The next-generation wireless broadband technology is changing the way
we work, live, learn, and communicate through effective use of state-
of-the-art mobile broadband technology. The packet-data-based revolu-
tion started around 2000 with the introduction of 1x Evolved Data Only
(1xEV-DO) and 1x Evolved Data Voice (1xEV-DV) in 3GPP2 and High
Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) in 3GPP. The wireless broad-
band fourth-generation technology (4G) is an evolution of the packet-
based 3G system and provides a comprehensive evolution of the
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System specifications so as to
remain competitive with other broadband systems such as 802.16e
(WiMAX)
Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) is an effective alternative technology to
meet the Next Generation Network (NGN) demands as well as highly secured (mili-
tary) communications. FSOC includes various advantages like last mile access, easy
installation, free of Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI)/Electro Magnetic Compatibil-
ity (EMC) and license free access etc. In FSOC, the optical beam propagation in the
turbulentatmosphereisseverelyaffectedbyvariousfactorssuspendedinthechannel,
geographicallocationoftheinstallationsite,terraintypeandmeteorologicalchanges.
Therefore a rigorous experimental study over a longer period becomes significant to
analyze the quality and reliability of the FSOC channel and the maximum data rate
that the system can operate since data transmission is completely season dependent.
This book is an entry-level text on the technology of telecommunications. It has been
crafted with the newcomer in mind. The eighteen chapters of text have been prepared
for high-school graduates who understand algebra, logarithms, and basic electrical prin-
ciples such as Ohm’s law. However, many users require support in these areas so Appen-
dices A and B review the essentials of electricity and mathematics through logarithms.
This book is an entry-level text on the technology of telecommunications. It has been
crafted with the newcomer in mind. The twenty-one chapters of text have been prepared
for high-school graduates who understand algebra, logarithms, and the basic principles of
electricity such as Ohm’s law. However, it is appreciated that many readers require support
in these areas. Appendices A and B review the essentials of electricity and mathematics
up through logarithms. This material was placed in the appendices so as not to distract
from the main theme, the technology of telecommunication systems. Another topic that
many in the industry find difficult is the use of decibels and derived units. Appendix C
provides the reader a basic understanding of decibels and their applications. The only
mathematics necessary is an understanding of the powers of ten
Currently, the information and communications technology (ICT) industry sector
accounts for about 2–6% of the energy consumption worldwide, and a significant por-
tion of this is contributed by the wireless and mobile communications industry. With
the proliferation of wireless data applications, wireless technology continues to increase
worldwide at an unprecedented growth rate. This has resulted in an increased number
of installed base stations and higher demand on power grids and device power usage,
causing an increased carbon footprint worldwide.
Cellular communications is one of the fastest growing and most challenging telecom-
munication applications ever. Today, it represents a large and continuously increasing
percentage of all new telephone subscribers around the world. In the long term,
cellular digital technology may become the universal way of communication.
The wireless market has experienced a phenomenal growth since the first second-
generation (2G) digital cellular networks, based on global system for mobile
communications (GSM) technology, were introduced in the early 1990s. Since then,
GSM has become the dominant global 2G radio access standard. Almost 80% of today’s
new subscriptions take place in one of the more than 460 cellular networks that use
GSM technology. This growth has taken place simultaneously with the large experienced
expansion of access to the Internet and its related multimedia services.
With the rapid growth in the number of wireless applications, services and devices,
using a single wireless technology such as a second generation (2G) and third gener-
ation (3G) wireless system would not be efficient to deliver high speed data rate and
quality-of-service (QoS) support to mobile users in a seamless way. The next genera-
tion wireless systems (also sometimes referred to as Fourth generation (4G) systems)
are being devised with the vision of heterogeneity in which a mobile user/device will
be able to connect to multiple wireless networks (e.g., WLAN, cellular, WMAN)
simultaneously.
Communication, a word that many associate with modern technology, actually
has nothing to do with technology. At its core, communication involves nothing
more than the spoken or written word, and symbolic languages like art and music.
technology has become synonymous with communication because technology
has historically been the method by which communication to or by the general
population takes place.
The information technology (IT) revolution is surely coming in this century, just
as did the agricultural and industrial revolutions that have already so enriched our
lives. As the IT revolution progresses, it is expected that almost all social struc-
tures and economic activities will be changed substantially
