WIRELESS REVOLUTION Robert Boyd Robert Wall Wanda Mattie

Outline Technology Used Uses of Wireless Communications Effects on Business Practices Future Trends

Technology Used Global Positioning System Wireless Voice Wireless Data

Global Positioning System GPS GPS is funded by and controlled by the US Department of Defense Precise positioning is possible using GPS receivers GPS provides specially coded satellite signals that are processed in a GPS receiver

Global Positioning System GPS receivers compute position, velocity and time. Navigation is the primary function of GPS. Navigation receivers are made for aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, and for hand carrying by individuals.

How GPS Works The GPS system consists of approximately 30 satellites orbiting in 6 orbital planes. Positioned in orbit such that a user will have access to between 5 and 8 satellites at one time Four GPS satellite signals are used to compute position and time

Wireless Voice and Data Choice of technology dependant on type and amount of data that will be transmitted Choices: 1) Low-orbiting earth satellites 2) High-orbiting geosynchronous satellites 3) Terrestrial based systems

Low Orbiting Earth Satellites Offers data rates from a few kbps to a few Mbs Lower bandwidth than other satellite alternative better suited for short messages such as two-way messaging and position updates cheaper than other alternative

High Orbit GeoSynchronous Satellites Orbit miles above earth No gaps in coverage large bandwidth=large data rate possible Good for data-poor for voice High costs both in equipment required and in usage fees Limited use

Terrestrial Communications Uses existing cellular and pager towers to provide data and voice capabilities Adequate bandwidth Gaps in coverage. Urban areas well covered while large gaps exist in other areas. Cost-effective system if real-time is not necessary

Vehicle Tracking System Provides vehicle position using satellite triangulation 24 hr contact using communication satellite Monitors driver’s progress Allows notification of delays to customer Customer can check load status on the Web

Vehicle Tracking System Monitors drivers habits: Speeding Over-revving engine Excessive inter-trip idle Immediate driver feedback Immediate notification to head office

Vehicle Tracking System Pros: –Lower fuel costs –Improves driver performance –Reduces equipment wear and tear –Improves safety Cons: –“Big brother is always watching”-poor driver morale

System Requirements IBM Synchronous Data Link Controller Codec AS/400 communications port to support EIA 232 v.24 Standard 25-pin RS-232-C cable

Business Practice Benefits Better dispatching decisions Reduced driver waiting times Dynamic routing adjustments Training Reduced clerical work for dispatchers Infrastructure management solutions

Business Practice Benefits Constant communication and data exchange with drivers Improved fuel economy, driver productivity and safety Enhanced customer satisfaction

Future Trends System using unused portions of the cellular telephone control channel System using portions of the commercial FM radio New low, mid, and high orbiting satellites systems. Example - Globalstar from Qualcomm