Wireless ATM Networks: A Technology Overview
2009
The concept of ?>wireless ATM, ?> first proposed in 1992, is now being actively considered as a potential framework for next-generation wireless-communication networks, capable of supporting integrated, quality-of-service- (QoS) based multimedia services. In this review paper, we outline the technological rationale for wireless ATM, present a system-level architecture, and discuss key design issues for both mobile ATM switching infrastructure and radio-access subsystems. WATM radio-access-layer issues covered in this paper include: spectrum allocation, spectrum etiquette, modem technology, and medium-access/data-link-control (MAC/DLC) protocols. Mobile ATM aspects, such as ATM signaling extensions for handoff control, location management, and mobile-QoS control, are discussed. A summary of current wireless/mobile ATM technology development and standardization status is given, including an outline of our WATMnet prototype. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of future directions for wireless ATM technology, such as Internet Protocol (IP) integration and mobile multimedia terminals/applications.