RF test requirements for cellular formats: a comparative analysis [defense applications]

With the advent of the Homeland Security Bill, the defense industry has shown interest in mirroring existing cellular networks. These networks would be utilized as a standalone communication backbone in the event of an emergency. The existing cellular formats have significantly different architectures at the RF level, called layer 1, which require unique test requirements. This paper addresses a number of different cellular formats including AMPS, NADC, CDMAOne, CDMA2000, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, and WCDMA. A brief overview of each technology is provided to serve as an introduction into the cellular arena for defense-related engineers.