Challenges and Futuristic Perspective of CDMA Technologies: OCC-CDMA/OS for 4G Wireless Networks

This paper begins with a review of CDMA based 2-3G systems from a network perspective. In particular, the challenges faced by current CDMA technologies are addressed. We will show that many advanced operational requirements in future 4G networks, such as high-speed burst traffic, cross layer network design, seamless integration of different networks with and without infrastructure, will make the current CDMA technologies unsuitable due to their rigid and voice-centric physical (PHY) layer architecture. To respond to the call for CDMA innovation, a new physical layer architecture, namely Orthogonal Complementary Coded CDMA with Offset Stacking (OCC-CDMA/OS) spreading scheme, is proposed in this paper for its possible applications in futuristic wireless networks. One of the most important features of OCC-CDMA/ OS PHY architecture is its unique elasticity, which facilitates implementation of a fully-adaptive CDMA transceiver to work harmonically with various advanced upper-layer designs in 4G networks. Many other technical issues on CDMA based 4G networks will also be discussed. It is concluded that OCC-CDMA/OS has a great potential for its applications in future 4G wireless.