ATM based transport architecture for multiservices wireless personal communication networks

This paper presents an ATM based transport architecture for next-generation multiservices personal communication networks (PCN). Such “multimedia capable” integrated services wireless networks are motivated by an anticipated demand for wireless extensions to future broadband networks. An ATM based wireless network concept capable of supporting a mix of broadband ISDN services including constant bit-rate (CBR), variable, bit-rate (VBR) and packet data transport is explored from an architectural viewpoint. The proposed system uses a hierarchical ATM switching network for interconnection of PCN microcells, each of which is serviced by high-speed, shared-access radio links based on ATM-compatible cell relay principles. Design issues related to the physical, media access control (MAC) and data link layers of the ATM-based radio link are discussed, and preliminary technical approaches are identified in each case