Delay analysis for forward signaling channels in wireless cellular network

We consider connection-oriented wireless cellular networks. Such second generation systems are circuit-switched digital networks which employ dedicated radio channels for the transmission of signaling information. A forward signaling channel is a common signaling channel assigned to carry the multiplexed stream of paging and channel-allocation packets from a base station to the mobile stations. Similarly, for ATM wireless networks, paging and virtual-circuit-allocation packets are multiplexed across the forward signaling channels as part of the virtual-circuit set-up phase. The delay levels experienced by paging and channel-allocation packets are critical factors in determining the efficient utilization of the limited radio channel capacity. A multiplexing scheme operating in a “slotted mode” can lead to reduced power consumption at the handsets, but may in turn induce an increase in packet delays. Focusing on forward signaling channels, we present schemes for multiplexing paging and channel-allocation packets across these channels, based on channelization plans, access priority assignments and paging group arrangements. For such multiplexing schemes, we develop analytical methods for the calculation of the delay characteristics exhibited by paging and channel-allocation packets. The resulting models and formulas provide for the design and analysis of forward signaling channels for wireless network systems