Wireless communications at a crossroads

Summary form only given. The wireless communication landscape continues to experience dramatic changes due to the emergence of new systems driven by the rapid growth in information services provided by the Internet and the appearance of new multimedia applications. These growing trends point towards huge market potential for universal high-speed wireless data access. To make this possible, continues technology evolution to provide higher and higher data rates for wireless communications is a necessity. Unfortunately, the road to wireless ubiquity remains covered with potholes and challenges. In particular, a number of competing wireless systems are at an important crossroad. For example, the evolution of cellular systems to 3G versus the emergence of short-range wireless systems such as Wi-Fi and possible longer range wider-fi networks. This talk examines the opportunities and challenges facing truly ubiquitous wireless services and examine the various competing technologies. We also consider 3G systems and introduce some of the leading technological advances that enable broadband and high-speed data capabilities in the next-generation wireless networks.