Personal Communication Services & WiFi Olga Nash

Personal Communication Services (PCS) Radio communications that encompass mobile and ancillary fixed communication that provides services to individuals and businesses and can be integrated with a variety of competing networks. (FCC) Basically, a set of digital capabilities that allows some combination of personal mobility and service management.

PCS Types Unlicensed PCS Narrowband PCS Broadband PCS

Unlicensed PCS The FCC allocated 20 MHz of spectrum between 1,910 and 1,930 MHz to use by unlicensed, low-power devices. Accommodates short-range communication May not cause harmful interference Must accept any interference

Unlicensed PCS Person-to-person communication Fixed wireless communications Monitoring and identification Sensation, detection and imaging Remote control

Narrowband PCS Band Channels Channel Size 901-902 MHz 930-931 MHz 32 12.5 kHz – 150 kHz

Narrowband PCS Two-way paging Confirmed message delivery Wireless telemetry Locator service

Broadband PCS Band Blocks Block Sizes 1,850-1,910 MHz 1,930-1,990 MHz A-F, C1-C5 10-30 MHz

Broadband PCS Voice capabilities Advanced two-way data capabilities Digital mobile phones Wireless Internet access

Digital vs. Analog Higher quality Higher efficiency Encryption Ability to support next-generation devices

WiFi “Wireless Fidelity” Wireless Local Area Network (LAN) 802.11

WiFi Wireless network that provides high-speed wireless data access in limited geographic areas. Uses 802.11 technology in the 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands Range of services – up to 1,000 feet Speed – up to 11 Mbps

WiFi Speed Number of users Distance from access point Obstructions Speed of wired line that connects the access point to the network Other equipment used

Wireless Network Topology Ad-hoc Mode Infrastructure Mode

Ad-hoc Network Data in the network is transferred to and from wireless network adapters connected to PCs. Easy to set up Inexpensive Fast

Ad-hoc Network

Infrastructure Network Contains one or more access points connected directly to an existing network Extended range Roaming ability Slower data transfer rate More expensive

Infrastructure Network

Benefits of WiFi Mobility Speed Cost-effectiveness Reliability

WiMax A extension and future of WiFi 802.16 technology Speed – up to 70 Mbps Range of services – up to 30 miles Estimated 4 million users by 2008

Questions? Thank you.