTS is based of CDMA technology. UMTS provides faster data speeds, while future enhancements will allow cross-pollination between GSM and UMTS networks. Meaning devices that travel outside of its network boundaries would be supported by either GSM or UMTS. Upgrading to Next Generation: GoFone Cellular Communications UMTS900 is currently a 3rd generation technology, and will eventually be upgraded to the next generational technology. In order for GoFone to upgrade to 4g, the network will have to undergo a software update to Release 99 of the UMTS standards. GoFone will also have to upgrade the channel cards at in the base stations. Release 99 will integrate UMTS with HSDPA, which also promises to be backwards compatible to GSM, and GPRS. Compared to other upgrades UMTS/HSPDA is the most cost effective as the majority of the upgrade is merely upgrading the software. Device will also need to be upgraded with a special antenna for 4g services. The upgrade to HSDPA is more beneficial in the long run as it make better use of spectrum. Upgrading to HSDPA will produce greater bandwidth and ease of access for subscribers. Summary and Conclusions: GoFone Cellular Communications is interested in providing mobile cellular communications for the Nation and its citizens. Currently the Nation has a wireless provider that is proving not to the ideal solution for the majority of the citizens are they want more out of the service. The current service is built on TDMA, which is 2nd generation mobile technology. Customers are experiencing sub par service as well has a high bill. GoFone Cellular Communications motto is to deliver more with less. With that said GoFone’s mobile network is built off UMTS900, which is 3rd generation mobile technology. The UMTS technology offers significant benefits to both personal and business applications. GoFone’s infrastructure build out will be cost efficient due to the use of the 900MHz spectrum band. The 900Mhz band is low frequency that offers wide coverage. Due to the wide coverage the network will require minimal cell sites. For this initiative GoFone will initially deploy an estimate of 190 cell sites which will cover the majority of the nation. As GoFone customer base grows, the provider will increase the remaining coverage with the addition of making steady improvements. Improvements to the network will also be cost-effective as the majority of the upgrades are merely software updates. There are minimal hardware changes after the initial build out; the only thing that would need to be done to cell sites is a update channel card. Outside of the minimal upgrades, devices will also be updated in making sure the fall with industry standards. In conclusion, GoFone Cellular Communications promises to delivery the reliable and steady cellular network the Nation deserves and needs. GoFone’s UMTS900 service will deliver, simultaneous voice and data operations, along with high data speeds. Along with providing solutions for Business Enterprise users, GoFone will also offer competitive service packages, that will cater to the specific user and their individual or corporate needs. GoFone’s network is very much stable, reliable and ready for the future. References: Althoff, M.P., Seidenberg, P. Walke, B. (2003, June), â€Å"UMTS: The Fundementals. Bates, R.J. 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