Architecture of B3G Wireless Systems

The first cellular phone systems (the first wireless networks) were introduced in the late 1970s. They
were modeled after wired phone systems and used transmitted analog data across a mobile network.
They were called first generation (1G) wireless systems when the next generation of cellular networks
was deployed in the 1990s. These “second generation” (2G) networks transmitted digital voice data
on mobile networks. Their accompanying wireless e-mail and Internet applications are often referred
to as 2.5G technologies. The third generation (3G) of wireless technology is currently in use. It
is designed for high-speed multimedia applications with data rates from 128 kbps to approximately
10 Mbps, and upgrades to around 100 Mbps in WLANs. Research and development efforts are now
focused on the next generation of wireless technology – referred to as 4G or B3G (for beyond 3G).
These systems may deliver 1 Gbps transmission rates, with bandwidth up to 100 MHz. The year 2010
is often set as a rough target date for implementing B3G systems (but some applications will probably
be deployed in 2006–2007). B3G technology will make it possible to watch movies and television on
a (moving) cell phone. For this to happen, more of new technology must be put in place, involving
upgrades of ad hoc mobile networking, satellite systems, spectrum allocation, and higher wireless
data speeds. The proposed IEEE 802.20 standards will coordinate B3G design efforts. One important
aspect of the standardization process will be to provide for ubiquitous access to the wide variety of
wireless networks already in place (802.11 and HiperLAN/2 WLANs, 802.15 and Bluetooth Personal
Area Networks (PAN)s, 802.16 MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks), and existing 3G networks)
[531], which each have their own range, data rate, and mobility limits.
Many useful and interesting services and applications can be developed, assuming that ubiquitous
and high-speed B3G wireless access is available (“always connected, everywhere” access). One of
the main forces behind B3G development is the demand for higher data throughputs in a variety
of scenarios. The planners of B3G include terminal and infrastructure equipment manufacturers,
academics, operators, service providers, regulatory bodies, and governmental agencies. It should not
be surprising to learn that finding a universal definition of B3G/4G is a very elusive task, even after
several years of activity and numerous attempts in the literature.
B3G designers are aiming for the following technical targets: (1) data rates of 100 Mbps in
wide coverage, and 1 Gbps in a local area; (2) all-IP networking; (3) ubiquitous, mobile, seamless
communications; (4) shorter latency; (5) connection delays of less than 500 ms; (6) transmission delays
of less than 50 ms; (7) costs per bit significantly lower, perhaps 1/10th to 1/100th lower than that  of 3G; and (8) lower infrastructure cost, perhaps 1/10 lower than that of 3G. The same is shown in
Table 6.1.
It is envisioned that this type of technology will enable enhanced e-commerce, add to work
productivity, and make available ways to improve personal free time. B3G technology may one day
be found in vehicles, public places, health care, education, and in the entertainment industry. “Personal
managers” may keep a user informed about personal finances, health, security, and local news and
weather. “Home managers” may help manage comfort, security, and maintenance. B3G will likely
facilitate mobile shopping, tourism, and mobile gaming scenarios [532].