The complete solution for third-generation wireless communications: Two modes on air, one winning strategy

Due to the increasing number of users in mobile communications and the dema nd for mobile multimedia services with high data rates, third-generation mo bile radio systems are currently one of the key communication technologies in research, development, and international standardization bodies. This ar ticle summarizes the international standardization activities for this new technology, outlines its key applications, and provides an overview of UMTS as specified by the 3GPP. Moreover, an overview of capacity-enhancing feat ures such as joint (multi-user) detection and smart antennas is given. Fina lly, we develop a vision for mobile communications beyond the third generat ion.