OFDMA
OFDMA
OFDMA
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) not only provides clear advantages
for physical layer performance, but also a framework
for improving layer 2 performance by proposing an additional degree of free- dom. Using
ODFM, it is possible to exploit the time domain, the space domain, the frequency domain
and even the code domain
to optimize radio channel usage. It ensures very robust transmission in multi-path
environments with reduced receiver complexity.
OFDM also provides a frequency diversity gain, improving the physical layer performance .It
is also compatible with other enhancement
Technologies, such as smart antennas and MIMO.OFDM modulation can also be employed
as a multiple access technology (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access; OFDMA).
In this case, each OFDM symbol can transmit information to/from several users using a
different set
of sub carriers (sub channels). This not only provides additional flexibility for resource
allocation (increasing the capacity), but also enables cross-layer optimization of radio link usage
DRAWBACKS
Unfortunately, to use 4G, all cellular hardware will need to be upgraded or replaced. Consumers
will be required to purchase new phones, and providers will need to install new equipment in
towers. Essentially, the communication system will need to be rebuilt from the ground up,
running off of data packets instead of voice information. The technological disadvantage is not
really a disadvantage, but more of an obstacle to overcome.
Although the concept of 4G communications shows much promise, there are still limitations that must
be addressed. A major concern is interoperability between the signaling techniques that are planned for
use in 4G (3XRTT and WCDMA).
Conclusion
As the history of mobile communications shows,attempts have been made to reduce a
number of technologies to a single global standard. Projected 4G systems offer this promise
of a standard that can be embraced worldwide through its key concept of integration.
There must be a low complexity of implementation and an
efficient means of negotiation between the end users and the wireless infrastructure.
Consumers demand that software and hardware be user-friendly and perform well. Indeed, it
seems part of our culture that customers expect the highest quality and the greatest features
from what they buy. The cellular telephone industry, which now includes a myriad of wireless
devices, is no exception.
This is a need that demands a solution. Today’s wired society is going wireless, and it
has a problem. 4G is the answer.