Introduction

Mobile communication is an area where you can see many different engineering disciplines work together. To build up a mobile communication network, architectures have to be developed, interfaces, protocols, and services have to be defined. The interworking with existing networks has to be ensured. Coding and modulation techniques provide means for safe transmission of voice, images, and data. Compressing algorithms and the filtering of pauses in human speech reduce the amount of data to transmit. High frequency technology deals with the propagation environment, interference and other distortions, the positioning of antennas, and last not least the design and improvement of antennas and other components for user equipment, network access points, and network components.

Communication networks are very large systems. They serve several millions of users and need to interoperate with different other networks with other standards having different interfaces. Nevertheless, the expectations concerning security, privacy and reliability are very tough. Digital signal processing is used by nearly every component in the network and with the user equipment, and its importance still is increasing. The percentage of programmable hardware increases as well. This makes it easier to cope with different or evolving standards. Software systems play a key role (e.g. database management and billing) and build an interface to computer science.
Another topic are simulations, that are needed in nearly every area, e.g. for tests of functionality and performance of protocols, planning of cell sites, interference minimization, dimensioning of switching networks, etc.

Therefore, basics from very different fields are needed. Stochastic processes are used for mathematical analysis of propagation, discrete modeling of signaling, and simulations. Graph theory is useful for optimization of network structures and frequency assignment. Basics for coding as mathematical description of Galois arrays are as important as simulation, modeling, and chaining. The last ones are important means to survey the performance of communication systems. In general, discrete mathematics is a basic for nearly every sub discipline involved in the planning and building of communication systems.

Communication technology and computer science grow together. The corresponding networks are very different in structure (vertical or horizontal integration), which leads to interesting new technical solutions. Also mobile networks and conventional telephone networks grow together stimulating the further development. Important markets are nearly completely deregulated and competing operators are looking for features to distinguish their products from those of their competitors. Besides the "classical" way to improve quality of service, e.g. quality of voice transmission in mobile communications, other features become more important. With the increasing number of services, user interfaces, clear pricing structures, and clear billing gain importance. This has to be supported by technical system solutions. Marketing and orientation towards the customer are even more important. The overview over the complete system is important to be able to take the right decisions.

This lecture will give you a first insight into the network planning aspects and the general structure of mobile communication networks already in use.