BOOK
REVIEW
BOOK
REVIEW
WCDMA Design Handbook
Andrew Richardson, Cambridge, 2005, hardcover, 565 pages, ISBN 0 521828155
Reviewer: Michal Wagrowski
The WCDMA Design Handbook provides a detailed overview of the architecture and operation of the wideband code-division multiple access (WCDMA) interface. The structure of this book is related to the system layers structure. It is based on the first release of WCDMA (Release 99) and closely follows the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifications. The book is directed to a professional readership. Providing deeply detailed information, it seems to be a good technical handbook.
In the first part, comprising Chapters 1–3, a general introduction is provided. It deals with the major concepts and characteristics of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), mentioning its origins and the evolution approach proposed in consecutive releases. In Chapter 2 the protocol architecture and principles of particular layers are presented, giving some context in which the remainder of the book can be considered. Chapter 3 addresses the issues most often identified as WCDMA fundamentals: spreading and modulation procedures. The discussion includes multiple access techniques, code types and properties, code allocation, and spreading and modulation in both uplink and downlink directions.
Part 2 (Chapters 4–7) mainly covers the physical layer. At first, the physical channel structure is described, as well as codes dedicated to them and transmission timing. Next, the radio frequency (RF) aspects are presented, such as: frequency issues, and transmitter and receiver characteristics for both user equpment (UE) and Node B, supplemented with performance studies. The chip rate processing functions related to the frequency-division duplex (FDD) mode are described in Chapter 6. The main focus is on Rake receiver structure and operation. Also, initial system acquisition is considered. In Chapter 7 the symbol rate processing functions are presented, including mainly signal protection coding schemes.
The third part (Chapters 8–12) covers layers 2 and 3 in the access stratum. Chapter 8 addresses medium access control (MAC) architecture, functions, and services. The random access procedure as well as transport format combination selection are examined in detail. The structure and operation of the radio link control (RLC) layer is reviewed in Chapter 9. Three transport modes and their protocols are described: transparent mode (TM), unacknowledged mode (UM), and acknowledged mode (AM).
The next two layer 2 protocols are introduced in Chapter 10, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) and broadcast and multicast control (BMC) protocol. The first is responsible for header compression and protects against packet loss during serving radio network subsystem reallocation. The second provides cell broadcast services. Chapter 11 deals with the very large and complex layer 3 radio resource control protocol which provides configuration and control mechanisms between UE and the UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN). First, the general architecture and its key functions are characterized. Next, some of the most important procedures are reviewed in more detail, such as system information broadcasting, paging and discontinuous reception, RRC connection establishment, direct transfer, radio bearer setup, and various types of handover. In particular, attention is paid to signaling scenarios and messages.
Chapter 12 presents measurements that should be performed and reported, their principles, types, and reasons, as well as measurement information collecting and processing issues. Three measurement groups differentiated in terms of their scope are identified for intrafrequency, interfrequency, and inter-radio access technology (RAT) cells. They are used for internal procedures as well as for interoperation with GSM. Finally, the measurements concerning UE positioning techniques necessary for location services provisioning are described.
The last part, composed of Chapters 13 and 14, covers the non-access stratum (NAS) protocols. There are several protocols between the UE and the circuit switched (CS) domain, based on GSM upper layer protocols, as well as between the UE and the packet switched (PS) domain, based on Gneral Packet Radio Services (GPRS) upper layer protocols. In Chapter 13 the overall NAS architecture is characterized as well as MS classes and network modes. Next, the CS domain protocols are described in detail, including entity states, service primitives, and procedures. Mobility management and call control protocols are examined. Similarly, for the PS domain the GPRS mobility management protocol, session manager protocol, and PDP contexts are described. At the end, the short message service (SMS) protocol is reviewed, since it is relevant to both the CS and PS domains. The last chapter addresses idle mode functions of the UE. The USIM structure and operation is explored, and then the NAS and AS idle mode procedures are considered.
The WCDMA Design Handbook should be recommended especially to people interested in protocols and signaling. It includes precise signaling scenarios supplemented with service primitives lists, message descriptions, and sequence charts. Hence, it sometimes may seem to the reader similar to a specification. However, the overall impression is good because this book does not duplicate other publications in this area but brings a new point of view on several UMTS aspects. This is a good handbook with precise technical information, although some basics of WCDMA are also gathered in the first part.
A reader may feel that there are insufficient latest research results presented. The list of references attached at the end of the book is relatively small. It includes mainly 3GPP specifications and some important, although rather old, publications in the related area. However, as a handbook it is enough, and the appendix with the whole 3GPP specifications list as well as the index can be very helpful. With reference to the scope of the book, a slightly different title probably would better suit it. The words "architecture and operation" better reflect its content than "design,"
Introduction to RF Propagation
By John S. Seybold, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., ISBN-13 978-0-471-65596-1, hardcover, 346 pages
Reviewer: Wojciech Dziunikowski
The growing interest in wireless communications very often requires of a network designer fundamental knowledge about radio wave propagation mechanisms. Without such a background the result of a network design can be unpredictable. Introduction to RF Propagation by John S. Seybold gives the reader all the information required to understand the propagation of electromagnetic waves and the commonly used modeling techniques. It treats a wide range of wireless applications including mobile communications, radar, and satellite communications. After studying this book the task of designing a wireless network becomes much easier.
The book is organized in 12 chapters. Chapter 1 introduces terms related to RF propagation. The rules for frequency designation, the propagation modes (i.e., line of sight [LOS], non-LOS, indirect, tropospheric, ionospheric), as well as basic terms related to propagation modeling are explained. In Chapter 2 the physical background of radio wave propagation is described. Terms related to an electric and magnetic field are introduced in a smooth way, without exaggerated math analysis.
Chapter 3 provides the fundamentals of antennas. The basic antenna parameters like gain, effective area, radiation pattern, polarization, impedance, and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) are defined. Additionally, the properties of some common antennas are analyzed.
In Chapter 4 the author introduces the reader to the problem of radio link budget analysis. First, the impact of path loss, noise, and interference on link performance is analyzed, and later the link budget for an example link is calculated. Chapter 5 is devoted to radar systems in which the author has great experience. The equation for the radar range as well as several radar measurements are analyzed. The problem of clutter is also described. At the end of the chapter, atmospheric impairments are considered.
In Chapter 6 the atmospheric effects of radio wave propagation such as atmospheric refraction, multipath propagation, attenuation, and losses from moisture and precipitation are described. The problem of proper selection of the propagation model is deeply analyzed in Chapter 7. Several near-Earth models for foliage and terrain as well as for propagation in built up areas are introduced. At the end of the chapter the characteristics of the models are compared.
In Chapter 8 the origins of multipath fading are described and the fading phenomena is analyzed. The difference between large-scale and small-scale fading is explained. Chapter 9 is devoted to indoor propagation models. The rain attenuation of microwave and millimeter-wave signals is considered in Chapter 10. The procedure for incorporating fading due to rain into the link budget analysis is described. At the end of this chapter, in Annex 10A the reader can find useful tables with the values of parameters for rain attenuation models. Interesting information about satellite communication can be found in Chapter 11. The author smoothly introduces the reader to this complex subject and analyzes the problems presented in previous chapters (i.e., path free space-loss, rain attenuation, rain fades, antenna parameters) in a new perspective. The last chapter in the book is devoted to RF safety aspects including the biological effects of RF exposure. Additionally, FCC recommendations are presented.
The index at the end of the book will help readers to find their way through the wide range of topics covered in the text. The exercises and references at the end of each chapter can be helpful for self-studying students as well as teachers. Additionally, an accompanying Wiley ftp site provides supporting MathCad files for selected figures in the text.
Introduction to RF Propagation by John S. Seybold should be a good starting point into the world of wireless communications. It can be recommended for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students as well as for researchers and engineers interested in acquiring knowledge about electromagnetic wave propagation. Due to comprehensive coverage of models and applications, even a practicing engineer can find this book useful.