Wireless in Local Loop—Some Fundamentals

The enhancements in Internet technology and mobile access technology over the last decade, can be leveraged effectively to build Wireless in Local Loop (WiLL) systems, which can enable rapid expansion of telecom and Internet access in developing countries. However, the design of a WiLL system requires one to understand some fundamentals concerning the Access Network and its connectivity to backbone network as well as the traffic requirement for a voice and Internet connection. The requirements of WiLL, in contrast to that of a Mobile cellular system need to be clearly understood. Equally important is the concern for capacity and spectral efficiency, especially as higher bit-rate Internet systems become a must for developing countries to get a fair share of the economic advantages that telecom technologies provide. This paper looks at these fundamental issues in context of GSM, IS-95 and DECT Technologies. This paper further takes a brief look at some recent technological developments, which are likely to impact the Wireless in Local Loop systems. The paper concludes with a discussion on the emerging third generation (3G) wireless standards, and the new technologies which are being introduced into the network, and what will be their impact on Internet and Multimedia bit-rates and services.