Common Pilot Channel for network selection

The global beyond 3G system consists of several coexisting and cooperating access technologies. One of the key concepts of this global technology is the reconfigurability, that allows different network elements to dynamically adapt their configuration to the new conditions encountered in specific service areas and time. Reconfigurability may comprise dynamic spectrum allocation: a technique that varies spectrum allocation of different systems in order to meet changing demands. In this context of multiple access techniques and changing spectrum allocation, when a mobile is switched on, it has no information about the available systems in its area nor on the current spectrum allocation to these systems. In order to avoid the scanning of all the spectrum range and to facilitate the initial connection to the network, this paper proposes that the mobile listens first to a broadcast radio channel containing the necessary information to initiate its connection. The paper defines the content of this broadcast channel, denoted common pilot channel, and proposes a technical implementation