Date:  Wednesday, January 31, 1996
Time:  4:15 PM ­ Refreshments at 4:00
Location:  ERL 126


Wireless Personal Communications:  An Overview

Donald C. Cox
Harald Trap Friis Professor
STARLab, Deptt. of Electrical Engineering,
Stanford University

Abstract

Different Wireless Communications Systems are essential for satisfying the
needs for several different kinds of portable and mobile communications. These
different needs include (a) voice and low rate data (a few kbits/sec) to
occupants of vehicles in population domains ranging from dense urban to sparse
rural, (b) voice and moderate rate data (10s to several 100s kbits/sec) to
small low-power pocket voice and data communicators and palmtop computers in
population domains ranging from high densities in buildings to moderate
densities inside and outside houses and small buildings, (c) low speed data
(1 to 20 kbits/sec) over wide areas and (d) high speed data (10 Mbits/sec
or more) for more intense data applications in densely populated places.  Many
different technologies have been standardized or proposed throughout the world
to satisfy different combinations of these wireless communications needs.
This presentation reviews communications needs in the different domains of use.
The compromises are illustrated using specific examples.  Evolutionary paths
to the future are projected from the current examples and perceived user needs.