The unrelenting growth of wireless communications continues to raise new research and development problems that require unprecedented interactions among communication engineers. In particular, specialists in transmission and specialists in networks must often cross each other's boundaries. This is especially true for CDMA, an access technique that is being widely accepted as a system solution for next-generation mobile cellular systems, but it extends to other system aspects as well. Major challenges lie ahead, from the design of physical and radio access to network architecture, resource management, mobility management, and capacity and performance aspects. Several of these aspects are addressed in this volume, the fourth in the edited series on Multiaccess, Mobility and Teletraffic for Wireless Communications. It contains papers selected from MMT'99, the fifth Workshop held on these topics in October 1999 in Venezia, Italy. The focus of this workshop series is on identifying, presenting, and discussing the theoretical and implementation issues critical to the design of wireless communication networks. More specifically, these issues are examined from the viewpoint of the impact each one of them can have on the others. Specific emphasis is given to the evolutionary trends of universal wireless access and software radio. Performance improvements achieved by spectrally efficient codes and smart antennas in experimental GSM testbeds are presented. Several contributions address critical issues regarding multimedia services for Third-Generation Mobile Radio Networks ranging from high rate data transmission with CDMA technology to resource allocation for integrated Voice/WWW traffic.

This book of proceedings contains papers for the Second European Workshop on Mobile/Personal Satcoms (EMPS '96), held in Rome, Italy, and hosted by the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche. The EMPS '96 workshop follows the edition of two years ago, and is intended as an occasion for exchange of information and opinions among experts in the fast-growing field of mobile satellite communications. With respect to the first successful edition we only made one main modification. We issued a formal call for papers, instead oflimiting the selection process to invited papers as was in the past: 60 papers were received from 18 countries. Each paper has been reviewed by at least two referees, and then 41 papers were selected by the Workshop Steering Committee (WSC). An invited introductory lecture opens the workshop and is given by Dr. Andrew J. Viterbi, who is also honorary chairman of EMPS '96. Satellite Personal Communications Networks (SPCNs) are now expected to grow very fast, even beyond the most optimistic forecast: their unique feature to establish ex abrupto a world-wide communication fabric is certainly the winning card. Market analyses now indicate that LEO networks already planned to be operational around 1998 even risk being overwhelmed by users request, so that their extensions are already being considered. And, additionally, multimedia SPCNs are also being introduced at higher frequencies to provide broadband services.

Although low earth orbital (LEO) satellites are the most promising candidates for establishing personal communication networks (PCNs) on a global basis, their usage is also problematic. This new book provides the first comprehensive analysis of one of the hottest topics in communication systems today -- the application of LEO satellites in PCNs.

Discusses long-term developments Addresses advanced physical layer techniques designed for broadband communications, for fixed and mobile terminals Considers 4G evolutions and possible convergence between different technologies

Demand for Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) is on the increase, with a huge surge of interest in mobile communications in recent years and high-paced advancements in the supporting system architectures, devices and applications. This thoroughly revised and updated book provides a comprehensive guide to the MSS technologies and emerging trends. It takes a system level approach, giving in-depth treatment of technical and business related issues. The author, a leading professional in the area, draws on his extensive experience in industry and research, to provide the reader with a sound and informed understanding of the technology. Mobile Satellite Communications includes introductory material for the reader new to the field, in addition to exploring prevalent system concepts, architecture, practices and trends for the more experienced. An in-depth review of scientific principles merged with business models and regulatory considerations presents a balanced perspective of commercial mobile satellite systems. This book will be of interest to practicing engineers in mobile satellite communications and mobile broadcasting, research and development professionals working in these areas, mobile satellite service providers and operators. Academics and students studying satellite systems/technology, specialists in other classes of satellite systems, technical and marketing managers, strategists and planners of telecommunication systems: individuals interested in mobile communications, satellite and telecommunications/broadcasting technology will also find this book insightful. Key Features: Comprehensive treatment of mobile satellite communications topics, including radio link aspects, satellite constellations, architectural and operational aspects, as well as business planning models, MSS radio interface standards, spectrum forecast methodologies and system examples. Addresses related themes such as mobile broadcasting, mobile VSATs, search and rescue, and navigation systems. Introduces emerging technologies such as mobile broadband, television broadcasting to handheld units, advanced capacity enhancement techniques, hybrid system architecture concepts, including a rich sample of research topics such as multiple input multiple output, satellite-based ad-hoc networks, and highlights initiatives in the use of Q/V frequency bands. Includes revision questions at the end of each chapter. An accompanying website for interaction (www.satellitesandyou.com).