Over the next decade, hundreds of billions of dollars will be invested in
broadband and wireless networking technologies. Most of the investment
in broadband networks will be focused on ATM technology, while the
demand for wireless services continues to grow at a phenomenal rate.
The combination of ATM networks and radio access technologies promises a
new era in wireless multimedia networking. However, the provision of
wireless ATM links presents some formidable challenges. In contrast to
wireline networks that are characterized by high transmission rates
and very low error probabilities, wireless links must operate in highly
erratic radio propagation environments. The achievable bit error rates
on wireless links are limited by the available bandwidth and the error
probabilities are high compared to wireline transport technologies.
Furthermore, the quality of the radio links are constantly changing
due to movement of the transmitter and/or receiver coupled with
multipath propagation, shadowing, co-channel interference and other
transmission impairments. Consequently, the radio links must be carefully
monitored and controlled to ensure reliability. This is accomplished
by performing handoffs between radio ports.
This project investigates the research challenges faced by computer
communication networks in developing wireless multimedia networking
technology. The following five questions are addressed:
Within the next 5 years to 10 years, wireless communications will no longer
be a novelty, but will be an integral part of our lives.
New designs and strategies must be generated
to get the most out of the wireless environment. The wireless industry
and the academic community must work together
to produce timely and compatible equipment
that can be operated while carried between
regions and networks. Standards organizations must also
ensure that systems intended for global access
are interoperable. Finally, governments across the globe must
ensure security for the individual user and the region alike,
while fostering healthy global expansion.
Supported by: National Security Agency
Duration: January 1998 - December 1998
Student: Janise McNair
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