Extended integrated channel manager (EICM)-an architecture for fast adaptive channel allocation in cellular networks with multi-terminal platforms

The authors consider a hardware solution to the efficient utilization of cellular networks with multiterminal platforms. An architecture for fast adaptive channel allocation is proposed. It is called an extended integrated channel manager (EICM). It is proposed as an integrated controller connected to the system bus within the network switch. It supports both single and multiple hand-offs. The focus is on the implementation of the multiple hand-off function. Marking access within the EICM is a memory access mechanism that permits fast retrieval of large capacity databases. Related to marking access, a logical structure called an index vector is introduced. The algorithm for adaptive channel allocation, which is implemented within the EICM, is described. An overview of data structures used in the algorithm is given. The EICM performance is analyzed. The total throughput and efficiency of the EICM are evaluated as a measure of performance. The EICM is compared to a similar algorithm implemented in software. The advantages of the EICM are discussed