2.1 First Generation (1G)

Although the advancement of technology (any technology) certainly involves quantum leaps forward from time to time, it is common for major progress to also occur as a result of incremental improvements. For mobile communications technology, advancement has come about in both ways through occasional revolution and almost certain evolution. Therefore, although the book deals primarily with the technology of third-generation (3G) wireless networks, an understanding of earlier systems is important. This understanding provides the appropriate perspective from which to view 3G systems and helps us understand how solutions for 3G systems have been developed. In other words, it is easier to understand where we are going if we understand where we have been. To help in that understanding, this chapter provides an overview of first-generation (1G) systems.

Cellular communication, referred to as 1G, is one of the most prolific voice communication platforms that has been deployed within the last two decades. Overall, cellular communication is the form of wireless communication that enables several key concepts to be employed, such as the following:

• Frequency reuse

• Mobility of the subscriber

• Handoffs

The cellular concept is employed in many different forms. Typically, when referencing cellular communication, it is usually associated with either the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) or Total Access Communication Services (TACS) technology. AMPS, operates in the 800-MHz band (821 to 849 MHz) for base station receiving and (869 to 894 MHz) for base station transmitting. For TACS, the frequency range is 890 MHz to...