Table of Contents:

Definition and Overview

1. Evolution of Mobile Communications

2. UMTS Network Architecture

3. UMTS Interfaces

4. UMTS and UTRAN Measurement Objectives

5. Appendix

Self-Test

Glossary

PDF of this tutorial

Definition
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is envisioned as the successor to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). UMTS signals the move into the third generation (3G) of mobile networks. UMTS also addresses the growing demand of mobile and Internet applications for new capacity in the overcrowded mobile communications sky. The new network increases transmission speed to 2 Mbps per mobile user and establishes a global roaming standard.

Overview
UMTS, also referred to as wideband code division multiple access (W–CDMA), is one of the most significant advances in the evolution of telecommunications into 3G networks. UMTS allows many more applications to be introduced to a worldwide base of users and provides a vital link between today’s multiple GSM systems and the ultimate single worldwide standard for all mobile telecommunications, International Mobile Telecommunications–2000 (IMT–2000).

This tutorial explores the history of mobile communications leading to the proposal of UMTS. The tutorial then explains the architecture of UMTS and the protocols, interfaces, and technologies that go along with it. Finally, this tutorial looks at UMTS measurement and testing where tutorial participants will find real-world situations with practical suggestions for measurement approaches.