TABLE OF CONTENTS Keith E. Nolan 1 , Francis J. Mullany 2 , Eamonn Ambrose 3 , and Linda E. Doyle 4
1 Centre for Telecommunications Value-Chain Research, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Rep. of Ireland, keithnolan@mee.tcd.ie, +353-1-8968443
2 Alcatel-Lucent, Bell Labs Ireland, Blanchardstown Industrial Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Rep. of Ireland, mullany@alcatel-lucent.com, +353-1-6924245
3 CTVR, National Institute of Technology Management, University College Dublin, Dublin, Rep. of Ireland, eamonn.ambrose@ucd.ie, +353-1-7161741
4 Centre for Telecommunications Value-Chain Research, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Rep. of Ireland, ledoyle@tcd.ie, +353-1-8962567
In this chapter, the concept of a telecommunications value-chain is developed, leading to an exploration of the many ways in which the value-chain can be altered by reconfigurable software-defined radios, cognitive radios, and cognitive networks.
Innovative and emerging wireless communications applications involving the use of adaptive and cognitive radio technology ideally attempt to maximize and capture the value to the users while reducing the manufacturing, deployment, and upgrade costs incurred by the manufacturer and service provider(s).
The telecommunications value-chain creates consumer value through the provision of communication services over fixed and wireless networks. Porter [1] explains how value-chain analysis divides a firm into the discrete activities it performs in designing, producing, marketing, and distributing its product . Within the telecommunications value-chain, the design and development of software-defined and cognitive radios has the potential to significantly effect consumer value. The purpose of this chapter is to firstly develop the concept of a telecommunications value-chain and secondly, explore the many...
