Wireless at the crossroads: network challenges for the new millennium

Summary form only given. We are living in the Information Age. Information, its creation, processing, storage and delivery will be the dominant global force for the next several decades. The Information Age is characterized by the convergence of data communications, telecommunications, entertainment, broadcasting, cashless commerce and advertising. The heart of this combination is telecommunications. Wireless communications, specifically wireless personal communications, are poised to enter the mainstream of the Information Age. Wireless communication must provide the quality, reliability and ubiquity demanded by the services and end users. This must be accomplished in an increasingly complex environment of interconnected networks which are growing at a revolutionary pace. Furthermore, network flexibility and interworking will be paramount aspects of completing the global, information infrastructure. All of this will combine to require more sophistication from wireless networks and network providers than ever required before in history. Parallel networks, optimized for typical applications-such as video, wideband data, voice, etc.-will emerge. A wide variety of air interfaces will proliferate. End-user devices will continue to improve in processing power, human-machine interfaces, battery life and form factor. The challenges are significant, the opportunities immense and the benefit to society of a job well done, will be immeasurable.