Applying packet techniques to cellular radio

The cell size in mobile networks is decreasing to accommodate more users in the same bandwidth. Smaller cell sizes increase the number of handoffs between cells and the probability of encountering a cell with more users than the bandwidth can accommodate. Packet techniques can reduce the work that is performed in a handoff and reduce the probability of losing a connection in an over populated cell. In order to obtain these advantages, the mobile network must consist of both a wired and wireless segment and different packet techniques must be used for the inbound and outbound traffic on each of these segments. A fifth packet technique is used for a control channel that is independent of a mobile unit’s location. The resultant packet network has unique characteristics and requirements. We will show how these characteristics affect the structure of the wired network and the access protocols that are used in the wireless network.