3
UMTS
3.1 The 3G Evolution – UMTS
In Chapter 2, we saw the evolution of the systems from 1G to 2G or rather to 2.5G. Second generation (2G) systems were developed with transparency and compatibility in mind; these are semi-global system and definitely far better and developed than the first generation analogue systems. One of the most famous technologies was the GSM system which we have already seen in the previous chapter. The next generation or third generation (3G) technology has been developed to fulfil the dream for a truly global system – based on footprints of already successful GSM systems in terms of the system being fully specified and the interface being standard and open. However, due to drastic changes, third generation systems are much more superior to the second generation systems. The bit rates go up to 2 Mbps (with HSPA up to 42 Mbps). The data services offered are both in real time and non-real time with variable data rates (bandwidth on demand). The quality of service and spectrum efficiency is high and at the same time, multiplexing of various services with varying quality requirements on one channel is possible.
3GPP or the 3rd Generation Partnership Project is a collaboration agreement between various telecommunication organizations, such as ARIB, CCSA, ETSI, ATIS, TTA and TTC, established in 1998. The main job of 3GPP was to come up with the technical specifications that would be globally applicable for 3G networks. The 3GPP specifications were to be based ...
