13.5 Fixed Network Design Requirements

The introduction of packet data services of course not only requires the focus on the radio environment for a CDMA2000 system, but also on all the supporting elements that comprise the wireless system. Therefore the following are the major elements that need to be factored into the design of a CDMA2000 system:

• Mobile Switching Center (MSC)

• Baser Station Controller (BSC)

• Base Transceiver Station (BTS)

• Packet Data Service Node (PDSN)

In reviewing the previous list, several nodes or elements directly associated with radio elements are listed. The reason the BSC and BTS are listed in the fixed network design requirements lies in the simple concept that connectivity needs to be established between the BTS and the BSC, whether it is via landline services or via a microwave link. The BSCs are listed not only because it routes packet and voice traffic, which requires a certain link dimensioning, but also the BSCs can be local or remote to the MSC depending on the ultimate network configuration deployed.

The fixed network design includes not only element dimensioning but also dimensioning the links that connect the various nodes or elements in order to establish a wireless system. Some of the connectivity requirements involve the following elements listed next. It is important to note that all elements require some level of connectivity whether it is from the Digital Cross Connect (DXX), also referred to as DACS, to the MSC, or between the voice mail platform...