Software-defined radio basics [book review]

The article reviews the book, ´Software Defined Radio: Architectures, Systems and Functions´ by Markus Dillinger, Kambiz Madani, and Nancy Alonistioti, published by John Wiley & Sons, 2003. The book thoroughly discusses various aspects of SDR technologies, particularly Europe´s extensive Information Society Technologies research programs. The first six chapters give background information on wireless and SDR concepts. Markus Dillinger, Kambiz Madani, and Nancy Alonistioti address service handoff with quality-of-service considerations for heterogeneous wireless networks. They also discuss requirements for networks that can support device reconfiguration, such as mode detection, monitoring, and filtering; handoff decision making; and software downloads. Handoffs can be disruptive; when an SDR device changes modes, the channel and service quality also change. Furthermore, in the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, mode negotiation is underdeveloped and handoff management is restricted to the base station. Chapter 7 explores open APIs for flexible service provisioning and reconfiguration management. The next few chapters describe communication profiles for reconfiguration systems and radio resource management and present a framework for charging and billing for reconfigurable service. Chapter 11, which covers spectrum-sharing methods, including additional spectrum pool sharing. The reviewer considers that the book´s broad scope, clear writing, and effective organization make it an invaluable reference for researchers and graduate students, as well as wireless manufacturers and operators.