Autonomous Infrastructure Wireless Networks

This paper presents a vision for 4th generation wireless networks based on the concept of autonomous deployment of the network infrastructure. Autonomous deployment allows the network to grow in an organic manner driven by network users. There is a requirement for self-configuration of the air interface in order to facilitate deployment by the users. The network operator has the task to manage the use of spectrum by the networking elements. Modifications to 3G cellular systems in order to allow for autonomous deployment in an environment with a large number of base stations are discussed.